He saw it as a crucial piece of the puzzle and a big part of his dream.

As a tall, muscular and determined individual, Jerome Messam – as a teenager – knew that focusing on something he did well might be just the push he needed to make his thoughts more than sensations, but a reality.

It was a gamble for a high school football gladiator back then, but he would experience many more challenges and was not one to see opportunities get pushed aside.

Almost every time the power running back was given the football at Notre Dame High in Brampton, northwest of Toronto, on-lookers would marvel at his control and mastery.

Piling up yards was one thing, but doing so on a regular basis, dragging multiple opposing players along the way, became a spectacle. When thrown the ball, he also knew how to make big gains out of nothing.

Like most kids, Messam wanted to make it to the pros and, to him, that meant the Canadian Football League.

“You work hard at things and hope for the best,” said Messam. “Sometimes things work in your favor and on other occasions – you just have to work harder.”

There were some temporary roadblocks along the way for Messam, from disagreements and trades to continuously being haunted by tragedy. Each time, he would learn, deal with the worries and find a way to overcome them doing what he does best, keeping his aspirations and hopes alive.

For Messam, that inexplicable image became a reality, but there were many more steps to climb to get to the top.

After Notre Dame, where I had selected him in my newspaper column at the Toronto Star, as a repeat all-star in the Greater Toronto Area, he did well at North Dakota State College of Science and then at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Undrafted, Messam wanted a CFL opportunity – and it came as a free agent in 2010.

Fast forward and Messam is now entering his ninth year in the CFL and has played on five teams. He even had a short taste of the National Football League playing two pre-season games with Miami.

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Among his list of major accomplishments, Messam has had 1,000-yard seasons, was chosen a league all-star, named Most Valuable Canadian at the 105th Grey Cup, been referred as the beast on the field – and the gentle giant off of it.

Football may be important to him, but he has taken his hustle and charismatic style to someone very precious to him. In his life, there has always been a spot for his cousin Makayla Messam, who he lived with when he was a teen in Brampton.

Now, she is a 21-year old adult with a developmental disability and had a traumatic brain injury at birth. Encouraged by her efforts, Jerome will celebrate in Regina while Makayla reaches a special plateau in June of this year, benefitting from a specialized classroom education program, she will graduate from high school in Richmond Hill, Ont.

“In Brampton, I was embarking on a football career and I really didn’t understand what she was going through,” said Jerome, who spends a great deal of time with her during the off-season and communicates through social media and Face Time on a regular basis.

“While I knew something just wasn’t right, it was tough leaving her because she is like a sister to me. She is happy to see me play and I am just as happy to make sure that she is involved in a weekly program that caters to her needs, offers affection and is in a safe environment.”

“Makayla is so special – she is part of my life. She has been an inspiration and motivator to me.” Jerome Messam

In addition to football, Jerome has become the Ambassador to the Centre for Dreams – a day program in Markham, Ont., that focuses on abilities, not disabilities, through a variety of programs ranging from social and life skills to educational.

Working on a $583,000 operating budget, the Centre only receives a small grant from the Ontario Government and has to look at other sources of revenue to keep the facility open.

Michelle Del Carmen, Executive Director of the Centre for Dreams, was overwhelmed when Jerome, who she calls a very caring and passionate individual, said he wanted to help.

“We were absolutely thrilled when he saw what we do and he wanted to raise awareness,” said Del Carmen. “We have never had anyone like him want to take on this voluntary role. Watching him get involved brings smiles and good times to everyone.”

For Jerome, who has helped with community events in the cities that he has played in, it’s all about giving back.

“Far too many times, we get so busy, so involved in our own world that we tend to overlook others who may not be as fortunate and can benefit from us,” he said.

“Makayla is so special – she is part of my life. She has been an inspiration and motivator to me, She has faced challenges, but has so much confidence and is surrounded by people who care. Because of her, I have met some fine people at the Centre for Dreams and I want to do what I can to help people understand the needs of a place like this and the remarkable work that they accomplish.”