In the life of a teenager, they have many expectations to fulfill, or to prove wrong. A major expectation, especially now with the popularity of sports, is living up to a successful parents career. No matter the sport, the child usually feels pressure, whether it be from themselves or their parents. The pressure is not a bad thing; it is an opportunity to continue a legacy that can be important to a family’s bond.

For sophomore Jalani Flowers, he was pushed from an early age by his father to be involved in the sport of football. Though he was forced to play, for at least one year, he grew to love every aspect of the sport. “Whether it be landing that huge hit or trucking an opponent, to the sprints and conditioning, I love everything about football,” Flowers said. This year he is on the junior varsity team and is playing the positions of running back, linebacker and strong safety.

He is following in the footsteps of his father, who played football all the way through college. For Flowers his goal isn’t just college, it is past that. That doesn’t mean NFL, although that is his ultimate goal, it means the Arena Football League or even across the northern border up in Canada. He wants to make a career out of something he loves and he won’t be denied.

To him nothing is out of reach, as long as you work hard and earn it. “Everyday in practice I push myself past my limits, so I can further my development,” Flowers said. He doesn’t take anything for granted and he knows that it isn’t just on the field where he pushes himself. “My grades are the most important thing to me and the only thing I put before football.” He knows it starts in the classroom and his hard work there allows him to be on the gridiron day in and day out.

“I hope to prove to myself and my father that I am capable of great things, whether it be sports or a specific career,” Flowers said.