One day, eight years ago, a football was taken out of a bin. Two pre-teen boys separated and stood 15 yards away from each other. They would throw the ball to one another and play catch for hours. This was the beginning of their daily ritual.
The two were Rasaan and Keelan Thomas. These two brothers who are two years apart were always close, but have forged a deeper connection through the O'Dea brotherhood.
Rasaan is currently a senior at O'Dea. He plays football for the Irish, starring both at running back and free safety.
Keelan, on the other hand, is Rasaan's younger brother. He is a sophomore and part of the class of 2027. He also is on the Irish football team, getting time at right guard and defensive end. This is a rare accomplishment for any sophomore at O'Dea, seeing consistent playing time on varsity.
Even rarer, though, is being able to play alongside your brother. Who better to learn the ropes from than your older brother, who you do everything in life with? From getting to school in the morning to going to practice, from having the same teachers in previous years to going home after a long day of hard work, Rasaan has the job of mentoring Keelan in all things on and, more importantly, off the field.
This is only one of many things Rasaan must think about as he moves on from high school to college, where they won't be together.
"He [Keelan] means a lot to me, but I know he can do it," said Rasaan.
Being in each other's lives at almost all times of the day can be hard at times,
"It's what makes us better, I think."
After years of trial and error, Rasaan is able to help Keelan to the best of his abilities, teaching things from life skills to tips and tricks.
Having all of this time has truly brought these two together in a bond that never breaks.
Rasaan and Keelan Thomas look forward to what the future holds as they take their next steps in life.
Rasaan will go on to college after high school; he currently doesn't know where, while Keelan continues using the skills passed down from his older brother to succeed on and off the field after all these years.
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