When I was five, I watched football on TV. I liked how the guys got hit and how hard they got hit.  The sound of bodies getting hit and the distance the players got thrown when they were hit gave me a thrill.

I told my dad, “One day I will play professional football. I’m going to be on the Washington Redskins.”

My dad looked at me and said, “If that’s what you want to do, I believe in you.”

I didn’t actually start playing football until middle school. But at that point, I wasn’t a Washington fan anymore. I was a Baltimore Ravens fan. I particularly liked watching Rashod Bateman at wide receiver. I also like Calais Campbell who is a defensive end. He can really go through people.

In my practices, I learned a lot from the coaches. I’ve learned which moves really help get through the line and which are the most common moves that can come at you so you can prepare to stop them from getting through. I learned that it’s important to hustle and not slack off because if you do, then you won’t get through and get that burst of dopamine from getting the sack.

It’s fun and exciting when you get a sack or tackle, a running back or quarterback. I can see myself playing defensive end for the Ravens.

A lot has happened since I was a kid. My dad has passed away, but my dream is still alive and stronger than ever.

© Travis. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.