Gautam Ketkar ’24 | Colin Schlitt ’24
Football is in the veins of TJ Cadden. At the mere age of five, Cadden began his football career with the Lower Perk Longhorns. At that moment, his love of the gridiron was born. Cadden developed his skills overtime, playing for the EA football team since his freshman year, and is looking forward to playing in college at Bucknell University.
Cadden has always been around the game of football. He states, “My family is a football family, as my dad and my uncle played in college. My dad also helped coach when I was younger, so he was the main person I looked up to growing up playing the sport.” This was instrumental in his success at a young age, where he was a standout player.
Cadden has been an asset this year in the Churchmen’s historic season. Playing on both sides of the ball, Cadden was a force to be reckoned with in the Inter-Ac. Not to mention, he was a speed demon as the primary kick and punt returners. Cadden amassed a stellar stat line posting 1,527 scrimmage yards, 14 touchdowns, and one interception. This standout season earned him the honors of Inter-Ac League MVP and First Team All Inter-Ac.
A good athlete possesses raw talent, but an elite one must accompany their skills with a strong work ethic. Upon entering the EA football program as a freshman, Cadden has made significant strides. Todd Fairlie, head coach of the football team, says, “TJ has always been very talented, but the area he probably improved the most was through his work getting bigger and stronger which I think led to more confidence on and off the field.”
Photo Courtesy of Katherine Azar Photography
Fairlie adds that “I feel strongly that players who make the right decisions off the field usually are the ones who make the right decisions on the field. TJ is a perfect example of that. He is very well-rounded and understands the commitment it takes to be successful.” His teammate Conor Gaul praises his leadership, stating, “TJ was a team player from day one, before we even voted for captains. He was always pushing the team to be the best and was a crucial part of out offense, defense, and special teams.”
Not only were his physical attributes impressive, but also his leadership skills. As a captain of the team this year, he led the Churchmen to a 9-1 record which was the best since the undefeated 2012-13 season. Praising Cadden’s leadership skills, Fairlie comments, “He is incredibly coachable while being really talented as well. TJ always led by example and made everyone around him better through his tremendous effort and drive. He has had a significant impact on me. He frequently reminds us of how hard work and being a great person will set you up for success.”
Fairlie is forever grateful for Cadden’s contribution to the program. He says, “Since I met TJ, I was always impressed with him as a person. He is reserved and a bit quiet but he is a great listener, learner, and certainly a leader by example. Watching him grow into a confident leader on and off the field has been a pleasure.”
Not only are the coaches raving about Cadden, but also his teammates. I’Jaaz Abdul-Malik ‘24 comments, “TJ Cadden is a wonder. He always brought the positive energy, even when we were down.” Jack Montgomery ’24 agrees, stating that “he is the definition of a true football player.”
Next year, Cadden will attend Bucknell University where he will continue his football career. As for his future at Bucknell, Cadden explains, “I am very excited as it is a great opportunity to continue playing the game I love the most.”