To my childhood best friend,

13 years ago on a warm summer afternoon, I sat on the front porch of our childhood home and watched you pick up a ball that at the time, was half the size of you.

Little did I know that, that warm summer day would be the first day of such a bright future for you.

When you were just five years old, Dad would take you outside every day after work and say, “just throw to me.” Your quarterback career started 13 years ago and I am honored to have been able to be a part of your amazing journey.

Mom and Dad couldn’t stand to sit on the sidelines, so they actually created and coached an AYF Football team for you. Your football career has been what our family has revolved around for the past 13 years. It has been not just your passion, but ours as well. Your dreams became our dreams.

I have traveled all around this country with you to watch you compete and to watch you shine. I have watched you grow physically and mentally, you have come so far.

I have watched you get up before the sun to train. I have watched you max yourself out physically to gain strength and skill. I have seen you go to all ends to balance school, football and family. You have not only become an exceptional athlete, but a fine young man.

As your senior year approaches, I find myself at a loss of words. The phones have been ringing with college recruiters and you have been on the road a lot visiting college campuses.

If I said I was proud of you that would be an understatement.

Over the past 13 years, you have shaped yourself into an athlete that takes measure beyond what normal people would for the love of the game. The heart that you have put into not only football, but this life, has inspired me.

As the end of your senior year season approaches, I will not be the least bit shocked to see all the college offers you will start to be given. Although our childhood is over, I will never be anything less than your biggest fan.

I find you to be extraordinary, baby brother.

In several months, when you are on that college football field, underneath the lights, remember to take a just a minute, to look up in the stadium…

… and give me a wave.

Sincerely,

Your childhood best friend.