PENDLETON — Luke Randolph hopes someday to play for a National Football League team. Recently, the 13-year-old Pendleton resident got the opportunity to show his athletic skills on a professional football field.
On Dec. 7, Randolph partcipated in the NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick competition at Lucas Oil Stadium. The event took place before the Indianapolis Colts home game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
More than 40 youngsters competed in several age groups. Once points were tallied, Randolph was named the winner in the boys 12- to 13-year-old age group.
Sitting in the living room of his home with his father, Damon, mother, Mary, sister Paige, brother Drake and family pooch Sailor, Randolph talked about the experience that many teenagers only dream of.
“It was really cool being out on the field,” Randolph said. “The field was really huge. The greatest thrill was being out there where Peyton Manning throws. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
In the competition, Randolph punted 97 feet, passed for 126 feet 2 inches, and kicked the football 126 feet 4 inches.
Former NFL player Mike Pryor presented plaques to first-place finishers in four age divisions. It was a proud moment for Randolph, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off of Pryor’s Super Bowl ring.
“His Super Bowl ring was huge,” he said. “He played for the Colts but won his Super Bowl ring when he was with the Packers. I was really impressed.”
Damon Randolph wasn’t surprised that his son did not get overly excited with winning his Punt, Pass and Kick age division.
“Luke is very laid-back and positive,” he said, “but very competitive. He is a real team player and isn’t big-headed at all. That’s a good quality in kids today.”
“When Luke was little he never watched cartoons like the other kids. It was always ESPN. He always has the stats remembered and knows who all the players are,” his mother, Mary, said. “Luke is a sports fanatic with a sports mind.”
Randolph’s journey to Lucas Oil Stadium began with the Punt, Pass and Kick competition at the Pendleton Junior Football League field. After winning the contest in Pendleton, he advanced to Tipton where he placed first once again.
Randolph is one of only four Punt, Pass and Kick participants left to compete for the national title in his age group. The winner will be decided Saturday in Charlotte, N.C., where the Arizona Cardinals will face the Carolina Panthers in an NFC Divisional playoff game.
“No matter where Luke goes, his mother and I will be there rooting him on,” Damon Randolph said.
“We would love for Paige and Drake to be able to go with us,” Mary Randolph said, “but it is so expensive. I wish we could find a way to bring them along.”
The NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick program is a national skills competition for boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 15 to compete separately against his or her peers. Established in 1961, the Punt, Pass and Kick program is the oldest NFL youth football program. Over 4 million boys and girls from across the country participate every year in the free competition, making it one of the world’s largest youth sports participation programs.
Randolph is no stranger to the game of football. He was a member of the Pendleton Junior Football League for four years and was starting quarterback for the Pendleton Heights Middle School football team. This past year, the Arabians had a 3-4 record. Randolph threw for more than 800 yards and connected with his receivers for eleven touchdown passes. The talented athlete has his heart set on playing varsity football at Pendleton Heights High School, where he has already worked out with the team.
“I would love to be the team quarterback,” Randolph said, “but I will play where they put me.”
Randolph is proud to represent the Indianapolis Colts in the Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick competition, which happens to be his favorite NFL team. Though he is a quarterback, Bob Sanders is his favorite Colts player.
“Peyton is a great player,” Randolph said, “but I love to watch Sanders play.”
No matter what happens in the final round of the Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick competition, Randolph will take it all in stride.
“I’m one of the top four in the nation, “ he said. “So that’s pretty good. I’m just glad to be a part of this.”
Pendleton News
January 7, 2009
News (Jan. 7): Kid, 13, realizes NFL dreams
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