Matthew Tellez is a determined 6th grader from Menifee, California, and a promising young quarterback in the making. With a passion for football that began when he was eight years old, Matthew has already established himself as a standout athlete and a strong leader on the field. As a quarterback, he loves throwing touchdown passes and making big plays when it matters most, but what truly makes his experience special is that his dad is also his coach. This unique dynamic adds a personal touch to his journey, and Matthew cherishes the opportunity to share the game with both of his parents.
Football has always been more than just a sport for Matthew; it’s a source of growth and development. He finds football to be faster and harder than any other sport, constantly pushing him to be his best. As a quarterback, he understands that leadership is key, and he believes that staying calm under pressure and making quick decisions is vital to success. Matthew holds his role as the quarterback with pride, saying that being a good leader is just as important as throwing great passes and scoring touchdowns. He believes in “fighting through the storm,” a concept his dad teaches him, which means staying strong and focused during tough times.
In addition to football, Matthew lives his life by four important pillars: faith, family, education, and football. These values shape his actions both on and off the field, motivating him to be a better player, student, and person every day. His faith, in particular, plays a central role in his life. Matthew often writes Bible verses on his helmet as a reminder to put God first. One verse that stands out to him is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” This verse provides Matthew with the strength and perseverance he needs to push through challenges, both in football and in life.
When it comes to NFL players, Matthew admires Tom Brady for his legendary status as the greatest of all time (GOAT). He also follows Riley Leonard, the quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who has inspired Matthew with his ability to bounce back after a rough start to the season. Watching Leonard’s growth and success has motivated Matthew to always strive for improvement and not let setbacks stop him from achieving his goals.
Beyond football, Matthew enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time with his family. Occasionally, he relaxes by playing football video games. But even in the off-season, he stays focused on improving his skills. Matthew works out regularly at the gym to build muscle, gain weight, and hopefully grow taller. He trains with his dad every day, incorporating stretching and hydration into his routine, even on rest days, so he’s ready for the next challenge.
Matthew’s commitment to teamwork is one of his greatest strengths. He learned a valuable lesson after feeling nervous during games because he thought he had to win to make everyone happy. He quickly realized that football is a team sport and that success isn’t just about individual performance—it’s about working together as a team. Learning to trust his teammates has been a key part of his growth, and it has helped him become a better leader.
One of Matthew’s most memorable experiences came during a close game where his team was down by a touchdown with just a minute left on the clock. Despite the pressure, Matthew remained calm and composed, making crucial passes to keep the drive alive. The game ultimately ended in a loss, but Matthew walked away with an important lesson: staying calm under pressure is critical, and whether you win or lose, the game is ultimately about learning and having fun.
Before games, Matthew has a pre-game routine that helps him focus. He eats a meal about two hours before the game, hydrates throughout the day, and stretches with his dad. When he arrives at the field, he likes to listen to music to calm his nerves and talk to his teammates. As he warms up, he faces away from the opposing team to block out distractions. Right before kickoff, Matthew sometimes leads the team chant, “Who’s got my back? I got your back,” a phrase he also enjoys hearing from the Mater Dei team at their games.
Matthew is incredibly grateful for the support of his family. His dad, who is also his coach, makes time to practice with him, whether it’s throwing the ball or working out together. Matthew cherishes these moments, often playingfully tackling his dad inside their home or making smoothies after practice. He also appreciates his mom’s support and the sacrifices she makes, especially when it comes to buying him football gear. Even his sisters get a special shout-out for putting up with him while still being cool.
As Matthew looks ahead to the next season, he remains determined to keep improving and growing. He’s excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. His commitment to his faith, family, education, and football will continue to guide him as he works toward his goal of becoming the best quarterback he can be. With the support of his family and the lessons he’s learned along the way, Matthew Tellez is ready to take on whatever challenges come next.
We are looking forward to seeing Matthew at our Winter Camp in San Diego, CA on Dec 14-15.