Perry, FL - LeGarrette Blount plays football at the highest level that any person can reach in their career. He's a running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the Taylor County native has never had an honor as high as this.

His hometown declared February 11th LeGarrette Blount Day.

"I teared up a little bit because at one point I didn't know that these people thought so much of me," Blount said.

Blount was showered by autograph seekers. His mother, Barbara Bonner, was overwhelmed.

"I feel like I'm truly blessed," she said. "It's a blessing that he's been blessed and I just thank God that He don't mind sharing these blessings and his success with other people."

The six-foot, 247-pounder has had his share of problems throughout his career, most infamously the punch he threw at a Boise State player in 2009. But he still managed to make it to the NFL.

He became the second undrafted rookie in NFL history to break 1,000 yards.

"From what all happened at Oregon, I was shocked that I got that chance,' he said. "But, when I got that chance, I knew I wasn't gonna let it slip away."

His message on Saturday at Forest Capital Hall was to inspire others to persevere through their troubles.

"I'm always gonna have Taylor County with me everywhere I go," he said.