As the Redskins take their final break before training camp, The Redskins Blog looks back at players' personal stories and memories from their career, both on and off the field.
Niles Paul made a promise to his mother when he just a kid.
"I said, 'I'm going to be a professional football player.' I told her that," Paul said. "I kept that promise. I fell off playing football for a few years but I kept that promise to her."
Paul played four years at the Unviersity of Nebraska after graduating from Omaha North High School. The Redskins took him in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft and helped him transition from wide receiver to tight end.
Paul's mother passed away when he was just 12 years old, forcing his father to raise Paul and his two other brothers on his own.
"He had a burden to bear, take care of three boys by himself and he managed to do it," Paul said. "He made some mistakes but he came a long way. My pops is my best friend."
Paul reflects on what he bought with his first paycheck and his favorite moment from his playing career. Watch the video above.