Q&A with Cosby football player, Midlothian area resident Landon Snyder
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. — As a freshman, Landon Snyder is clear about what he wants to achieve in his high school years, college, and beyond. His commitment, hard work, and dedication have already yielded significant results in pursuing his goals. Landon was among only 60 freshmen across the country selected for the Football University (FBU) All-American Bowl. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been my goal for two years. I worked hard and made it,鈥� said Landon. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait to play this game!鈥� His inspiration and love for the game come from his dad, who played in college. Landon also recognizes his linebacker coaches at Cosby High School, Coaches Lamont and Conner, his trainer, Nate Daniels, and USD linebacker coach Hodge whose instruction at FBU taught him a lot about the position he loves. He also gives a shout-out to his mom, Rachel Snyder, for her support and helping him maintain a solid mental game during his training.
Landon is determined to continue working hard, not only at football but also in the classroom. He maintained a 4.0 GPA and chose to attend Cosby for their Health Science Academy. He hopes to pursue a career in the medical field someday after he retires from the NFL. We asked him questions about his challenges, how he overcomes them, and why he loves football.
What is the biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Landon Snyder: My biggest challenge would be not getting distracted by others鈥� success on social media and remembering to stay in my lane and not compare. Instead, I scroll by other athletes my age to read what coaches and people I admire are saying.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Snyder: The best advice I鈥檝e ever received was to avoid things that will keep me from my goal, whether it be health-related (drugs and alcohol), negative people, or friends that have a bad influence on me.
What do you love about your sport?
Snyder: I love the bonds I make with my teammates and coaches. I love playing the game and feeling the rush of adrenaline. I love the process of the training I go through and seeing its results. Above all, I love this sport because it teaches me how to outwork people and work hard for my goals even when I don鈥檛 feel like it. Football is really tough.
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
Snyder: I listen to music before a game to pump me up, and I speak positively to my team. I鈥檓 looking forward to seeing what Cosby High School鈥檚 rituals will be.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Snyder: It has taught me leadership skills, working with others, and that the goal isn鈥檛 just about me. It鈥檚 about all of us.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Snyder: My trainer Nate Daniels gives me tons of great advice. His best would probably be to focus on the now more than the future. In football, it is easy to get caught up in where you will play in college instead of enjoying the time you have now as a kid in high school. I鈥檓 grateful for that because my parents tell me it will go by quickly, and I want to enjoy all of it.
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