Sea Moss Man Continues Journey in Seattle
February 20, 2020 - XFL (XFL)
Seattle Sea Dragons News Release
SEATTLE - Kenneth Farrow walked out to practice on one of those rare February sunny Seattle days and called out to one of his teammates.
"What's up Sea Moss Man?" the running back said.
Farrow was talking to tight end Evan Rodriguez, who flashed a smile back to his teammate.
Rodriguez has become the Sea Moss Man, because he swears by the stuff. In fact, when the 31-year-old isn't playing football, he is selling it through his business - Health, Wealth & Impact.
"It changed my life, basically," Rodriguez said. "I'm moving to a natural state of mind. Sea moss is a natural plant that grows in the ocean. Our body needs minerals and, being an athlete, it's important for us to make sure our bodies are on point, both recovery-wise and for longevity."
During a football career that has taken Rodriguez all across the country through a variety of leagues, the tight end has learned that taking care of his body is the key to longevity.
"If we're not giving our bodies what it needs, we're not investing in ourselves," Rodriguez said. "I came to find out sea moss has 92 minerals and the body contains 102 minerals. It's like, 'wow, that's 92 minerals the body needs.'
"I was never really getting those minerals earlier. It really changed my life."
In addition to the sea moss, Rodriguez has also embraced a vegan diet, although he does indulge in the occasional Reese's Peanut Butter Cup - "I pick and choose my battles," he said with a laugh.
"I feel a lot more focused," he said. "My thoughts are clearer. My recovery time is better and that goes along with being vegan, too, not just the sea moss."
For Rodriguez, the sea moss and his diet are just the latest stage in a journey that started when he was selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft out of Temple.
"It's been a little journey, man," he said. "A little journey. I'm blessed and grateful for it. I'm 31 years old and football has taken me a lot of places. It's not the path I wanted it to go, but God has been good to me. He continues to let me be out here, live my dream and inspire other people."
His NFL career included stops in Miami, Buffalo and Tampa Bay before playing in a professional flag football league with guys like Michael Vick and Ochocinco. He also played in the Your Call Football league, which put the play calling in the hands of the fans before landing in the AAF last season.
"I just continue to chase the dream and it's just been a blessing, to be honest, to be able to be on different platforms and interact with people from all over the world," he said.
So, after all the years and leagues, why does Rodriguez continue to play football? Well, it starts with his family. Rodriguez has two children, Jeremiah (3) and Valentino (three months) and he wants them to have the chance to spend time around the game their father loves.
"For me, it's inspiring my kids," he said. "Let them be around that atmosphere, especially with sports."
Last season, when he was playing in San Antonio, his family was back in New Jersey.
"It was rough being away from the family," he said. "Little man was always asking about me, 'Daddy, football. Daddy, football.'"
This year, Rodriguez had his family move out to Seattle for the season.
"He (Jeremiah) knows what's going on and I just wanted to give him a chance to be around more, experience it for himself, because these are memories," he said. "It's all about the memories and I cherish those."
Rodriguez has been playing football since he was 6 years old. It's part of his life, so he plans to keep going as long as teams are interested and his body will let him.
"Football is my life," said Rodriguez, who lives by a health is wealth mentality. "It kept me off the streets and it got me to be able to provide for my family and make a career out of it, build relationships. Who knows when my time will be done, but football is life and, whether I'm playing or coaching, I just want to be able to be my best and give back to the game."
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