Nick Means: Keep The Faith

Life has a way of knocking you down when you least expect it. At times, it can feel like you got knocked out by Muhammad Ali and then Shaquille O’Neal decided to stand on your chest. It takes a lot of perseverance and faith to push the burden aside and get back up. Nobody has learned that lesson more in his life than Dorman senior Running Back Nick Means. 

Means has turned a lot of heads as a part of the “three headed monster” that is the Cavaliers’ backfield — the speedy and athletic trio that also includes Carter Nash and Ja’Bez Thomas. He has even had a phrase coined that makes an accurate play on his name— “Nick Means business”. But, for Nick life has always been about far more than football. 

“One thing I want readers to know about me is that my life has had so many ups and downs”, said Means. “There were times where I did not know where I was going or where I would end up. But through it all, I kept my faith in God, and He helped me overcome the challenges I faced. In the end, those tough experiences made me stronger and taught me to never give up, no matter how hard it gets.” 

That mentality of never giving up in the hard times is a trait he attributes to his aunt, with whom he has an intimate relationship. 

“The person in my family I am closest to is my Aunt. She has by far been the biggest influence on my life”, Nick stated lovingly. “She has always been there for me and taught me important lessons about working hard, staying strong, and never giving up. Even when things are difficult, I always give my best effort and push through the challenges. I strive to stay focused and positive, be responsible, and continue to work towards my goals.”

No doubt those lessons come out in every aspect of his day-to-day life, but they also show in his game, which Nick began to develop at nearly the earliest of age.

“My uncle got me into football when I was two years old,” Means recalled. “It has always been my favorite sport by far. I am a Buffalo Bills fan, but my favorite player is (Lions running back) Jahmyr Gibbs. I also love to play basketball even though I am not that good at it, rolling with the Warriors as my favorite NBA team.” 

Nick has gotten a ton of support over the years — not just from his Auntie, but also his entire community at Dorman ranging from the student body to a small village worth of faculty. That support feeds his passion for putting on for the Cavalier faithful every Friday night. 

“I have several teachers and faculty members that have had a positive influence on me”, said Means. “There’s Mrs. Mullins, Mrs. Darby, Mrs. Guy, Mrs. Boyd, and Mrs. Westlund — all of whom have further taught me to always stay humble, work hard, and keep going even when things get difficult. Most importantly, they have reminded me to always keep God first in everything I do. I will continue to carry the lessons they have taught with me everywhere, whether it be school, sports, or everyday life.” 

“My favorite thing about Dorman is the sense of community”, Means later added. “I enjoy being part of a community and a school where students, teachers, and fellow athletes support each other. Friday Nights at Cavalier Stadium get me pumped because there is so much energy. When those lights come on and the community comes together to support me and my teammates, it sends chills down my spine. But it also makes me nervous. But, once the game kicks off, I use those nerves as motivation to focus and give my best effort.” 

Like most star athletes, for Nick, getting focused on game day starts early with a common routine. 

“I prepare for games in a couple of ways”, said Means. “I make sure to stay hydrated, listen to music, and get myself mentally ready. I try to stay focused and block out distractions with something by my side that represents God and helps remind me to keep my faith and stay grounded. Then, once it’s time to play, I trust the work I have put in and focus on giving my best effort for my team.” 

Giving that best effort for the good of the team is something that Dorman Head Coach Jake Morris has instilled in him as he pushes him to be the best he can be. 

“What I like most about playing for Coach Morris is that he always pushes me to be the best player and person I can be”, Nick said with a tone that reflects utmost respect. 

“He always tells us to choose to do hard things because nothing worth having ever comes easy. I also appreciate how he helps us become better men outside of football rather than just good athletes. The best advice he has ever given me is to keep working hard, stay focused, choose to do what is hard, and never give up no matter what challenges may come my way.” 

Outside of football, Nick can be described exactly that way — a hardworking, good-hearted, and headstrong young man. He also loves to be challenged to the point where he intentionally puts himself out of his comfort zone — albeit not necessarily in a social way. 

“Outside of football, my favorite things to do are help my community and try new foods”, said Means. “Trying different foods allows me to experience new things and step out of my comfort zone while helping my community allows me to give back and make a positive difference in the lives of others.” 

Making a difference is a huge part of what Nick wants to do with his life when his time on the gridiron comes to an end. 

“After graduation, I plan to continue my education and hopefully play football at the next level”, Nick stated. “Outside of the game, I have goals of going to law school and becoming an attorney. I am also interested in becoming an influencer so I can use my platform to help and inspire the next generation.” 

Means will have plenty of choices when it comes to where he goes to try and make his future goals a reality, currently sifting through almost two hands full of offers. 

“Right now, I have offers from eight schools across both division I and II”, said Nick proudly. “They come from Liberty, Wake Forest, The Citadel, Samford, Anderson, North Carolina A&T, Lenoir-Rhyne, and Chattanooga.” 

“I am grateful for every opportunity”, Means later added. “But, right now, I am taking my time with the recruiting process before I make a final decision. I want to choose the school that is the best fit for me both on and off the field — one that will help me further grow as a student, athlete, and man.” 

Nick’s story is one he wants to finish with a solid piece of advice that continues to reflect the recurrent theme — keep the faith and keep moving forward. 

“The most solid piece of advice I can give for the young athletes looking up to me is to always keep God first. Stay focused on your education, never stop working hard and always try to outwork anyone competing with you. But you have to remember to never be jealous or negative about someone else’s success. Everyone has their own journey and God always has a plan for you that is different from everyone else’s. Keep believing, stay humble, and trust the process.” 

Dorman is off this week, but you can see Nick take the field next Friday as the Cavaliers travel to Gaffney to renew their rivalry.