When one hears the name “Shakespeare,” they rarely associate him with the NFL. If 49ers rookie safety John Keith has anything to do with it, people will think of the 15th century English playwright and poet when they watch him play. 

Keith, a fourth round pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, was given the name “Shakespeare” while playing at his alma mater, Furman University. 

“They gave me that name because the field was my stage and all I did was make plays,” says Keith whose boast is earned honestly. Keith made 320 tackles (211 of those solo) while at the small South Carolina university.

He also notes that although the school was I-AA, he feels he will match the competitive spirit of players from bigger schools. 

“Coming from a small school didn’t hold me back,” says Keith. “We are now in a time it no longer matters if you’re in a big or small school. You may have more credentials or be heavily recruited, but the scouts cover all schools.”

Sounds a little cocky? Keith believes all the greats had a little cockiness in them. Which is why he feels he’ll also earn the nickname “Shakespeare” on the next level as well.

The 6-foot, 207-pound safety is already catching eyes. During training camp, Keith made important plays while he continues to learn the books. He impressed the 49ers coaching staff in the preseason opener against New England on July 31 when he made two solo tackles.

Although the game itself was not an eye opener, coaches watched Keith closely. In this next game (August 4 vs. San Diego), Keith contributed on special teams and made one solo tackle. 

Defensive Coordinator Jim Mora says Keith is developing well. “He’s a hard worker on-and-off the field,” Mora says. “He’s the first guy in the meeting and he’s always working on things he knows he needs to improve. He’s learning his plays because he studies them all the time. If something’s not right with his technique, he’ll study film until he gets it right.”

“Shakespeare”  had plenty of roles as a student and athlete, but Keith says education was most important because promises he made.

“I put a lot of work in getting my accounting degree,” says Keith. I promised a lot of people who helped me throughout my life that I would graduate first and foremost. I wanted to make a point that education was first, even if I was drafted.”

That may sound easy, but Keith came from what he calls the typical “challenged neighborhood” and assures there were plenty of temptations out there. 

“I had lots of people involved with me. It’s easy to get washed up in a crowd and fall by the wayside, but you have to separate yourself from that environment and look beyond what you see every day,” says Keith, who admits being a loner helped. “I was always different. I never felt the need to impress friends, nor to be accepted. There wasn’t too many people trying to do what I was doing – going to college, playing sports and going on to do hopefully great things."

Sounds like a lot of pressure? Keith says he thrives on it. With the 49ers having more than 30 rookies on the roster, he’s in the right place for pressure! Competition is thick, so he can’t take the time to learn from veterans. It’s up to him to learn the plays and become a veteran before preseason is over.

“I love pressure – the more pressure I put on myself and others put on me, the better I perform.” Success shouldn’t be a hard task for Keith, who states being drafted by the 49ers is an overwhelming experience. “This is a dream come true. You work your whole life for this and for it to finally come true is special.”

Although he’s happy to see one of many dreams come true, Keith says he has to stay level. “I try to remain level by improving myself. I always strive to improve and not accept contentment that takes dedication and hard work.”

How did someone so young gather so much wisdom? “My sister Cynthia was a true inspiration to me. She was also the first one to go to college. My grandmother basically raised me and taught me a lot. We have a very close family.”

When asked what advice he may have for other young athletes aspiring to make it to the next level Keith says to know your limitations.

“If you’re a good athlete and you make it to the NFL that’s great, but don’t set your entire dream to making it to this level. Have alternative plans – go to school, get a degree. Make sure your end result is having a successful life. If the NFL is for you, it will happen, always have something to fall back on.”

So now John “Shakespeare” Keith has more plays and roles to live up to. “You should always try to get to the next stage, which is a better life! That’s my motto for life and football,” says Keith.

Published in the NFL Insider Magazine, 2000.

Keith notes that although the school was I-AA, he feels he will match the competitive spirit of players from bigger schools.