Northwest football player JohnMichael Fountain has built a reputation as both a leader on the field and big competitor who loves the contact of the game. Wearing the number one jersey, he likes to see himself as “the first to do everything,” while pushing through challenges like controlling his anger and staying focused under pressure. He’s strongly motivated by his family and guided by his uncles, Fountain continues to chase his biggest goal earning a spot at his dream school, LSU.

What made you fall in love with football?

I would have to say the contact. I like hittin’ people.

How would you describe your role?

My role on the team, I feel like I’m a leader.

What does a typical game day feel like for you, as far as like an energy?

A typical game day, I think, is real smooth. None really hectic, none really, you know- … crazy.

What has been your biggest challenge you’ve faced as a player and how did you overcome it?

Oh, my biggest challenge as a player has been my anger. I’ve overcome it from trying to push yourself aside and just get into the next game.

How do you mentally prepare for tough games or opponents?

I don’t really have to mentally prepare for anything, you know. I go into the game all cool and chill. I feel like I play better that way.

Okay. What is your favorite memory from playing at the Northwest Football so far?

My favorite memory would have to be my freshman year when I started varsity. Uh, it was real cool. Different atmosphere, different experience.

How did that feel for you and your family?

My family was real proud of me. I just pray that I can continue to do that for them.

How do you handle pressure, like on a game?

Um, the way I handle pressure, I feel like I should, like, zone out. So telling everybody else sounds, focus strictly on myself.

Okay. So what’s something, being a football player, most people don’t see or understand?

I feel like most people don’t see is the work that go into the behind-the-scenes. I feel like they don’t see as much work as we put in to get to where we are.

How do you build chemistry or trust with your teammates?

Outside of this football ta- team, I feel like we, like some of the teammates go out and just do other stuff, like go bowling or something like that, you know.

Okay. What motivates you most when you’re not on the field?

What motivates me the most I feel like would be my family. Yeah.

So how do you bounce back from a tough game or loss?

I’ll just push it aside and get ready for the next one.
I normally fight back harder than…(laughs) Than the, um, than the next one.

 Okay. What part of training and practice is like the biggest difference in a game?

I’d say the short passes after you throw.

Who is your biggest influence?

My biggest influence would have to be my uncles. I feel like they pushed me even past my limits actually, so yeah, they’re a big deal.

What goals are you currently working towards as a player?

My current goal is just to go to my dream school. I think my biggest goal right now is to, you know, to make it to this school I want to go to.

And what school is that?

LSU.

What advice would you give your younger self or any young athlete?

Um, some advice I’d give my younger self is, uh, just keep going, you know. When, even when it gets hard, it’s just only gonna get harder from there. So just push past it.

What’s your number in football?

My number is one.

Why did you choose the number one?

Uh, ’cause I’m the first to do everything.