TopFrog
Lifelong Frog
Horned Frogs First Person: Willis Patrick - TCU Athletics
(as told to Lily Margaret Greenway)
GoFrogs: Horned Frogs First Person: Willis Patrick
(as told to Lily Margaret Greenway)
I'm like water – I can adapt to almost every situation. Growing up with six siblings, I can sit down at any table, converse with someone, and make them feel comfortable. Our world is filled with so many different personalities, but our individual emotions and experiences are what make us who we are. My motto is, "Be yourself, and let everything else follow." You just have to stay true to you, and not judge anyone because of their actions.
What matters most to me are family, football, and above all else, my relationship with God. If I have those three things intact, then my life is where it's supposed to be. I live as the best version of myself for the good of my family because they sacrificed so much for me. It means the world that for my last year playing college football, they are close enough that I can share the game with them, and I lean on all of them in every circumstance. They are my best friends in the entire world, I love them unconditionally, and it's an honor to have them on my team throughout my entire journey.
I spent a lot of time at TCU, long before I ever thought I'd be able to come here. I grew up with some good friends on the team, and I came to TCU every school break. I've been in love since the day I set foot on campus, so being here on my own and not just visiting people is surreal.
It's not easy to wake up every day at 4:30 a.m. for six years in a row, but the position I am in now is one I used to pray for. I take it as the blessing it is and God reminds me that He has brought me to and through every circumstance, and I never do anything alone. I'm learning and growing alongside a tight-knit team and from coaches who continue to shape me. Andrew (Coker), Brandon (Coleman) and I watch film together every day at lunch, and it's crazy to see now just how much I've continued to improve since Spring Camp, all because of the coaches who have helped me every step of the way.
Whether or not I'm blessed to play beyond college, I know football has an expiration date. It was a big deal for me to get my education and follow my dream all the way to law school. I've wanted to be an attorney my whole life, and playing football is why I will be able to graduate with two degrees that will provide me with stability and everything I could possibly want in life.
When I first joined the team, I had to learn to take a backseat as far as leadership goes. Though I was a captain at the last two schools I played for, there was already a stable environment and steady leadership on this team. I didn't have to be vocal from day one, but I like it that way. I'm the kind of guy who first has to earn the trust of those I'm around. I lead by example and let my teammates see how hard I'm going to work. I have a blue-collar work ethic, and I work my butt off to prove I am who I say I am. Now, my teammates trust my word because of the work I have put in.
With every day comes adversity, but I believe in no bad days and no days off. I learned from a young age that growing from tough times is all about how you respond to situations, so I never give up. I just keep myself in the right head space and take time to care for myself, because only when you take care of you can you help those around you.
