BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –Former University of Alabama and NFL running back Siran Stacy spoke to Samford student-athletes at the latest SAMFORDSTRONG Leadership Academy seminar, held Tuesday morning in the Brock Forum on Samford's campus.
 
Stacy talked to the student-athletes about the importance of having purpose in your life.
 
"If you love God, you will tap into your purpose," Stacy told the crowd. "Purpose is original intent. You can have plans for your life, but God's purpose will supersede any plans you have."
 
Stacy shared the story of him losing his wife and four of his five children in a traffic accident. He talked about how he turned to his faith to get him through the tough times that followed.
 
Stacy also stressed the importance of being willing to do what it takes to achieve your dreams.
 
"If you have a dream, there is a price to pay," Stacy said. "You have to line your actions up to where you want to go."
 
He also talked about the importance of having a relationship with God.
 
"If you don't have the character of God, you won't fill your purpose," Stacy said. "There is nothing too hard for God."
 
Stacy, a native of Geneva, Ala., played running back at the University of Alabama from 1989-91, after spending two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. At Alabama, Stacy was a two-year starter and two-time All-SEC selection.
 
Following his playing days at Alabama, Stacy was selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. In addition to his NFL playing experience, he also saw time for the NFL Europe's Scottish Claymores (1995-97, 2000), and the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders (2000).  
 
The SAMFORDSTRONG Leadership Academy is a program jointly developed between the athletics department and the Frances Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership. Its mission is to bring in successful athletes to share their personal stories and the importance of faith and character to success in all areas of life to Samford student-athletes.