Mr. Cwood
www.Cwood56.com
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be Light: and there was LIGHT....."
"No weapon formed against me shall prosper...."
"Often misunderstood, misjudged, and misconceived, but to really know me is too Love me...."In the early 70's Christopher D. Underwood was born in a small town (Chadbourn) located in the southeastern region of North Carolina . He was the first born to Earl and Clementine Underwood and the last baby delivered by a mid-wife, who happened to be his grandmother (Miss Dollie). Sticking to a tradition of raising the males in her immediately family, Miss Dollie raised Chris (in that same small town (Chadbourn)) until she passed away in January of 1985. At the time of her death Chris was 12 years old. During her final days, Chris remembers his grandmother telling him to, "Make me proud baby.... be good, and always work hard and honest at whatever you do.... Never give up on your dreams..... Don't ever quit." Chris never forgot those last words bestowed upon him by his dear grandmother.Shortly following his collegiate football career at Foothill Community College (Los Altos, California) and Saint Mary's College of California, Chris was invited to tryouts by the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL, Las Angeles Avengers of the AFL, and Calgary Stampeders of the CFL. All teams expressed interest in him, but none came through with solid contract offers. Chris was later invited to a tryout for the XFL, where an injury knocked him out of his final test, closing out that deal. Chris decided to hang up his cleats following his XFL tryout in September of 2000. He began working as a manager-in-training at a major retail store (Mervyns ) in Northern California, while at the same time preparing himself for Law School, as well as a commissioning in the California Air National Guard. In November of 2000 Chris received a call from Ray Bentley, General Manager and Head Coach of the Buffalo Destroyers of the AFL. It was then that his football journey began again. In December of 2000, Chris signed his first professional football contract, following a game between the '49ers' and the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, CA, where Ray Bentley was calling 'play-by-play' action for Fox Sports. Ray Bently invited one of his "star players" (Terrell Shaw) along to encourage Chris to sign with the Buffalo Destroyers. Unfortunately, in his very first professional football game (pre-season) with the Buffalo Destroyers, Chris was again injured, which resulted in him being placed on the team's Injured Reserved list. Chris was later released by the team. After being released, Chris headed back to California in May of 2001. He was very disappointed and had mixed feelings about his overall dealings in Buffalo. As a result, he found himself in a state of depression. Note: Terrell Shaw , a team-mate and new friend of Chris', who had also been released earlier from Buffalo was now playing in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the AFL's Rampage..... In July of 2001, Chris and Terrell where once again team-mates on a Championship bound team. They both were pleased with their latest landings, and even more-so when they 'sported' their 2001 Arena Football Championship Rings earned in Grand Rapids, while 'hanging out' in San Jose, California. Terrell was named "MVP of the 2001 ArenaBowl."Chris has been fortunate enough to be connected with AFL Championship teams for two consecutive years (Grand Rapids--2001 and San Jose--2002). Note: Chris was officially with the San Jose SaberCats for one week in 2002, but was still regarded as a player and team member throughout the playoffs and championship. He opted to be released from the team because he felt as though he was not fully prepared to play the 2002 season. He had just returned from an 8-month military service tour as a result of terrorist attacks on the United States on 9/11/01.
In 2003 Chris served as an assistant Defensive Line Coach at Deanza Community College, where in his first year of coaching (2003), the team finished as Co-Champions of the Coast Conference for the first time in 15 years. He is also the Head VolleyBall Coach for Santa Clara County's Alternative Placement Academy, where in his first year of coaching (2004), the team finished ..3 in the league with a 7-3 (overall) and 5-3 (league) record. He has recently extended his business to that of managing and representing some of the countries most attractive models as well as a few of the San Francisco Bay Area's best R&B/Neo-Soul/Hip-Hop Artists and Producers. In this walk, Chris has the fortunate opportunity to rub elbows and conduct business with some of the brightest and successful Photographers/Recording Artists/Producers/Managers/A&R's/Promoters/etc. in the Entertainment Industry.
The sports and entertainment world has given Chris the opportunity to meet many people, who have been inspirational in his endeavors on and off the field and behind the scenes. Chris expresses gratitude to all of his new found friends and/or associates from the industry, naming a few: The Antelope Valley Crusaders (Palmdale, California) for introducing him to competitive football, Coaching/Football staff and players at Foothill CC--1996-1997, Coaching/Football staff and players at Saint Mary's College of California--1998-2000, Coaching/Football staff and players at Deanza CC--2003 present, Coach Dave Tipton of Stanford University, Sean Starky (1st Agent), Bardia Gharemani (2nd agent) Eric Jennings (Personal Trainer), 'Rico' Armstrong (Personal Trainer), Burt Myers (Personal Trainer), Terry Brown (General Manager @ a 24 Hour Fitness Gym), Travis White (good friend - St. Mary's College team-mate, 2001 4-All-American Teams selectee, and a player on the rise),William Booker (St. Mary's College team-mate and good friend), Jamal Robertson (good friend - CFL, NFL-Europe, and NFL RB--2002 NFL Europe League Offensive MVP), Barry Wagner (Fraternity brother, All-AFL performer in many categories, and Future AFL Hall of Famer), Jasen Isom (good friend - NFL FB), Terrell Shaw (AFL stand-out WR and 2002 AFL Bowl MVP), Deon Rayford (work-out partner and good friend - 1999 Kansas University standout DE), Karris Lucas (Work-out partner and good friend), Donald Amos (good friend), James Patten (good friend), Derek Frazier (good friend) Jo-Jo Polk (2001 AFL Most Inspirational Player and Grand Rapids Team-mate), Larry Jones (business associate/good friend - Former NFL Defensive lineman and Buffalo Team-mate), Reggie Allen (NFL/NFL Europe wide receiver and Team-mate-Buffalo), Chris Avery (Team-mate-Grand Rapids), Tony Kimbraugh (Former AFL stand-out QB and Coach-Buffalo), Mike Trigg (Coach-Grand Rapids/2001 AFL Coach of the Year), Robert Smith (Former NFL DE and Coach--Grand Rapids), Darren Arbet (Coach-San Jose and 2002 AFL Coach of the Year), James Hundun (good friend - Former NFL/XFL/AFL WR and 2002, 2003, and 2004 All-AFL Team), Dan Biser (Sports Editor-Columbus County News Reporter), Chuck Dybdal (Sports editor-Contra Costa Times), Chuck Carree (Sports Editor-Wilmington Morning Star), Captain Alana Schwermer (Editor-California Air National Guard Grizzly magazine), Larry Armstrong (Photographer/Producer/Director), Raymond Young (Photographer), Juanita Duncan (Business Consultant), and the Las Angeles Avengers, San Francisco 49ers, XFL administration, coaches, training staffs, team-mates, and the others not mentioned and yet to be mentioned.
Putting his football career on hold, Chris volunteered to a recall back to active duty on 8 October 2001 to support the country with added airport security (Operation Aerosafe) in a stance against terrorism as a result of the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. He served as an Assistant Team Leader, overseeing day-to-day operations of a military security force team assigned to San Jose International Airport. He performed this duty with dignity and pride until May 2002. Chris is proud of his athletic and entertainment accomplishments/affiliations as well as his military service and commitment to the United States of America. On that note he states:
"Football has become a sport that I've grown to enjoy and love. It's given me a greater appreciation for the "Athlete" and what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Football has enhanced my desire to work hard and strive to be a winner in many aspects of my life. It has also shown me how to persevere and overcome many tough obstacles in life. Football has been my friend, my therapy, my pain, and my building block. It's a great sport to play. As a matter of fact, playing football is a privilege and I've always treated it as such. I approached every play as though it's my last one because there's a good chance that it could be. And, like a good soldier, airman, sailor, or marine in the battlefield, a player never forgets those who fought with him in the trenches. I'll never forget those 'fellas' who have got 'down and dirty' with me on the field and who have 'had my back' off the field.Also, I take pride in wearing the United States Air Force uniform. I've realized what it took for me to be in the position that I'm in today. As a result, I respect and appreciate, to the highest level, those who have made the path a less strenuous one for me to travel. The Air Force has taught me some good qualities. Among those qualities are the attributes of good leadership, and the importance and impact of teamwork. I must honestly say, I wouldn't trade my military experience for anything. I'll keep both the 'good' and the 'bad' experiences; for I have learned from all of my experiences. I salute the men and women who have worn and continue to wear &..39;The Uniform' with pride, and by far the countless number of those who have served with me and influenced my life in so many ways. My hat goes off to those, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."
"I am a Senior Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Air Force. I hold allegiance to my country, devotion to duty, and personal integrity above all. I wear my rank of authority with dignity, I promote the highest standards of conduct, appearance, and performance by setting the example. I seek no favors because of my rank. I am devoted to the concept of service rather than personal gain. I uphold the traditions of senior noncommissioned officers who precede me. I manage resources under my control with astute efficiency, and lead the way with the highest level of competence. I always strive to merit the respect of my fellow senior noncommissioned officers and of all with whom I come in contact."I AM A FIRST SERGEANT, "Consider me your Guidance Councelor..."My job is people ---- Every ONE is My Business. I dedicate my time and energy to their needs; their health, morale, discipline and welfare. I grow in strength by strengthening my people. My job is done in faith; my people build my faith. The Air Force is my life; I share it with my people. I believe in the Air Force goal; "We take care of our own."My job is people ---- EVERY ONE IS MY BUSINESS. NAACP Department of Defense Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award Recipient for Fiscal Year 2006, NAACP State of California Military Department Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award Recipient for Fiscal Year 2006, and the 129th Rescue Wing 2006 1st Sgt of the YearGOD Bless America, its allies, and those who have served and continue to serve with courage, honor, and pride; especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."
Chris' life has indeed been a journey, "influenced and motivated by many obstacles with "The Joy and Pain of Love' being the most influential; 'first there's loyalty, trust, respect, and unfortunately in some instances there has come heartbreak, disrespect, betrayal..." His life continues to be such a journey and one where he's always building upon his "desire and determination to win and score the winning touchdown in life..." On that note, Chris feels that the following quote best suits his approach to life:Beware of the big play: The 80-yard drive is better than the 80-yard pass .
Fran TarkentonChris currently resides in Northern California. He is the proud father of two 'precious baby-girls': Domenisha, 14 and Aiyanna, 5.
"Ground Zero"
