“My husband understood better than anyone Shemar’s situation” recalled Lana.` “Keith was homeless in high school – both his parents were addicted to drugs. He had similar experiences and could relate.”
There are questions that Shemar might never get answers to. His birth certificate has his father’s date of birth, but no other information.
“I’m part Korean! I did one of those DNA tests with a few people who didn’t know their dads. They all seemed to get some answers about who their family members are, but I didn’t. I still have a desire to find him, I think every man deserves to know their child.”
Lana`and another friend had success locating their biological fathers with a DNA test and thought it could help Shemar.
“That was a tough time for him. He was sad about it and that’s a lot to deal with at that age. He shutdown for a bit – he was angry with his mom and grandmother for not being able to help with more answers.”
Football served as an emotional outlet for Savage. It helped that his performance on the field was strong and came with praise. It’s not that D1 programs weren’t interested. Track speed, plus strength and 6’4 size doesn’t grow on trees. Jay Norvell at Nevada offered and then San Jose State and New Mexico followed.
“He was a rare talent, the type of kid you see every 10 years or so. If Shemar was an NCAA qualifier there’s no question he’s a Power 5 guy,” Jones remembers. “I’ll never forget this one handed catch in the end zone against double coverage – he had so much talent and we took advantage of it on both offense and defense. He also played corner and outside linebacker for us – he could lay someone out. He is a special player.”
Academic issues meant Shemar’s football journey wasn’t going to start with one handed touchdowns in-front of 100,000 fans going bonkers. He wouldn’t be receiving a lucrative NIL deal or the sweet perks of the Power 5 level. He was going to have to start at the bottom and grind his way through junior college.
“It’s a grizzly existence playing JUCO ball, there’s a reason they call it Last Chance U” says former NFL Player and NFL Network Analyst Bucky Brooks. “There’s a real sense of desperation for these players because the tough reality is most of the guys playing at that level don’t have other options.”
Shemar recalls Mount San Antonio feeling like home.
“There are Polynesian people everywhere, big bodies on the offensive line. I thought I could play well here and I loved the competition.”
After a strong first season, he transferred to Eastern Illinois University, which didn’t last long.
“After three weeks of practice I caught three balls the entire camp. I ended up leaving to go back to LA. I cried the entire way back. I was embarrassed,” Shemar remembered. “A month earlier I’m saying goodbye to everyone and having a party and I just ended up right back where I was.”
Savage’s housing in his second go round at Mt. San Antonio was a three bedroom apartment with ten people living there during fall camp. The comforts of home included two blankets and the floor in the living room.
“Sometimes we had extra teammates staying over because they didn’t live close…it’s just so cramped. It’s 2 A.M. and people are still hanging out and you’re just waiting for them to leave so you can sleep.”
Savage left.
“I end up going to another apartment with three other dudes. They’re getting evicted, but no one is coming to kick them out. The electricity is still on and there’s water so it felt like the best option.”
Except it wasn’t a great option.
“The place is absolutely infested with roaches. The showers hit differently when you’re in there with critters,” Shemar says. “I refused to actually eat in the apartment. I think I killed about 45 roaches every day. I tried the sprays and the sticky tape, but nothing would help.”
Even with less than ideal housing conditions, Savage had a sanctuary in the form of football. As he reflects on the experience you can hear the calming effect the game has on him.
“I come to the field to find peace.”
The sense of calm coupled with a growth in his game gave him options. UTEP wanted him and Prairie View A&M was also interested in the wide receiver.
PVAMU passing game coordinator Reggie Moore was persistent in his recruitment.
“Coach calls me and won’t take no for an answer. When I met him, I didn’t really like him. He’s all business. He’s telling me everything I don’t want to hear, but he’s telling me the truth.”
Savage took advantage of being on the HBCU campus in Texas. The slow academic start in elementary school which kept him from playing Division I football out of high school was just another obstacle hurdled by the former track star. He’s closed the academic gap and is thriving, ready to graduate in May with a double major in general studies and kinesiology along with a 3.7 GPA. Savage’s play on the field scored him a spot in New Orleans for the HBCU Legacy Bowl and an invitation to participate in the HBCU combine, where NFL teams have input on who works out.
NFL aspirations
Bucky Brooks had a front row seat watching Savage in NOLA and thinks he has a chance to make it in the league because of his toughness, work ethic and blue collar mentality.
“Coming from tough circumstances to survive the JUCO experience before thriving at Prairie View A&M, he has shown the grit and resilience needed to make a roster as a long shot,” Brooks says. “As a player, he possesses the size and strength to overwhelm defenders with physicality, but also shows the body control and short area quickness to create space against man coverage. In a league that covets big receivers due to their potential to excel as red zone weapons and special teams contributors, Savage has a chance to carve out a role.”
Shemar performed well in front of NFL scouts during the week of HBCU Legacy Bowl practice in February and wanted to share the news with his biological mom, Zellicka.
His message read in part: “it’s hard to understand the feelings I have for you…you are supposed to be my mom, the person I go to when I need help, when I can’t figure out this game called life. You haven’t failed us yet mom…I can’t remember a time it has been good with you. I’ve been gone since I was 12 and needed you at times.”
As of mid-April while preparing for the NFL Draft, Shemar was still waiting for a response.
Despite seeking answers about his biological father and having a limited relationship with his mother, Savage is far from alone. He has great appreciation for the families that did so much for him.
“The world gives up on people faster than they should,” Jill Hayes said. “God knew we needed him as much as he needed us.”
There is clear joy for all his families when reminiscing about the birthday and graduation parties, the ridiculous plays on the football field and even shock when they heard he was cleaning up after himself and his teammates at his apartment. His bonus moms and dads are proud.
What’s Shemar most proud of?
“I could have been dead or in jail or in the streets. I broke a curse and snapped a bad history in my family. I stopped the curse in my family,” Shemar says. “I played college football. I’m the first in my family to graduate high school and college. I took every opportunity that was given to me. I don’t take the people in my life for granted.”
Shemar will watch the draft with friends and family, but knows if he doesn’t hear his name called in the NFL Draft, he has options. Canadian Football League teams have already reached out and there’s a path to the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Savage checks many of the boxes general managers are looking for – size, strength, skill and a willingness to be coached. Most teams hope the desire to be great is present with their players, but it’s hard to measure. The combine can’t test for a relentless drive to be successful. In draft war rooms you’ll hear, “what does the tape tell you?”
With Shemar you can ask, what does his story tell you? His history suggests if given an NFL opportunity, he’ll do what he always does – rise past every challenge and flourish.
Mike Yam is a studio host for NFL Network and the author of the children’s book Fried Rice and Marinara.
Watch all 3 rounds of the NFL Draft April 24-26th on NFL Network.