When most Manogue students hear the name “Wes Farnsworth,” they think football. Whether it’s football coach, former UNR football player, or former NFL football player, Farnsworth’s name has undoubtedly become synonymous with the sport.

Like most students, when I first met Mr. Wes Farnsworth, the only thing I knew about him was that he was a former NFL player.  Throughout this past year of getting to know him as a human outside the specter of football – and as you’ll see through this interview – Farnsworth is truly a well-rounded human being in every sense of the word.

A Nevada native, Farnsworth has a deep pride in coming from the Silver State, remarking, “I’ve always been really, really proud of being from Nevada.” Farnsworth continued on to reminisce on his childhood, and how the lessons he’d learned from his family during his childhood have made him the person he is today. “I take a lot of pride in that kind of old school, blue collar mentality and try and live with that still today.”

Throughout his childhood and into much of his adult life, life revolved around school and sports. Football took precedence during high school, where Farnsworth played for Bishop Manogue. After high school, he played at the collegiate level at The University of Nevada, Reno, and from there, he was scouted by coaches from the National Football League. During Farnsworth’s time in the NFL, he played for the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins. That same work ethic instilled into his mind from his childhood transformed into the work ethic that allowed him to play his favorite sport at the collegiate and professional levels – a unique blessing that very few people have the opportunity to experience.

At 23 years old, Farnsworth retired from the sphere of professional football, and returned to his roots, in Reno, Nevada, as a teacher in the same school he attended in his adolescence. “Having the job that I have, getting to teach at Manogue, is a true blessing.” Farnsworth began. “I went to school here, and giving some of the students here the same experience I had – which was amazing – is so cool to me.” Anyone who looks at Farnsworth in the classroom can tell that he is truly in his element; Farnsworth is a compassionate teacher who any student is lucky to have. As a Sports Nutrition teacher, Farnsworth brings a unique perspective to the class because he’s lived the life of a professional athlete. “I really do practice what I preach in the classroom,” Farnsworth commented about his unique perspective on the subject. “I think it’s one thing to teach about that stuff, but I try to put it in practice, and I don’t think that’s very common nowadays.”

Not only does Farnsworth go above and beyond for teaching, he dedicates much of his time outside of his job to leading retreats at Manogue such as the sophomore retreats and Kairos. I’ve had the privilege of leading Kairos 70 with Farnsworth in my small group, and I can confidently attest to the fact that Farnsworth is one of the most remarkably kind humans I’ve ever met. Being so ready and willing to volunteer his own time to positively impact the lives of his students outside of school is yet another way Farnsworth continually is raising the bar.

When he isn’t teaching, coaching Manogue football, or volunteering at a retreat, Farnsworth is staying active. “I’m technically a retired athlete – quote unquote ‘retired’ – but I try and hold on to as much of my athleticism as I can. I’m always staying active in some way, so that’s good.” In his home life, Farnsworth enjoys spending time with his family – he dedicates at least a few hours in the week to his family, including his dog – which to my surprise – is a Pomeranian! “People wouldn’t expect that, since he’s just a little tiny thing.”

In wrapping up my conversation with Farnsworth, he left me with the sentiment that “movement is medicine” – something he’s particularly passionate about. “I think we’re spending a lot of time indoors and on our phones lately, and it would do us good to be outside and socially interact with each other more.”

And finally, Farnsworth’s concluding remark, arguably his most serious opinion, was “I’m passionate about the Wolf Pack!”

Manogue is blessed to have Mr. Wes Farnsworth as a teacher, coach, and mentor to the school community – Go Pack!