Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part series.
By JEREMY SELLEW
Every morning, Dave Yurkovich wakes up extremely early. He takes an immense amount of supplements, something he describes as a story in itself.
Every other day, a nurse comes to his home to give him IV hydration, also known as a “banana bag.” Sometimes there’s medication for inflammation included if needed.
“It’s grueling. Sometimes there are two, three workouts a day. It really takes a toll on your body, though,” Yurkovich said.
But there’s nothing in the world Yurkovich, a former Belle Vernon Area and Muskingum lineman, wouldn’t do to see his dream of playing in the NFL come true.
Later this month, when Yurkovich is working out with the Miami Dolphins, it will all become worth it. Or maybe it will be further workouts with other teams such as Jacksonville, New England or even his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers.
It won’t be easy, though, being a 36-year-old guy in a young man’s game.
“I don’t want to sound too confident or pompous, but Miami wouldn’t be spending time and money on me if they didn’t have expectations,” Yurkovich said. “I’m very confident in the belief I have a job with them. I’m fortunate, though, because I’ve had a lot of buzz with New England and Cleveland. I think we’re on a lot of different radars.”
Yurkovich wouldn’t be on anyone’s radar if he hadn’t made the decision to exorcise his demons and turn his life around. He found his “why,” and he found his calling to be a helper in society. Being in and around the NFL will help him with his other calling apart from football.