Leadership is often measured by touchdowns, tackles and stats. But for Oak Park senior Captain Conner Braddock, leadership has been about something much deeper; resilience, perspective and love for the game.
Braddock, who plays both defensive end and tight end, has faced more than his share of challenges.
“I’ve had two torn ACLs and two surgeries, and I’ve come a long way since freshman year,” Braddock said. “I’ve had to go to rehab for multiple years. This year, it’s my senior year and I’ve played the most games I’ve ever played in a season combined.”
Even after enduring difficult recoveries, Braddock refused to let setbacks define him. Instead, they have helped him develop into a leader who values perseverance as much as performance.
“I’ve definitely had to overcome a lot of injuries throughout my career,” Braddock said. “But I mean, I wouldn’t change it for anything because I love football.”
His love for the game shines through every play, every practice and every challenge. For Braddock, football is more than a sport, it’s a test of character. He approaches every snap with intensity, whether he is catching passes, blocking defenders or pressuring quarterbacks.
“I play D-line. I play defensive end and tight end,” Braddock said. “I love what I do because I feel like they’re the most important positions on the field. The tight end has to play that versatile receiver-blocker role. On the defensive side, I’m constantly pressuring the other team’s quarterback.”
Off the field, Braddock finds other outlets for expression: writing. He writes songs, short stories and narratives, showing a creative side to complement his competitive one.
“For hobbies, I love to write,” Braddock said. “I like to write songs and short stories and narrative ones too.”
His passion for storytelling mirrors his journey in football. Both require patience, resilience and self-reflection. Through his writing, he channels the same emotion and discipline that have carried him through injuries and challenges.
This season, Braddock’s leadership and determination helped push Oak Park toward the playoffs. One of his most memorable moments came in the team’s win over Buena High School, a game dedicated to honoring the late Jordyn Solny, a kindergarten teacher at Oak Hills Elementary School.
“Our win against Buena was a great team win,” Braddock said. “We executed, we came out, we played at home, and we did it for her. There were a lot of people there all contributing to this great cause. It also sparked our playoff chances and now we’re going to the playoffs. I can’t wait.”
Moments like that have defined Braddock’s senior season, not just for the victories, but for what they represent. Success is about team unity, communal understandings and the bonds that have formed through the team’s shared struggle.
Braddock’s journey has shown that leadership is not about being the loudest in the room or the biggest presence on the field. As he prepares to finish his high school football career, Braddock carries the lessons of every challenge he has faced.
“I love football, it means the world to me, and I am lucky to go out there and play.”
Throughout his time playing for Oak Park High School, Braddock has learned important lessons through leadership and has carried them down to his teammates as captain.
Oak Park football will play Simi Valley at home on Thursday, Oct. 30. See you there!
