Football is a classic American pastime, proven by the millions of fans watching the Super Bowl each year. For senior Parker Brady, it’s more than just a pastime.

“I started playing flag football when I was four,” Brady said. “My passion has grown ever since. I want to play college football, but I haven’t decided where yet.”

Brady was named an All-State defensive lineman for Division 2 after the 2018 season, based on his stats: 14 sacks, 36 tackles, five fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles, one blocked kick and one blocked punt.  

“For division two they choose four defensive linemen out of over 100 people,” Brady said. “I was chosen because of my stats and work ethic. It was a huge accomplishment for me, something that I worked hard for.”

Brady has dedicated hours— on and off season— working with his personal trainer Isaac Diener in order to reach his goals.

“Parker works very hard in the gym to overcome the adversity of his life,” Diener said. “He comes off as a big tough kid until you see his smile, from there you see him as another elite athlete who is ready to do whatever it takes to make it to the next level.”

For his senior year, Brady tried out for the basketball team and made varsity. Brady contributes his success to Diener.

“He’s brought me from an O.K. athlete to a standout athlete,” Brady said. “He helped drive me. I thought ‘If I can do it in football, why not in basketball?’”

These successes haven’t come without costs, however.

“Even during the season, I worked out a lot and that has taken away from my school time and my time at home, sort of from me being a regular kid,” Brady said. “I have made sacrifices because I want to play at the next level and that’s what it takes, it’s worth it.”

Brady has been in contact with several schools interested in having him play football for them. The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University and Central Michigan University all have interest in Brady as a player.

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