Junior Jonathan Rivera is one of Miami High’s student athletes who has dealt with leadership and challenges along the way in his career.
Leadership and Team Motivation
Jonathan Rivera brings both leadership and energy to his team by pushing others to work harder and stay accountable. He often reminds his teammates that if he, as a kicker, is outworking them in the weight room, then they need to step up their effort.
Beyond that, he builds strong friendships within the team, creating a positive environment full of motivation and support. Jonathan believes in having each other’s backs and making sure no one feels alone on or off the field.
Through football, he has grown more responsible and mature, understanding that it is a serious sport where joking around at the wrong time can have real consequences. The legacy he hopes to leave behind is one of excellence, setting records if possible, and inspiring the next generation of players to work hard, stay focused, and achieve greatness.
Handling pressure as a kicker
The pressure of being a kicker is something that Jonathan Rivera understands very well. He explains that the position comes with intense mental challenges, where every kick must be precise because even one small mistake can change the outcome of a game. The reactions from others, whether he makes or misses, add even more pressure, forcing him to stay focused and mentally strong.
Through football, Jonathan has learned that nothing comes easy and that reaching the top requires constant hard work and dedication. Despite the pressure, he continues to push himself, and his performance of going 6 for 7 on kicks in his current career shows both his resilience and ability to perform under stress.
Goals for the future
Jonathan Rivera’s goals are centered around performing at his highest level and earning a college scholarship through his dedication and consistency. He plans to lead his teammates by constantly reminding them that success doesn’t come easy and that hard work is necessary every day.
Looking ahead, Jonathan hopes to attend college and pursue a major in business or architecture while continuing his football journey. To reach these goals, he focuses on developing a strong mindset learning how to block out distractions, stay calm under pressure, and remain confident in critical moments. Ultimately, he strives to be the best version of himself on the field, minimizing mistakes and proving that discipline and effort can lead to success.
Personal life and background
Jonathan Rivera, also know Jrag, previously attended Maya Angelou Elementary and Shenandoah Middle School. In his free time, he enjoys relaxing and letting his body recover after a hard workout or kicking sessions after practice. He also simply appreciates his life in the game of football he is blessed to have. He also likes to watch videos on kicking so he could study and perfect his craft. He spends time practicing his kicking skills, including punting and field goals, at Moore Park.
Jonathan has big goals for his future. He hopes to attend college and also to play college football as well as, earning a degree, He mentions if football doesn’t work out he will just pursue a different career than football. Jonathan looks up to his parents no matter what because they always put faith in him and his goals and support his football career.
