How being a linebacker shaped me

My Experiences Playing Linebacker

This might not go where you think it’s going… or it just might go exactly where you think it is going. Either way, here’s a small part of my story.

I played linebacker at North Dakota State, where we ran a 4-3 defense with a Tampa 2 scheme. That’s all the background you need for this post.

Sam Linebacker: I learned to embrace being myself. My old coach, Scotty Hazeleton (or Coach Haze, as we called him), encouraged me to play fast and avoid overthinking. Being undersized at 195 lbs, this position was the “least” physical of the three linebacker roles, which helped reduce wear and tear on my body. It allowed me to be creative with my alignments, as the scheme permitted. It also taught me how to be vocal on the field, whether I was calling out a signal to my defensive end or managing the chaos around me. One lesson learned was that defensive ends don’t appreciate being tapped on the hip for a call—sorry, Coulter! Most importantly, I discovered the value of relentless pursuit, which was vital for running down a running back on a run away from me (tackles for loss tastes great btw) This mindset translated beyond football, especially during my unsanctimonious departure from my hometown team. I realized that no matter what the odds are, you must continue to pursue your goals. This attitude helped me graduate when it felt impossible, it brought me to class when my face was front page news, it allowed me to face my family when I knew that they were being picked on at school etc. it allowed me to stay at the dinner table when someone, I won’t say who talked to me about my situation and their opinion while not knowing they were actually talking to me… about ME (happened at least twice to memory).

Will Linebacker: Playing the Will linebacker spot taught me how to “spill C.” If you know, you know—it wasn’t my best position and I didn’t learn much there that I didn’t learn from playing Mike or Sam.

Mike Linebacker: Playing Mike taught me how to manage chaos and be a leader. Leading a defense, which is essentially just a group of people (albeit a rather aggressive and passionate bunch), required me to take command. I never thought these skills would transfer beyond the football field, but the confidence I gained in making adjustments and ensuring everyone was in their correct position proved invaluable.There’s no bystander effect in me anymore. If I see someone doing the wrong thing or in distress, I take action—that’s what the Mike does. He’s the general of the defense, leading by example and voice. This mindset pushed me to assist a stranger having a seizure on a busy road. I supported his head with my hands to prevent it from banging against the concrete during his convulsions. I wasn’t afraid of blood, and the presence of bystanders became an asset once the first person stepped in to help. I coordinated the situation: “You call 911, you grab some water to cool his head” (it was a hot summer day), “You find the cross streets for the 911 operator,” and to my wife, “Can you grab the Narcan I keep in the car, just in case this is an overdose?”

In the end, my experiences as a linebacker shaped not only my football career but also my character and response to life’s challenges and my very unique challenges growing up as the hometown hero turned hometown zero to just a guy trying to find his way in life. The lessons learned on the field have stayed with me, reminding me to pursue my goals relentlessly and step up when others might hesitate.