Life could have been drastically different for Fred Wells a FLINT, Michigan native if he settled.
He could have walked a troublesome path like those around him. He could have ended up where his two older brothers are: Prison. But his brothers’ incarceration served as positive motivation, and they didn’t let their gifted sibling fall victim to negativity.
“My brothers; they were mentors to me,” Wells said. “They always told me to never follow in their footsteps. They were always positive, and never let me do anything wrong.” Their advice resonated with Wells throughout his life: He wanted to be an achiever, not an onlooker.
The 2002 Flint Southwestern graduate was the Knights’ star wide receiver, but he didn’t stop there. Wells went on to Northern Michigan University, where he left as one of the school’s career leaders in receptions with 130.
Wells was named NMU’s special teams and receiving MVP as a senior and posted 44 catches for 900 yards and 10 touchdowns.
More importantly, he was the first in his immediate family to graduate college.
“I just feel like the way I was brought up; it was a must for me to do so,” said Wells.
The sky was the limit for Wells, and he entered the 2009 NFL Draft as the 116th-ranked receiver with aspirations of living his dream as a pro. He went undrafted.
“I was a bit depressed,” Wells said. “I felt like I let everyone down. I had a good talk with one of my friends, Justin Payne, and he explained to me that I still have a chance to play football and get paid for it.”
The European Football League’s Thonon Les Baines (France) Black Panthers were interested in the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Flint native, and signed him to a deal last season.
In his breakout game, he had four touchdowns against a Serbian team: Two receiving, one rushing and one punt return. He finished with six catches for 140 yards and two rushes for 47. Wells completed his season with 62 catches, 1,162 yards and 21 touchdowns.
“It’s a chance that very few are able to do,” said Wells of those who follow their dream. “It made me realize I’m still on the right track; although I didn’t make it to where I wanted to be. It’s still a positive thing.”
Wells’ father, Saginaw High linebackers coach Fred Wells Sr., said he noticed his son’s talent at an early age, and isn’t suprised his son plays pro ball.
“I’m proud — I’m real proud,” Wells, Sr. said. “When he was six or seven-years-old, we started playing catch. You could see something in him that stood out.”
NFL or not, Wells, Sr. said he wanted his son to follow his calling. “I knew he could,” said Wells, Sr. “The person he is; he was doing it for the love of the sport.”
Despite their imprisonment, Wells’ brothers remain devout supporters and offer guidance.
“They’re probably the proudest big brothers,” said Wells. “Any time an article comes out, they brag to their friends and say ‘This is my little brother.’ Then again, they still talk to me and make sure my head is in the right direction.”
Greg Jelinski, Wells’ “second father,” couldn’t contain his pride when he spoke of his “son.” Wells dated Jelinski’s daughter for four years and has remained close.
“He’s like the son I never had,” said Jelinski as he touched his heart. “I knew he was a good kid. He always tried. He stayed out of trouble, and did the right things for the right reasons.
"If he was my own; I couldn’t be prouder. I’m tickled pink for everything’s he’s done. I’m also proud that he can set an example for the youth of Flint. It’s possible if you want it bad enough. Nobody will give it to you. You have to work for it.”
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