Football & Family

There are certain moments in life that occur where you are overwhelmed with pride and joy.  That moment could be the first time you drive your car, graduating from high school or getting accepted into that college you've always dreamed of attending.  I've had my fair share of those moments in my life.  Taking my mini-van for a spin when I was 16, graduating from Houghton Lake High School and getting accepted to Central Michigan University were all moments in my life when I was proud of myself.  However, no amount of pride I felt within myself could amount to how proud I am when I watch my little brother Karlos play football for the Comets.

Karlos has been active for as long as I can remember.  The kid was always so wound up and always wanting to run around and do something.  We would play catch in the yard when we were both younger.  I'll admit, I never really took it easy on him.  I would zip a ball right at his chest when he was 12, just to get him ready for football.  It sounds cruel, I know, but isn't tough love a good thing?  As he started to get older, he started getting a little power behind his throws as well.  He would tell me that he wanted to be a quarterback like me when he started to play.  Once I realized how well he could throw, I encouraged it.  It wasn't long before he started playing high school football and lighting up secondaries with his arm.  

It also wasn't long before he sprouted up six inches over a summer and was moved from quarterback to linebacker/defensive end.  That transition didn't seem to bother him any.  He's an athlete and is always willing to do anything to help the Comets win.  He has excelled at the linebacker and defensive end positions since he's switched to the other side of the ball.  He loves the contact that comes with the game of football.

Watching Karlos flourish and develop into a great football player is an amazing feeling and a great thing to witness.  I'll jump out of my seat in the bleachers when he makes a great play and scream at him when he doesn't stick to his assignment.  I feel like I'm some crazed father when I go to his games, but my emotions are overwhelming when I'm watching my little brother on the field blow up a running back or sack the quarterback for a ten yard loss.  

Football has always been a big part in our lives and watching my brother play the game that we love so much gives me an immense amount of appreciation for him.  I've always tried to lead by example for him and help him through anything that comes his way, but I know that he is more than capable of doing it himself these days.  Football has taught him a lot, but he has also achieved a lot to get where he is now.  Good luck on your senior season next year, Karlos.  Love ya, kid.