Re-humanize: Landon Kelsey
More Than an Athlete: Landon Kelsey’s Journey of Identity, Impact, and Integrity
Gresham, Oregon – Thursday, May 24th, 2025 – A park bench. Warm sunlight filtering through cottonwood trees. A soft breeze carries specks of white fluff through the air like nature’s confetti. It’s the kind of peaceful Spring afternoon that compels you to slow down and just be present. That’s where I sat with my nephew, Landon Kelsey—Class of 2025, Central Catholic High School graduate, and now University of Arizona football player—for the very first episode of Re-humanize.
"It’s Lu-el Fantroy. We’re just chilling at the park here in Gresham, Oregon, and I’m with my nephew Landon Kelsey. Welcome to Re-humanize.”
From the jump, this wasn’t just a conversation about sports. This was a real, soul-baring talk about growth, loss, dreams, identity, and everything in between.
The Forward Button of Life
"I leave in 20 days. We graduate in six,” Landon said as he reflected on the fleeting nature of high school.
At 18 years old, Landon Kelsey is on the brink of something big. He’s graduating from Central Catholic High School in Portland, Oregon, after transferring from Ridgefield High School in Ridgefield, Washington, where he spent his freshman and sophomore years. Next stop? The University of Arizona, where he’ll play football as a wide receiver and study finance.
"Four years ago, I was just starting. Now it’s like—boom—I’m out. I feel like I’ve been at Central forever. But it’s only been two years.”
Those two years were packed with moments that shaped him—not just on the field, but off it.
Dream School, Real Purpose
"I'm going to the University of Arizona to play football. It’s been my dream school since freshman year,” Landon shared with the same excitement you’d hear from someone realizing they manifested their vision into existence.
It wasn’t just about football, though. From the moment he visited the campus for a 7-on-7, he knew it was more than just a good fit—it felt like home. "When I got the opportunity, it wasn’t even a question.”
Still, he acknowledged, the heat is real. "It’s not the prettiest part of Arizona," he laughed, "but I still love it.
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The Love For The Game: Crowd, Clutch, and Chemistry
"I like playing in front of a lot of people. The energy makes the game more fun," he said, lighting up as he described one of his favorite games—his junior year matchup against West Linn.
"They beat us the year before, and this time, it was packed. People lined the fence. Stands full. 0-0 at halftime. I made a big catch that game. We pulled it off, 12-7.”
But it wasn’t just the win or the roar of the crowd. It was the relationships—the camaraderie of a sport that only works when every piece plays its part.
"Football is unique. You can’t play it alone. If you don’t have a left tackle, you’re done. It takes everybody.”
From Athlete to Human
This is where Re-humanize hits its stride.
"I want to impact people. Just by being me,” Landon said. “Not trying to be anyone else.”
When I asked him about what defines him, he broke it down beautifully:
Life experiences: loss, love, growth.
Values: kindness, authenticity, connection.
Passions: sports, yes—but not just sports.
"I realized I was bigger than football. I found my voice. I stepped into leadership. And I learned that people are watching, and listening even when you think they’re not.”
The Pressure to Perform vs. The Power of Presence
As his uncle, I’ve seen it firsthand. Landon is what I call a pressure player—the kind who steps up when the lights are brightest.
But I also know the weight that comes with that. The quiet moments of doubt.
"I almost quit this year,” he admitted. "I didn’t love it anymore. I was ready to walk away."
He described how even when something has been your everything, you can hit a wall. But when his family—especially his mom—supported him through that, he rediscovered his “why.”
"They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. That made me want to do it again. For them. For me."
This conversation hit deep. Because Landon wasn’t just sharing plays and highlights—he was sharing his soul.
He talked about grief—losing his father. "At any moment, everything can go away. So I’ve learned to appreciate everything."
He talked about leadership—how being asked to speak or lead in school events became second nature after football taught him to use his voice.
He talked about character—how being your true self is not only the most powerful thing you can do, but also the most magnetic.
"If you're healthy and whole, people will be drawn to you. It radiates. But if you build up a false identity to fit in or impress people, you lose yourself. You get distracted. You get stressed. You live a lie."
Advice to the Next Generation
When I asked Landon to speak to the younger version of himself—or to my kids, who were playing just off camera—he didn’t hesitate.
"It’s normal to want to quit—even the things you love. That doesn’t mean something’s wrong. It just means you need to rediscover your reason."
"Be flexible. Be open. When I was six, I thought I’d be a soccer player. I didn’t even touch a football until 6th or 7th grade. Now I’m going D1."
"And be you. Always. That’s the only way to find people who love the real you."
More Than His Jersey
When it was all said and done, I asked Landon how he wanted to be remembered:
"Not as just an athlete. But as a great person. Someone you could count on. A good friend. A kid just like everyone else—going through the same things."
That’s Re-humanize in action.
Because Landon Kelsey isn’t just a football player. He’s a light. A leader. A legacy in motion.
And that, family, is what this platform is all about—seeing the human behind the highlight reel.
BONUS FOOTAGE: INK SPEAK
GUEST: Landon Kelsey | Student Athlete (FB), University of Arizona. Finance Major
HOST & WRITER: Lu-el Fantroy | Founder & Designer
PRODUCTION: Troylu
WEBSITE: beyourdefinition.com
INSTAGRAM: @troylu.create
Landon you are an inspiration! Thank you for being such a good friend to my son and role model to those around you. The world needs more kind humans now more than ever. Keep sharing your gifts and shining your light! All the best to you as you start a new exciting chapter in AZ!
Lu-el your work is so inspiring! Looking forward to more Re-Humanizing content. ❤️
This was AMAZING!!! I was hooked the entire read, you captured this so beautifully and Landon is such a beautiful soul! Wow! 🥹🥲