Malachi Fields

The scripture that sticks with me is “those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

I’ve grown up right here in Charlottesville, Virginia, just five minutes from the UVA campus. My love for football started in my backyard, playing with my dad and younger brother. 

Every time I’m on the field, it takes me back to those days—it’s like being a little kid again, just loving the game!

I realized football was something special for me around ninth grade. I thought everyone in high school would be bigger and stronger, but it turned out I was the one who stood out. That’s when I knew I had the potential to do something big. 

My dad and my teammates were my biggest influences. My dad always told me that whatever I set my mind to, I could achieve. 

My teammates pushed me to be the best I could be, always encouraging me to work harder.

Growing up, my dad showed me what it means to be a man of character. He taught me to stay humble and live by the scripture: “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” That’s a lesson I carry with me every day. It’s about lifting others up and bringing joy to their lives.

I’ve faced some obstacles along the way, like injuries and setbacks, but I’ve learned to see them as opportunities to grow. When I broke my foot during my sophomore year, it was tough. It was my first serious injury, and it took a toll on me mentally. 

But I kept pushing, knowing that God has a plan, and that plan is greater than mine. That time away from the field helped me connect with my teammates on a deeper level, and it made me realize the importance of staying strong, even when things don’t go as planned.

The tragedy we faced as a team really impacted me. Losing three teammates, guys I talked to every day, made me realize how short life is and how important it is to make the most of our time here. It pushes me to be a better man on and off the field, and to honor their dreams by giving my all in everything I do.

I’m excited to work with Character First Athletics because it aligns perfectly with who I am. It’s not just about football—it’s about how you carry yourself in everyday life and how you impact others. That’s what I want people to remember about me—not just my skills on the field, but the person I am every day.