For Weber Bradford, football started with a simple question from his dad during seventh grade: “Do you think you could kick a football?”
At the time, Bradford had already spent years playing soccer, beginning around age 4 or 5.
With that athletic background, kicking came naturally. After trying it one day following practice, something clicked. Not long after, he made his first extra point in a game, and from that moment forward, he was hooked.
Now a standout player at Franklin County High School (FCHS), Bradford has become known not only for his ability on the field but for the mental toughness and consistency that define his approach to the game.
Reflecting on his football journey so far, Bradford describes the experience as both rewarding and challenging.
“It’s been a fun experience, and I have bonded with a lot of different players and coaches,” Bradford said. “It has been challenging because the scoreboard hasn’t always reflected the hard work that the team puts in day in and day out.”
That perspective reveals much about Bradford’s character. While wins and losses matter, his appreciation for the relationships, work ethic, and process behind the sport stands out just as strongly. For him, football is bigger than Friday night scores. It is about showing up, staying committed, and continuing to improve no matter the circumstances.
As a kicker, Bradford knows firsthand how important confidence and mental preparation can be. The position comes with immense pressure. Often, games can hinge on a single kick, leaving little room for hesitation or doubt.
When asked how he handles pressure moments, Bradford’s answer was simple but revealing.
“I trust in all the work that I have put in,” he said. “I tell myself I have been here before and I can trust myself.”
That mindset has been shaped by years of repetition, training, and support from the people closest to him. Bradford credits both his parents and Coach Steven Clark from Kohl’s Kicking Camps for helping him grow not only technically but also mentally.
“Kicking is a huge mental game, I’m really thankful to have the support system of my parents who always encourage me,” Bradford said. “Coach Steven Clark at the Kohl’s Kicking Camps has been huge in teaching form and drills.”
The dedication required to excel as a kicker is often overlooked. Unlike many positions on the field, kickers spend countless hours refining technique, repetition, and consistency in moments that can appear effortless to spectators. Behind every successful kick is a deep commitment to practice and preparation.
All of that hard work becomes worth it the moment he steps onto the field on Friday nights.
“Every Friday night,” he said when asked about his favorite football memory. “There is just something about playing under the lights on a Friday night.”
Still, one moment stands above the rest.
“One big memory was freshman year when we beat Tullahoma at their place,” Bradford recalled.
Like many athletes, Bradford has discovered that football develops far more than physical ability. The sport has shaped him mentally and personally, teaching him lessons about perseverance, discipline, and responsibility that extend far beyond the field.
“Athletically, it pushes me to go beyond my limits on the field and in the gym,” Bradford said. “Personally, I have grown because of the discipline. It’s on those days that you don’t want to do something, something kicks in and says, ‘But the job still has to get done.’”
That mentality, continuing to work even when motivation fades, is one of the defining traits of successful athletes. As he looks toward the future, Bradford remains focused on growth. Rather than comparing himself to others, his mindset centers on becoming better each day.
“I really want to beat myself every day on the field and in the gym,” Bradford said. “I want to get better every day.”
With college opportunities ahead, Bradford hopes to find a program that feels like home, much like Franklin County High School has throughout his athletic journey.
“The next step with college — I just want to find the right fit,” he said, “somewhere that I feel at home, like I do at FCHS.”
Whether kicking under Friday night lights or preparing for the next chapter beyond high school, Bradford continues to embody the qualities that coaches value most — humility, discipline, resilience, and a relentless drive to improve. GN
