Football is much more than just a sport to many athletes; it is a way of life. The game is a symbol of determination, unity, and a deep appreciation for the grind for Robert Cobarrubias, a defensive and offensive lineman for the Nuview Bridge Football Team. When asked what drives him to play, Cobarrubias responded simply with “I just like the sport.” His immediate reaction told me that he has a genuine passion for the sport, which drives many young athletes like Robert. For him, football is about the passion for the game rather than status.
Later in high school, Cobarrubias joined the team, but he soon discovered that it offered more than just competition. “Getting to know new people and just getting more fit is my favorite thing about being on the football team,” he said.
As both a middle linebacker and lineman, Cobarrubias takes on some of the most physically demanding positions on the field. “The biggest challenge in my position is trying to set up and alert the rest of the defense on the play,” he explained. “The most complicated part is trying to make tackles that would stop big plays against us.” These responsibilities require quick thinking, clear communication, and the ability to stay composed even in high-pressure moments.
“I drink a lot of water and rest, that’s about it,” Cobarrubias says when discussing preparation for games. However, his plan demonstrates discipline and knowledge of the value of recuperation in maintaining performance over the span of the season.
Balance between academics and athletics can be challenging for many student-athletes, but Cobarrubias manages it with determination. “You just need to pay attention, and you’ll pass,” he said with confidence. Whether in the classroom or on the field, his attitude is an example of his trust that hard work and perseverance pay off. Balance between academics and athletics can be challenging for many student-athletes, but Cobarrubias manages it with determination. Football has helped him grow in more ways than one, even when he’s not playing. Cobarrubias said, “The team has affected me by making me take more responsibility.” The lessons learned from working together, being responsible, and never giving up last longer than game day.
That doesn’t mean that everything is easy. He said that making good, formed tackles was definitely his hardest challenge when asked. I can tackle, but it’s in a strange, sloppy way that could lead to a broken tackle. Being able to see his flaws shows that he is mature, which is something all athletes need to do better at. “I’m trying to get better at tackling because if I miss one, it could cost the team a lot of yards, and we could end up losing the game,” he said.
He thinks about what he wishes he had done differently as his time playing high school football comes to an end. He said, “I’d tell my younger self to play more in high school.” “I only played for two years, and I wish I had started sooner because I would have been better by now.” He hopes that younger athletes will listen to his advice to start early, stay committed, and enjoy every moment.
For players like Robert Cobarrubias, football is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and resilience in addition to being a game of yards and points. The lessons gained on the field continue to mold the person outside of the helmet with each hit, huddle, and hard-won victory.
