Walking down the fifty-yard line, senior Courtney Richardson celebrates football senior night with his grandma and grandpa on his left and twin brother, Kareem Richardson, on his right. Courtney reflects and expresses gratitude for the last four years of high school and his involvement in football and JROTC.
“I remember one time when I was walking outside in elementary school, and I saw people playing football. I wanted to be just like them, and I’ve loved football ever since,” Courtney said. “Football made me fall in love with all other sports because of the competitiveness and physicality it has taught me.”
Throughout high school, Courtney played outside linebacker and defensive tackle, meeting some of his best friends on the defensive line.
“Legacy football is where I found so many new brothers and new friends,” Courtney said. “It started out rough in the program because I was new to Mansfield, but with time, I grew with all my teammates and my coaches.”
Born and raised in Philadelphia until 2020, Courtney believes his friends, specifically senior Alec Cano, and the Legacy student organizations helped him adjust to Texas and its culture.
“Throughout high school, I’ve seen Courtney learn to manage his anger and learn better self control and discipline,” Cano said. “He’s become a much stronger person not just mentally, but physically.”
Two years after moving to Texas, Courtney’s mom passed away after previously being put on dialysis and being vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was always really close with my mom; she’s the one that introduced me to football,” Courtney said. “I really encourage everyone around me to take all the chances you get because you never know how much time you have left with the people you love.”
Courtney encourages anyone going through a hard family situation or circumstance to continue pressing on and use it for good.
“To be honest, I never thought I was going to make it out, but I was determined to prove people wrong,” Courtney said. “I know I may seem goofy to a lot of people, but I really have learned so much throughout high school and grown a lot in my maturity in life because of the things I’ve been through. Being a good leader, I don’t need others to see my growth to know that I’m proud of myself.”
Currently and throughout childhood, Kareem and Courtney relied on each other through the hardships and looked to the other for guidance.
“I’ve always felt like I’ve had to take care of my brother throughout our whole childhood, so I missed out on a lot of things I needed to learn and had to mature at a young age for him,” Courtney said. “I still don’t even know how to tie a tie or a lot about cars.”
Courtney’s grandpa encouraged him to join JROTC his junior year to learn discipline, but he quickly fell in love with the people and the program.
“I’m so glad I joined JROTC,” Courtney said. “My sergeants and the program have taught me so many things I wouldn’t otherwise know. I know skills like reading a map, military time and actually reading coordinates.”
In JROTC, Courtney holds the position of Senior Cadet within the Bronco Battalion. He coaches, mentors and guides the younger cadets to ensure their success. Master Sergeant James Free met Courtney when he first began teaching at Legacy in October.
“I’ve only known Courtney since October, but it has really been a pleasure to watch him grow and get to know him as a cadet and just a person in general,” Master Sergeant Free said. “He’s a kindhearted individual despite his outward appearance and would go to any lengths to support his family and his team. Courtney is consistently bringing levity to our class and serves as an inspiration for others to follow.”
Master Sergeant Free hopes that wherever Courtney goes after high school, he continues to spread positivity to all those around him.
“In all sincerity, I wish him nothing but the absolute best in the future,” Master Sergeant Free said. “I hope he stays true to who he is and that he does not allow the negativity of the world to influence his path in life, and that he spreads that mentality by reinvesting in his community. He has a kind heart and the potential to do absolutely anything he sets his mind to.”
Looking at the future, Courtney hopes to be a firefighter paramedic after attending EMT school at Dallas College Brookhaven.
“I hope to learn more leadership skills through EMT school,” Courtney said. “I can’t wait to continue competing with other brothers at a new level while also getting to help others out.”
