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Herschel's real trophy

| July 19, 2018 1:00 AM

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Former NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker spoke to Fairchild Air Force Base personnel on Wednesday about his multiple personality disorder and other challenges he has faced. (BRIAN WALKER/Press)

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE — Even Heisman Trophy winners need help.

Former NFL running back and College Football Hall of Famer Herschel Walker, who has battled dissociative identity disorder, also known as multiple personality disorder, told about 75 Fairchild Air Force Base personnel on Wednesday that one of the greatest lessons he's learned was from a fellow patient he met at a behavioral health hospital after his football career.

"The woman showed me I'm just like she is," said Walker, referring to the mental hurdles both faced. "It hit me for the first time that we've all fallen short of the glory of God."

Walker said that while many have turned to drugs or alcohol to deal with challenges, he never went that route, but admits he used athletics as a coping mechanism.

"There is no shame in getting help; I did," said Walker, who won the 1982 Heisman Trophy at the University of Georgia and is the only player in NCAA history to finish in the top three in Heisman voting in all three of his collegiate seasons.

"I always have had to pick myself back up."

Walker wrote about his disorder and anger issues in his book "Breaking Free."

He said his competitive personality caused him to be a danger to himself, playing Russian roulette more than once.

He said his former wife, Cindy Grossman, whom Walker repeatedly said he still loves, encouraged him to seek help.

Walker said he has faced hurdles at every stage of his life, starting with being bullied as a child.

"My mom tried to make me feel good, telling me I was big-boned, but other kids called it fat," said the 56-year-old who lives in Dallas and is engaged. "All of my life as a kid I worried about what kids thought of me."

He recalls a teacher making him sit in a corner and not allowing him to go outside for recess because of his speech impediment. When he finally did go outside, he was beat up.

"A voice told me, 'Herschel, quit crying because no one is ever going to beat you up again,'" he said, adding that his mother, Christine, a minister, also taught him not to use his weight and speech as excuses in life. "I started to work out."

Walker said he did 5,000 sit-ups and 5,000 pushups a day, went to the library to read books on how to improve his speech, and journaled to open up his feelings.

"Instead of walking with my head down, my head was up," he said. "If you want something in life, you've got to work to get it."

After he signed with the University of Georgia, he had to earn the respect of older teammates.

"Since I waited so long to sign, they thought I believed I was better than they were," he said.

All Walker proved that season was to become the first true freshman to earn first-team All-American honors and be in the running for college football's most prestigious award.

"I didn't even know what the Heisman Trophy was, because I didn't watch football," he said. "I had chores and dishes to wash. I thought maybe if I started playing football I wouldn't have to do the dishes."

Walker began his pro career with the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League before playing in the NFL from 1986 to 1997, including stints for Dallas, Minnesota, Philadelphia and the New York Giants.

"No matter how many times I got knocked down, I got back up," he said, referring to the symbolism between football and the trials, injuries and anger issues he overcame. "Don't be afraid to get hit, but also never put off getting help. Open up, and don't be ashamed. If I would have put things off, Herschel Walker wouldn't be standing here."

Still in top shape, Walker peppered humor throughout his speech. Before taking questions, he said: "With all my personalities, I may say something you don't like, but it didn't come from me."

Col. Derek Salmi, commander of Fairchild's 92d Air Refueling Wing, said Walker's story is one of resiliency and building a legacy.

"He's one of the most humble people you will ever meet," said Salmi, adding that Walker downplays achievements that include being an Olympic bobsledder, sprinter, mixed martial artist, founder of Renaissance Man Food Services and recently being named to President Donald Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, which encourages kids to be in sports.

Airman 1st Class Teagan Renee Hayes said Walker's positive attitude and determination resonated with her.

"It reminds me not to dwell on the negative," she said. "Don't tear yourself down and realize, 'I can do it.'"

Walker, who said he contemplated joining the military both after high school and during college, told attendees they’re part of the greatest team around. He estimates he has spoken at 350 military bases over the past decade and this was his first visit to Fairchild.

"I never got to be a part of the team that is the ultimate team," he said. "(Even LeBron James) can't do what you do."