"Faith, academics, and football have always been my core values since I started playing the game…” The Incredible Story of 2024 CFL Rookie of the Year, Nick Anderson

An often overlooked aspect of sports is the critical role mental health plays, and how strong family bonds and a deep spiritual connection can provide essential support. For Nick Anderson, a CFL linebacker with the Edmonton Elks, his journey has been shaped by faith, family, and discipline. Growing up in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Anderson initially was not a naturally gifted athlete but his father felt that football could be his calling.

“I was an oversized kid,” said Anderson. “My dad decided to put me in football early on. I played in a few peewee leagues, and I started to fall in love with the physicality of the game. It became therapeutic for me at a young age as it was like a release whenever I experienced tough times.”

Faith and Family as a Foundation

It didn’t take long for Anderson to fall in love with the sport as it grounded him through tough times. Football became more than just a game, it became his outlet, a place where he could channel his emotions and build discipline. However, Anderson credits his family for supporting him since day one.

“When I first started taking football seriously, both my parents, primarily my dad at the time, were by my corner during my peewee playing days. Later on in life my grandfather, uncles and mentors stepped in and continued to support me and have been my backbone ever since,” said Anderson.

Even though Anderson has always had a close relationship with his family, one person remained constant.

“My mom has always been my rock, she always held it down at any moment whether I entered the highschool level, college level and even now. A specific memory I have of my moms support came from my last year with the New Orleans Saints where I got released. When I was feeling down my mom reminded me that my journey wasn’t over, she told me I was destined for greatness and that the setbacks were part of God’s plan. Her encouragement kept me grounded,” he said.

Navigating Adversity Through Faith

While football provided a physical outlet, faith became Anderson’s spiritual compass. For him, football was more than a career, it was a divine calling.

“I remember making a promise to god that if he blessed me with the chance to play professional football, I’d dedicate my career to sharing that he’s the reason I am here,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s faith was tested in 2021, during one of the most challenging years of his life. That year brought Hurricane Ida, which devastated his community, a fractured fibula and a break in the lower bone of his leg that sidelined him for months, and his sister’s near-fatal accident. Each event pushed Anderson to his limits emotionally and physically but his belief in god kept him grounded.

“I had to lean on my faith,” said Anderson. “Instead of getting mad at God, I asked Him what He wanted me to learn from it all. My faith is my foundation, and I’d always said I wanted to represent that in my journey. I leaned into my faith harder than ever, trusted Him, and worked.”

“I never let go of God’s hand,” Anderson said. “He carried me through it all and It reminded me that every time I put on my helmet, it’s a blessing. Not everyone gets this opportunity, and I don’t take it for granted. Those moments shaped my mindset and showed me the power of staying grounded in faith, no matter how hard life gets."

The Importance of Education

While football was always Anderson’s passion, his family instilled in him the importance of education. His parents made it clear from the start that academics came first.

“I wasn’t allowed to bring home anything less than an A,” Anderson said.

This emphasis on education came with some tough love. During high school, Anderson’s mother made a bold decision to pull him off the football team after he brought home a low grade in Spanish.

“I’ll never forget my freshman year of high school, I got an 87 in Spanish, and I was terrified to go home,” he said. “I begged my teacher for extra credit, and she bumped my grade up to a 90 but, my mom had already seen the original grade, and she wasn’t having it. She made the teacher change it back and took me out of football for the rest of the year.

“That moment was hard for me,” Anderson said. “But it taught me discipline and accountability. It set a standard for how I approach everything in life. If you want something, you have to work for it.”

The Turning Point

Anderson’s love for the game translated into natural talent for football. At Vicksburg High School, he quickly emerged as a standout athlete, catching the attention of college scouts. But it wasn’t just his skills on the field that set him apart, it was his leadership and determination.

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to play football at the highest level,” Anderson said. “But I also knew it wouldn’t come easy. I had to earn everything.”

Earning a spot at Tulane University was a pivotal moment in Anderson’s life. Playing Division I football was a dream come true, but it came with its own set of challenges. Anderson faced tough competition, grueling schedules, and the pressure to perform both on and off the field.

“Those years shaped me,” Anderson reflected. “They taught me how to handle adversity and how to stay focused on my goals.”

A Leap of Faith into Professional Football

After his college career, Anderson’s journey to professional football began. His first big break came when he signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. However, his time with the Saints was short-lived. Anderson was released, a moment he describes as one of the most challenging in his career.

“It was tough to go through,” Anderson said. “I worked really hard to make it to that point and while it was difficult, my mom reminded me that my journey wasn’t over. That faith carried me through.”

Determined not to give up, Anderson turned his focus to the CFL, where he found a new home and a fresh start.

“Making it to the CFL was a dream come true,” Anderson said. “It reminded me that setbacks are just setups for comebacks. From Mississippi to the CFL, it’s been an incredible journey but, this is just the beginning.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

For Anderson, success isn’t just about personal achievements. He’s committed to using his platform to inspire others, particularly young athletes who may be facing their own struggles.

“My journey isn’t just for me,” Anderson said. “I want to show kids that with faith, hard work, and the right support system, they can achieve anything.”

Anderson frequently visits schools and youth programs, sharing his story and emphasizing the importance of education, discipline, and faith.

“Football has given me so much,” he said. “But more importantly, it’s given me a voice to reach others. If I can inspire even one person to believe in themselves, then I’ve done my job.”

Looking Ahead

While Anderson’s journey to the CFL is a testament to his resilience and determination, he knows his story is far from over. He has big dreams for the future, both on and off the field.

“I want to keep playing at the highest level,” Anderson said. “But more than that, I want to be a role model. I want to show people that no matter where you start, you can achieve greatness.”

For Anderson, every tackle, every game, and every challenge is an opportunity to honor the people who believed in him and to inspire the next generation.

“Football saved my life,” Anderson said. “It gave me purpose, discipline, and a way to give back. I’m grateful for every step of this journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Nick Anderson’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and the power of community. From the streets of Vicksburg to the CFL, his journey serves as a reminder that with the right foundation, anything is possible.

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