The quarterback of a football team is proclaimed to be the captain, much like a big brother towards his teammates. Quarterbacks take control of each play, control the offense and lead their team down the field. Team members look to their quarterback for order, plan, structure, support and guidance, much like a sibling would to his or her big brother.

In any scenario, on or off the field, Raphael Ortiz has been a remarkable young man. Ortiz has shown a massive amount of self-control, dedication, determination and willpower.

Being the oldest of six, a big brother and also a football star, Ortiz is someone to look up to. Not only is he looked up to by his teammates, but by his siblings as well, which is why a player may be affected by family life.

Ortiz is no stranger to the unexpected events that could happen in some ones life whether it is able to be controlled or not. He has both.

His family has endured a lot more than anyone should. With his sister Julia, who was diagnosed from birth with cerebral palsy, and his other sister Molly being struck by a boat in a tragic accident which paralyzed her, Ortiz and his family have embraced each other with comfort and support.

"Something good always comes out of something bad, but I would never have been able to do it with out that guy", Ortiz's mother said as she pointed to her husband.

Surprisingly, the whole family supported her feelings on both situations and everyone has a role they play in their family. In fact, Raphael Ortiz has practiced harder, played better and focused and dedicated more time on his goals because of the inspiration his sisters give him. 

Dedication was when the whole football team, after St. Peters beat Bergen Catholic in the state semifinals, went to visit Molly in the hospital after her accident, and when told by a nurse only family members were allowed, one of the players turned around and said, "we are family." That goes to show that brotherhood on the field is as strong as off the field and true teammates support each other and always have each others backs in times of need. A bond shared by teammates is as strong as the bond between siblings. His team was there for him, while he was there for his sister.

There are some things life throws at you that are hard to understand and adjust to in the beginning, but over time it becomes your way of life. For instance, cerebral palsy is not a disability you are prepared for, but the journey is a learning experience and a person and their family gets use to it.

As Mrs. Ortiz stated, "In our own conscious mind we think, 'Why me?' When something bad happens that is uncontrollable, but a person also thinks of the gifts that were given in life too."

"I know Julia cannot see or talk to me, but I know she hears me and when she smiles it means everything," Raphael said.

A gift all on its own and why certain people meet and are thankful for the joy they bring in good times and bad. As if Ortiz's sister Julia's diagnosis was not enough for the family to understand, at the time of Raphael's knee surgery, his sister Molly suffered her tragic accident.

Rapfael's surgery went fine and the knee is good, but the end result was bittersweet. Ortiz could be happy his surgery did not affect playing football, but was sad to learn of his sister's debilitating condition. He described the situation as devastating, not being able to erase the sadness that swept over his face.

Beating Bergen Catholic High School in the state semifinals has been one of the many memorable moments in Ortiz's football career.

"Making the state championship game in my senior year was amazing," Ortiz proclaimed, as a smile grew across his face when thinking about his football journey. He had not just gone to the state championship, he has implemented himself, along with his teammates, into a spiraling string of events that play major parts in his life.

"Making Madison Square Garden's (MSG) high school weekly all tri-state team and named Hudson County player of the year are honors," he said.

St. Peters Prep had a 9-3 record and was ranked third on the New Jersey Star Ledger top 20 lists with Ortiz at the helm. He threw for 1,620 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Since he was a young boy, Ortiz has wanted to play ball. As he matured, he drew inspiration from watching Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, along with the support from his family his dreams have become a lifestyle.

One of his rituals to prepare for a game is watching the movie, "Friday Night Lights." When asked why, Ortiz replied with a smile, "Texas is high school football."

Growing up, he would not have expected so much success playing football, but he has had loads of it over the past few years. A person's life journey can entail many unexpected events. The good thing is they are not always bad.

Ortiz and his family said he "could not have asked for a better coach or teammates." The school, along with many others, have been great and very supportive throughout the whole situation."

All of Ortiz's success helps with the pain," Mr. Ortiz said about his sons strive for success. "While Mom and Dad were busy with the other five kids, Raphael was making his own path for the future. He did all of it on his own with us only making sure one was always in the stands to cheer him on."

According to Mrs. Ortiz, college is the next step for Raphael, as he plans to attend William and Mary in Virginia and play Division I AA football.

"He looks forward to the beautiful campus and the great coaching staff," Mrs. Ortiz said. "He loves the game of football and I want him to be happy."

Playing at Giants Stadium for the state championship was not enough for Ortiz, as he wants to go far and beyond with his career. Nothing could make him happier then walking onto a football field, erasing any bad thoughts and playing to his full potential.

No matter what turmoil or series of unexpected events come his way, Ortiz is an inspirational football quarterback and a person that gives new meaning to the word Big Brother, as he is one on and off the field.

Thanks to the Ortiz Family.