17 Student-Athletes Share 17 Reasons Why They Love Playing College Football

The REAL Reasons Why Student-Athletes Play Sports

Editor's Note: Student-Athletes across the country travel from coast to coast playing in giant stadiums on a weekly basis. It isn't money that compels these athletes to play football but something else We already know these athletes are playing for their schools, for college degrees, and for pride now lets find out the other reasons. AthletesLTD sat down with 17 college football players and asked them one open ended question: "Aside from receiving a degree, what is your favorite part about playing college football?" The answers we received give perspective on what really drives these athletes to play.

1. Some like giving back to the community.

AthletesLTD sat down with Chris May and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

2. Some play for the excitement of big time football.

AthletesLTD sat down with the Rashon Ceasar and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

3. Some play for the fans.

AthletesLTD sat down with the UL - Lafayette's Terrance Broadway and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

4. Some play for the joy of competing with their brothers.

AthletesLTD sat down with the Troy's Terrence Jones and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

5. Some play for the excitement of beating other teams.

AthletesLTD sat down with the Troy's Wayland Coleman-Dancer and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

6. Typical student-athlete, loving the fact that he can give back to the community.

AthletesLTD sat down with the New Mexico St. University's Valerian Ume Ezeoke and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

7. Travaughn does it for the fans.

AthletesLTD sat down with the New Mexico St.'s Travaughn Colwell and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

8. Mike enjoys the Game Day experience more than the fans do.

AthletesLTD sat down with the Texas St.'s Mike Orakpo and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

9. Maxx Forde's favorite part isn't getting a sack or a tackle.

AthletesLTD sat down with the Idaho's own Maxx Forde and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

10. Maleki doesn't play for himself but instead he plays for...

AthletesLTD sat down with Maleki Harris and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

11. Keith likes seeing things a traditional college student wouldn't normally see.

AthletesLTD sat down with Keith Rucker and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

12. Kameron is a QB, graduate student, and youth mentor.

AthletesLTD sat down with Kameron Bryant and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

13. Joseph is an aspiring news anchor, just look at that bow-tie.

AthletesLTD sat down with Joseph Peterson and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

14. Garrett plays selflessly. 

AthletesLTD sat down with Georgia Southern's Garrett Frye and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

15. David loves to compete!

AthletesLTD sat down with Texas St.s David Mayo and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

16. Win, baby, win!

AthletesLTD sat down with Alonzo Harris and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

17. #KeepingItReal

AthletesLTD sat down with J.D. McKenzie and asked what his favorite part of playing college football is.

When you sit down and speak with student-athletes you can learn a lot.  These college players must be self motivated and strive to play well for reasons that are personal to them. Next time you see a student-athlete, give them a high five. 

Are YOU a student-athlete? Share why you play sports with @AthletesLTD by tagging us and using #WhyIPlay