Chamber of Commerce President Leah Bolin thanks Jeremiah Castille for addressing local business leaders Friday afternoon at the monthly community luncheon.

Jeremiah Castille has learned a lot about leadership over the years, but one of the first lessons came on the (very low) sofa of the legendary University of Alabama coach Paul ”Bear” Bryant.

While speaking at the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly community luncheon to discuss his foundation and an upcoming football and character camp, the former NFL player and Alabama alum told the story of his first meeting with Bryant in the coach’s office.

Turns out, the famed signal caller had a trick or two to ensure he was in control of any meeting with a player.

“I had a pink slip on my locker that said Coach Bryant wants to see you, and I really didn’t want to see him,” Castille joked. “I go in, and he murmurs some words I interpret as to go sit on the couch. Coach Bryant took the springs out of the couch, so you’re literally sinking down to the floor and looking up at him. I reckon he was trying to communicate something by that position.”

Castille said that brief, 15 minute meeting had a profound impact on the rest of his life, as the coach told him he believed he was good enough to play as a freshmen on the main squad — as opposed to the freshmen squad typically reserved for younger players.

“Coach Bryant said ‘You can play at the University of Alabama, and you can play this year.’ I left that 15 minute meeting a different person,” he said. “Coach Bryant took my belief level to a different level. And I did play. I made the play that kept Auburn from winning the ball game that year, and we went on to win a national title. That’s what I’m talking about with investing in people. That’s vitally important. When you come to understand it, there’s a return. He believed in me, and believed in people.”

Through his Jeremiah Castille Foundation, Castille sponsors a two-day Character Camp in Cullman County, set for June 5-6 at Heritage Park. This will mark the eighth year Cullman has hosted the event, and Castille said it represents the culmination of his goal to inspire and invest in young people.

“It’s something very dear to me, and hopefully dear to you — our youth,” he said. “I know the greatest natural resource we have is our young people. When I look at my own life, if it wasn’t for leaders in the community really pouring into my life, I wouldn’t be standing before you today.”

Castille recounted the influence coaches had on him during his younger days, and said those relationships represent an influence that can have a massive impact on a child.

“The greatest power you and I have is influence. You know why Coach Bryant won so many games? Because we loved him. He told me his door was always open, and if I ever had a problem, not to hesitate,” he said. “Athletics has tremendous influence, and I need to invest so I can influence young men today. Their hearts are open to that … The people who coached me were older than me, but I didn’t see a generational gap.”