Courtney Love (American football) facts for kids

Courtney Love was born on September 28, 1994. He is an American football coach and a former player. He used to play as a linebacker, which is a key defensive position in football.

Today, Courtney Love works as the Director of Player Development for the University of Kentucky's football team. He also played college football for Kentucky. In 2017, he received a special award called the Wuerffel Trophy.

Playing Career

Courtney Love had an interesting journey during his time playing college football. He started at one university before moving to another.

Time at Nebraska

Courtney Love first decided to play college football at the University of Nebraska. The head coach there, Bo Pelini, had also gone to Love's high school, Cardinal Mooney.

During his first year in 2013, Love was a "redshirt" player. This means he practiced with the team but did not play in games. In 2014, he played in a few games and made 6 tackles. A tackle is when a defensive player stops an offensive player who has the ball.

After Coach Pelini left Nebraska in 2014, Love decided to transfer. He wanted to be closer to his grandmother. He also knew some of the coaches at the University of Kentucky.

Moving to Kentucky

When Love transferred to Kentucky, he asked for a special permission called a "hardship waiver." This would have allowed him to play right away. However, his request was not approved. Because of this, he had to sit out the entire 2015 football season.

Even though he couldn't play in 2015, Courtney Love was still very important to the team. The head coach, Mark Stoops, chose him to attend the SEC Media Days in 2016. This was a big deal because Love had not yet played a single game for the Wildcats.

Love was also one of three players who helped show off Kentucky's new uniforms. He was seen as a leader for the Wildcats' defense.

Earning the Wuerffel Trophy

In 2017, Courtney Love received the Wuerffel Trophy. This award is given to a college football player who is excellent in three areas:

• Community service (helping others)
• Athletic achievement (playing well in sports)
• Academic achievement (doing well in school)

Love finished his college career at Kentucky with impressive stats. He made 168 tackles, had 2 sacks, recovered 3 fumbles, and forced 1 fumble. A "sack" is when a defensive player tackles the opposing quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. A "fumble recovery" is when a player picks up a ball that an opponent dropped.

Coaching Career

After he finished playing football, Courtney Love started his coaching career.

In 2018, he became a graduate assistant at the University of Kentucky. A graduate assistant helps coaches with various tasks while also studying for a graduate degree.

In 2019, he was promoted to Director of Player Development. In this role, he helps players grow both on and off the field. He supports their academic success, personal growth, and football skills.

Life Off the Field

Courtney Love grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. When he was younger, he lived with both his father and mother at different times. Later, he moved to live permanently with his father, Cory. His father was a former Marine who served during the Gulf War.

While playing at Kentucky, Love spent time volunteering at a program called Amachi Central Kentucky. This program connects adults with children in Kentucky whose parents are in prison or affected by it. Courtney Love was paired with a boy named Antonio McKinney. Antonio's father was in prison. Love and Antonio quickly became good friends. Love spent time with Antonio between his football practices and classes. This shows his dedication to helping others.