Emerging from Shadows: Landon Gloston's Journey Through Pressure and Promise

If you've ever found yourself asking, "Who is Landon Gloston?", you're not alone. As it turns out, the man behind the helmet, the Southern Lab standout who sends opposing offenses into a state of terror, is also pondering the same question. His quest for self-discovery is as relentless as his pursuit of quarterbacks on Friday nights.

"There's Landon Gloston, the charismatic, funny, and smart guy that most people see," he confided, "but the Landon Gloston I see is hungry, a young man striving to create a better life not only for himself but for those around him."

He embodies a dream— a vision that goes beyond the outer shell of his 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame. Landon's self-portrait paints a humble leader, one who strives to enhance those around him, who blesses others with his blessings, and lives life to its fullest every day.

His heart longs for his roots, the North Carolina Tar Heels. Originally from North Carolina, the school's values and excellence in his dream major resonate deeply with him. He says, "North Carolina is home for me."

Yet, his journey to excellence hasn't been without its trials and tribulations. A story from his youth, a memory etched in his heart from his 6th grade year, fuels his unquenchable thirst for success.

"My cousin, who was my idol, didn't get to play on the collegiate level. During his graduation, seeing others committed to their dream schools, he whispered to me, 'Someone in these long four quarters of life is going to win. Why can't that be you?' Those words have stuck with me to this day, propelling me to better myself both on and off the field."

Every athlete has their 'why.' But for Landon, it isn't just a 'why.' It's a 'why not.' "Why not move my mom into her dream house? Why not let my dad retire early? Why not give my kids generational wealth?" he wonders, turning dreams into goals and goals into a mission.

Currently, Landon is facing one of his most significant hurdles. A dislocated patella and subsequent MPFL surgery has sidelined him temporarily. The physical recovery is grueling, but the mental toll of watching his peers receive offers from dream schools is even heavier. But in true Landon fashion, he is not defeated. Instead, he channels his envy and jealousy into resolve to come back stronger.

Balancing school, football, and recovery is no small feat, but Landon’s organizational system, paired with an incredible support network, keeps him grounded. He appreciates the pressure, even thriving under it, proclaiming, "Pressure makes diamonds, and that's what I produce— million-dollar plays."

This young linebacker yearns for his legacy to extend beyond the field. "I want to be remembered as 'Him', that guy they name the stadium after, who helped the weak become stronger, who you can always depend on, the one who makes the big plays."

Behind every great athlete, there's an equally great trainer. For Landon, it's Ben, a former LSU employee, who's seen him through his injuries and helped him get back onto the field. "He may not be calling the plays, but he’s the one that helps us make them," Landon praises.

Landon Gloston isn't merely a name or an outside linebacker. He's a driving force, guided by an ego that feeds his hunger for more. "My ego is the one thing that will never make me quit," he says, "It’s

what makes me so hungry for more, and that’s the pride I take in my game as Landon Gloston."

As we watch Landon on his journey of self-discovery and relentless pursuit of his dreams, we can't help but be inspired. For those of us fortunate enough to watch this young man's journey unfold, we can't wait to see what heights he'll reach next. To quote his cousin, "Someone in these long four quarters of life is going to win," and we have a strong feeling that someone is Landon Gloston.