Romeo running back and linebacker Landen Fetty came into high school ready for the call and excited to play football. In his first game of the season, those plans changed.
“I was going to play five quarters, so I was playing JV and varsity. And then, we were beating up on the team pretty good. So, they were like ‘last play, just go in and we'll take you out.’ Kind of tore my knee on that last play. So, it was kind of upsetting,” Fetty said.
He was out for the season. But after surgery and rehab, Fetty was ready to get back on the field as a sophomore.
Then, came more knee setbacks.
“[I] built back up all my strength, kind of get my confidence back. Adams game, first game, right before halftime I tore my knee… I sat out for like a few weeks. I think it was like almost the rest of the season. I was trying to come back for playoffs; I tore my knee coming back,” Fetty said.
After another stretch of recovery, Fetty was cleared heading into wrestling season. But during one practice, he realized something still wasn’t right.
“[I] went into wrestling. One day, I just couldn't use either of my knees. I was like, we got to get this checked out. It was really just a big problem,” Fetty said.
By then, it started to affect more than just his ability to play.
“I'm just kind of wondering is it something that's just happening? Is a bad luck? And I was just kind of wondering, is this a sign that, like, maybe I shouldn't be doing this?”
Now as a senior, Fetty’s playing the most football he has since eighth grade. He’s healthy, confident, and finally getting the chance to enjoy the season. But this time, he has someone else to share it with, his younger brother Cullen.
“It just means the world to come out with him and know he has my back, know I have his back… I'm feeling strong [and] confident,” Fetty added.
After everything he went through to get back on the field, having his brother there has made this season even more meaningful. And like typical siblings, there’s plenty of moments to give each other a hard time.
Fetty laughed. “He's not very good at catching punts. So against Ike, he fair caught it and then it went over his head. So it was pretty funny. We kind of make fun of him for that one”
For Fetty, this season isn't just about getting back to football.
It's about getting to play the game again and making the most of the time he has with his brother by his side.
