Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Parker Nippert

Parker Nippert now stands alone in program history. The senior quarterback passed for 279 yards and three touchdowns Oct. 31 as Riverview football (8-1-1) outgunned Manatee (4-6) in a 63-42 shootout. With that Week 11 performance, he broke the program's single-season passing record, capping the regular season with 1,760 in all. He also enters the postseason with 15 passing touchdowns against three interceptions in 2025. Nippert is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing football?

I started playing football when I was about 3 or 4 years old — just flag football. And then I never stopped playing from then on. I got into tackle in middle school with sixth grade, and I've loved it every day I've been playing. 

How did you gravitate to quarterback as your position of choice?

The day I started playing football, I wanted to play quarterback. I wasn't starting because I was only 4 years old, playing up. But then I practiced it, and I've been playing quarterback ever since.

What were your goals with Riverview entering this season?

I just wanted to have a good season with the team and everything. That was a big part of it. But I wanted to break records this year — that's what my plan was. And I really want to beat Venice this year. That's one of my big goals. And just go as far as we can.

What's been the most humbling moment of your football career?

My junior year, I was told that I wouldn't be starting here at Riverview. I had somebody ahead of me at that point in time who was a very good quarterback — Anthony Miller — who now switched to slot receiver. That was something that really affected (me) and got me to this position, because going through that was difficult. I had to just keep my head down and grind every day, and by the end of the (2024) season, I was starting the last game and didn't look back once that happened.

With the postseason beginning Nov. 14, what's your mentality toward the road ahead?

It's my senior year, so once again, just not looking back. Making the most of it with the boys I've been playing football with since Pop Warner — especially that o-line group. I just want to do the best that I can to help them, just go as far as we can and hopefully win states.

When you're not practicing or competing, how do you spend your free time?

I spearfish a lot, though I don't know if that's a great thing to say mid-season. I do a lot of fishing and spearfishing.

What's one quote that you live your life by?

Just one by Tom Brady, "Make the most of every snap you take." He started off the same way as I did, barely getting any reps. You've got to take every rep and make it count. That's what I did from the start, and now getting the majority of the reps, I still make every single one count as much as I can.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

Drew Brees, because I just love his playing style. He can really do it all. If he needs to go and get it on his feet, he'll do it. I think he's the most accurate passer, and I try to resemble my game around him a little bit.

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose and why?

To breathe underwater. Free diving is difficult when you have limitations.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

The small islands in the Bahamas to go spearfishing.

What's your favorite meal?

I love a good ribeye steak, medium-rare.

What's your favorite TV show?

Dexter.

What's your go-to, hype music?

Either Kodak (Black) or YoungBoy (Never Broke Again), I don't know right now.

Finish this sentence. Parker Nippert is...

Respectful.