Bradley Central Features Their Own ‘Gronk’ in Josh Helsdon

Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV)  Last year home

schooler Josh Helsdon — or Gronk, as his teammates call him — busted onto the scene at Bradley Central August of his junior year never playing a snap of football. Now, he’s a starting lineman and team captain for the Bears, catching the eyes of Division I programs. Talk about raw talent.

Said defensive line coach Colby Dills: “He’s as talented as I’ve ever seen. If he’d have been playing since he was little, there’s no telling how good he’d be right now.”

Senior lineman Josh Helsdon always dreamed of playing football, but it wasn’t until the start of his junior year that he suited up for the Bears.

Said Helsdon: “I’ve always wanted to play football, like since I was little. But my parents, Dad hurt himself playing football and never really wanted me to play sports, but I begged him forever and he finally let me play about a year and a half ago.”

Said head coach Damon Floyd: “It’s funny because most of the time when you get a home school email from a mom saying my son wants to play football, it’s kind of like eh, okay, we’ll give it a shot. And then when he showed up, I’m saying, wait, you’re the home school kid?? You know, he’s 6-foot-four, 265. We were very happy once he arrived.”

Said Helsdon: “When they found out how big I was, they were excited. I guess a little shocked.”

Helsdon quickly became a part of the team, even earned a pretty iconic nickname.

Reporter: Why is he named ‘Gronk’?

Said quarterback Aiden McClary: “I mean, he looks exactly like him. You can look it up. Rob Gronkowski. Exactly like him.”

Said Helsdon: “It was kind of a big deal really. I mean, I’ve been watching Gronk since I was little. He’s one of my favorite football players really.”

This year, Gronk added another moniker — team captain.

Said McClary: “Ever since he’s come, he’s been a hard worker since day one. So it’s just awesome having him out here. And he’s super positive to all the guys, so we’re always laughing and cutting up around him.”

Said Floyd: “He’s set the expectation high for home school kids from here on out. I hope we get more like him.”