When it comes to the Pittsburgh defensive linemen, loyalty remains something often questioned. Why wouldn’t it be? After all, now that Chief Borders plays for Pittsburgh, the Panthers squad marks his third home in college football. He originally signed with Florida as a member of the Class of 2021 and was rated a three-star linebacker.

Over the past five years, the DL kept hopping from one program to the other. However, when it comes to advising on how to chart through the rough waters in college football, he is often the one to count on.  

Even though Stanford has been Chief Borders’ dream school since the age of five, he initially chose to stay committed to the Florida Gators over joining the Cardinal’s 2021 recruiting class. In the 2022 season, he appeared in 12 games and recorded his first career tackle vs. No.1 Georgia. Borders officially joined Nebraska in January 2023 as a transfer from the University of Florida.

In Matt Rhule’s squad, the defensive lineman recorded nine tackles, including half a tackle for loss and one pass breakup.

Finally, last year in May, Pittsburgh landed the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder who has made previous stops at ACC, Big Ten, and SEC programs. So, gaining all the experiences over the years, he has been into different systems. 

On the April 3rd episode of the On the Run podcast, the hosts invited Borders. The question he faced must be looming in the hearts of other student athletes as well. “Why do you think that it is not as easy as it looks or as it appears being a college athlete?”

The player had the answer ready. “Man, the college business, man. Obviously it makes a lot of money, right? We show up, and we’re the player, right? We go to school, play football, and just do your thing right. But there’s depending on your coach; that’s how you are able to play your role.”

That’s how a player’s fate in college depends on his mentor.

After all, stricter coaches never compromise and always want things to fall into place their way. “He’ll want you to check in for everything what you got going on. Be at certain places, at certain times.” On the other hand, some coaches are more laid back. However, you have to do your work diligently. Otherwise, you can be replaced in one go.

“If you’re not doing those things right, you’re out of there. They’re finding the next person… obviously they’re going to give you chances. It’s not like the NFL. But it’s starting to become that with NIL. NIL is really definitely changing the game for more a positive factor in my eyes.”

Now, since he has been viewed as a school hopper, did he have his family’s support?

Well, parental love sometimes stunts your growth. They will not allow the players to take risks and would want things their way. On which Borders shared his experience. “First time getting into the portal like I was like, ‘Okay, like, let me, my mom and dad.’ We kind of take these steps together, right?” Second time, I’m like, ‘Nah, I want to do this.”

After all, the players are the heroes of your own story, and the parents should be able to trust them. That’s because they did not have to go through the path that their kids went through.

The lineman rounded off with sweet advice. “You’re the one that has to put on those shoes and lace it up and go out and perform. So as long as you happy can nobody else tell you?”

Now, this is not the first time that Borders has tried to leave a positive impact on society.

Chief Borders has a heart for the community

Back in his hometown, Franklin, Georgia, Borders has earned tremendous respect. His white No. 14 high school jersey hangs in a glass case in the Heard County High School hallway, signifying the first team all-state honors he earned as a senior. Along with his on-field accolades, the player is celebrated for his off-field shenanigans.

His former mentor and the Heard County football coach Shane Lasseter holds Borders close to his heart. It’s simply because of his positive personality and energy that drew people in.

Once in an interview, the proud coach revealed, “He is one of the most positive people I’ve ever been around.” The team owed their success to the star player. “He took football seriously and was super energetic… He was just great to be around, and still is. Our team was better because of him.”

Not only his high school coach, Matt Rhule, tapped into a praise mode, too. “Wherever Chief ends up on a given day, that place will be better for him, having been there.” However, other than playing football, Borders wanted to contribute to society. He majored in human development with a minor in sociology. 

Having grown up giving back to the Chicago community with his family, Chief Borders knew he wanted to continue to do so while at Nebraska. He got lucky to have the Huskers’ wide receiver, Elliott Brown, who lent a helping hand. Together, the duo has traveled to different schools in Nebraska to talk to students and put on football camps for kids.

Whenever he gets time, Borders travels back to Heard County and helps out at the Future Braves Camp for local youth. With this, while he changes jerseys, his mission to uplift the community stays rock solid.