Football is a physical sport requiring mental toughness and determination. Playing football has taught Javon Singleton, a junior at Ardmore High School, to never give up and to be patient.

He plays football, basketball and is in track but says “football has always been my peace.”

Javon’s skill on the field has always been noticed by his coaches, his team, and opponents. His stats have now drawn attention on a national scale. “I was ranked in the nation for tackles this year,” he said.

Individual accomplishments would not happen without the team having his back. Javon values his teammates and is a better athlete because of them. “Being around people makes you better,” he says.

Having teammates to look up to builds better athletes in the future. Eric Fields is one teammate Javon looked up to. “When I was a younger guy on the team Eric pushed me to step-up,” said Javon.

The professional player Javon looks up to is the Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Javon admires the way Lamar shows leadership and how he leads his team.

Javon was always around football. He was in the fifth grade when he started playing flag football and was in the seventh grade when he started playing tackle football. Now a high school player, he is representing his school as a student athlete. Being supported by so many people he feels it is important to represent AHS well.

Javon is thankful for the support from those around him. Achieving his goals on the football field and in life would not be possible without them. “I want to say thank you God for everything and thank you to my parents for supporting everything I do,” he said.

Football is important but he still finds time to enjoy his favorite foods. Mac-n-cheese, chicken, candy yams and green beans are staples. Javon also hopes to someday take his dream vacation to Jamacia with his family.

The best advice ever given he says is to “always be yourself and focus on your goals.”