The football hangs in the air, spinning against the lights.
Thomas McCullough plants his feet, eyes locked on the ball as two defenders sprint downfield, closing in fast. In that split second, there's no room for distraction.
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"You have to be calm," McCullough explained. "You know you're going to get hit, but first and foremost you have to catch the ball. I try not to blink and just keep my eyes on it the entire time."
That ability to focus under pressure has been a significant part of McCullough's career at Dordt University. Whether fielding punts, lining up at defensive back, or navigating life off the field, the senior from Ravenna, Michigan, has embraced challenges with steadiness and faith.
McCullough first learned about Dordt as a high school sophomore when then-assistant coach Devon Eckhoff visited his school. Several conversations and visits later, he made the decision to commit.
"I wanted to go somewhere far away and start my own journey," McCullough said. "The coaches' vision for the program and their interest in me personally—not just as a football player—was really appealing."
What stood out most during those visits was the way Dordt players welcomed him.
"They cared about me, asked questions about where I was from, and seemed like they genuinely wanted me around," he remembered. "That was super appealing."
Now, four years later, McCullough finds himself in the position of those same upperclassmen who once guided him.
"When I think about how those guys poured into me as a freshman, it's awesome that I can take what they taught me and now teach it to the younger players," he said. "That's been one of my biggest blessings since being at Dordt—pouring into younger guys and becoming great friends with them."
McCullough has experienced milestone moments in Dordt football, including a playoff appearance and a near miss at another run. But for him, the true impact of Dordt football goes beyond the scoreboard.
"When I think of Dordt football, I think of how it's the only place I've seen that blends spirituality and athletics so well," he said. "Seeing how we can treat football as a way to glorify God has completely changed my perspective on competition."
That perspective carries into every snap he plays. As a defensive back, McCullough studies his opponent before the play begins.
"If it's a fast guy across from me, I know I have to give a little ground," he said. "If it's a tight end or a bigger player, it's probably a run, and I can fly downhill to make the tackle."
Off the field, McCullough has pursued a degree in theology with an emphasis on mission and ministry. His academic interests mirror the same passion for mentorship that drives him in football.
"The idea of going into youth ministry is really inspiring for me," he said. "It's a way to pour into people the way others have poured into me."
He credits several professors—Dr. Justin Bailey, Dr. David Westfall, Dr. Jason Dielemann, and Dr. Gail Dornbos—with shaping both his studies and his faith.
McCullough's senior year has included another role: husband. Married last year, he's learning how to balance school, football, and family.
"For me, it's about being present in every context," he said. "When I'm at school, I'm a student. At football, I'm a teammate. And when I go home, it's about being a husband and doing that as best I can."
Though his post-graduation plans are still unfolding, McCullough hopes to enter ministry, possibly youth ministry. More than anything, he leaves Dordt grateful for how much he's grown.
"I can't put into words how much I've grown and changed these last four years," he reflected. "Spiritually, this has been by far the most transformational time of my life. My relationship with Christ and with the people here has shaped me in ways I'll carry forever."
