Some college athletes like to wind down by shooting some hoops. Some like to play video games. Some like to read. Some like to go out and have drinks at the bar. Athletes have all kinds of way to kill some time in between practice, games, and class.
Florida Atlantic linebacker Nate Ozdemir has a pretty interesting hobby that he is learning. Apparently none of his teammates or coaches want anything to do with his new hobby.
“I will never get in a plane if he’s piloting it,” FAU’s defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said. “Let’s make that clear right now. Sometimes he has trouble setting the front. I can’t imagine him trying to land the plane. And I’m not kidding.”
That’s right. According to FAU Owl Access, Ozdemir is learning how to fly planes. How is that for living in the moment and embracing a thrill?
He says that his teammates are actually pretty excited for him, despite what some may say.
“They think it’s pretty cool,” Ozdemir said. “I mean, they don’t want to fly with me. They’re a little bit scared.”
Ozdemir’s main goal for getting his pilot license is what he wants to do after graduating. He originally committed to the Naval Academy, but he didn’t want to spend five years in military school.
Despite that, Ozdemir wants to join the Marine Corps after school and he thinks a pilot license will help.
Flying a plane, putting other people’s lives in your hand, and having to know exactly what to do at the exact moment all takes extreme bravery and focus. Those skills will surely translate into being a terrific leader on the field for the next two seasons with the Owls.
For more on Ozdemir’s interesting story, check out the full feature over at FAU Owl Access.
The Owls take the field on September 5 when they travel to play Tulsa.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
