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North Carolina State University

NC State's Goines channels 'the greatest' in short film

Jun 8, 2012

Eddie Goines is still the fourth leading receiver in North Carolina State University history. He demonstrated his off-the-field influence when he delivered the 1995 commencement address to his classmates.

"Our continued success in life takes persistence, hard work and not forgetting your dreams," he said. 

His NFL dream was cut short by a knee injury but that led to another opportunity: acting.

"First football was the main purpose," Goines told WRAL. "Somehow it's transferred to acting and God knows it's been a long, arduous journey, but I still love it and am still hungry for greatness."

He has acted on Broadway and appeared in Beyonce's music video "If I Were a Boy."

Recently Goines parlayed his talents into a short film. He wrote and starred in a six-minute segment called "Ali Speaks." Goines channels a young Muhammad Ali and drops him into the contemporary fight game.

"Seventy years and I'm still the greatest. Now get the iPhones out as I give you my latest," Goines belts out in Ali tones. "A family affair. A fight night in Vegas. I'll show Pacquiao and Mayweather that I fight all takers."

The film shows Ali talking about current stars. "Ain't I pretty," Goines asks an actor playing a reporter. "I'm so pretty Beyonce and Angeline Jolie came to ask me for beauty tips."

Goines first started working on the Ali voice and mannerisms seven years ago when he played the former heavyweight champ in a production. "It was in a small, small theater but it was a fun experience playing Ali, and ever since I've always kept him stored away so to speak," Goines said.

How loud would Ali be on current issues that plague our nation? 

"Boxing gives me a platform to help rid the world of the Treyvon Martin shootings and the Oakland University shootings," Goines-as-Ali says.

There are several reasons that Goines chose to play Ali. "Well first thing is that I just love who he is and was," Goines said. "He was electric, skilled, wise, heart of a lion, passionate, strove for world peace and spiritual."

Goines doesn't agree with all of Muhammad Ali's opinions but there is great respect for the world icon.

In the closing moments of "Ali Speaks," Goines is sitting just outside of a boxing ring sharing Ali's thoughts with an attentive group. "The advice I would give to you is have passion for your life, impassion your world and have compassion for your fellow human beings." After a few seconds of silence, Goines nails one of Ali's most famous lines. "And remember, I am the greatest!!"

The former Wolfpack wide receiver hopes this film and his future productions grab attention, and not just to further his career. "I want to create magic so powerful that it motivates, heals, makes you think," he said. "And helps bring love to the world."

Now that sounds like Muhammad Ali.

• Reporter: Jeff Gravley
• Web Editor: Jodi Leese Glusco