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Highley's passion for football runs deep
Jordan Highley has a genuine love for playing the game of football.
For the fourth consecutive year, The 31-year old Nevada resident has put his physical well-being on the line as a linebacker for the Joplin Crusaders of the Central Football League ---- without any monetary compensation coming his way.
Highley has battled through various ailments over the years, including entering this season with a torn meniscus (knee injury). Highley suffered the injury during a game of pickup basketball at the Nevada community center.
"This year I've been fighting injuries," he said. "I haven't had a healthy game yet."
Highley began his prep career at Nevada High School before finishing up at Fort Scott High School (Kan). Highley then attended college at Friends University in Wichita (Kan) where he was named the league's defensive player of the year in 2009. Highley was also a two-time All-American (2009-10).
Highley has experienced a tremendous amount of success during his four-year stint with the Crusaders, winning at a 93 percent clip. A 44-6 victory June 20 over the Northwest Arkansas Battle locked up the Crusaders third consecutive CFL title.
In addition, Joplin won the 2014 Premier Adult Amateur Minor League Football championship.
When it comes to football, Highley said he enjoys two things above all else: winning, and laying big hits on the opposition.
"I had some kill shots this year," said the 6-foot-1, 245 pound Highley.
During his past nine season of football dating back to high school, Highley's combined team record is 97-11.
"I go down there each year expecting to win," Highley said. "Now that we set the bar higher with a national championship last year, that's what we're shooting for again this year."
Highley said his fondest memory with the Crusaders came in 2014 when he scored his first touchdown via a fumble recovery.
"That was pretty exciting because I hadn't scored a touchdown since high school," he said.
Highley said he nearly found pay dirt again this season after returning an interception to inside the 1-yard line before getting tackled.
"I was thinking about the celebration I was going to do in the end zone, or doing a flip into the end zone," Highley said. "And this guy just comes up and tackles me from behind. I was mad."
Highley said he learned a valuable lesson from the play.
"If I ever get within five yards of the end zone again, I'm diving," he said with a laugh. "Even if no one is around me I'm going to dive."
Highley has been selected as a first-team league All-Star all four of his seasons with the Crusaders.
This season, Highley averaged nine tackles per game, while racking up eight sacks, seven pass breakups, six forced fumbles, and an interception.
"I want to play one more season," Highley said. "I want that fourth CFL title in a row. I want that dynasty."
Highley added that if he requires major knee surgery, this will likely be his last season. According to Highley, walking away from the game he's loved for so long will be extremely difficult.
"I thought my playing days were over in 2010 after my last game at Friends University, and I cried like a little baby," he said. "When I found out about the Crusaders, and that there was life after college football ---- it gives me goose bumps (just thinking about it).
"I know my football playing days are limited, but it's just really hard to give something up that you truly love."
Highley just completed his first year as a special education teacher at El Dorado Springs Middle School, where he was a member of the football coaching staff.