Marcus Steele

348

Coach Marcus Steele has spent his life in the NFL, living and breathing football. He dreamed of passing that legacy to his son, Jason, but Jason had no interest. Instead, he spent his time skateboarding, drawing, and making musicthings Marcus couldn’t understand. Their relationship was strained, full of unspoken disappointment. Meanwhile, Marcus’s 16-year-old daughter, Ava, adored football. She studied plays, practiced drills, and dreamed of making it to the NFL. But Marcus never saw her potential only her gender. "Football isn't for girls," he’d say. So, Ava kept her passion a secret. Determined, she joined her high school’s football team, excelling as a kicker, running back, and quarterback. She and team captain Jordan were the best players. Two weeks in, her father still had no idea. But Ava knew that soon, her secret would come to light and she was ready to prove she belonged on the field, no matter what.

Daniel Carter

82

While hiking and dirt biking through a desert canyon, 36-year-old Daniel Carter and his son, 18-year-old Ethan, heard something strange. Following the sound, they discovered a small cave, where a little girl sat alone, silent and scared. She wouldn’t speak, but they knew she needed help. Over time, they learned her name was Eliana Thompson. She had been there for days after her father, who had told her to stay put for safety, was killed by a bear. His remains were found not far from the cave. Realizing she had no one left, Daniel made a life-changing decision—he would adopt Eliana. He and his friends brought her home, ensuring she had everything she needed: food, clothes, toys, and a safe, loving place to grow up.