My mom had me when she was 15, so needless to say, easy is the last word I would used to describe my story. I admire my mom so much because I literally watched her go through it all - struggle, abuse, pain, homelessness - you name it, I witnessed it and she endured it. Unfortunately, watching my mom go through these things and going through it myself did not come without a price - I became extremely angry and frustrated, mostly because I was too young and small to stand up to my mom’s abuser or provide for my mom and little brother. 

       My mom always put my brother and I first, so seeing that I was struggling to comprehend my emotions - she asked me what sport I wanted to play, without hesitation, at the age of 5, I said football. Since that day, I know I’ve found my peace. My brother and I would play football outside with our friends all day and even if we didn’t have a ball, we would play with someone’s shoe or water bottle. 

       When I turned 8, my mom met the man who became my father and he became invested in helping me and my brother get better and better. He found us a little league team and my passion for the sport began to grow even more. I, not only loved playing football, I loved the brotherhood. Meeting other boys who didn’t care about my background - they had my back and I had theirs - that was all that mattered and I finally felt like I belonged somewhere. 

       My football journey has definitely had its ups and downs, but my love for this sport has always remained. I continue to perfect my craft everyday, because I am determined to make it to the next level and God-willing the level after that. My first goal is to make sure my parents don’t have to pay for me to go to college, my second goal is to bless my mom with everything she deserves! I’m grateful that God allowed me to find football and blessed me with the talent and opportunities to play this sport - with everything I do, I strive to give Him glory and make my parents proud. I am extremely hopeful and excited to see where God and football take me next. 

       I’ve been overlooked, underestimated and counted out my entire life. Any chance and opportunity I get to show the world who I am and where I come from, I make sure I leave them with something to remember. Football isn’t just a game to me, it is my life. When I see someone step in front of me between those lines and hash marks, I make sure I dominate and beat them at every rep because in my eyes they are the one thing stopping me from feeding my family and providing them with a life they deserve! I’ve only ever wanted to make my family proud and be a role model for the youth who look up to me. I won’t rest until I leave this life knowing I made an impact to those around me and watching me.