Former University of Tennessee quarterback and former U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler came to Rotary with stories from football, Congress and home, but his message centered on something more lasting: impact.

Bud Ford, longtime UT sports information director, introduced Shuler by recalling the quarterback Tennessee worked hard to recruit out of North Carolina, his records, the Heisman Trophy campaign and a trip to New York when Ford and Shuler discovered they were both riding in a limousine for the first time.

Shuler returned the favor, calling Ford one of Tennessee’s legends and crediting him with preparing players for life beyond football. Ford stood in the back of media sessions, Shuler recalled, sometimes helping players navigate answers and then critiquing their comments afterward.

“He prepared me for my days in Congress,” Shuler said, joking that he wasn’t sure whether Ford’s questions or those in Washington were harder to answer.

Shuler traced his understanding of service to people who quietly modeled it. His grandmother had seven children, did not get her driver’s license until age 67 and had little money. Yet every Sunday, Shuler watched her open a small purse containing $10 — a $5 bill and five ones — and put the $5 bill in the church offering.

His mother spent 18 years running the Swain County Youth Athletic Association without pay, and businessman Roland Smith paid teenage Shuler to wash his Porsche every Thursday — even when he had not driven it — as a way to encourage a young man willing to work.

Years later, while Shuler was being recruited to run for Congress, calls were coming in constantly. One unfamiliar number went to voicemail. When Shuler listened to the message, he discovered the caller was former President Bill Clinton.

Shuler called back expecting an assistant to answer. Instead, Clinton came directly on the line. Their conversation ranged from Shuler’s years at Tennessee and in the NFL to his business success and community involvement. After hearing it all, Clinton observed that it seemed Shuler’s country had been very good to him. The implication landed: Wasn’t it time for him to make a difference for his country?

Shuler went home and talked with his wife, Nikol. He ran for Congress and later served three terms representing North Carolina.

One of the afternoon’s funniest stories came from Shuler’s freshman year at Tennessee. Fresh from a speech class, he volunteered to speak at a Sweetwater church — only to discover his carefully prepared speech was still in his car. The former quarterback called what came next an “audible.”

He spoke without the notes, and afterward a young man approached wanting to know more about Shuler’s faith. Shuler said helping that young man became one of the most meaningful moments of his life.

His challenge to Rotarians was simple: Someone is always watching, and everyone can make an impact.

“We can always do a little bit more,” Shuler said. “There’s a reason why we’re called the Tennessee Volunteers.”

Founded in 1960, the Rotary Club of Bearden is part of Rotary International, a global network of more than 1.4 million members dedicated to creating lasting change in communities around the world. Club members support local charitable organizations, educational initiatives, youth leadership programs, and international service projects while promoting the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.”

The Rotary Club of Bearden meets every Friday, 12:15 p.m. for a luncheon meeting/program at Bearden Banquet Hall, 5806 Kingston Pike, 37919. All guests are welcome. Contact Joseph Pace with membership questions: here.

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