CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — It is the inaugural season for the Corpus Christi Tritons, who will play in the American Indoor Football league.
One player shared his experience growing up in the foster care system, helping him develop into the man he is today.
"My mom, she came and got me out the system when I was 14 years old and ever since then it's been no looking back," Leonard Harris said. "They say behind every man is a strong woman, but that mother figure changed a lot of stuff about me, and then my brothers, too, helping me, it made me strong."
Harris plays linebacker for the Tritons. His arena football career began with the Corpus Christi Hammerheads, one of the Coastal Bend's former teams.
He grew up in the foster care system and said many kids that grow up in it ask, "Why me?" He had a different mindset and asked God to protect him so he could one day share his story.
"I can go back and tell my story and actually help other kids that are going through foster care right now and talk to them and show them that no matter what you go through, keep your faith in God first, and at the same time, when you get to that stage that you want to be in, make sure you always stay humble," Harris said.
Born in Galveston, Harris moved back and forth between Texas and California. He found a love for sports as he grew up, which helped him stay on the right path in life.
Tritons Head Coach Bradly Chavez said the team is a fresh start for players and each one has their own story. He said he is excited for them to get their chance to play the game they love.
"To see someone with his background, his testament, to be able to give back to the community, to be able to tell his story and impact the younger generation is a blessing for us as an organization," Chavez said.
Harris' older brother, Maurice, played for the Houston ThunderBears and introduced him to arena football. He adopted family is in Corpus Christi and he said it is special being back home playing.
Now 40 years old, he said he wants to eventually walk away from the game knowing he left it in the best way. For now, he is ready for the new season to start so he can play for his biggest inspiration.
"To be able to come back home and play in front of friends and family and, at the same time, my little girl," Harris said. "I just had my daughter, she's six months now. My daughter is my main inspiration for all this."
The Tritons will begin their first season on March 17 and the American Bank Center. Harris said he wants everyone to show up and support the local players and that it will be a lot of fun.