The story of junior center Colby Mitchell is one of faith, adversity and humility.

In today’s world of FBS level football, successful players and coaches are forced to dedicate the majority of their time to their craft. Off seasons are often filled with strength training and watching film with just a little time left for personal pleasure.

Last summer, Colby Mitchell found time to improve his game while serving as an intern youth minister at First Baptist Church Longview in Longview, Texas.

“I fell in love with the kids. I fell in love with the place. I love teaching and just hanging out with the kids,” said Mitchell.

It was clear from a young age that although Colby’s football career was a great passion for him, other things held more weight in his life.

“Colby has always been Colby.  No matter what was going on around him, he always knew who he was and anyone around him knew it as well,” said Colby’s father, Reed Mitchell. “This quality was not only seen on the football field but more importantly in everything else he has done in his life. People have always respected and gravitated to that without him even knowing.”

Football locker rooms are infamous for being a little rough around the edges where uber-macho attitudes rein supreme. Colby has found a way to keep his life centered around his Christian faith.

“I’ve made it clear to everyone what my beliefs are,” said Mitchell. “I don’t want to be the kind of guy that people have to walk on egg shells around. I’m not the kind of guy that is going to judge anyone.”

Offensive linemen are notorious for being the nastiest people on the football field. Colby says that when he steps between the sidelines and onto the gridiron, something clicks and he becomes the aggressive player that his team needs him to be.

“It’s weird because on the field I’m a totally different person kind of,” said Mitchell. “I mean I don’t curse anyone out or anything but I have been known to get nasty with them. When I get off the field, I’m a totally different guy. I just don’t carry the same demeanor on the field as I do outside,” said Mitchell.

“It’s kind of hard to switch on and off but I think I do an alright job of trying to manage my personal life with my football life.”

“As a mom, it was amazing to me to see the ‘transformation’ that took place when the football helmet went on. He went from this sweet, kind-hearted boy, to this mean, ‘I’m going to knock you on the ground and use your helmet to get myself up,’ type of boy,” said Colby’s mother, Wendy Mitchell.

Colby’s faith was strengthened in his high school days in his hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. There, he found a leader and mentor in his youth minister, Kevin Rainey. Rainey couldn’t be more proud of where Colby is today.

“It’s a great feeling, because Colby hasn’t sacrificed his morals or ethics or his relationship with God to get there.  He’s done it with hard work, integrity and an incredible attitude,” Rainey said.

Colby says there is nothing on Earth as important as his relationship with God and he wants everyone to know it.

“This life is just so much more than ourselves. I try and live the life that is glorifying to God. There are lots of important things like football and things like that, but the thought of having someone die for you is the best feeling. It blows my mind everyday,” Mitchell said.