From “Rebel” yell to “Jaguar” roar - Knoxville’s Nathan Cottrell is tearing up the field!
A Journey of Faith
Nathan Cottrell has always been fast. He was born 3 weeks early, the last of 4 kids, weighing in at 9 lbs 5 oz. He rode a two wheeled bike just before turning 4. He played every sport starting out, but football was his favorite.
In those younger football years, if/when he could get outside, he scored every time, sometimes 3 and 4 times per game. He told his mom, when he was 7, that he thought God made him to play football.
Fast forward 17 years, and what a ride it has been. His high school team went to state his junior year for the first time ever. They didn’t win, but were able to return his senior year, this time, coming home with a win, and the MVP title for Nathan.
Nathan received a full ride to Georgia Tech, where he red-shirted his freshman year with a torn ACL. The extra year of eligibility, gave him the option of getting Masters, well almost, 2 classes short!
Nathan did have the chance to participate in Pro Day, just before COVID ended the remaining ones on the schedule. This resulted in being picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an un-drafted free agent following the last NFL Draft Day.
He just played in his first NFL game on Sept 6, being in for all of the Special Teams plays. There have definitely been really high highs, and really low lows! The only constant, has been his family’s support and their faith in Jesus Christ!
He believes that God does have a plan. His plan is the very best, even when it may not seem like it at the time. Prayer does change things! At the very least, it changes our perspective and focus, and allows us a glimpse of the bigger picture! Whatever happens from here, to God be all honor and glory!
