Conner & Caleb — c n n r

As I sorted through all the pictures I took in 2016, trying to find the best, this one stood out as one of my favorites.

Conner (left) and Caleb (right) seeing each other for the first time after Caleb won the state championship in football our senior year. Conner is leaning over the railing in Lucas Oil Stadium to congratulate his life long friend.

You can't see Conner's face here, but I can tell you his expression mirrors Caleb's-one of pure excitement, all for his life long friend.

I asked these guys tonight how long they've known each other, and both responded that they can't remember a time when they weren't friends, which I think makes this moment all the more special.

Few people know how hard Caleb worked for this moment like Conner does, and even fewer can say that they were a part of it in the way that Conner was. All the flag, elementary tackle, and middle school football they played together when they were younger. The different camps and workouts done together. The countless days in the weight room. Beyond that, the mix of emotions that came with being so dedicated to sports all those years. The endless days they spent together, doing life together both on and off the field. Even after Conner quit football in eighth grade to focus on basketball, he and Caleb remained best friends, and endured all of the ups and downs of life with one another. I truly believe it when I say that Conner, more than almost anyone, knows just how hard Caleb worked for this moment, and understands the magnitude of how much it means to him.

I was beyond excited for Caleb this night, and proud of someone who I consider to be one of my closest friends; however, seeing these two interact the way they did after the game was incredible to me, and stuck far more than any moment or play during the game itself.

I'm incredibly thankful to have these two guys in my life as a model for what true friendship looks like, and I feel blessed to have experienced some of that friendship myself. Having such real friends, with faith that makes mine stronger, passion that pushes me, and a love of life that is unmatched and contagious, has been nothing short of a blessing.

To some of the most fun and supportive guys I have ever had the privilege of doing life with:

Thank you

I'm gonna miss you both tremendously next year, but I know that we will all forever be close and connected. Always there to support each other. Always there to share a ridiculous story and laugh. Always there to go make new memories.

Thanks for all you do, I have nothing but love for you both.