Watching your brother pass away right in your arms is one of the cruelest experiences to endure. And that’s what Hunter Metcalf had to go through. Austin Metcalf was stabbed at a Texas track meet, leaving Hunter helpless. The 17-year-old football player’s mother sat nearby, barely breathing through the weight of it all. Hunter recounted the moment, “I just saw his soul leave. And it took my soul, too.” The family now stands on a tough crossroads of decision—whether to pursue legal action against the perpetrator or to navigate their grief on their own.

The tragic event unfolds unexpectedly. According to Frisco Police, a confrontation between two students escalated into a fatal stabbing incident. The Metcalf family believes the altercation began over a simple seating disagreement in the stands. Hunter, who was just a few feet away when the tragedy occurred, recalled Austin asking Karmelo Anthony, a senior at Centennial High, to vacate their school’s tent due to being in the wrong seat. In response, Anthony allegedly drew a knife and fatally wounded Austin in front of everyone. This moment left his whole family furious and in deep shock and sorrow.

But his father left it in God’s hands. As Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s dad, spoke with NBC 5, he somehow showed a kind of grace that’s impossible for any parent to show. He said, “What was he taught? He brought a knife to a track meet, and he murdered my son by stabbing him in the heart. The guy was in the wrong place, and they asked him to move, and he bowed up. This is m—-r.”

He further added to it, saying, “You know what, I already forgive this person. Already. God takes care of things. God is going to take care of me. God is going to take care of my family.” But Austin Metcalf’s mother and brother don’t agree to it. Meghan Metcalf straight up made her firm stand on it on the Will Cain Show, saying, “I am not like their dad. I am so angry at that boy; it’s just not fair.” How can a mother forgive someone who harmed her kid? Even his brother Hunter adds to it, saying, “I am not at that point to forgive what he did to my brother.”  

Well, the story took another turn when Anthony straight-up told the officers that he was “protecting” himself from Austin Metcalf. According to the affidavit, he doubled down while walking to the patrol car and asked, “if what happened could be considered self-defense.” Whatever the scenario might be right now, Karmelo Anthony is sitting in Collin County Jail with bail set at a steep $1 million.

It’s a hard time for his family, but the legacy Austin Metcalf left behind will always be cherished by each member of Memorial High School.

Austin Metcalf’s left behind a remarkable legacy

Well, Austin Metcalf may have led a short life, but his legacy will be celebrated forever. Serving as a linebacker at Frisco Memorial, he embodied passion, determination, and the kind of leadership that every coach dreams of. His teammates looked up to him, his coaches relied on him to set the tone, and by the end of the season, he was awarded the team’s MVP title.

This wasn’t just a one-time success story. Austin had a strong work ethic ingrained in his DNA. Not only did he excel in defense, but he also dedicated himself to improving his speed by taking up track and field. According to his father, Jeff Metcalf, as shared with Fox 4: “Austin was a leader. He led the football team. He was voted team MVP by his players and coaches. He played inside. His brother plays outside. Football was his pride and joy. He was working on track and field to increase his speed.”

Off the field, Austin was just as focused. He excelled in the classroom, remained dedicated, and aimed for college ball. He possessed a strong drive and motivation that didn’t require external encouragement. As his mother, Meghan, told WFAA: “So smart. He had college football guys looking at him to play in college. His goal was to play in college. He just had such ambitions and a drive that it’s hard to find in a kid. Such a good spirit and so many kids love him.”

Even his twin brother Hunter, who shared the field with him, sees him as his role model: “I always looked up to him. He was a big brother even though we’re the same age. I had a blast my whole life playing sports with him. It’s just really heartbreaking not to see him next year on the field.” 

Austin Metcalf was that guy. Your strategic cornerstone, your battle companion, the one who made every rep count. May his soul rest in peace.