Friars and Football
Troy Apke of the Washington Commanders is the great-nephew of Fr. John. Photo of Troy by a family member.
You might find it interesting that my brother, Fr. Jim, and I have a great nephew who is on the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) football team. He just finished his four-year rookie contract and signed a new one-year contract to play this coming season. His name is Troy Apke and his number is 30. He played safety at Penn State from 2014 to 2017.
Troy was drafted by Washington in 2018 in the fourth round, the 109th pick of the draft. He played as a free safety during his first three seasons, but was asked to move to cornerback last season. Most of his playing time is with the special teams during punts and kick-offs. He is very fast and elusive so if often the first player to get downfield.
Troy’s father, Steve, is our sister's son. He played football at the University of Pittsburgh from 1983 to 1986 as a linebacker. He also played three games with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the players strike in the 1987 NFL season. His mom, Sue, ran track as a sprinter for the University of Pittsburgh, where she met our nephew. Troy got his speed and athleticism from his mom and dad, not from Jim and me.
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