For Jake Mitten, football is an opportunity to put aside stress from his day and put on the helmet and shoulder pads alongside his teammates.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker from Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) cherishes his time between the sidelines.

“Football means the world to me,” Mitten said. “It's truly the only thing that can clear my mind when I'm upset or stressed.”

Mitten’s love for the game is clear in how seriously he takes his craft. A leader among his peers, Mitten was recognized as a Values Captain during the U.S. National Team Development Games over the summer.

The USA Football Values Captains program celebrates players who exhibit the positive attributes that football teaches.

Setting a good example and supporting those around him is something on which Mitten prides himself.

“I feel like a true value I hold is leadership,” he said. “I'll never bring anybody down, I'll only bring them up. I've been down before on the field and know what a positive attitude can do and change.”

Mitten’s leadership trait will come in handy this January when he represents the U.S. Under-17 National Team against Japan in International Bowl VIII.

“I can guarantee that I will do everything in my power to lead my team to a victory over Japan,” he said.

To learn more about the USA Football Values Captains program, click here.