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Achieve, Serve, Lead: Football's Mason Darrow
October 26, 2016 | Football, General
Name: Mason Darrow
Team: Football
Year: Senior
Major: Economics
High School: Lake Barrington, Ill.
Hometown: Barrington
Athletic Accomplishments:
Starting center on the Princeton football offensive line … playing significant snaps in all 10 games last season at both tackle positions … has helped Princeton offense rank among the Top 3 in the Ivy League in most offensive categories this season.
Off the Field:
Became the first openly gay college football player last year, and served as a role model for countless young players dealing with their own issues of sexual orientation … has also been part of Princeton's Uplifting Athletes chapter, which raises money in the battle against aplastic anemia.
Darrow on Darrow:
"My decision to come out was based pretty much entirely on the idea that I would be able to have an impact on other young athletes. The only way it was sort of for myself was in the belief that my story would be able to make an impact. I also wanted the chance to show how great both Princeton and Princeton football are.
"The response has been overwhelmingly supportive. A lot of Princeton alums, and athletes were were already out, contacted me to congratulate me or say thank you, and I've become good friends with a lot of them. In terms of people reaching out to say that I helped them or my story really struck a chord with them, there were probably 100 or so, which was really great to see. Of those, I'd say I've developed a stronger mentor relationship with 10-15 that I regularly keep in touch with. A lot of that 100 just wanted to let me know, and I never heard back when I responded to them.
"I couldn't have asked for better support from the Princeton community. From my team to my coaches, to the rest of the Athletic Department, everyone was incredible. I wouldn't say it had a huge effect on my day to day Princeton experience, I was already out here when the story came out, so my friends all already knew. Overall though, it's definitely one of things I'm most proud of doing here, and I am happy I'll be able to carry that with me. It was an honor to represent Princeton in that fashion, and show the country what a phenomenal community we have here. "
To learn more about Darrow's journey, check out these pieces by ESPN GAMEDAY and OUTSPORTS.
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