Captain and senior playing for the Roxbury High School football team, Jahmani Miller has led his team to its first undefeated season since 1934, 89 years ago. As of the 20th of October, the Roxbury High School football team is officially undefeated in their conference, and moving on to the state championships.
Miller claimed that “the way we practice has had a huge impact on our team success and the trust we have for each other.” He also added that after a good week of practice, “we go into the game feeling good because we know what we’re doing.” After 89 long years of tough seasons, this is one for the books. From the source nj.com, previous statistics report that the Roxbury football team’s old records were, 5-4 in 2022, 4-6 in 2021, 1-6 in 2020, and 2-7 in 2019. Jahmani commented, “Our head coach Ryan Roumes brings energy every day, it doesn’t matter how he is feeling he will always be fired up and ready to go. Seeing this makes the whole team bring passion and energy and this is what led to our success.” As seen here, Roxbury has had a challenging few seasons, and the 2023 team will be looked up to for decades to come.
As a senior, and his last year representing the Roxbury Gaels, this season will have more significance than any other. Miller explained how being a senior gives a sense of leadership to his younger teammates. He expressed that “it feels amazing knowing that the underclassmen look up to me and it’s a big role because I have to work hard every day. If I slack then the underclassmen will think it’s okay to slack.” Miller says that his teammates would describe him as honest, funny, and takes accountability on and off the field.
Jahmani Miller has come a long way, from a little kid watching his friends play to being a running back for the Roxbury Gaels during their first undefeated season since 1934. Miller says he couldn’t have done it without the support of his family. He found his passion for football when he first “heard my family and friends yelling my name, it made me feel like a superstar.” Fun fact: If it wasn’t for football, Miller explained he would likely be an actor.
Balancing a healthy student-athlete life is complicated. Miller shared that the intensity of the football season “has a big impact on my academic and social life,” with the team practicing 6 days every week. “I had to find a good balance between school, my friends, and football.” Playing a school sport is a great way to become more active and involved within your district. With 7-hour school days, 3-hour practices can be exhausting and make it extremely difficult to stay on top of your schoolwork. Miller has found his way of making time for both football and his classes.
Not only is Jahmani Miller undoubtedly a football star, but he helped leave a legacy as the first team in 89 years to be undefeated in the regular season. Jahmani Miller has left his mark on Roxbury High School, what will you do?
