NFL player Danny Amendola (Miami Dolphins) spoke at Kramer Elementary career day Friday. His nephew is a fourth-grader at the school.

“My dad was a football coach and my mom was a teacher, so school and academics was always a priority for me,” he told the kids. “Because I worked hard in school, I was able to play football starting in middle school. Then by keeping up my grades and working hard, I was able to pursue my dream and play for Texas Tech in college. And now for a career, I get to play ‘recess’ every Sunday in the NFL. So if you start doing your best now, study hard, and be a team player, you could have the same opportunity!”