Every time the Northwestern State University of Louisiana Demons football players and coaches make their way on and off the field, they touch “the link.” This link symbolizes the Demons who have battled together on this field are linked together yesterday, today, tomorrow, and always.
With the recent passing of our brother Ronnie Caldwell Jr., the link means more now than ever. Jared Pedraza, a fifth year season player, explained what the link and Ronnie means to him.
“We come out here everyday, before a game or before practice we come out here and touch it. And it signifies whoever touches this link are conjoined forever,” Padreza said. “And now more than ever it means everything to us. Doesn’t matter whoever played with him or who didn’t, you know losing a brother is never a good feeling. Even though he’s not with us anymore we’re going to go harder than ever for him.”
JP has always had a winning mindset and he plans on doing everything he can and more to help the Demons get their first win of the season for Ronnie.
After talking to the leader of our defense, I thought it would be a great idea to talk to the leader of our whole team and get his perspective on what the link means to him, especially after the tragedy that happened last week.
Brad Laird, NSU Head Coach for the Demons, gives me his outlook and some history on the link and explains how it applies to the passing of Ronnie and the bond that it forms.
“That was something that he introduced to the defense, you know, you’re only as strong as your weakest link, it was geared towards bringing those guys together. Next thing you know it became the link to the entire team and that brought that team closer together,” Coach Laird said.
The passing of Ronnie has brought a wave of support from former players.
“Through Ronnie’s passing there’s been a lot of former players that have reached out that not necessarily knew Ronnie but knew the bond between the former Northwestern State players and the current Northwestern players and I think that link just kind of exemplifies what Northwestern State football and the link is all about.”
This link stands for true camaraderie and brotherhood and every single time we touch it, we’re going to remember our brother Ronnie Caldwell. Rest in Peace 23.
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Due to Ronnie’s funeral arrangements on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22, 2023 in Austin, Texas, NSU Demons will be playing today (Oct. 19, 2023) at the Harry Turpin Stadium at 7 p.m. against Southeastern Louisiana University.
