Personal Statement
My dad played high school football and is a huge football fan. I have so many pictures of myself as a little kid holding a football while dressed in tiny football uniforms. The first piece of clothing my parents bought for me was a newborn size Notre Dame jersey. They bought it for me while attending a Notre Dame game in South Bend and I’m sure my dad (a huge Notre Dame fan) had visions of me playing ball there someday. He hadn’t even met me yet but he knew I would play football. I have been raised a football fan and have been playing football since I was in 3rd grade. Football is my life.
I think what makes me different than other student athletes is my knowledge and passion for the game. I am always thinking about football. When I’m not playing football, I’m in the gym training for football season. I read books and articles about football, I watch documentaries about football and my dad and I watch Red Zone all weekend during football season. I’ve said it before but I can’t overstate this: Football is my life. My football IQ is more robust than many of my peers. I can read a field better than the rest of my offensive line. I’ve just always had a sense about these things. Coaches looking at me will see that I am very coachable. I don’t argue or give attitude. If you tell me to do something I’ll do it even if I don’t know where you are going with your directives. I trust that my coaches know more than I do about the strategy. I’ll listen to what you say and I’ll act upon it to the best of my ability.
If I had to describe my character I would say that I am honest, hard-working, focused and cooperative. I am not interest in being the best on my team and I do not like conflict. I want to be on a team where my teammates work as hard as I do and stick to the program. I understand that in order to function like a winning team we all need to work together and prop each other up. No one is special and everyone is important to the shared goal. I don’t get into trouble. I always adhere to the code of conduct and I when one of my teammates doesn’t, he will hear about it from me. If you are not serious about being an athlete then you shouldn’t be on my team. Playing high school or collegiate football is a privilege, not a right.
My goal in college, in addition to playing football, is to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism. I’m interested in writing for television shows, possibly a sports themed program but lately I’ve also been interested in television writing. I enjoy public speaking and could also see myself in a broadcasting role. These are broad goals and I’m sure as I get into my core classes in college my focus will narrow, but I do intend to earn a college degree and that is my main goal.
Coaches looking at me will see that my grades are average. I have always struggled in math and science. I have earned modest grades with the help of tutors and my parents. These subjects do not come easy to me. But, what I lack in A’s and B’s I make up for in strength of character, hard work and dependability. My college football coach will never have to wonder about my commitment to the program. My devotion to the team will be easy to see in my hard work and dedication.
