LEESBURG, Fla. — Growing up in Leesburg, Quentin Peeples always knew he wanted to be great. His journey started at just four years old when his father Quentin introduced him to football. His father had a long history with the game having graduated from Wildwood Middle High in the class of 1987, Peeples attended Bethune Cookman on a football scholarship. He would then go on to follow his love of cutting hair and making others look good. Peeples was also a defensive line coach at Umatilla and Leesburg High school. Safe to say, Quentin was introduced to football early and his love for the game never changed. From Pop Warner fields to the highest levels of competition, Peeples has never wavered in his pursuit of excellence.

(Quentin stands with his father. Since he was a little boy sports have been a part of his life.)

“Watching my older brothers play and growing up in an athletic family pushed me,” Peeples said. “I’ve always sought to be just as good as them, if not better.”

The Leesburg native carved out an impressive path in sports, winning a Florida high school state championship in basketball with Leesburg High School during the 2017 season before securing an NCAA Division II National Championship with the University of West Florida. Yet, his success extends beyond the field. Peeples carries a deep-rooted commitment to his community, striving to inspire the next generation.

(Peeples was a standout football player for the Leesburg High Yellow Jackets. He would go on to play for University of West Florida winning an NCAA Division II National Championship and would later play professional football.)

“Where I come from, the potential for greatness has always been there, but too often, I saw people fall short,” he said. “I’ve made it my mission to change that—not just for myself, but for my community.” Through all his triumphs his family has been his rock. “The lessons, mishaps, & all of the ups and downs that I’ve had to experience first hand and watching from afar, led me to be where I am today. Without the guidance of my family, friends, and role models in the community and most importantly God; I would not be the man that I am today so I give them all the credit.” says Peeples.

Peeples’ resilience was tested during his college years however, as he navigated personal hardships while being away from home. The passing of loved ones and his father’s illness weighed heavily, but a lesson from a sermon years earlier provided comfort.

(Quentin Peeples was on the University of West Florida Football team and won an NCAA Division II Championship in 2019.)

“‘Don’t let your situation snatch your joy,’” he recalled. “That advice stuck with me. I had to remind myself to see the light at the end of the tunnel.” That positive mindset has led to Peeples getting a chance to play professional football. Peeples currently plays professionally in the National Arena Football League. Through it all, his father, a quiet yet powerful influence in his life, remains Peeples’ greatest role model.

“He wasn’t a man of many words, but his actions showed his love and appreciation for those around him,” he said. “That’s the kind of man I want to be.” Tragically Quentin Peeples would pass away on May 19th, 2022 due to a prolonged illness. However his flame continues to burn bright in his son who continues to show what is possible. That little boy from Leesburg who had big dreams now hopes to inspire young athletes from his hometown, encouraging them to embrace their own journeys.

(Peeples now plays professional football in the National Arena League. Photo Credit – Boxwood Photos.)

“Be different. Be who you are unapologetically, but always with character and integrity,” he said. “I come from the same place and situations as them. If I made it, I know they can go even further.”

Above all, he urges them to hold fast to their faith. “Keep God first, always seek Him, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

For Peeples, success is measured not just in championships, but in the legacy he leaves behind. He’s an amazing young man who continues to write his own story. We look forward to following his upcoming season in the National Arena League.