When you ask Gage Sales about his teammates, they are not just friends or classmates to him.

“Football to me is like having a second family,” Sales said.

The Class of 2021 defensive lineman loves coming together with his teammates, who he refers to as his brothers, to pursue the common goal of getting better and winning.

The passion Sales has for football developed when he was in the third grade and has only grown with time.

“I can’t imagine not playing football,” he said.

With this growth in passion has come a number of different life lessons that Sales has learned, including discipline, hard work, determination, responsibility and teamwork. Sales' appreciation of these virtues contributed to his selection as a Values Captain by his coaches and teammates at the National Development Games.

The USA Football Values Captain program highlights players who exemplify the positive qualities that football teaches and fosters.

The honor was rewarding for Sales, but the accolades are not what fuels him. 

“I always give 110 percent effort no matter what I'm doing, whether it's on or off the field.  I don't ever expect any recognition for it, it's just who I am,” he said.  

For younger players thinking of playing football in the future, Sales offers some powerful advice.

“Be coachable and have heart and passion for the game. Always give everything you got and don’t ever, ever give up.”