STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Since kindergarten, football was all Osagie Noruwa ever wanted to do. Playing with anyone willing to toss him the pigskin. But his passion goes beyond the gridiron.

“The brotherhood, the teamwork, I really love that about football,” Noruwa said.

It wasn’t until Noruwa’s freshman year at Curtis High School on Staten Island that he joined an organized team. He became an offensive lineman, impressing coaches - and teammates - with his drive.

“The big thing for me is leadership. You have to hold everyone accountable, everyone has to do their own job,” Noruwa said.

Noruwa was named co-captain his Junior year, but the COVID-19 pandemic canceled that season. Now with the season temporarily moved to the spring, he’s excited to have the chance to lead his team before the year over. Teachers and coaches say Noruwa’s work ethic is one others should strive for.

“It just proves that the stereotype isn’t true. Being great on the field and in the classroom is possible,” commented Donato Fornabaio, a teacher of English Literature and the Senior Advisor at Curtis High School.

Noruwa uses every last minute before games and practices to cram in study time. The senior is enrolled in multiple International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses, the toughest in the school. He’s working to set an example for his two younger siblings and to show gratitude to his parents who emigrated from Nigeria.

“I feel like they’ve sacrificed a lot for me to get a better life, a better future so I can’t let them down. Not now, not ever,” said Noruwa.

Noruwa’s impressive talents both on the field and in the classroom, earned him 10 college offers. He will be headed to Brown University in the fall to not only play football but to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

“My parents came here with nothing. Determined to succeed. I’m determined to accomplish my goals no matter what happens,” said Noruwa.