Heart Over Height: Kalil Pimpleton
Meet Mr. Heart over Height, or as some may know as player #3 for the Muskegon Big Reds. Kalil Pimpleton. This inspiring, seventeen year old powerhouse is on the top 25 for best high school football players in the state of Michigan. With over 14,000 views on his Hudl highlights and an impressive 4.49 on his 40 yard dash, Kalil is Big Red’s star quarterback. After visiting the prestigious Virginia Tech University this past late spring, Kalil has verbally committed to play for the Hokies.
I asked Kalil, what is one word to describe your journey so far?
“Exciting,” he says. “I just think it’s exciting to prove people wrong.”
During Muskegon Big Reds opening game , Kalil scored five touchdowns at Michigan Stadium against the Ann Arbor ‘Pioneers.’ When asked what his plans were for this season Kalil told me he wanted to leave a legacy.
“My goal for this football season is to leave a legacy and win a state championship with my brothers. We’ve talked about that everyday since middle school.”
When you hear the word ‘prime’ what comes to mind? "Deion “Primetime” Sanders. The best athlete to ever touch a football field."
I asked Kalil where he saw himself a year from now, after graduating high school.
Having long term goals is essential for anyone’s focus, but having short term goals retains discipline--where do you see yourself a year from now?
“I see myself down in Virginia for college,” he states. “Taking care of business. I am blessed to be on scholarship to a Division 1 college! That’s free schooling, while others are paying thousands to get into [universities].”
Your dedication and drive definitely goes unnoticed. As competitive as football can be, what keeps you level headed and grounded?
“Knowing that I have a future keeps me level headed and grounded. I know one mistake can ruin the rest of my life. I know it all can be gone in the blink of an eye.”
Kalil, what is your favorite thing about football?
“The comradery of my teammate [is my favorite thing about football]. I love football, but what would I get accomplished without them? [My teammates] have been my best friends since we were kids. It’s something much more than just football.”
Who are your biggest supporters? The individuals that are constantly there for you?
“My coaches [are my biggest supporters] of course. I also have a few teachers that are in love with me and what I am accomplishing. Then there’s Jordan Walker. She is someone I met awhile ago, and we grew a relationship earlier this year. I haven’t regretted it at all--she’s been my biggest supporter for the past few months. I feel like I have been going harder than I ever have these past few months.”
Anyone scrolling through Kalil’s Twitter sees that he constantly promotes positive affirmations and energy on his timeline. He connects with his friends, other football players and Hokies coaches/recruiters. I had to ask Kalil where his kind, inviting spirit and nature comes from.
“My mother and sisters,” he says. “I grew up in church, reading my bible and trying to live how God wants us to live. My mother has always encouraged me to be the type of person that I am now. I am the only boy out of five girls with divorced parents. Through that, I was taught and I have seen how women are supposed to be treated and how they are not. [Those values] has expanded throughout everybody I have encountered.”
Kalil, do you have any quotes or bible verses that help you through the long practices, the pressure and preparing for games?
“Heart over height, is a quote that helps me get through it all,” says Kalil. Standing at 5’7, he may be smaller for a quarterback, but he does not let that limit his ability to play. Kalil also mentioned that he has two bible verses that help him through everything: Colossians 3:23 and Romans 12:2.
“Travis Greene helps me get through a lot of stress. He’s a gospel singer. I listen to him to help me get ready for games,” Kalil adds.
What is advice to any youngin’ dreaming?
"Keep God first! Always trust and have faith in him. Have him by your side through everything. Walk with him everyday. Don’t listen to what people tell you that you can’t do. The world is yours! You can do whatever and have whatever you want. Just work hard, and don’t stop working."
