Lio’undre Gallimore, Valdosta State, Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?

Lio’undre Gallimore: Football was my way out, but it took me so long to realize it. Coming out of Miami its either you a drug dealer or an athlete. I just wanted to be different. I almost quit football but my cousin pushed me and told me keep my head high. Without football I’ll be running around doing the wrong stuff.

Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?

Lio’undre Gallimore: Nobody paved a way for me. Dad was incarcerated, Mom worked hard 7 days a week, and my brother was always too busy. It was just me. I taught myself everything I needed to know, literally. I always asked myself what pushed me and I think it was myself. I did it for my mom, but it was bigger than her. I just didn’t want to be a failure. I felt like success was just destined to me.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your childhood?

Lio’undre Gallimore: I can’t put it in words. You remember the sweet moments more than the sour moments. It was something about my dad not being there what strengthened it. I grew up fast as hell, just a product of my environment.

Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about Mater Academy?

Lio’undre Gallimore: I hated Mater. They did nothing for me but make my life harder because of my race. I want to shout out all the coaches from that year. I really appreciate what y’all did for me. The funniest moment though was when they said I had to cut my dreads. (laughs)

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruitment experience?

Lio’undre Gallimore: (laughs) Man, I was completely overlooked. During the summer when we went to camps, I shredded people into pieces (still got the film). I was the fastest guy at most camps but I was just undersized. I didn’t let that stop me. I’ve been undersized my whole life. My mom always told me that “big dynamite come in small packages” and that’s something I lived by. Long as I’m able to back my talk up that’s all that mattered to me.

Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Valdosta State?

Lio’undre Gallimore: They had faith in me. They made me feel welcomed. My head coach told me out his mouth that he knows I was undersized, but he said he loved my speed. Not to mention he told me that he was going to make me an unbelievable player. Now look, he held his word. I swear I never heard of Valdosta before this opportunity.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about Valdosta State 2019 season.

Lio’undre Gallimore: 2019 season was a little bit bumpy. We lost our whole caching staff so we had to adjust. When you really living like that adversity is nothing to you.

Joe Gaiter: What were some of your stats this season?

Lio’undre Gallimore: 7 tds I believe and about 688 yds.

Joe Gaiter: What makes you the best wide receiver?

Lio’undre Gallimore: I’m small but play a big game and I talk a big game. What makes me the best is that I don’t back down from no man. You have to show me why I should respect you. I put myself on a throne so high me and God eye-to-eye. I’m not cocky though, just confident. Look what I overcame. Everything Is earned – nothing is given.

Joe Gaiter: How have you overcome adversity?

Lio’undre Gallimore: I do me and mute out the opinions. I grew up alone without my father so nothing breaks my skin. If it don’t make me happy I go the other way. I take care of me first.

Joe Gaiter: Some players think you talk a lot of mess in the games and on social media. Do you do this to intimate them?

Lio’undre Gallimore: Nah, this just naturally me. You got to have fun with this shit. You have to write your own legacy. You can’t wait for it to be recognized. I talk my talk because I could back it up and more importantly, I’m trying to see if you have confidence in yourself. If you don’t respect yourself how I’m going to respect you?

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about the life of a college athlete at Valdosta State.

Lio’undre Gallimore: It’s hard and tiring, and I’ll leave it at that.

Joe Gaiter: What game are you most looking forward to next season?

Lio’undre Gallimore: Every game. I still don’t get the respect I deserve. I want a full plate and I’m eating off the opponent’s plate. If you not with me than you against me. So it’s roll with us or get rolled over.

Joe Gaiter: Where are you training during the off-season?

Lio’undre Gallimore: Everyday.

Joe Gaiter: Do you feel that people really understand you?

Lio’undre Gallimore: Of course not. I never was able to vent growing up, now that I’m older I just keep shit to myself and keep it pushing. That’s why my attitude and energy like it is. I’m praying for better days. I also harp on how my childhood molded me; it gave me a cold heart, but it opened my eyes. Nobody understands what it’s like to live a fast life so young. That’s why the youngings look up to me, I give them boys hope down there at the bottom. #305

Joe Gaiter: What is your major and how do you plan on using it?

Lio’undre Gallimore: Mass Media Major and honestly I don’t plan on using it. I’m trying to go big or go home and back home is a great job waiting on me.

Joe Gaiter: Who are some players we need to keep on our radar?

Lio’undre Gallimore: Travon “T-CRAZY” Roberts, Jamar “DUB” Thompkins, and Seth “THIRTY” McGill. Oh yeah my African Prince Thomas “BAREHANDS” Incoom.

Joe Gaiter: What is life like for you outside of football?

Lio’undre Gallimore: (laughs) Man I got a girl now so that’s my focus. I think it took a women like her to slow me down, she brought a different side out. She teaches me a lot life wise. Her level of knowledge is like no other I swear, I think she could do it all. She’s a caterpillar breaking out her cocoon. I wait till she spread her wings.

Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?

Lio’undre Gallimore: I want to be known for more than football. I want to be known as the kid that created good vibes no matter his circumstances. I talk about some of my pain, but no one has ever got it all out of me. I want people to be able to say “no he wasn’t cocky, he was confident. He beat the odds but he still had internal problems. I want people to know you must think for yourself, pain is temporary, but success is forever.

Joe Gaiter: What are you grateful for?

Lio’undre Gallimore: My mom and my dad but I’m most thankful for my knowledge. I just thank God for allowing me to be able to think for myself and being able to act on things without someone looking over me. I’m grateful for the trials and tribulations because that’s what made. I’m really able to stand in the ocean and be ready for whatever life throws at me.

Joe Gaiter: Final Words?

Lio’undre Gallimore: I want to tell everybody just stay true to yourself no matter what. A lot of people live they life a lie and when reality set in they can’t stand the fire. Also, be very mindful of who you keep around you. Don’t be afraid to let family members go. Just because you guys are “family” don’t mean everyone has good intentions for you. Love whoever love you, be loyal to the people who loyal to you. Days ones only go so far. You could meet somebody tomorrow and they love you just as much. Just hold your head high and never settle for less.

Joe Gaiter: Shout outs?

Lio’undre Gallimore: It’s this one group of people I want to shout out. They just always there when I’m down, and they always checking on me. Crazy part about it they not my closest friends, just people who see something out of me. They may not notice it, but it feels good just to know like people really care. I’m very distant from most of my family so that little gesture really warms my heart foreal foreal, and I swear that came from the heart.

Oh yeah, and my cousin Terry. I don’t know if he thinks I be playing or not, but I truly looked up to him. He was the first to graduate in the family, but that’s not why. It was more of his success and his grind. He showed me you could get fresh and still be in your books. He showed me how to network with people and still be you. He showed me how life is a game you just have to run your best play. Best thing about it, he did all this indirectly. That’s real cuz.

Ig and twitter: @girlthatslc