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Eyes On The End Zone, Heart In The Game: One Athlete’s Mission To Inspire, Lead, And Succeed

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From the moment he started watching Justin Jefferson light up the field, football became more than a game for Christopher Garner Jr., it became a calling. Inspired by greatness, he poured himself into the grind learning that true success comes from discipline, teamwork, and heart. Through the Elite 7-on-7 program, Christopher has sharpened his skills, and built unshakable bonds with teammates and coaches. With big goals in mind, he’s not just preparing for a season, he’s preparing for a future filled with purpose and potential.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Garner Jr.

Christopher, what inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
Watching Justin Jefferson inspired me. His style and confidence made me want to be like him. That passion got me into 7-on-7, where I found my love for competing.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
It’s helped me become a smarter, tougher, and more adaptable player. The experience has built my work ethic and love for the game.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I set goals, visualize making big plays, and stay locked in. I also focus on staying calm and being ready for anything.

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
I work on routes to sharpen my focus. Then, I throw on NBA YoungBoy to get hype and ready to go.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
I’m locked in and ready to compete. I trust my work, trust my team, and focus on making an impact.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I remind myself of my goals and why I started. The grind is tough, but I know it’s building something greater.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My dad is my biggest influence. He’s always pushing me. He taught me how to be strong and focused.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
Do the right thing, even when nobody’s watching. Character matters just as much as talent.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
They push me past my limits and believe in me. Their guidance helps me grow as a player and a person.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means showing up for your brothers. You play for each other, not just yourself.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I take the lesson, not the loss. Then, I move on and come back stronger.

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
I want to be great. Everyday is a chance to get closer to that.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
Ohio State. It’s been my dream school for as long as I can remember.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I play Roblox and just chill. It helps me relax and reset.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field?
They push me to be my best and hold me accountable. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I stay calm and trust my training. Pressure just means it matters.

What’s your favorite route to run and why?
Comebacks and fades. They allow me to show my footwork and timing. They’re routes that make big plays happen.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
Short-term, I want to keep improving and make varsity. Long-term, I’m chasing college ball and beyond.

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
By always having their back. That trust builds fast when you show up for each other.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
Go for it and don’t be afraid to start. If you want it, work for it.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

We Speak Football

She Doesn’t Just Play the Game, She Controls It: How Ariah Butts Is Commanding the Field Through Speed, Vision, and Relentless Execution

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Ariah Butts is more than just a dynamic athlete, she’s a rising star who’s using flag football as her platform to lead, grow, and inspire. Hailing from the South Side of Chicago, Ariah plays for Kenwood Academy High School and competes with the HTA Travel Team, lining up at wide receiver, running back, middle linebacker, and rusher. With elite speed, undeniable energy, and a mindset built on resilience, Ariah is proving that hard work and heart can take you far. Whether she’s lighting up the field or encouraging teammates from the sideline, her presence is undeniable and her goals are crystal clear: college, the U.S. National Team, and the Olympic stage.

What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I started playing football in 8th grade during recess—it was just fun at first. My 8th grade science teacher started a team in the spring of 2023, which happened to be the first season Chicago Public Schools had a league for elementary schools. I joined the team, and after playing our first game, I fell in love with the sport.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Playing the sport has pushed me to become more of a leader on and off the field. It’s also taught me how to take feedback from coaches and use it to grow as a player.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I listen to music to lock in and get in the right headspace.

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
I stretch and warm up my hands with route running. My hype music is either rap or Chicago juke music—the upbeat tempo and heavy bass get me going.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
Play hard and win big.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
In the off-season, I compete in cheer and run track with my high school. I was also selected for the HTA travel team this year, where we trained and played in tournaments.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My mom. She always motivates me to work hard and not stress over things I can’t control. She’s full of high energy and her bright smile is something I feed off of when I’m on the field.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
Building strong team chemistry drives the success of the team.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
The coaches at HTA really push you out of your comfort zone. That challenge helps increase my versatility on the field.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
It means a lot to play at an elite level, especially coming from the south side of Chicago. It’s been an amazing opportunity to showcase my skills and commitment to the game.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I reflect on what I could have done better and then move on to the next play or game. You learn and grow.

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
I want to play flag football at the collegiate and national level, so I know I have to keep working hard to reach that goal.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
I would love to play for the U.S. National Team and represent the country in the Olympics.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I love traveling to different states and countries to experience new cultures. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and going to the movies.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and person, both on and off the field?
My coaches have taught me the importance of refining my skills, teamwork, discipline, and how to bounce back from mistakes. My parents are my biggest supporters. They encourage me to work hard and have fun, and their belief in me fuels my confidence.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
I take a deep breath and give 110% on and off the field. As long as I’m doing my best, I’m good with the outcome. I always remind myself to enjoy the game.

What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
I love running the pulse route. It gives me a chance to showcase my speed getting up the field.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
Short-term, I want to improve my receiving game in traffic and learn how to control my speed while rushing. Long-term, I want to compete in the Olympics and excel at the collegiate level.

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
By communicating with your team, getting to know them off the field, and always cheering them on—win or lose.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
Hard work always pays off. But never forget to enjoy the game and have fun doing what you love.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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