As I head into surgery today for the third time in four years (same freaking knee), and after spending the last 15 years living football year-round, I've had some time to reflect. More than anything, I'm grateful for what football has taught me. I've learned how to face adversity, what real hard work looks like (especially after the first two knee injuries and still getting to D1), how to study and pay attention to details, accept rejection, work with others, and stay mentally strong. I've learned that discipline and dedication actually produce results. I've also learned that we don't control nearly as much as we think we do, in football or in life. Coaches and staffs change, people say all kinds of crazy things they don't actually mean, injuries happen, the transfer portal is wild, people who should know what they're doing don't actually know what they're doing, money is everywhere, and people are mainly looking out for themselves. Through it all, I've mostly been along for the ride, doing everything asked of me, and putting in the work. All we can really control is showing up every day and trying to be the best version of ourselves, and honestly, that's a challenge sometimes too. At 19, these have all been some of the most valuable lessons I've learned so far. But I'd be lying if I said I haven't been incredibly blessed along the way. It's definitely a weird feeling to be winding down this chapter of my life after starting off with a P4 offer super early in high school (and 13 others even throughout the injuries), competing with and against future D1 athletes, and thinking my path was headed somewhere completely different before tearing my ACL twice (now a 3rd time). But at the same time, it's reassuring to know I feel more prepared for whatever comes next because of what I've learned through football. I also have to give a ton of credit to my HS coaches at Weiss. Solid, solid group of men who guided us, looked out for us, and prepared us with a program as good or better than some of the college programs I've been in (not because of money/facilities, but because of their dedication to the student-athletes). Kudos to them. The game gives, the game takes, and eventually the game ends for everyone. So take the lessons, the memories, and the experiences, no matter what your journey looks like. Carry them with you, and pass them on to someone else who might need them one day. ✌️