Roddy and Ovie: Two players, and two stories

CHARLOTTE — They both wear the red, black and white uniform of the Atlanta Falcons, but Roddy White and Ovie Mughelli of Charleston came to pro football from completely different directions.

White, a third-year wide receiver from James Island, grew up in a rough neighborhood, drawing some local attention for his football prowess but no big-time scholarship offers after high school.

He eventually landed at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, a little off the beaten path, but a place where he could hone his skills as a dependable possession receiver.

Mughelli's life was a bit different. The son of a physician, he attended Porter-Gaud, a powerful running back, a man among boys in the private- school league where he eventually

earned a scholarship to Wake Forest as much for his academic as his athletic abilities.

Five years ago, few would have predicted either of them would be playing — much less starting — in the National Football League.

But there they were Sunday afternoon at Bank of American Stadium, lining up against the Carolina Panthers, helping lead Atlanta to a 20-13 victory.

'Make up your mind'

"If you want to play this sport, you have to make up your mind early," said Mughelli (pronounced Muh-haley) after the game.

"Guys who are just playing for fun or as a hobby are not going to make it in the NFL."

Mughelli felt even during his years at Porter-Gaud and Wake Forrest that his determination to play at a higher level would always carry him to that level.

"I also had a little help from people not believing in me," he said after another strong effort as a blocking back in Atlanta's offensive scheme. "Coming from a small private high school, people like Roddy said, 'Well, he had no competition,' even though I beat everyone that was thrown in front of me.

"When I got to Wake Forest, the same thing happened there. They'd say, 'Well you did well against Duke, but you can't make it in the NFL.' I wanted to do it for myself and to show them."

So far, he has not only showed them he can play the game, but he can also give them directions to the bank.

After his first four seasons in Baltimore, Mughelli signed a 6-year, $18 million contract with Atlanta this year ($5 million signing bonus), making him the highest paid fullback in the league.

Despite coming from a small high school and a small college, Mughelli said his motivation was always to be the best, regardless of the competition.

"I made up my mind to dominate wherever I was," he said. "I just always do my best."

'They'll find you'

White, a first-round draft pick, is the leading receiver for the Falcons this year and proved his worth with six catches for 57 yards on Sunday.

"It doesn't matter where you come from," White said amid the bustle of the winner's locker room. "Me and Ovie came from opposite directions. We came down different roads. I went to UAB and he went to Wake and played in the ACC with all the big boys.

"I doesn't matter as long as you work hard and you go out there and perform and show everybody what you can do."

White said his advice to younger players today is that no matter what position you play or who you play for, the best way to make it is to do your best and work the hardest and you'll make it to this league.

"They need to make sure they're eligible every year in school and do their best every time they take the field," White said.

"Because it's all about talent. No matter where you're at, if you've got talent, they'll find you and they'll come get you."

Reach Ken Burger at kburger@postandcourier.com or (843) 937-5598.