Early Super Bowl Sunday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rockdale’s own Super Bowl Eagle, Le’Raven Clark. This Super Bowl is Le’Raven’s first.
Le’Raven, who had prev iously been injured, watched from the sidelines as his team, the Philadelphia Eagles pulled out a blow-out win against the Kansas City Chiefs (40-22). Le’Raven follows a number of other Rockdale notables to the NFL and agreed to be featured in this Black History Month story. Many people see the lights, the crowds and the paychecks from professional athletes, but few consider that it is a job, work, like any other and one must consistently push their bodies and minds to the limit to remain at the top of their games.
Le’Raven Clark, was born and raised in Rockdale and is a 2011 graduate of Rockdale High School. Le’Raven’s family also hailed from Rockdale. His mother, Angelina Alcorn, graduated from RHS in 1984, his father, Melvin Clark, and his grandparents on both sides, with his grandparents attending Aycock High.
I chronicled the history of Le’Raven’s Mom, Angelina Alcorn in The Reporter several years ago, outlining her struggles with addiction and the miraculous turn around in her life. I asked Le’Raven how he avoided the trials and tribulations of his family throughout his life. He credits his mom with establishing his having faith, trust in the Lord, and his plan. He also is grateful to his great aunt, Mary Huggins, for making it a point to pick him up, take him to church, and keep him busy and occupied.
The community invested in him as well. As a result, he always tried to be grateful and helpful. Outside of his school activities, he spent a lot of time in Rockdale on 7th Street cutting grass., hunting, and fishing. He reminisces about his Rockdale days, where he often cut her grass with a push mower. He laughs remembering that it was about two acres and the mower would get bogged down quickly so he would have to stop, clean the mower, and restart frequently. “If that is not perseverance, I don’t know what is,” he laughed.
Fortunately, his dad was around and also spent time with him. His Mom and Dad went to as many of his activities as they could. He says he never had a desire to get involved in things he wasn’t supposed to or saw his family struggle with. He says, it was hard to see Mom going through the things she went through, but “The Lord was always there and present.” One of his biggest blessings is being able to see his mother overcome her days of addiction. He expresses joy when he talks about what a blessing it is to see his mother thrive now and leave the spirit of addiction.
Le’Raven’s history with football, he laughed, started with him playing on the B team in the 7th grade. His best friend, David Monroe got hurt and Le’Raven was promoted to A team. He says he and David joke about this today as Le’Raven is now in his 9th year with the NFL. Le’Raven loves the Philadelphia Eagles team. He says it is the best work atmosphere, and he experiences great joy playing with the guys, having great team chemistry. This showed in last night’s game.
I asked Le’Raven what he believed his legacy is and what motivates him. While he has been on the injured reserve listing, Le’Raven says he has no worries or doubts about anything that has gone on. He is not worried about his future. Le’Raven says, “It has been a blessing to play in the NFL for nine years.
Le’Raven’s family motivates him. He and his fatherin- law get to talk quite a bit and share a very special bond. Kristen, his wife, also keeps him motivated and on track day to day. Le’Raven speaks with love and pride as he describes how his wife holds down the fort with their three children and is his biggest supporter and motivator. According to Le’Raven, Kristen is the perfect partner to his sometimes- hectic life in the NFL. She helps him through times where he is not doing so well physically and mentally. His time with the Eagles feels like home. His NFL career includes the following teams: Indianapolis Colts (2016-20), Philadelphia (2021-2022), Tennessee Titans (2022), Philadelphia Eagles (2023present).
As time moves forward. Le’Raven has sealed his place in Rockdale history and is ready for whatever blessings are in store.
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