Cantwell is the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year

NIXA, Mo–Jackson Cantwell is wrapping up his prep career and will be heading to south Florida in the next few weeks.

Cantwell and the rest of Nixa are still disappointed with the Eagles heartbreaking loss in the Class 6 state championship game.

But Wednesday night Cantwell celebrates another honor.

Cantwell was named the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year.

Former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas surprised Cantwell with the trophy this morning in Nixa’s indoor practice facility.

The 6-8 offensive tackle is the first lineman to ever win this prestigious award.

Last week he talked about staying focused and not letting the attention get to him.

“I’m not good at trying to be somebody else. I never really have been. I just try to stay true to what I’ve always done. Just try to bring the values that I’ve always had here. And keep those with me. Just try to get better. Continue to pursue excellence. Continue to be the best human I can be. At the end of the day I think I can succeed if I stick with those. I want to go down and practice whenever they have a bowl game. If they send the guys home, then I’ll stay here. If they’re practicing, I’ll go practice. It depends on that,” said Cantwell.

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