Fenderson living a dream in New Orleans
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
James Fenderson graciously gave thanks to the ones who left congratulatory messages, to the former University of Hawai'i football coaches and teammates who prayed for his success, to those who used him as inspiration.
Advertiser library photo
As the newest member of the New Orleans Saints, he was living the impossible dream, proving that even an underdog can win Best in Show. But the truth is, this was all a bonus; that the celebration came weeks earlier, when he played in a meaningless NFL exhibition.
James Fenderson is grateful to all those who helped him reach the NFL.
"Me," the rookie running back said, proudly. "A guy who was a walk-on in college . . . was playing, and I was having fun. Being there was an accomplishment."
It was two years ago when the Mililani High graduate slept in his truck or a teammate's dormitory floor, his earnings from part-time jobs spent on tuition, books and canned goods. He was too proud to ask his family for money, too humble to demand playing time.
Then last year, with his shoe-string budget about to snap, UH coach June Jones offered Fenderson a full scholarship. When co-starters Afatia Thompson and Avion Weaver went down with injuries, Fenderson stepped up, leading the Warriors in rushing.
The night the NFL draft ended, Fenderson looked at several free-agent offers. He chose the Saints, even though they had former Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams and drafted Deuce McCallister, because of the promise to compete at running back.
Each week, more players were cut. "I wasn't worried about it," Fenderson said. "I put it in God's hands."
A knock at the door, then the words, "Please bring your playbook," precluded every cut. Sunday night, Fenderson waited for a knock that did not come. "They didn't call," he said, "so I figured I was on the team."
Fenderson said he wants to change his jersey number — "48 is a fullback's number" — and make the 45-player active roster. With his first NFL paycheck, "I want to give back to the people who gave to me when I was a walk-on," he said. "You should never forget where you came from. If you forget your past, your future will be dark."
