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Ridge Laney will be representing not only Rutherford County, but the United States, in May when he takes part in the All-American Football Events United States Football Bowl Game in Jaco, Costa Rica.
Laney, a 2005 graduate of Chase High School where he played right offensive guard for the Trojans, was given the opportunity with All-American Football Events by owner Edward Chapp. All-American Football Events is a nationally formatted semiprofessional football team. It specializes in providing opportunities for hand-selected athletes from all walks of life to showcase their skills and participate in one-of-a-kind all-star national events.
“My accomplishments on and off the field caught his (Chapp’s) attention, and he felt I would be a great candidate to represent the United States in bowl games around the world,” Laney explained.
Those accomplishments include being a law enforcement officer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, a position that football has influenced.
“I have always been an offensive lineman and I lived to protect my general, the man known as the quarterback. We linemen never really get any credit - we are the first line of defense for those who get the glory,” he explained. “How I transition football into law enforcement really isn’t any different - the first line you always hear is protect and serve. The sheriff is my head coach and the community is my quarterback that I am willing to give my all to to protect.
“What I have learned from football is communication, determination, calmness, think before you do and timing - which I role over to law enforcement and everyday life, which are the ingredients for dealing with people in a positive manner.”
The Costa Rica game in May will be Laney’s third bowl game. It’s unique to play the game he loves in another country, and despite the cultural differences, one thing remains the same. Football brings out the competition in all the players.
“No one ever knew that Mexico has one of the top college football teams in the nation, the Aztecas, who have one numerous Mexico National Championships since the 1970s,” he said. “I played against their powerhouse team last fall with team USA, and it was by far the hardest game I haver played in my career.”
Playing for team USA is a dream come true for the man who has been playing the game since he was 7. But, he most looks forward to returning home to his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Kaylen.
“They are who I work so hard for, and the ones who keep me trying to climb mountains when the top seems unreachable.”
To help Laney reach his goal of returning overseas to play football, visit gofundme.com and search for Ridge Laney.
