Utah freshman Britain Covey is going on a mission and he wants to make sure everyone knows.
Early last week, Covey tweeted out a statement letting his friends, family and dedicated fans know that he is going on a mission no matter what. He said it at the beginning of the season, he even said it before suiting up in a Utah uniform. But after the way he’s been impressing in his first season, some thought he might abandon his commitment.
Some people on Twitter have even nagged the rising wide receiver at times that he should forgo his mission, all in a joking manner. However, he knew he needed to put a stop to the so-called rumors. After he made his announcement, he did not really know what to expect, but what did happen only verified his decision.
“It was fun to watch, but I’m just overwhelmed by the support from it since I posted it,” Covey said.
Prior to this, whenever Covey would mention he was going on a mission, people were nothing but supportive. Mostly everyone told him they admired the fact he would leave and stay loyal to his plan, even when his career was going so well.
Going on a mission has always been a goal of his and this actually made the decision a bit easier. Covey was always 95 percent sure he would leave to serve a mission, but it was not until about three weeks ago that he made it official.
“It’s not hard for me to leave because my football career is going well,” Covey said. “It’s hard for me to leave because you go on a mission to help people and I feel like I’m helping so many people right now through football. But I know it’s what I’m supposed to do, so I’m excited.”
While making this decision, the way the community supported him has certainly helped, but his family has had the biggest influence.
Growing up, Covey always looked up to his older brothers and sister who all went on missions themselves, and then his parents. Without them, he knows he would not be on this path, but he values everything they say and what they have taught him along the way.
“[My siblings] say that it’s the most rewarding thing you’ll do in your life,” Covey said. “I think my parents taught me from a young age what to prioritize so I’m really grateful for that and there really was never a doubt in my mind.”
With all the social media attention on this, head coach Kyle Whittingham thinks this made no impact on Covey and nothing new is really going on. He has always been aware of Covey’s situation and has his back no matter what.
“Britain, in my mind, was always going, there was never a doubt in the season,” Whittingham said. “Obviously he’s exceeded expectations in a lot of ways. He’s committed to that and we’re supporting him 100 percent in whatever he wants to do.”
Once again, for the record, Covey’s going on a mission. He plans on leaving this upcoming March and while things have been going great in terms of encouragement, he’s focusing on one thing right now — football.
“Everyone’s been so supportive it, but first let’s focus on this season,” Covey said.
@kbrenneisen