Stay a Football Player

What does it mean to “stay a football player”? As parents, we often push our kids to become so fixated on mastering one position that we inadvertently box them in. While I understand that teams may not always give kids the option to explore other positions, as a parent, it’s crucial to help shape your son’s mindset to think beyond a single role. Instead, guide him to embrace the identity of being a football player, someone who is versatile, adaptable, and willing to contribute to the team in any way necessary.

Imagine this: A coach asks your son, “What position do you play?” If your son responds, “I play linebacker and tight end,” he’s limiting himself. Instead, teach him to respond, “I’m a football player, Coach I can play wherever the team needs me.” This simple mindset shift is pivotal on the journey to becoming a Division 1 athlete.
No one is born with this mentality; it’s cultivated over time. The journey of becoming the player and person you need to be whether on the football field or in life is about growth. It’s about the failures, the successes, and the lessons learned along the way that shape you into who you’re destined to become.

The Danger of Position Fixation

One of the biggest challenges young athletes face is becoming overly attached to a specific position. Often, they’re told from a young age, “You’re a quarterback,” or “You’re a defensive end.” Over time, this can create a rigid mindset, making it difficult for a player to adapt when circumstances change.

As a parent, you have to prepare your son for the reality that football, especially at the D1 level, isn't always fair or predictable. Position changes happen quite frankly. Teams need a shift. And here’s the truth: there are certain physical attributes required for specific positions that your child simply cannot control.

For example, the average Division 1 offensive lineman is 6’4” and 300 pounds. Now, imagine your son has played offensive line his entire childhood. But by the time he’s in high school, he’s only 5’11” and 225 pounds. The likelihood of him going D1 as an offensive lineman at that size is incredibly slim. At this point, the question becomes: What other position can he play?

Here’s where the problem arises. Many kids are resistant to change because they’ve been told their entire lives that they are in a certain position. They’ve been conditioned to believe, “I’m an offensive lineman,” or “I’m a wide receiver.” This mindset can hold them back from reaching their full potential.

The Power of Versatility

Imagine if, instead of locking your son into one position, you encouraged him to embrace versatility. What if you encouraged him to develop skills at other positions or to train in ways that would prepare him for unexpected opportunities? When kids are open-minded and adaptable, it’s much easier for them to transition to a new role when the time comes.

Being a football player is about more than just physical ability, it's about attitude, mindset, and a willingness to serve the team. Coaches at the D1 level value players who are adaptable and coachable. A player who says, “I can play anywhere” is far more valuable than one who limits himself to a single role.

A Life Lesson

The lessons here extend far beyond football. In life, we’re often told who we are or what we should do. But the truth is, none of us are born as the finished product. It’s the journey, the challenges, the changes, and the growth that molds us into who we are meant to be.

Help your son understand that it’s okay to change. It’s okay to fail, to try again, and to pivot when necessary. Encourage him to see himself as a football player, not just a quarterback, linebacker, or wide receiver. This mindset will not only increase his chances of success on the field but will also prepare him for the challenges and opportunities he’ll face in life.

Final Thoughts

As a parent, your job isn’t to define your son’s path, it's to prepare him for whatever path God has in store for him. Stay open. Stay adaptable. And above all, teach your son to embrace the journey, not just the destination.
By helping him see himself as a football player, you’re not just setting him up for success in the sport, you're teaching him lessons that will last a lifetime.