Senior Roanan Ross Nominated for Heart of a Giant Award

When it comes to passion for the game of football, few can match the enthusiasm of Jordan-Elbridge High School senior Roanan Ross. After a summer dedicated to intense training in the weight room with his teammates, Roanan has transformed his love for football into a driving force, earning him a nomination for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award. 
 
Nominated by head coach Adam Godfrey, Ross is hoping to become a finalist for the award that seeks to spotlight tri-state football athletes who exemplify extraordinary work ethic and a deep commitment to the sport.
 
“I’m honored to be nominated. It would be cool to win, but simply to be nominated by coach is a great feeling,” Ross said. “I always try to just be a good person and pick up teammates whenever I can. I also think it’s important to be the bigger person on the football field. Sometimes people on the other team like to talk. It’s always just healthier – and honestly empowering – to just be the bigger person and walk away.”
 
Ross demonstrated unwavering leadership and dedication throughout the offseason, which led to Godfrey nominating him for the award. His tireless effort has not only inspired his teammates but has also solidified his role as a key leader on the field.
 
As a first-year head coach this year after being a modified volunteer with the program last year, Godfrey started spring weight room sessions and noticed a big difference in Ross.
 
“I met Roanan for the first time and hardly recognized him from the previous season. He had lost more than 70 pounds and looked great. I started inquiring about the change and he told me he had been working with a nutritionist on a weekly basis and working hard in the gym to try and improve himself,” Godfrey said.
 
Godfrey said Ross then made a statement that most high school students wouldn’t make.

“He said that his biggest disappointment from last year was letting his team down by not being healthy enough to stay on the field and play an entire game, so he wanted to change,” Godfrey said. “I received the email from USA Football on the Heart of a Giant nomination and Roanan was the first person that came to mind. He was working hard on himself and helping others in the weight room and on the football field every chance he had.”
 
Ross noted that he felt that his coach chose him for the award because he showed that he was willing to bet on himself.
 
“I think the biggest reason he chose me is that I was there for myself first and foremost,” he said. “Also, I’m one of a few seniors on the team this year, and I’m the only senior offensive lineman on the team. So, I tried to really help out my teammates.”
 
As someone who fights through athletic-induced asthma, Ross said all his hard work throughout the offseason has placed him in the best physical condition possible. 

“I tend to lose my air quickly,” he said. “But with all that work we put in, I’m in the best shape I’ve been in as it relates to stamina.”
 
With this being his senior year, Ross – the team’s starting right tackle – admitted that winning games and potentially raising a league banner would be amazing goals to set. But more importantly, Ross is just living in the moment.
 
“Honestly, the biggest thing for me is to have fun,” he said. “All that work I did over the summer, something just clicked. And I’ve fallen in love with football. So, I just want to have fun out there.”
 
Looking ahead to next year, Ross said he would like to go to college to major in environmental studies or wildlife management. Ross admitted that if the opportunity presents itself, he wouldn’t mind playing sports collegiately as well.
 
An avid outdoorsman, Ross said he developed this passion after participating in 4H Club. That’s why Ross believes it’s important for students to remain active and find something they’re passionate about.

“Jordan-Elbridge (CSD) provides you with a lot of really great opportunities. The best thing you can do… is to do something. I always preach to my younger friends to find something they have a passion for. Try things out,” he said. “And don’t worry about what other people think. Don’t worry about the negative connotations. If you like band, do band. If you like sports, play sports. I do concert band and jazz band. And then I also do football. And you know what, I like them both. So, don’t let other people discourage you from doing what you like to do.”
 
To help Roanan and our district advance for the Heart of a Giant Award, please vote at the following link: usafootball.com/heartofagiant