And, not to mention, in just two short years, the 2002 Southwestern grad and former Northern Michigan University football standout was given a lifetime of memories and experiences.
Wells’ rise from a relatively unknown prep recruit to professional wasn’t met without hardships, both in life and athletically. He initially went to Eastern Michigan University, took two years off, ended up at NMU and readied himself for what was on the horizon, which turned out to be pro ball across the Atlantic Ocean.
Now 26, Wells said his time in France was a direct contrast to his experiences in Flint. What was a rollercoaster ride — often in a negative direction — turned into a life of privilege and ease in France.
“When I’m over there, it’s like I appreciate every day,” said Wells. “I know what I went through (growing up). I’m not sure the average person could handle what I went through — my daily, everyday experiences … I’m thankful. I pray every day, and I’m just loving life when I’m over there.”
Scenes like those in Rome and breathtaking views of historical architecture are far cries from most of Flint’s urban settings, which Wells grew accustomed to. Empty lots, boarded-up houses — those were common in his north-side neighborhood.
But he quickly — albeit, not completely — forgot those images when he saw Paris for the first time.
“For example, you go to Paris, you see the Eiffel Tower — it’s a wake-up call,” Wells said. “I would have never imagined I would have ever seen the Eiffel Tower up close and personal.”
Traveling to Italy was also refreshing for Wells, who, even if only briefly, experienced a culture that he could “only read about in history books in school.”
The life of a professional football player was much more than even Wells expected. Although he wasn’t signed to a $1 million contract, he lived quite comfortably in the small French town that his team called home. He was given a company vehicle, something similar to a “baby Hummer,” he said, which had team logos on the outside and team photos and memorabilia inside.
Wells didn’t have to worry about paying rent, because the team’s owners took care of that. Wells was put up in an apartment, given a monthly stipend — which included game bonuses up to 800 Euros, depending on the scenario — and earned approximately 100 Euros per game. Wells said a Euro was near the value of $1.50.
While that may not sound like much, once free meals, transportation and housing were factored into the equation, Wells said he was living the life.
“It’s like the perfect lifestyle,” he said. “You wake up, you travel to a restaurant — everything is paid for. You go eat, and after lunch, it’s whatever we want to do until around 7 p.m. — that’s when dinner is.”
Wells said there were plenty of activities to occupy his time when he wasn’t on the field. Geneva, Switzerland, his “favorite place to go,” was just a 30-minute drive, so he frequently visited the city for entertainment.
To hear how Wells reached near-celebrity status in France is a story in itself. While dining out, children would peek over their booths to get a photo, slyly concealing their cameras underneath their arms to snap a shot of the Black Panthers’ receiver/running back.
“I think every person would love to have something like that happen to them,” Wells said. “It’s always a good feeling to have people appreciate you and what you’re doing.
