My Football Journey
I had a bit of a different path to playing football.
How did I get here?
I remember as a little kid, balls were everywhere in our home. Baseballs, basketballs, footballs, golf balls, soccer balls, tennis balls and even volleyballs.
And I’ve played them all, with my parents, brothers, sister, friends, and neighbors. Playing football in the yard was always fun so when I was invited to play little league and my parents said yes, I was so excited.
At 5 years old, after moving to Cypress, TX, I starting playing in a youth football league in Katy, TX.
And I was starting at quarterback!!
What happened next changed the game for me.
After a few weeks playing QB, I was moved to the offensive line with no explanation from my parents or my coaches. I did the best I could at my new position, even though I didn’t like it. As one of the tallest and skinniest kids on the team, I was not and am not a lineman.
I still loved playing football, but after learning what happened, I didn’t like that I could be replaced or moved because a parent or player complained about positions versus ability, skill, and heart.
I never played in a youth football league (or 7 on 7) again after that, only “backyard football”. Instead, I started playing more basketball where I knew I could play, have fun, and get better. BUT I still loved football enough to try out for my middle school team 7 years later… And I made the team!!
Making the football team both in middle school AND high school was a surprise to so many people.
I still have a lot of playing to do and experience to gain. Along the way, I’ve learned that it’s better for me to be in a position to get the most playing time possible so that I CAN get the experience. Game IQ is everything and that, along with skill, is what I am always working to build.
Currently, I am a skill player at wide receiver and strong safety on my freshman football Blue team. I am learning so much from having more playing time. My parents & I are grateful for the opportunity to have more playing because this will position me for a successful JV showing next year.
