Artose Pinner
Detroit Lions running back, Artose Pinner, is back with the team that drafted him in the forth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. During his career, Artose has accomplished many things, but the one thing he loves about being an NFL player is the ability to reach kids in the community that he may not have otherwise.

As one who takes his role model status very seriously, Pinner has created a series of children’s books called Will-Ville, which are scheduled to be released in July. Will-Ville consists of stories geared toward elementary and middle school aged children that show them how to encourage themselves and build self-esteem. The magic of Will-Ville reveals a place inside of you, where goals are created and challenges are embraced. The books focus on positive things such as encouraging kids to participate in class even when they are afraid, believing in themselves, never giving up and finding the courage to follow their dreams no matter how unattainable they may seem.

Reflecting on his own personal experience, Artose suffered his share of obstacles as a youth as he fought to achieve his dreams. As a child who suffered from severe asthma, football was an unlikely prospect for him. After overcoming numerous objections and the adversity of his condition, Pinner went on to become a two-time high school Regional Champion in the 400 meter dash, a star running back in college, and is now his career as a star football player for the NFL.

Artose Pinner has always excelled when the world said he wouldn’t and now we all know why, as he shares that place inside himself that he calls Will-Ville.