Max Raymer is already building a strong foundation as a young quarterback, showing a passion for the game that started almost as early as he could walk. A fourth grader in the Class of 2034, Max attends Dennis Chavez Elementary School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has been playing football for seven years. Growing up watching his older brothers compete sparked his love for the sport, and long before organized games, football was already part of his daily life. Throwing the ball came naturally, and that early exposure helped shape his comfort and confidence as a quarterback.

What Max enjoys most about football is having the ball in his hands and being responsible for making plays happen. He loves the full process of playing quarterback—from reading the field to delivering the ball to his receivers and watching them make catches. Being involved in every play motivates him, and he takes pride in knowing he can directly help his team succeed. For Max, the quarterback position is exciting because it combines leadership, decision-making, and execution, all while keeping the offense moving forward.

Max believes that being a great quarterback takes more than just arm talent. Strong throwing ability, consistent footwork, and leadership are all essential in his eyes. He understands the importance of timing and ball placement, knowing when to throw and exactly where the ball needs to go. Leadership stands out as one of the most important traits to him, as a quarterback must keep teammates confident, encourage them through adversity, and set the tone for the entire team.

When it comes to role models, Max looks up to Josh Allen. He admires Allen’s ability to make big plays when things don’t go as planned and how he can turn broken plays into positive outcomes. Max works to apply that same mindset by staying calm, making smart decisions under pressure, and still finding ways to get the ball to his receivers. He also appreciates Allen’s positive attitude, especially how he stays composed and upbeat even when his team is struggling.

Outside of football, Max stays busy and active. He enjoys playing video games, spending time outdoors, attending the youth group at his church, jumping on the trampoline, and practicing backflips. He also plays basketball and a little soccer, which helps him stay competitive while developing athletic skills that carry over to football. Competing in multiple sports keeps him energized and sharp throughout the year.

Max has already gained valuable experience by attending football camps, with the Arizona Cardinals camp standing out as his favorite. He enjoyed running drills, competing against other athletes, and showcasing his talent. The experience was especially memorable when the coaches signed his football and took pictures with him. Beyond the excitement, Max learned important skills, including improved blocking techniques, and values how camps allow players to learn from knowledgeable coaches while competing at a high level.

Over the next six months, Max is focused on improving his footwork and increasing his throwing distance. He wants to continue building confidence and becoming a stronger leader for his team. Looking ahead to the next year, his goal is to become a more complete quarterback by consistently improving his skills through training, dedication, and hard work.

One of the toughest challenges Max faced early on was mastering footwork and learning how to lead his receivers by throwing the ball out in front of them. It didn’t come easily at first, but with consistent coaching and training, he made major improvements. Once everything started to click, Max felt a strong sense of accomplishment that motivated him to keep pushing forward.

Game days are important to Max, and he has a routine that helps him stay focused. Before kickoff, he warms up his arm, stretches with his teammates, and joins them in a huddle where they stretch and count to ten together. Music helps him lock in mentally, and right before the game starts, he always jumps as high as he can to get energized and ready to compete.

Max credits his coaches for playing a major role in his development. Coach Dylan helped him early on by teaching him how to tackle and better understand the game as a whole. Coach Logan had a big impact on him as a quarterback, focusing on footwork, proper mechanics, and throwing tight spirals. Their guidance helped Max gain confidence and grow into his role as a leader.

If Max could give advice to younger players just starting out, he would tell them not to be nervous, especially when it comes to contact. He emphasizes the importance of focusing during practice, listening to coaches, and responding positively to mistakes by working harder. To Max, improvement comes from repetition, effort, and refusing to quit.

Max has also learned valuable lessons through adversity. He suffered an injury during a tournament game after scoring the winning touchdown and two-point conversion, when he was hit late and fractured a few ribs. The injury caused him to miss regionals, which was frustrating, but it taught him the importance of taking care of his body and staying mentally strong. He used the experience as motivation to keep improving.

During the offseason, Max stays committed to development by working on footwork, throwing, speed, and overall athleticism. Playing basketball, staying active during school recess, and jumping on the trampoline help him maintain his skills while keeping things fun and fresh. He believes staying active year-round helps prevent regression and prepares him for the next season.

One of Max’s most unforgettable football memories came in the Super Bowl, when he scored a 71-yard touchdown on a play that completely broke down. After a fumble, Max picked up the ball, broke nearly five tackles, and ran it all the way in for the score. The moment was even more special because it happened on the biggest stage, and his teammates celebrated with him afterward.

With a strong passion for the game, a growing skill set, and a mature understanding of leadership and resilience, Max Raymer is excited for what the future holds. As he continues to develop as a quarterback and athlete, he looks forward to the opportunities ahead and the journey that comes with chasing his football dreams.