February 5, talented senior linebacker Cooper Negron (54) joined the rest of the NC commits as he signed with Reinhardt University. Surrounded by family, friends and influential coaches, Negron celebrated this accomplishment and the countless feats he has achieved these past four years at NC.
Negron has perfected his craft in his position through 12 consecutive years of playing, which shows through the various accolades he has achieved, such as Male Athlete of the Week. Negron also achieved All-Region and All-State teams, leading the NC varsity football team (11-1) in tackles. This past season marked the end of his high school playing time, but Negron received offers from various schools, such as Berry College and Point University, providing him with numerous opportunities to further his career. While this ending may seem bittersweet, Negron’s future holds numerous exciting possibilities with the Reinhardt football program. Along with an athletic scholarship to aid in financing higher education, the team also provided a comforting familial bond. Negron desired to attend a college that would value him as a person, not just as an athlete. Luckily, the community he already experienced at Reinhardt presents a place for him to form connections and continue to develop as a football player.
“I’ve been playing football since I was six, so twelve total years. I think the thing I love most about it is that it calms me. Once I step on the field everything else goes away and I’m able to just do something I love… I committed to Reinhardt because it was the best scholarship I received money-wise and because of the family aspect of it all. They love me as a person, not just as a player,” Negron said.
When not playing football, Negron takes part in numerous athletic activities at NC. As part of the varsity boys’ lacrosse team (3-0) and the varsity boys’ basketball team (5-19), Negron stays in shape for football year-round and expresses himself in various athletic forms. This athleticism also takes root in Negron’s attendance at Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) on Thursday mornings, where he even shared his faith and testimony through the club’s Fields of Faith event October 8.
This participation reveals another important aspect of Negron’s life: his faith. The athlete continuously speaks of and embodies his love for Jesus in numerous facets of his life. From attending FCA to helping with the audio and visual for his Church throughout the week, Negron displays a commitment to his beliefs and exemplifies the life of a Christian athlete.
“My faith is everything to me. It’s the reason I get to do what I do, and without God I wouldn’t be where I am today. Just for him to have an opportunity to play at the next level and continue to do something that I love is more than I could ask for,” Negron said.
The Chant wishes Negron luck in his future at Reinhardt and remains proud of all his accolades so far. Go Eagles!
