East County Athlete of the Week: Nick Cinelli

Nick Cinelli has high expectations for his upcoming senior season with the Braden River football team. 

If he plays anything like he did in the Pirates’ spring game against Cape Coral Mariner on May 22, that should be no problem. 

Cinelli had eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown, along with two interceptions on defense as a free safety in a 14-14 tie against the Tritons at Braden River High School.

When and why did you start playing football? 

I started playing football when I was about 7 years old, and I never played tackle until my high school career. I was always a flag football player. My parents didn’t want me to get hurt. I started in high school as a freshman, and I didn’t see the field my freshman or sophomore year. Junior year, I made a switch (from quarterback) to receiver midway through the season. My dad played when he was younger and he put me in it. I just fell in love with the sport. 

What’s been your most memorable moment at Braden River? 

Definitely the first game (last season) against Bayshore when I first got in. I got (an interception) that game, and it was just really memorable for me. 

What’s been the best part of this spring season? 

This spring, just seeing the effort that everybody’s putting in, how excited everybody is to come play the game. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted (in the spring game). It wasn’t a terrible one, though. Everybody played their hearts out and it was cool seeing everybody putting what they learned together.

What’s gone right for you personally this spring? 

My coaches have really been helping me out, putting me in the right place to succeed. 

What’s been your most humbling moment in football? 

Definitely going out with high expectations (last year), expecting that I’m going to do really good in the game and just like not playing to the best of my ability. The Parrish game was tough because I was expecting that to be my breakout game and I ended up having two catches for -2 yards, so it definitely wasn’t my breakout game. 

What’s your favorite meal?

I’m going to have to say filet and shrimp. I make a mean steak. I cook it medium rare. I like loaded mashed potatoes and asparagus on the side. 

What’s your favorite TV show or movie? 

Don’t make fun of me for this one. It’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon.’ I just like dragons, and I think it’s cool. 

What’s your go-to warm-up song? 

‘Hometown Glory’ by Adele. I was actually listening to it on repeat today (May 22). I just like the vibes it brings me.

If you’re not playing football, what are you doing? 

Golfing. I’m a big golfer. I like golfing at Buffalo Creek, but I’ll go anywhere. 

What does your ideal weekend look like? 

My parents’ friends, every Sunday morning they go and play the back nine at Buffalo Creek. So Saturday, if I’m not working, I’ll probably go to the beach or the pool. Then that night I’ll go hang out with some buddies and make sure I get to bed early because we play a sunrise nine. Then I’ll go to church after that and see what happens the rest of the day. 

Who’s your favorite football player and why?

I’m going to go with Tom Brady. I feel like I relate to him a lot because he was the backup quarterback on an 0-8 high school team and then he was eighth in the depth chart at Michigan. And then he was a late draft pick, and look at him now. 

Finish this sentence. Nick Cinelli is… 

Competitive.