Player Feature: Dan Larlham
May 25, 2005 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Canton Legends News Release
On his first day of football practice in the third grade, Dan Larlham can remember standing in line with all of the other kids when his coach asked him what position he wanted to play. He answered, "running back and nose tackle." From the beginning he always wanted to be where the action was.
Today, Larlham, starting quarterback for The Canton Legends has found himself, through hard work and perseverance, exactly where he wanted to be.
When Larlham, now 24, was eight he was involved in many different sports, but the area's love for the sport of football led him to realize that it was the one sport he really wanted to dedicate his time to.
During Larlham's sophomore year at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, his dedication to the sport landed him a spot on the starting line-up, a spot that he never lost.
"Our starting tailback was injured and they asked me, a back-up quarterback, to play tailback against our undefeated arch-rival Archbishop Hoban of Akron," said Larlham. "I had only played sparingly until then, but proceeded to rush for 131 yards and a touchdown as we beat Hoban 19-7."
From there Larlham earned a scholarship to play football at Michigan State University, but after one year he realized that it wasn't a good fit for him and transferred to Baldwin-Wallace College. There, he had the opportunity to become a student first and then an athlete.
"Transferring to BW was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made in my life," said Larlham. "I was around people I respected, I got to play football for four years and I received a degree from a very reputable institution."
Upon receiving a degree in mathematic, Larlham got a teaching position at his alma-mater.
"Teaching is my first love, ahead of football. I can honestly say that every day is better than the previous day. I am very lucky to be able to say that I truly love my job and I am in the one profession to which I can give my all," said Larlham.
His passion for football and teaching lead him to The Canton Legends, where he could continue to stay in the game and also keep his job.
"Football is such an amazing game that I would be playing flag football somewhere this summer and probably paying league fees to do so," said Larlham. "When it came to be that I could do something that I love to do, keep my day job and get paid for it, I couldn't pass it up. I am truly blessed right now."
Larlham is inspired on the field by Brett Farve.
"He knows how hard it is to score a touchdown and he celebrates everyone as if it was the first of his career," said Larlham. "After I score a touchdown for the Legends, I have the same joy and jubilation that I did when I was eight."
Off the field Larlham is inspired by his family and his fiancé. You can spot them at every game sitting along the sidelines proudly wearing their Larlham Legends gear and "I love #8" pins.
"My family loves to watch me play and to be able to play for them is a joy for me. I am truly blessed to have such support," said Larlham.
Larlham's message to his fans says it all.
"I would just like to say thank you for all of your support. The Legends play for the people in the stands and I love giving high-fives to the fans, jumping into the crowd and showing off the fact that I can't dance after every touchdown," said Larlham. "You give us energy and life on the field and we need you loud and proud at each home game."
American Indoor Football Association Stories from May 25, 2005
- Legends Announce Brian Young as Head Coach - Canton Legends
- Player Feature: Dan Larlham - Canton Legends
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