Redlands Father, 30, Proves It's Never Too Late To Play Football

REDLANDS (CBSLA.com) — A 30-year-old Inland Empire man has started his football career more than a decade later than his counterparts.

Balancing football, school and raising his three children makes Daryl Andersen an inspiration to his University of Redlands teammates and family.

"I get up about 5 to 5:30 a.m. I'll leave for work about 6. Then I work from 7 until whenever I have class," Andersen said.

After class, the Redlands father goes to football practice where he plays as a starting tight end.

As if he weren't busy enough, Andersen also manages his own construction company.

Andersen decided to go back to school two years ago.

"The economy crashed and our business crashed with it, and he took the opportunity to go back to school," said Andersen's wife, Kristen.

That's when he took up football.

His coach said his attitude is what makes Andersen unique.

"He's a good player. He's not a guy that asks for time off or time away," Coach Mike Maynard said.

"He's an inspiration to me because I realize he's not old, he's older. And he's just out here having fun," said Jordan Garcia, a linebacker on the school's team.

Andersen said that after college he'd like to pursue a career in professional football or coaching at the college level.