I stuff a pad between him and the chair back -- paranoid he could fall. Mendez was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare congenital disorder that prevents the formation of limbs during embryonic development. They tell Rob he can't coach for at least four weeks. ! "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. It has given him a life otherwise inaccessible. 50/50 raffle will be available as well as over 20 beers on tap . "I just wanted to coach football." Is that you?" "I got it. Quote of the . Without his wheelchair working properly, he can't raise its height to sit next to me at the bar. On this night, on the same field where this journey began, Mendez gathers his team one last time. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. he says. You guys fought your butts off. I don't sign up for being inspirational Rob.". And how does he deal with such a challenging life? For the last few minutes of our ride, we both keep quiet. Three-star prospect by 247Sports . I panic. After a few minutes of conversation, he seemed like any other football coach having a beer on a Friday night. Prepped for head coach Victor Winters at Gadsden County High School in Havana, Flarated a three-star prospecta first-team all-state and a first-team All-Big Bend selection for the Jaguars after grading out over 90 percentinvited to participate in the NUC All-American Game in 2022had interest from several programs, including Florida Atlantic, Maryland, South Florida, Wake Forest . And his roommate is resting back at home, exhausted from a pair of Vegas nights. I love it. They gave me a feeling of importance. I mention that it seems as if anything that reminds him of his physical challenges bugs him. "We live and die. As a senior, had 74 catches for 1,229 yards and 18 touchdowns . It's an accomplishment to the public because I have no arms and legs, but the reality is I'm not accomplished. After 12 years of working, Prospect High School gave him that chance. he says. I can work with people. 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. College Football Prospect ID events are the first premier event following the 2022 high school and college football seasons. I'd completely forgotten that Mendez can't feed himself. It just makes me mad.". It's a testament to his ability to be comfortable in any surrounding and put strangers at ease. How does he eat? It showed him how much energy he draws from the kids. Shaving. "They gave me the feeling of being the helper. More SC Featured THREE MONTHS AFTER we first met, Mendez and I are in another bar, this time in downtown Campbell. Things like that happen all the time. "I guess you saw a little bit of the other side tonight. But at 24, I didn't really know what to do or say at the time.". Sobrato is located across the street from his parents' home in Morgan Hill. "I think it always will." When Mendez first took over the coaching job, many kids on the team were surprised to see a man with his condition coaching them. "Thank you," he says to me after his first sip. You don't have a realistic view of your ability and playing level. The coach nods and says "thank you.". I turned around, took two to three steps and then I heard it.". John Hersey High School Buffalo Grove High School Elk Grove High School Glenbrook South Rolling Meadows High School Saint Viator. "I've always been someone to be not afraid of failure," Mendez said. Doctors recommend surgery. College Football Prospect ID events are the first premier event following the 2022 high school and college football seasons. His friends stuffed pillows in his shirt and attached a board to the front of his chair so he could play goalie in street hockey tournaments. "I'm not going to lie. It's an image his brain can't compute. "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. Please check your email for a confirmation. I am a team player and a hard He drew up game plans on Madden and took them to practice. Mendez. "If I can go out there and power through four or five hours, then I'm OK.", Says McAvoy: "That's just him. 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. "And you're risking it all by not wearing an upper belt." Rob is no different." I love the feeling when I lift kids up. It wasn't like there was a store to buy clothes or toys for children with no arms and legs. For the last few minutes of our ride, we both keep quiet. Despite the fast changeover, coaches and players are ready for a full 9-game season. Manning also ranks as the No. "I just wanted to coach football.". Nor did he and Josie have any idea how to take care of this baby. The two coaches connected. "You know how Ironman gets in his suit and he just starts flying everywhere? ", 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. He scoffs. Some might suggest he should be home, resting. For now, I start with a topic far simpler: football. "Yes, Coach," the quarterback says. But after losing the season opener to Santa Clara, his Panthers won seven games in a row. Mendez operates his cellphone, attached to a stand on his wheelchair, with his nose and lips. By Tuesday afternoon, he's back at Prospect for practice, apologizing to his players for Monday's absence. "About damn time," McAvoy says with a grin. 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. How does he go to the bathroom? He demanded respect, eye contact and accountability. "I like the way I am, really," he says. He reads, draws and spends extra time with family and friends. It doesn't lead to a good place. He's meeting me at the bar. In his first full season as head coach, he led the Panthers to a playoff birth and a near-perfect season. 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. Rated as the No. No way. But it isn't that simple. It isn't about what the players did right or wrong or what they need to clean up before the next game. Eating breakfast. Preston Gannaway for ESPN Practice starts in a few days. It has given him a life otherwise inaccessible. "Oh whatever," Mendez answers. So I try not to complain. "When someone is born this way, this is their world," says Dr. Benjamin Mandac, Mendez's pediatric physical therapist who now is the head of that department at Kaiser Permanente in the Bay Area. Ozzy Garcia Donna High School football player attending a prospect camp at Southwestern University in Georgetown Texas get's a high-five from coach.. Rob has fractured cheek and orbital bones and has the effects of a concussion. How does he coach football? "I wish more people were like that. This ensures that the coaches can spend quality time with all players attending and are not overwhelmed with large camp numbers. "Anything in the world that is worth doing, he's done it with his mind," Bob says. If all goes well, a receiver should be open about 15 yards downfield right in front of the Prospect sideline. When coaches ask you to go on an official visit, paid for by the school's program, they're using their budget to show off their school and create an impressive experience for you as a recruit. We're the ones who feel sorry for them and say, 'Oh you poor thing.' He rolls in wearing a plain white T-shirt and faded red San Francisco 49ers hat. But he hates the sidewalk. I'm lazy. And ended each practice with the same message: I love you guys. It confirmed how much he despises losing. He learned to press the buttons with his chin and collarbone. Getting dressed. "That's how humans are -- they adapt. Mendez operates his cellphone, attached to a stand on his wheelchair, with his nose and lips. Tired. It happened at the end of his senior prom, when he tipped over the wheelchair ramp as he and his classmates were leaving. ", "Yes, Coach," the quarterback says. He doesn't listen to the doctors like he should. The day-to-day blanks are easy for him to fill in. "I'm so proud of you. DeBoeuf could not be more honored to be chosen to replace Martindale. 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. I put Mendez on my shoulder, turn and then set him in the chair next to me. Work Environment Part-time work is common for coaches and scouts. Rob leans forward in his chair to reach his cell phone. Mendez orders a water. I don't want to be put on a pedestal. It gives me hope for the world." One dog's remarkable journey to find a home He couldn't get enough. He has lived his entire life without arms and legs. St. Rita High School. Contents 1 Academics 2 Athletics 3 Campus 4 Other 5 Notable alumni 6 See also 7 References 8 External links Academics [ edit] Prospect offers a mix of advanced and on-level classes. It took him more than a half hour - sometimes two steps up, one step down -- but he did it. To feel comfortable. This is why WVU has already extended an offer to the Pickerington Central High School product from Ohio. 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. An assistant coach holds a whiteboard a few inches in front of Mendez. All the honorees will . He asks his quarterback for a hug. 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. They just want to move, explore and live. Now, he inspires others to be strong and never give up despite adversity. I might take two steps forward and then one step back. Afterward, Bob says doctors and nurses would walk by and stare. "Let's get to the bottom of it. Mendez has made stops at many different schools across the Bay Area, including Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill, Calif. where he met Coach Tim Alvernaz. Elk Grove Village, IL. High School coach ticket pickup closes TWENTY minutes prior to kickoff. Keep your heads up. But Rob refuses because the upper belt limits his ability to access his phone and draw plays. "Rob? On warmer days, he can get bed sores from sitting in the same position too long. Now comes the opportunity to prove the school made a mistake. He can be stubborn. ", Mendez leans forward in his chair. It's the Friday night before Halloween. "Screw that," he says. He is mobile thanks to the chair he controls with his head and neck. This is roughly the same player-to-coach ratio on a college football roster. A young boy holds open the door as Mendez approaches his favorite spot. Prospect's defense held off Maine South for the final 44 seconds to secure a 42-41 win. And different is not bad. Lewis Hamilton living the hell out of life, Jalen Ramsey: The man, the mouth, the legend. Minorities make up 73 percent of the student body. "Like a pancake hitting the ground. After a few minutes of conversation, Cable believed he had his man. I'm sorry." His comes with a straw. Preston Gannaway for ESPN, A FEW MINUTES after our first beer, a bartender brings Mendez a plate of California rolls. "Think about it. Most everyone recognizes him and says hello. On convenience alone, it would have been the perfect place for him to coach forever. One way he was able to do this is through coaching football. "I kept thinking, 'How can this guy possibly coach?'" '", Mendez taught himself the game of football by playing Madden on a PlayStation, using his chin and collarbone to push the buttons. Preston Gannaway for ESPN She says she couldn't look at her son for the first couple of weeks. Doctors recommend surgery. Push the limits. Follow him! Prospect High School ( PHS) is a public high school in Saratoga, California, United States. I'm in Las Vegas and there's some guy stumbling drunk, looks like he was just in a fight. "He was still in diapers," Bob says. He says he would consider prosthetics only if he ever became a father. He talked about building a family. MENDEZ'S WHEELCHAIR NEVER sits still, but the way it pinballs back and forth between the hashmarks on the Prospect practice field says the coach is not happy. We'll get to that. So I follow him in the bike lane, hazards on. "How in the world am I supposed to handle that?" 2. He tumbles forward. And to just kill the pain," he says. The next generation of basketball legends will rock uniforms by New York City-based streetwear designer Eric Emanuel. Watch Later. 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. I love you, man," Lopez says. 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