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Sasha Santiago

Get to know Michelle Roque, Florida State’s football phenom

Florida State’s Michelle Roque first came into the national consciousness in 2014 when her football highlight reel went viral, and again a year later when SportsCenter featured her second video. Now she’s back, but with a new twist—or kick, should I say.

This year’s reel showcases her catching and Roberto Aguayo-like kicking skills. Oh, and not to mention her ridiculous pass game. At one point she literally throws a football from the ceiling of the FSU indoor practice facility right into her target on the ground.

Why has Michelle blown up so much in the past couple of years? Because she’s putting the critics to shame. Her highlights aren’t impressive for a girl, they’re just impressive period. Whether it has been throwing perfectly on-point touchdowns, juking out defenders, or kicking extra points, she’s shown she can do it all.

Not only has she attracted attention from media outlets everywhere, she also caught the eye of some big time coaches. She received a personal invitation to watch FSU’s Pro Day back in 2015, where she earned praise from private QB guru George Whitfield Jr. (who has trained the likes of Jameis Winston and Cam Newton) and met San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

Recently, she has stepped into a new role with her skills. No longer is she tearing up the competition at fraternity football tournaments, she has now taken her talents to the national stage with the USA Women’s Flag Football team, where she’ll be repping the red-white-and-blue in this year’s IFAF World Flag Championships.

I had the chance to chat with the rising star about her talents on and off the field. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation:

You have so many athletic talents, so what is it about flag football that attracted you to it so much?

“Not going to lie, my mom didn’t let me play tackle so the next best thing was flag! I love football. Watching it, playing it, talking about it. It is an amazing sport and has been a major part of my life since before I can remember.”

Being a woman, there is this constant notion that “we don’t do football.” What’s one thing you want to show those critics, and your fans, through your videos?

“We can do whatever we set our mind to. There are no limitations for women in sports. If we continually tell ourselves we can’t do something then soon enough we will believe it. I hope that my videos open up eyes and inspire others to do what makes them happy and to not let society tell you no. I hope my videos make it so ‘throwing like a girl’ is a compliment and prove that football is not just for men.”

Who is your football role model and why?

“If you asked me this a few months ago I would have said Deion Sanders. But just recently I met Liz and Katie Sowers, who play for the KC titans in the WFA (Woman’s Football Alliance). They are so inspiring and are the definitions of role models, not to mention amazing football players!”

We’ve seen you play various positions on the field, which is your favorite to dominate?

“QB is definitely my favorite position because I have more control over the games outcome. Not to mention I love throwing the ball as you may have seen in my trick shot video. haha”

When you’re not destroying competition on the field, what other interests do you have?

“When I’m not on the field, I’m at my piano writing music! I have played the piano since I was 4 and started writing at 10. I hope to continue composing after I graduate and do it for a living! I currently have 27 songs that are dying to be heard!”

Let’s say this. You’re in the NFL playing QB. Snap is called; ball is in your hands. Who are you passing to and which defender are you beating out?

Definitely passing to Odell Beckham Jr. and I wouldn’t mind beating Josh Norman. To be the best, you have to beat the best!

I know the IFAF World Flag Championships are coming up, is there any way for people to watch the games online?

They will most likely be streamed online but am still waiting for more details. I will post about it on my social media accounts (Twitter: @MichelleRoque7 | Instagram: MichelleRoque) as soon as I know!

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