Ricky was born on January 29, 1961, and adopted by Bertha and Clyde Simmons in Greenville, Texas. His parents were both schoolteachers with master’s degrees. Ricky considered his family “very traditional.” Both parents in the home, hands on, always available for him to talk to, and they attended church weekly. Ricky started playing football in the 5th grade as a deal with his father. At the end of high school, his success in football brought him several scholarship offers from all over the country. In 1979, Ricky signed a full-ride scholarship to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Ricky played wide receiver from 1979-1983. After the 1984 Orange Bowl, Ricky was drafted by the USFL to play for the Washington Federals. The following year, he joined the Orlando Renegades where he played for one year. At the end of the season playing for the Renegades, Ricky was picked up by the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons in 1986. During his first season with the Falcons, he quit the NFL to be a full-time drug addict, which led him to prison.
“I had lost everything. My parents were both in heaven, and everything I had was gone …”
These words consumed Ricky’s mind on his last trip to prison in 2007. The teachings from his parents had always remained with him, but for the first time in his life he was starting to understand their meaning. Soon after he entered prison in 2007, Ricky received a letter written by Coach Tom Osborne. It was a short letter in which Coach Osborne wrote to tell Ricky that he believed in him. “That was the turning point for me.” From that day on, Ricky started to live a new life driven by a simple and basic concept; take responsibility for your actions. He realized that he does have control of his life, and that he does have a purpose, but it has to start with him. Unlike prior incarcerations, he used this time to become the man that his family, and his mentor Coach Osborne, knew he could be. Leaving prison in 2009, Ricky had a plan and a completely different mindset.
“My dad used to tell me that I am a million dollar guy, but I didn’t really understand that …”
At RCS Triumph Inc Foundation, we strive to provide positive, interactive educational programming to youth and adults that discourages alcohol and drug usage while encouraging positive life choices and inspiration. RCS Triumph Inc Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on the support of individuals like you to continue our work.
Although we have made great strides in our efforts to educate and help individuals avoid the pitfalls surrounding the usage of drugs and alcohol, there is still much to accomplish.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at RCSTriumph@yahoo.com. I would be more than happy to provide you with additional information about how you can support our mission efforts. If you would like to make a financial contribution, you can donate by mailing a check payable to “RCS Triumph Inc Foundation” to our address (RCS Triumph Inc Foundation PO Box 5810 Lincoln NE. 68505-5810) or online.
We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing our relationship with you.
It all began with a simple idea: create a space that helps every person unlock their true potential.
We launched Upliv with a core mission to inspire people in making positive and life changes.
We innovate with new programs, all designed for the most meaningful and lasting life transformation.
