Each week during the college football season we will feature a player who is an officer for an Uplifting Athletes Chapter for our Beyond the Trophy series.

 Name: Tommy Doles

College: Northwestern University

Height, weight, class, position: 6-6, 280-pound redshirt junior offensive lineman

High School: Grand Rapids Christian, Grand Rapids, Michigan

About Doles: In his second season as starting right guard for the Wildcats after playing in all 13 games last year and earning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors. … President of the Northwestern Uplifting Athletes Chapter. … Father, Jack, is a sports broadcaster and comes from a long line of college student-athletes. His grandfather played basketball at DePaul, cousin played football at Iowa State and two aunts played Division I volleyball. … Won a Division 3 Michigan State Championship and was voted All-State his senior year of high school. … Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2016 who chose Northwestern over Michigan and the service academies.

What is your most memorable experience as a college football player?

Doles: Winning the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in 2016; we had worked so hard to get there, and played a great game in an amazing environment.

What drove you to get involved with Uplifting Athletes, and what, if anything, has this experience done for you?

Doles: My Grandpa passed away during my freshman year of college after a four-year struggle with ALS. When I heard about an organization that was working to align college football with rare disease research, I knew I had to get involved. Uplifting Athletes has connected me with some wonderful people and allowed me to grow as a leader, all the while allowing me to use my platform as a college football player for a worthy cause.

As a player, what is your favorite part of the game day experience at your home stadium?

Doles: Singing the fight song with the student section after a ‘Cats victory!

Who is your favorite NFL player and why?

Doles: Kirk Cousins – he is a West Michigander like me, and has remained humble and true to his values despite his success. I was inspired by his book ‘Game Changer’ and have sought to follow his example of using the platform of college football for something worthwhile.

If you could have lunch with any one person (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?

Doles: I’m a history nerd and an offensive lineman who likes lunch, so this is a tough one. I’d say Abraham Lincoln. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to hear a firsthand account of the most trying and formative time in our nation’s history from the man who was steering the ship?

What is your favorite road stadium to play in and why?

Doles: Nebraska has a tremendous game day environment, and their fans are very classy. I did also enjoy playing at Michigan State, as I got to see quite a few high school friends after the game, even if they were wearing green!

In your words, what are some of the things you are looking for in life after football or big goals for the future?

Doles: I will continue to put my faith first (Matthew 16:26), and hope to be blessed with a family someday. Vocationally, I want to serve my country and act as a servant leader towards others, starting as an officer in the Army.

RAPID FIRE

What is your perfect pizza?

Doles: Chicago style deep dish, or course, with plenty of meat and cheese, and surrounded by family and teammates.

Last three songs you added to your playlist?

Doles: The theme song from Band of Brothers, Ever Be (Aaron Shust), and Get Down on It (Kool & the Gang). Eclectic, right?

Taylor Swift or Miley Cyrus?
Doles: Lauren Daigle

If you could spend the day with any celebrity, who would it be?

Doles: Matthew McConaughey, he’s an interesting guy

What was the last movie you went to the theater and saw?

Doles: Dunkirk – Wow!

In the mountains or on a beach?

Doles: Tough one considering the beaches in Pure Michigan, but mountains

What’s the last picture you took with your phone?

Doles: Running back and NU Uplifting Athletes Chapter Vice President Chad Hanaoka playing his ukulele in the stands of Ryan Field as the sun set on Chicago and training camp 2017