Star football player steps out of his comfort zone

As part of our continuing series “On the Road,” Steve Hartman meets Kathy Rackley who had a chance encounter with Malcolm Mitchell at a Barnes & Noble. She had no idea he was a star football player for the University of Georgia Bulldogs when she told him about her book club. And she had no idea what would happen next.

[@DarianCaplinger]

I... just... can't... stop... binge... watching... these... stories! HEEEEEELLLLLLPPPPP!!!! At least they are positive!

[@nathanboris3597]

Darian Caplinger ditto...watched for over an hour

[@loric8134]

Darian Caplinger saaaaaaaaammmmme

[@caroline5573]

Darian Caplinger hey ! your the retired police officer i saw commenting on another video ! i loved you story

[@jenfren723]

Same.

[@JA-SF2TX]

Same here...🤟

[@yingnyang]

He probably gets the best dinners and advice - those women love him and he loves them back - and his quote is profound "football came natural, I had to work to read" that's where he finds pride - amazing

[@kimberlywhitehead22]

Extra mommas.....God help the girl, he brings to them and his momna

[@Draktharm]

@@kimberlywhitehead22 Your reply made me really glad I read the comments, thank you XD. I feel he especially enjoyed how nonchalantly they treated him, just as if he was another human being. It was probably really nice for the guy.

[@hagamapama]

@@kimberlywhitehead22 Oh yeah, he just expanded his auntie pool.

[@griffithstifler5027]

Damn got me teared up when I heard that....

[@deevillarreal9475]

Id imagine we never stop being Mom's it's a calling 🙏🏽💙🫂

[@MrJking065]

His NFL career lasted only two years due to knee injuries. But he did win a Super Bowl with the Patriots. In 2016, Mitchell released his first book, The Magician's Hat. This children's picture book features David, the Magician, who loves to perform magic. David knows the magical power of books, which can explore dreams and develop creativity. After he ended his career in the NFL in 2019, he started reading to children with children's books, which include some of his own.

[@blueturtle1719]

That's awesome. Thanks for sharing how positive his life turned out.

[@grumpyoldgraymetalhead2441]

Just drafted in the 4th round by the Patriots. Sounds like an outstanding young man. Seeing his efforts he will go far in life.

[@1HUFFMAN]

6Burgh fan here. i hope he does great but the team goes 0-16 LOL

[@justinsakamoto9488]

1HUFFMAN .... what's the pats at now?

[@grumpyoldgraymetalhead2441]

Justin Sakamoto As of today, 7-1

[@1HUFFMAN]

Justin Sakamoto They looking like SB champs man. My Steelers are not looking good but a win vs the Cowboys might right the ship. We all despise Dallas, Right ?

[@grumpyoldgraymetalhead2441]

1HUFFMAN We can agree on Dallas! I hate the Steelers when they play my Pats but other than that they're OK.

[@bunkers1231]

I wish we had a few more real men like Malcolm in America

[@eddiepayne9431]

bunkers1231 true

[@romelleo1]

Hummm

[@keepitclean5957]

It is many of them you don't have to join a book club to be a great guy , there are great guy's doing all types of nice things everyday

[@UpInYourFeelings]

It all depends on the parents, it's their jobs to make great men AND women out of children.

[@dreamrose2223]

same here

[@KassidyKennedy1]

“That came natural. That’s a gift. I had to work to read.” 🙏🙌🏻😭❤️

[@rohinagrawal9727]

yeah that one hit on another level. i hate being proud of something i dind't work hard for as well.

[@michaelacheampong2869]

The way he said "I was proud of it" touched me.

[@1984Deathpool]

I wonder how many women are in that book club now....

[@simplywinny8188]

😀

[@mabrenz_n5391]

😂

[@aagilly]

I'd join!

[@christineford4212]

He should be careful with all those women. in future they will claim that sexual harassment am a white woman i know what other white women always want from black athletes wen they go broke, ,,

[@blackfirstdealwithitblack8098]

LMAO 😁 😂

[@j.randolph1938]

That young man is a great role model for young people period.

[@wallacetrisler8560]

Steve Hartman has the best job in the t.v. business. I never get tired of his stories!

[@lanacroft3522]

I can't wait to show this wonderful young athlete to my students who are struggling with reading. What an inspiration! I will remember him forever for what he has accomplished. Thank you Malcolm!!

[@logan3226]

Malcom mitchel has now won 2 super bowls

[@kimberlywhitehead22]

Pretty sure the husband folks of his book club ladies were in attendance

[@MaNtIcHoRaOfficial]

He only had one

[@logan3226]

ptpvideogaming nah I think he had 2 wasn’t he on the 2014 team and the 20167 team?

[@MaNtIcHoRaOfficial]

EyesoProdigy hes credited with one

[@MaNtIcHoRaOfficial]

EyesoProdigy he played 2 years 16-17

[@allenabradley3570]

so many college athletes have had their academic lives overlooked & after a certain point picking back up from where you left off is so hard. this is really impressive.

[@williefleming900]

Allena Bradley you right sister, it starts at home, somtimes I wonder why a parents want push they child towards higher learning. possible fear. figure they might do better something going on. I was a victim probably a lot more. Teachers play a great roll basically a mentor.

[@Sadfuzz]

It's really good see that there are still some genuine people out there. I am now a fan of Malcolm Mitchell.

[@alison4316]

"... That came natural... Was a gift. I had to work hard to read." 💕 Oh my goodness, wrap him up, he is too precious ❤️ A badge of honor 💕 You earned it, honey ❤️

[@belleferrar8898]

I love the person Malcolm is...so humble, so kind and so appreciative. His NFL career didn't last long due to injuries but he was a most beloved member to all his teammates in New England. His journey now takes him further on his path of reading and writing books. God Blessed you Malcolm and now you are blessing others. WTG

[@B.A.B.G.]

You know what NFL means, right? Not for long.

[@Kay-ki7qs]

I give this young man alot of credit for wanting to make his life much more enriching by working at the things that he struggled with!💛

[@slayerfan61]

I am a diehard Alabama fan. But after watching this video, I realize the Steve Hartmann is right. Great men do great things. I truly hope whatever Malcolm Mitchell does in his life. Just know that I respect him greatly for the true man he is. A great man.

[@MP-fk9em]

Hands down one of the best stories I've seen in a long time 🎉🎉. And it's over 8 years old!! This young man is not only blessed with God given talent, but an old soul as well ❤❤❤🙏. Great story..... seriously made my day ❤

[@ellieemmerling240]

Everyone Slow Clap for this Man

[@jennymisteqq695]

Are you kidding?!!! I’m kissing my iPhone!

[@thedarci1368]

Malcolm Mitchell is an absolutely wonderful person and should be an inspiration to all......

[@NoraS-K]

Wow! I'm a college student and I struggle with reading so much. He is a real role model. He inspires me to try try and try! 📖

[@Brucev7]

Continue reading, it will increase your knowledge. Also read the Bible, get a Study Bible.

[@meggrotte4760]

@@Brucev7 actually you know that's what helped my reading. when I started college at my Christian University I had a 7th grade reading level because of my learning disabilities. Before that I read comic books which I'm also honored to have been. Spider-Man Batman anything I could get my hands on. I used to hate reading but my dad encouraged me to read comic books. Then I got into college and I had all this reading and I didn't really know what to do because I had also difficulty with writing. Thank God for Microsoft and computers. I wouldn't have been able to write my papers without it. I still try to read to this day.

[@barbarawright5774]

Just continue reading. God please help you. I am proud of your efforts.

[@KJ-je9pm]

His time in football sadly has ended but he found his true purpose by teaching kids to read and he has published books now! Inspiring

[@mindlr84]

I am using this video in my classroom.

[@BatmanTheGrate1]

Good

[@user-fb6js7vt3u]

VisioN it’s been 5 years you don’t have to respond

[@addisonraee7507]

I love the person Malcolm is...so humble, so kind and so appreciative. His NFL career didn't last long due to injuries but he was a most beloved member to all his teammates in New England. His journey now takes him further on his path of reading and writing books. God Blessed you Malcolm and now you are blessing others. WTG

[@Sheffdawg2305]

That's last line was great. Sometimes football makes great men and sometimes great men just happen to play football. Whoever came up with that line needs a raise.

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

If you find a book club that reads the kinds of books you’re drawn to, it’s priceless. If these ladies didn’t know who he was it’d have been so refreshing for him . I bet it’s refreshing to have a young mans perspective in the group. He acts so sweet...you just know they spoil and adore him like proud mothers. Proud of his love for reading though. I’m excited for him. Reading changed me into a better person and it’ll be a massively positive addition to his life. I just want to hug him and all of those ladies!

[@jefff9210]

What a fantastic young man. Wishing you all the best, brother.

[@nilnil8411]

A huge applause for all those lovely ladies for changing his life forever

[@kimbachapman9856]

That's awesome he knows his gift and he works at reading challenging himself

[@indiashante1560]

This is absolutely amazing. And the fact that it brought him to this point where he loves to read is everything.

[@sasCASsIOpeia]

“That came natural. That’s a gift. I had to learn to read.” WOW

[@dailydoseoftj7465]

And now he is retired and a full time author let’s go pats

[@hagamapama]

He retired with a ring, he was incredibly talented, pity his knee blew out on him

[@davidhouse7327]

We need more stories like this people coming together skin color didn't matter I pray for racism to go away

[@clevelandnative7175]

I just love this story. So nice to see a young man not afraid of admitting where he was once weak and what he did to improve and still not afraid of showing vulnerability. So much more respect for men like him then men who run around acting tough.

[@p.r.pursell3669]

real man right there

[@Omar95op]

The things this young man said truly show that this is a role model with a very bright future. Best wishes to him!

[@hirethisdjay]

i'm from south africa but this story is total dedication and hard work to achieve.i love that reading is still being appreciated

[@tessarix]

I cannot express how much this video made me smile and feel all warm and cozy, seriously.

[@ColoradoOwl]

this young man is a true legend. Doesn't care what people think and just does what he wants as long as it doesn't hurt him or anyone else. Now THAT is an athlete that kids CAN and SHOULD look up to.

[@rodellis2836]

Loved that story. "Football came natural, I had to work to read" seriously, good stuff!

[@wiekhiongwong548]

Very well said, "I had to work to read." So proud of this young man.

[@chickenlurkinyungchihuahua]

I've been binge watching steve hartman's 'on the road' and every stories keep getting better and I can't stop!!!

[@melissareid640]

Wonderful story. A outstanding young man! Wishing him every happiness and success.💝

[@addisonraee7507]

It's really good see that there are still some genuine people out there. I am now a fan of Malcolm Mitchell.

[@BudandBloomWithBlossom]

Changing lives within less than 5 minutes. CBS, these stories are so valuable. 🤗🤗🤗 Thank you!

[@80bbygrl]

Seriously. The sweetest guy. Bravo!! Love him 😍

[@stethompson1403]

Andi Leigh 😍😍😍

[@elcabrito21]

I've come back many times to re-watch this one, definitely in the top favorites 👍

[@rgplpc]

These kinds of stories have me convinced that the world is full of wonderful people that are often overlooked. So glad they are there.

[@skriblefanten]

The glimmer in his eyes when he looked up and said he was proud to be called a nerd. Wear that badge of honor with pride!

[@callumbush2]

Wonderful tale, we need more like this on KZbin!

[@smooshiee4780]

WOW. What an awesome guy working to better himself in a way that can make him feel so accomplished with himself!! Lovely.

[@C.kirk1287]

Beautiful soul of a man 🙌🏽 I’m so proud of him and his parents who raised him ❤️❤️

[@CalvinK225]

Beautiful souls of the ladies, who invited him in and probably taught him more than reading books, like life long lessons.

[@llw53one]

Awesome! Just from having a conversation in the book store! I’m glad they met and created a bond.

[@aaronperry8971]

Ridiculously AWESOME message for everyone! I'm especially excited to share it with my Eighth Graders.

[@thomascoleman6932]

You are the man Michael not for your football but for who you are. Your family must be overjoyed. Just Cool.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

What a GREAT story! This man is worth following. Will do some research and hope I find him doing well. We NEED men like him TONS of them.

[@jenniferchrin6569]

young man you are amazing, so beautiful to see! you have changed these beautiful womens lives as much as they have changed yours!

[@ms.m.murphy3453]

I wasn't expecting that! I love this. Book club are so exciting to be a part of. Way to go Malcom💞

[@lc2296]

Watched so many times.. so proud...

[@chucker625]

I don't follow football but I sincerely hope this young man gets some sort of opportunity or platform to inspire the next generation of young men. Well done sir.

[@latinguy67]

Pure class. That young man is a definite role model.

[@serena8243]

Omg im watching all these sweet videos and im crying so much

[@mfin-dave]

Steve Hartman... Don't know you but these stories you pursue are so inspiring... Keep up the good work

[@CONNORJARRETT]

Every time a watch one I see another interesting one on recommended and then another and another, then before you know it, I’m binge watching On The Road With Steve Hartman

[@dragcolosseum5431]

We must protect this man at all costs.

[@marilynrowland5197]

Great story! That young man has a good head on his shoulders! Kudos!

[@jerriealene]

That is amazing !!! Good for you Malcolm I'm so proud of you !!!! If men today would take a page from your book, this world would be a better place. You made a decision to be friend a group of older women knowing that you would probly get laughed at or made fun of and yet you still did it anyway. That is amazing 👏 It just goes to show that you were raised right. God-bless you and those ladies and your family🙏❤👍

[@millvillesfinest8450]

Knee injury killed his pro career, but he won a Super Bowl and actually played great in the win! He’s a writer and poet now!!

[@abara5678]

WOW what a top dude!!! The first person i would call inspirational.

[@glidden67]

We need more stories like this it's good for the soul.

[@AdamHCleary]

The coolest thing about watching this for the first time in 2022, I googled Malcom Mitchell to see what he's up to and the results listed him as an Author.... How cool is that?

[@GetOverYourself1000]

What a wonderful young man...his mother must be very proud.

[@george1654]

Beautiful Story, this is the news I want to see.

[@jessicahurtt3917]

this guy is so warm hearted

[@longhood7425]

This is the greatest story I love it !!

[@texasmcpain9491]

Thank you youtube for bombarding me with all these sweet stories been crying all morning I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me

[@thelords3394]

There should be a movie about this story.🥰

[@KharisB.A]

This is such a beautiful story...👍🏼👍🏼

[@caramelhoni6881]

Omg!!! The reporter is teary eyed. AWESOME young man!

[@heribertofernandez6101]

Great man! Love this story.

[@samfusaro2360]

Now his parents raised this young man the right way he didn't let his Fame and Fortune corrupt him he stayed humble it's athletes like this that you want your kids to be like to emulate so I take my hat off to you young man

[@dacypher22]

So this story took an unexpected (or statistically, expected) turn after the update video a couple of years after this one. Mitchell got a Super Bowl ring at Super Bowl LI but unfortunately hurt his knee. He had to undergo surgery on it but was unable to recover to get back to pro athlete level. He announced his retirement from the NFL after really only playing a single season. While that is sad, he has moved on to a new phase of his life as a poet and author which all started from his love of books.

[@SaberR.Prower]

This is Adorably Wholesome.

[@brandi_with_an_i]

Malcom came to my child’s school, read his book “ The Magician’s Hat,” and signed a free copy for each child. Wonderful young man.

[@Kayla-xl8wi]

🥰🥰🥰 he is so handsome 🤓🤓🤓 and smart! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💕💕💕 may this story inspire a movie. He is something to be proud of.

[@j.marshellrobinson5275]

I bet the wives went home telling their husbands--"Ha! What you think of my little book club now?" 😂

[@mn5008]

😅😂😂😂👊🏽👊🏽 Right!!!

[@deloresmorris3791]

I know, right?! 😉

[@ralphcanfield9555]

Love this story thank you for sharing

[@allen.lpersingerjr6408]

And that is beautiful, proud of you young man.

[@amandacrook9673]

I love this! What a great story!

[@peggygibbons479]

An Absolute Jewel.

[@markhodar8888]

Who is cutting onions??? The humility of this man is genuinely inspiring.

[@brendaturner5015]

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙 Love the story,keep reading young man

[@smiles1232]

Wow what a great soul he is bless his heart

[@tamaraburgess4877]

He's so humble. I love it

[@jamesjordan201]

My favorite Pastor Steve Hartman has the best sermons of them all Including the Pope

[@allansorianomorales3950]

Now, THAT'S A REAL MAN! His momma should be VERY PROUD! 👏👏👏

[@gsheverything_2716]

@1:27 that really broke my heart man, as a brother I tried to elevate brothers like him for adventure into something different than norms, but unfortunately BLACK PEOPLE always degrading their OWN whenever they doing something different than them...

[@ebakindeji5941]

I hear you. Any black man who doesnt want to live up to racist white stereotypes is always looked down upon by his own so-called black people.

[@southernbelle4398]

Absolutely loved this story💙🙏💜

[@dicktracy5676]

Good for him what a inspiration to us all.

[@roryjaymes682]

Just found out he's now an author. Oh how the universe comes full cycle. So wholesome.

[@Angelitochap]

Oh wow he is amazing 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼