School Standouts: 16-year-old varsity football player credits God, faith for success on and off field

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. - Anthony W. Spearman III has many nicknames. He has been called "tank," "assassin," "beast mode," "iron man" and "superman." He is every single one of those and so much more. The 16-year-old is passionate about sports but in particular — tackle football. He is currently a varsity running back at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks and has gained a reputation for his intensity, leadership, willingness to learn and good character both on and off the field. 

Spearman, a devout Christian, credits his faith with guiding him. He prays before each game and keeps his favorite Bible scripture close to his heart. In Psalm 91, it says, ”God is good all the time…” and Spearman believes that wholeheartedly.

This past year Spearman’s faith was put to the ultimate test when he faced the unimaginable. His biggest cheerleader, his rock, his mother, Kathy, died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 42. 

There’s not a day that doesn’t go by that Spearman doesn’t miss his mom, but she would want him to keep going and do what he does best and that is play football. Her memory is never far from Spearman on the field and that’s because he proudly wears the number 26 in honor of her birthday. He literally carries his mom’s spirit on every play. 

So on any given Friday night in the fall, you can catch number 26 weaving past opponents and scoring touchdowns for the Notre Dame Knights. Something Spearman hopes to be doing the rest of his life. And as you will see, this talented, wise, kind and thought-provoking young man who answers to a higher power something his mom would be proud of no matter what he does in life.

If you'd like to nominate a person or program for FOX 11 School Standouts, head over to FOX11SchoolStandouts.com.