Early Life
Justin was born and grew up in West Seneca, New York. His father was Connie "Big Bird" Strzelczyk was a 6-foot-4 basketball standout played at Montana State University, from 1958 to 1960. He later returned to Buffalo where he became a school teacher and a painting contractor in the summer breaks. His father and mother, Mary Joyce, separated when Justin was 7. Mary Joyce later called Justin's father a "tremendous influence" in sports. Growing up Strzelczyk played hockey, football and basketball. He also was a baseball pitcher until shoulder pain prevented him from throwing anymore.
He attended West Seneca West Senior High School and was a local basketball star. As a 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) forward, Justin averaged 21 points a game as a junior and 22 as a senior, earning all-Western New York honors. Despite his love for football, Justin was to set on playing basketball in college. However Justin's dad, who had played college basketball only to end up teaching, convinced him that he had a better future in football.
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Famous quotes related to early life:
“... business training in early life should not be regarded solely as insurance against destitution in the case of an emergency. For from business experience women can gain, too, knowledge of the world and of human beings, which should be of immeasurable value to their marriage careers. Self-discipline, co-operation, adaptability, efficiency, economic management,—if she learns these in her business life she is liable for many less heartbreaks and disappointments in her married life.”
—Hortense Odlum (1892–?)