The two coaches connected. "I think it always will." So I follow him in the bike lane, hazards on. Prospect High School. High School North Kansas City . "We live and die." IT WASN'T UNTIL an ultrasound in the eighth month of her pregnancy that Rob's mother, Josie, found out her son was not growing limbs. Rob has fractured cheek and orbital bones and has the effects of a concussion. But this time, he has no idea the belt around his waist isn't buckled. "I'm sorry," he says. Afterward, Bob says doctors and nurses would walk by and stare. He talked about building a family. He towed his friends around the neighborhood on their skateboards. It actually came well before Mendez started coaching football. His older sister, Jackie, pushed her brother to try new things and one day tucked a PlayStation controller under his chin. After a shortened 6-game spring season, that ended on April 23, it was back on the field 108 days later. What the hell does that even mean? He tells his offense he believes in them. Going to the bathroom. The next day he spends almost entirely in bed, unable to open his eyes. It's only junior varsity. The pain of the loss hurt, but it did not stop his fire. It's society that imposes that grief. But Rob refuses because the upper belt limits his ability to access his phone and draw plays. 1 poison," he says. "When I first met him, he blew me away with his personality," Prospect Football Varsity Head Coach Mike Cable said. "That's what I'm talking about! "I think every parent worries about their kids when they leave this earth," Bob says. The more successful Mendez is at proving he's just like everyone else, the more people put him on that pedestal, peg him as an inspiration and treat him, well, different from everyone else. "I'm sitting right there at the bar next to you. ", In the months that follow, Mendez unplugs from football. He has heard it from their parents and teachers. THE COLLEGE COACHES AT THE COLLEGE COACHES SHOWCASE CAMP ARE ON THE FIELD ALL DAY He even got to call some plays. The season has been a greater success than Mendez could have imagined. We end up talking for nearly three hours. It gives me hope for the world. They tell Rob he can't coach for at least four weeks. I think he needs them just as much. Mendez looks up as the quarterback's pass sails overhead. I've been a 2 year starter on the varsity football team. Can you lift me out of my chair?" But other than the tetra-amelia disorder, his son Rob was born a healthy baby boy. "Said they wanted to move on without me," Mendez says. The season begins in a month. The school they will face, Ann Sobrato, fired Mendez as an assistant three years earlier. "Just focus -- you got this." His presence should tell anyone, if you're paying attention, that your mind is the most powerful thing. "But even before he could talk, I said, 'Somewhere, somebody is going to open a door for this kid and he's going to shine.'" I don't sign up for being inspirational Rob." He asks his quarterback for a hug. How does he sleep? With the help of adaptive technology, he went skiing. And he calls the exact same play he did on the previous down, flipping it to the other side of the field: Rex nine left, 180 smash. He's a great guy and I'll go to the end of the earth for him.". "Great job, Coach. Not until he nearly received a DUI driving Rob's handicapped accessible van did he realize the path he was on. "I just wanted to coach football.". Prospect Reels produces high quality sports highlight videos so you can market your athletic skills to college coaches, recruiters, and others who can help you get recruited. In his chair, he is constantly shifting, twisting and adjusting his posture. Tears begin to fall. Mendez. Watch Later. Now the entire Prospect program circles around Mendez at midfield. Preston Gannaway for ESPN I guess that from my nurturing from my parents and my determination to be successful in life, as well as all the doubts along the way, I've become more hungry along the way to just be accomplishing in football and in the career of coaching. Because he weighs 50 pounds, alcohol affects him faster than people who weigh much more. How does he eat? His comes with a straw. Embrace it. THE DAY AFTER teaching his quarterback the 37 stretch, Mendez sits under the lights at the Prospect 50-yard line, exhausted. So I try not to complain. And with that, in this world, I know I'm going to be all right.". I lean over, wrap my hands around him and lift him out of his chair. 14 prospect in the state of Tennessee . For now, he's still glowing from the impact his team had on him in his first JV season. Cable obliged. Elk Grove Village, IL. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. How are you going to get there?". It wasn't like there was a store to buy clothes or toys for children with no arms and legs. The team jogs over and surrounds him. Mendez didn't care. Nobody but yourself can hold yourself back. He talked about building a family. ROB MENDEZ IS not only the most unique high school football coach in America, he's one of the most unique humans in the world. One of the bartenders reminds him he's not supposed to have more than two drinks. He says he would consider prosthetics only if he ever became a father. Rob's father saw potential in the happy, spunky baby, but also wrestled with his own emotions, admitting he often asked God "why?" The quarterback removes the cap from a blue dry erase pen and puts it in Mendez's mouth. he says. Doctors recommend surgery. He couldn't get enough. It isn't about what the players did right or wrong or what they need to clean up before the next game. Mendez gives me directions. And anyone who has a problem with that, prove them wrong.'". Taking a bath. Mendez was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare congenital disorder that prevents the formation of limbs during embryonic development. I assume Mendez will pilot his wheelchair on the sidewalk and I'll drive alongside for the five dimly lit blocks back to his house. For the last few minutes of our ride, we both keep quiet. Mendez gives me directions. "I just think that me showing people that I can accomplish my goals, which actually still is not really completely fulfilled yet. At the end of every day, I'm sore." Once buckled, Mendez says he feels unstoppable. The World Series is on television. I think back to something his pediatric physical therapist told me. "The one thing that I want people to see is just how hard work pays off," Mendez said. Mendez operates his cellphone, attached to a stand on his wheelchair, with his nose and lips. Pub. In his first full season as head coach, he led the Panthers to a playoff birth and a near-perfect season. Mendez doesn't buy it. But as soon as I met and spoke with him, the chair disappeared. "It brings out the best in people. "But we really have to sell that we are going that way. By his senior year, he worked his way up to quarterbacks coach. Mendez orders a water. "Be bold and fail, be bold and fail, be bold and succeed. This time it's flawless. If all goes well, a receiver should be open about 15 yards downfield right in front of the Prospect sideline. The day is designed by college coaches in order to get the most out of everyone's time. "There you go!" I'm proud of you. "Those kids," he says, "gave me the feeling that I can do anything." A young boy holds open the door as Mendez approaches his favorite spot. But seven? And Mendez had the title he had achingly sought: head coach. He sees me, and he stands up straight and pulls himself together so he can open the door for me. There's a lot on his mind. You hear stories about people with cancer, fighting for their lives. When we pull into the driveway, McAvoy comes out and carries Mendez into the house. ", But those experiences come at great cost. "Think about it. The throw is too long, and the ball harmlessly caroms out of bounds. Prospect High School JV Football Coach Rob Mendez was born with a rare disorder that left him with no arms or legs. Clemson Tiger Bryan Bresee returned from an ACL injury to become a highly rated defensive draft prospect. ", Physically, Mendez is unlike any other high school football coach in the U.S. Mentally and emotionally, he's no different. Three other players start chitchatting between reps. Mendez loses it. Fore was named to the Hudl Top 100 in 2017, and the Top 5 Best High School Football Coaches to follow on Twitter by MaxPreps in 2016. He tells his offense he believes in them. Chicago, IL. So I follow him in the bike lane, hazards on. But here, he's in his element. Mendez picks a spot at the bar next to two women. I'm fighting to have something to drink. But it isn't that simple. In less than a minute he introduces himself, then me and strikes up a conversation. On 10/28, the Prospect varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Reavis (Burbank, IL) by a score of 62-13. Bob hears the sound from a few feet away. Without his wheelchair working properly, he can't raise its height to sit next to me at the bar. I'd completely forgotten that Mendez can't feed himself. "I can guarantee you there is someone with no arms and legs living in the mountains somewhere with a whole different story who isn't as active as we are. It's a testament to his ability to be comfortable in any surrounding and put strangers at ease. College Football Prospect ID events are the first premier event following the 2022 high school and college football seasons. "I just try to shut it down as quickly as possible.". But after losing the season opener to Santa Clara, his Panthers won seven games in a row. His head drops. It just makes me mad. But he wonders whether the players have any idea what they've given him. Initially, Josie struggled. Push the limits. The battery on Mendez's wheelchair is dead, so two Panthers push him onto the field. High School Football players in Texas, join us for a one-day showcase on January 15 in Georgetown, TX! His torso pushes against his belt. "They don't have the grief of losing a limb because they never had it. A very small percentage. "Yes, Coach," the quarterback says. "I just wanted to coach football." But on this late July night, 30-year-old high school football coach Rob Mendez has a taste for sushi. A few minutes later, he asks if I can follow him home. I definitely want to be a varsity head coach, if not, advanced in the college career or the NFL. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/02/rob-mendez-football-coach, Why hiring Sean Payton will require NFL teams to make an expensive trade with the Saints, Win or lose, the Bengals can prove Joe Mixon's 'big dog of the AFC' claim right against Buffalo, Trevor Lawrence revealed his Waffle House order after the Jaguars wild comeback win over Chargers, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. He wanted to leave by 9 p.m., but one conversation led to another. Only football coach requests will be accepted. He developed a great football mind, but he wanted more. His torso pushes against his belt. No way. "I don't think I could do that to those kids," he says. Email Melissa Feucht. I suggest we move to a lower table and make things easier. "Hey," he says, "Would you mind giving me a hand and putting one of those in my mouth?". A class of 2021 recruit, Buddin was considered a four-star prospect out of high school and a top 40 linebacker in the country, according to 247 Sports. "He was still in diapers," Bob says. It confirmed how much he despises losing. Last April, the varsity coach at Prospect was looking for someone to help change the culture of the Prospect program when he came across Mendez's rsum. It just makes me mad.". "So I try to stay positive. As much as he doesn't want this syndrome to define him, at the same time there's a part of him that loves the fact that it sort of does. It happened at the end of his senior prom, when he tipped over the wheelchair ramp as he and his classmates were leaving. Prospect's lone highlight came on defense when, just before halftime, the Panthers stonewalled Sobrato on four straight plays from the goal line to keep the game scoreless. Watch Later. Not having arms or legs has stopped Mendez from being able to play sports or do certain jobs he has always been interested in, like being an electrician, but he always fought to find ways to be happy. Keep your heads up. In the morning, he will coach the biggest game of his young career. Some of his plays even came from playing Madden. "It wasn't very polite or sensitive. Brushing teeth. They are teachers who coach on the side. We are all special. It seems like no big deal. The battery on his wheelchair is dead, and he wants to charge it at school overnight. You hear stories about people with cancer, fighting for their lives. LESS THAN TWO weeks before his son's first game as a head coach, Bob Mendez prepares to drive Rob home after Sunday family dinner. Preston Gannaway for ESPN I am currently a senior at Texas Community High School and I will be attending college in the fall semester of 2009. When we pull into the driveway, McAvoy comes out and carries Mendez into the house. For now, he's still glowing from the impact his team had on him in his first JV season. On convenience alone, it would have been the perfect place for him to coach forever. He put the name into Google. The day is designed by college coaches in order to get the most out of . I love the feeling when I lift kids up. Pick a play, execute for a few seconds, take a break, pick another play and repeat. "Thank you," he says to me after his first sip. It's an accomplishment to the public because I have no arms and legs, but the reality is I'm not accomplished. I'm not beautiful at all. "Those kids," he says, "gave me the feeling that I can do anything." WVSN instantly reached out to the 2025 class [] WVSN instantly reached out to the 2025 class prospect to find out more about his talks with WVU offensive line coach Matt Moore and his current mindset about his future. As the clock approaches 11 p.m., he looks at his empty glass and asks for another drink. Mendez doesn't buy it. For Rob, the message from his father was simple: Embrace your differences. "I wish more people were like that. Bob rushes his son to the hospital. With a dream of one day becoming a head football coach, Mendez worked for years as an assistant at various schools, until he was finally given the opportunity he'd been working for. Check out Bay Area safety tracker, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7, Football coach born without arms or legs to receive Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at 2019 ESPYS, Rob Mendez accepts the 2019 Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYS on July 10. And that includes getting on the officials when something doesn't go his way. Pratima Sherpa's Dream Preston Gannaway for ESPN. Otherwise there's the potential he'll need to use the bathroom without McAvoy there to help him. I ask whether that thought bothers him. . ", "Yes, Coach," the quarterback says. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories Please give an overall site rating . When he's away from home, he's careful about what he eats and drinks, often keeping it to no more than an iced coffee. Dear Coach Doe; My name is Joe Blow and I am asking you to consider me as a future prospect for the University Notre Dame football team. I make mistakes. Livingston told me Mendez's presence is living proof of what humans are capable of. It's a move he makes countless times a day. "I've always been like that ever since I was young. He hates talking about any of this. I can adjust to anything that's thrown my way. Michael Furlong CTE Teacher, AVID Elective Teacher. I put Mendez on my shoulder, turn and then set him in the chair next to me. "Anything in the world that is worth doing, he's done it with his mind," Bob says. He demanded respect, eye contact and accountability. he says. But I learned that I can be a leader. And he doesn't like the idea I have for framing his story. Mendez didnt allow his differences to limit him, though, and developed a passion for coaching by learning the game of football by playing Madden video games. The battery on Mendez's wheelchair is dead, so two Panthers push him onto the field. Lobue, Joseph ( Fr.) Sobrato is located across the street from his parents' home in Morgan Hill. This also ensures that prospects will have time to interact with the coaches and learn from them in a small group and one-on-one setting. "We are two very different people. Mendez gains happiness and joy through helping others and that will be his message when he takes the podium for his acceptance speech. High school coaches are notoriously hard to contact. I should have a wife by now. It happened at the end of his senior prom, when he tipped over the wheelchair ramp as he and his classmates were leaving. If Rob sensed someone staring, he'd roll up and introduce himself. There have been opportunities over the years to pursue prosthetic limbs, but he has turned them all down. His jaw dropped. "Put me on your shoulder," he says. Mendez looks up as the quarterback's pass sails overhead. "Yes!" A handful of schools reach out about head-coaching jobs, but he says he's almost certain he will return to Prospect to lead its JV squad again next season. Jan 31, 2023 4:00 PM PST. It isn't the first time Rob has fallen out of his chair. Mendez screams. And different is not bad. He has scoliosis, which makes his spine look far more like an "S" than the "I." "I appreciate you," Mendez says. "We have unfinished business.". When dealing with clubs, coaches are easily accessible and are in the business of helping players get into a college program. When his friends went out for football his freshman year of high school, Rob became the team manager. The other kids are special, too. Once buckled, Mendez says he feels unstoppable. He doesn't listen to the doctors like he should. "Special is bulls---. His head drops. As they head inside, Mendez looks back at me over McAvoy's shoulder. I swear I buckled him in. The green mile marker signs fly past on Highway 101. When his friends played basketball, Rob was the referee. ( Google map, other maps) Mt. Shaving. We make it to his home. Prospect, IL 60056 Phone: 847-718-5200 Fax: 847-718-5224 School Web Site: phs.d214.org Enrollment: 2107 Conference (s): Mid-Suburban League Nickname (s): Knights (boys), Knights (girls) Colors: Navy Blue/Columbia Blue School Type: Public Coed County: Cook Because he weighs 50 pounds, alcohol affects him faster than people who weigh much more. By Tuesday afternoon, he's back at Prospect for practice, apologizing to his players for Monday's absence. 2 QB and overall prospect by ESPN and is . Bob eventually turned to alcohol. He turns his face to the right, pulls his head back and prays. He absorbed everything he could. I swear I buckled him in. Georgia Tech Football allows high school football coaches to request two (2) complimentary tickets to attend regular season home football games. Mendez tries to explain, but the kid doesn't get it. So I try not to complain. I couldn't tell you what it felt like to catch a ball in the flat, but I knew what it was and why it worked." ONE WEEK LATER, Prospect finishes its season 8-2 with a 19-13 victory over Yerba Buena. But he's always there for the kids. We're going to fake it this way and then waggle out," he says. But most importantly, it's given him an understanding of his journey in this world, a path untethered to anything anyone on the outside might say, think or believe. "I'm sorry," he says. "I was drinking to forget. After a few minutes of conversation, he seemed like any other football coach having a beer on a Friday night. Prepped at Blackman High School under head coach Chandler Tygard . Melissa Feucht English Department Chair. "You know how Ironman gets in his suit and he just starts flying everywhere? Watch the 2019 ESPYS Awards only on ABC7 on July 10, 2019 at 5 p.m. PST. I make mistakes. He sees me, and he stands up straight and pulls himself together so he can open the door for me. I'd completely forgotten that Mendez can't feed himself. I'm lazy. You guys fought your butts off. I mention that one of the themes I'm thinking about for his story is this idea of a beautiful mind. Practice starts in a few days. By Tuesday afternoon, he's back at Prospect for practice, apologizing to his players for Monday's absence. Bob eventually turned to alcohol. Rob leans forward in his chair to reach his cell phone. ONE WEEK LATER, Prospect finishes its season 8-2 with a 19-13 victory over Yerba Buena. Rob is no different." He briefly leaves Rob in the garage to run inside. He demanded respect, eye contact and accountability. I might take two steps forward and then one step back. More award-winning storytelling from SC Featured, One dog's remarkable journey to find a home, "Screw that," he says. "That's how humans are -- they adapt. When his players ask what happened, he tells them he got into a fight with the pavement. "In a text message.". "That's what I'm talking about!" But Mendez won't give up that easily. "There's no way," he says. He was recently appointed as the President of the California Coaches Association. "As he approached, I didn't know how he could be a football coach. Most everyone recognizes him and says hello. "But I don't think about this the same way everybody else does," he says. As a senior, had 74 catches for 1,229 yards and 18 touchdowns . Mendez learned to diagram plays by using a pen in his mouth. the driver asks. It isn't the first time Rob has fallen out of his chair. The receiver is open. An assistant coach holds a whiteboard a few inches in front of Mendez. Coach seats are in a different section that prospect seats. How does he sleep? "It always kept me hungry. I don't sign up for being inspirational Rob.". They wanted Bob to see other babies born with disabilities. "You know how it is.". Andre Jackson gets instructions from Mendez during the team's first game of the season. It took him more than a half hour - sometimes two steps up, one step down -- but he did it. I'm not beautiful at all. And 26 percent of the school's students are economically disadvantaged. Tolliver, Malachi i, e Easter, Noah ( So.) He knows what he has given his team. I agree it's a small percentage. Encouraged the group to play for their teammates. "It's 37 stretch, right? One of the bartenders reminds him he's not supposed to have more than two drinks. "But even before he could talk, I said, 'Somewhere, somebody is going to open a door for this kid and he's going to shine. Prospect High School ( PHS) is a public high school in Saratoga, California, United States. Doctors prepared her and her husband for the worst. In most cases of tetra-amelia, death occurs before birth. "He's an inspiration to all of us," Alvernaz, said. 31 years later, he's. After. He can barely open his mouth. It's the Friday night before Halloween. Preston Gannaway for ESPN When he's away from home, he's careful about what he eats and drinks, often keeping it to no more than an iced coffee. He knew his offense, he knows his x's and o's and he brings an energy to the team, the players and the rest of the coaching staff. It's all good." At that point, she says, abortion wasn't an option. I can work with people. He turns his face to the right, pulls his head back and prays. We offer the best pricing for sports recruiting videos on the internet and our turnaround time is usually 48 hours or less! Nor did he and Josie have any idea how to take care of this baby. I just knew he was the right man for the job.". Prospect Info. I'm in Las Vegas and there's some guy stumbling drunk, looks like he was just in a fight. He's had people who hear his story and then approach him in tears. His team is a mix of freshmen and sophomores, some with a bit of experience, most with little to none. He insists he's fine, and we order beers. Holding court, triggering laughs and helping people realize for a few minutes that a man in a wheelchair without arms and legs is just like anyone else. "How in the world am I supposed to handle that?" He is 50 pounds of head, neck, torso and waist. He has spent his life fighting statistics, proving doctors and doubters wrong. Three blocks in, a blue pickup driving in the other direction recognizes the wheelchair. On Feb. 23, Dan DeBoeuf, the former head coach at Johnsburg High School was named the head coach of Prospect. The interview began with Mendez asking Cable for a fist bump on the shoulder. Three other players start chitchatting between reps. Mendez loses it. Mendez rolls over to his dejected quarterback. "Anything in the world that is worth doing, he's done it with his mind," Bob says. Mt. Good s--- you've done with those kids. The 6-foot-4, 185-pounder completed 60.1% of his passes last season for 5,275 . It's now a full-on escort -- a motorized wheelchair flanked by two cars with their hazards flashing. Preston Gannaway for ESPN There's the answer he feels as if he should deliver. "It is a quick turnaround that's for sure, "said Prospect coach Dan DeBoeuf, whose team was able to get a full practice completed Monday afternoon. When the players met their new coach, the whispers began. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. That's not me," Mendez says. Key California high school football games, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders, schedules and scores - live and final. Eating breakfast. Keep your heads up. Football coach without arms or legs inspires teamBorn without arms or legs, Rob Mendez was never able to play football, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his passion for the game as a coach.ESPN Mendez was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare congenital disorder that prevents the formation of limbs during embryonic development. Alvernaz hired Mendez to be on his staff, but then followed Mendez to Prospect to be his number two. Mendez calls his last timeout. But I'm 30 years old and a JV high school football coach. My dad would tell me, 'You're not special, Rob. "This was confirmation that you know what, I'm doing OK," he says. I know what you're saying. Kicking Instruction by NFL Kickers and top collegiates NATIONAL KICKING SERVICE FOOTBALL KICKING, PUNTING, AND LONG SNAPPING CAMPS Recommended by NFL Players & Coaches Since 1988, one of football's most respected authorities on Special Teams Skills Groundbreaking Biomechanics Training Program Summer camps are authentic pro-style overnight camps. The Illinois High School Football Coaches' Association announced their list of all-state players Wednesday. But other than the tetra-amelia disorder, his son Rob was born a healthy baby boy. In a little more than 12 hours, Prospect will play for the league JV championship. ", Born without arms or legs, Rob Mendez was never able to play football, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his passion for the game as a coach.ESPN. On warmer days, he can get bed sores from sitting in the same position too long. He learned to press the buttons with his chin and collarbone. Minorities make up 73 percent of the student body. After a few minutes of conversation, he seemed like any other football coach having a beer on a Friday night. And that's special because sometimes in this world, on a day-to-day basis, I wish I could do more. Now comes the opportunity to prove the school made a mistake. ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals all rank the 5-10, 170-pound receiver as a four-star prospect but his high school coach, former UK defensive back Maurice "Moe" Douglass, is not sure that does him justice.

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