Aidan Murphy
Senior
Willowbrook
When did you first start playing football?
I first started playing in second grade. I played for my local team in Pop Warner. I think it was fifth grade where I started playing Falcons. Since I was a bigger kid, I always played a year up.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
I used to play other team sports like soccer and basketball and baseball. I feel like it’s a different type of team chemistry. The pregame, the sense of family — it’s been more in football and that’s why I’ve always loved it.
What is your favorite position to play?
I always liked my tight end position. I feel like that suited me. I blocked in my youth. I played line my freshman year. When I started playing receiver, it was the best of both worlds for me.
What is your pregame routine?
I listen to music. I block out social media. I block out all the noise. I focus and think, “What do I want to do in this game to help my team succeed?”
What is your goal for the season?
As a team, it’s honestly to win as many games as possible. As a senior, I don’t want to live with regrets. I don’t want to know I left stuff on the field. Looking back I want to be proud of how I did. I want to win. I don’t want to lose this year.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I used to resell sneakers back in the day. I would buy these super limited, super hyped up sneakers back in eighth grade, freshman year. I would sell them and actually made some money.
What are your plans for next year?
The goal right now is to try to get (a scholarship) for football. If I don’t, I’ll probably just go to a Big 10 school.
Why does coach Brian Griffin like having Murphy on the team?
We love having Aidan on the team because he’s willing to try any position or do anything to help the team. He has worked incredibly hard throughout the year to get ready for the season. He truly wants to make himself and those around him better. This embodies what it means to be a Red Devil.
— profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
