NFL Network, Nickelodeon, A-1 Scuba and the Downtown Aquarium recently teamed up to help Denver Bronco Cornerback, Aquib Talib, overcome his fear of “Sea Creatures”.
It’s hard to believe that an NFL player could be afraid of anything but, like us, they also have their fears. It so happens that Aquib Talib has a fear of fish. So the NFL Network and Nicktoons set out to help him overcome his fear by taking him on a snorkeling experience with A-1 at the Denver Downtown Aquarium.
The pre-dive experience began with an aquarium tour with Landry’s Corporate DSO/A-1 Instructor Todd Hall followed by a dive briefing with A-1 Instructor Shane Taylor. From there it was time to enter the Under the Sea exhibit and tackle his fear. Before the dive, Aqib said, “I’m super scared but let’s do this!” Initially, he was very hesitant and apprehensive but in no time at all he was snorkeling like a pro. When exiting the water he said, “Now I’m ready for the sharks!”
After a short surface interval and another briefing Aqib was entering the Ship Wreck Shark Exhibit. As with his previous dive, he was hesitant but quickly adapted and became excited about the many curious spectators who included, sharks, barracuda, sea turtles and more.
As quickly as it all began the dives were over and though his fear isn’t completely gone, Aqib had a new perspective on the many cool fish he’d seen during his dives. “That was one of the coolest things I have ever done. I am going to come back with my whole family and do this!” His enthusiasm was stronger than his fears and he did a great job!
You’ll be able to see and experience all the details on the show NFL Rush airing on Nicktoons, a Nickelodeon channel, this December.
