“Joseph will never make it as an athlete,” a sixth-grade coach told my wife, Lisa, and me. “He’s too uncoordinated.”

Last Wednesday afternoon, Joseph, my stepson, signed a letter committing him to play college football at Missouri Western, a division II powerhouse.

Joseph’s journey from uncoordinated klutz to one of the seven percent of high school football players who receive a scholarship to play college football began with a stint on an elite football team in Columbia, Missouri while he was in eighth grade. During the following summer, he announced to the family during dinner after one of his earlier practices with the Rock Bridge High School Bruins’ football team that “no one knows what the fuck they’re doing.”

“He’s either really good, too cocky, or both,” I said to Lisa later that evening.

Joseph’s attendance during summer practices was spotty, especially those that took place on Fridays at six in the morning. However, he made the team by kicking butt in the strength, agility, and endurance drills.

During his freshman year, he missed too many practices, causing the coach to publicly question his commitment. When the season was over, I encouraged him to join the wrestling team, remembering my high school and college days when many of the better football players wrestled.

“No fucking way,” Joseph responded. “That sport’s too gay.”

He did, however, join the wrestling team at the end of the following football season in order to obey the dictates of the defensive line coaches. He became the starting noseguard at the beginning of his junior year. During his first game, he rolled his ankle, and was in constant pain for the next two weeks. He attended every practice without undue moaning.

Although his ankle never fully healed until after the season, Joseph played a small but important part in the team’s improbable run to the Missouri high school championship game. Prior to the semifinal game, I asked him what he thought about the team they would be playing.

“They suck!” he grunted.

“So why are they undefeated?” I asked.

“They have a good running back and wide receiver,” he growled. “But the rest of them suck.”

The “good” running back ran for more than 300 yards; the “good” wide receiver accounted for more than 100 yards; and Rock Bridge’s quarterback threw six interceptions. But somehow, the Bruins won when that “good” running back fumbled the ball near the Rock Bridge goal line with less than a minute to play. “A gift from God,” Joseph told Lisa and me later that evening.

The championship game took place the day after Thanksgiving in the dome where the St. Louis Rams play. The Bruins got creamed, but it didn’t seem to matter.

Joseph led the team in tackles during his senior year while also spending some time on the offensive line and at tight end. As the season progressed, he and I had more nuanced discussions concerning the strengths and weaknesses of the Bruins and its opponents. He received the defense’s most valuable player award at the end-of-year banquet. During the presentation, the coach described his journey from a timid freshman who tried to hide in the weight room to a commanding presence who led through his actions and booming voice. The coach congratulated him for making the all-district team.

Thanks to Coach A. J. Ofodile and all of the other coaches for supporting Joseph’s growth while camouflaging our parental shortcomings. In addition to molding him into a terrific player, they sharpened his leadership skills, which have made him a wonderful mentor to his younger brother.

What are the chances of Joseph becoming part of the one percent who get drafted by an NFL team? Not great, but I’ve learned not to underestimate his drive, smarts, and talents. He’s six feet four inches tall and weighs 290 pounds. He will be playing for coaches who really want him at a topnotch Division II football program at facilities where the Kansas City Chiefs practice during the NFL’s preseason.

Thanks, Joseph, for allowing me to be a part of your journey; for answering my questions; and at least pretending to listen to my advice. Good luck as you prepare to move forward towards your future in college and beyond.