Oklahoma State University Athletics
New perspective for Pinson
September 05, 2005 | Cowboy Football
Nearly two years ago, Lawrence Pinson was a rising star for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, but a leg injury knocked him out for the remainder of the season.
It was the fifth game of the season and the sophomore linebacker had recorded five tackles against Louisiana-Lafayette when he injured his right leg.
“I remember getting hurt and missing pretty much the whole season,” Pinson said. “Then I went through those rehabs, which was the most painful thing in the world, but with the help of God, the support of my family, friends and the fans, it helped me get back to where I was.”
After winning the state title in high school with Jenks in 2001, Pinson was like Clark Kent when he arrived on campus in the summer of 2002, but in his mind, he was Superman on the football field.
But then the injury gave him a knew perspective on the game and life.
“You've just got to keep pushing,” Pinson said. “You're going to get injuries. I used to think I was Superman. I wore an ‘S' chain because I thought I was invincible.”
Now with his senior season under way, Pinson can't believe his Saturdays are limited in his orange and black uniform.
“It just went so fast,” Pinson said. “I remember coming out of high school, coming to Oklahoma State thinking four years is a long time. It just flew by.
“But, I'm excited because a lot of people didn't think I'd be back after my injury,” Pinson said. “Now, I get to go one more round before it's all said and done.”
Even with many saying this is a rebuilding year for the Cowboys, Pinson is excited about his final season.
“I want us to go out and make a statement,” Pinson said. “A lot of people have us ranked way down there with Baylor, and I'm not worried about that.
“I feel like if we go out there and play lights out football, a lot of people will be shocked by the outcome.”
Coach Mike Gundy wants to win as well, but the first-year coach knows he can look at No. 99 when the defense takes the field and realize he has already won something more important than a game.
“He's an example of what we're trying to accomplish here with our football program,” Gundy said. “He's a good football player who enjoys himself, he has a smile on his face, he's going to graduate and go out there in the real world and be successful.”
When he graduates with a marketing degree this year, Pinson said he plans on trying to make it in the NFL, but if not, he has other big goals.
“I plan on making music or producing it – putting people out there that have talent,” Pinson said. “I think we've got a lot of guys on this team that can make albums and make it big.
“I think with my marketing schemes, I can come up with way to make money for all of us.”
And if his career goals don't indicate it enough, Pinson is a team player that wants to make sure his teammates remember his message to them.
“My advice to them is to take school seriously, because you're only one play from getting hurt,” Pinson said. “They also need to value everything including the practices, because you never know when it can be taken from you.”
