Character Award
Joe Este was a key part of the UT Martin Skyhawk defensive backfield under head coach Jason Simpson. In just two years Este logged 129 tackles, four interceptions, had 22 passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Este helped lead a vaunted defensive unit that led the Ohio Valley Conference in scoring defense and ranked in the top-10 in the Football Championship Subdivision ranks in 10 different categories, in 2017.
Off the field, Este juggled life as a collegiate student-athlete while also raising his two nephews, Christopher and Zackary. Este’s days with is nephews began at 5:45 a.m. After dropping them at school he would attend classes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. before picking them up from school. The three would often attend UT Martin’s football practice during the late afternoon or early evening. Este would then help his nephews with homework and tuck them into bed before completing his own school work.
The family atmosphere at UT Martin was one of the biggest draws for Este once he completed his eligibility at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Miss. The Skyhawk coaches, staff and players took in young Christopher and Zackary as their own sons or younger brothers throughout Este’s two-year tenure.
Este is in the process of adopting his nephews after also providing his homeless mother with a new home and life stability. He graduated from UT Martin with a degree in health and human performance in December 2017 and is now pursuing professional football opportunities.