At just his young age, Rhett Johnson has already become a familiar name on the Stampede football field, an athlete with unmistakable drive and a smile as genuine as the community cheering him on. Rhett lives in Oakdale with his mom and his little sister, Paige, who is both his biggest fan and his constant sideline companion. “She comes to each and every one of my practices and games,” he says with pride. While his parents didn’t play sports growing up, Rhett has found his own path, discovering a passion for football the moment he first suited up for Stampede.

That passion shines brightest in the moments that test an athlete’s courage. For Rhett, one particular game still stands out above the rest. “My favorite and most memorable part of a game was when I sacked the Cougars’ quarterback on the last play of the game in overtime,” he recalls. It was the kind of play young athletes dream about, and the kind of moment Oakdale parents love to brag about.

Football is a team sport, and Rhett takes that responsibility seriously. He prides himself on protecting the ball, blocking hard, and doing whatever it takes to support his teammates. His personal approach is simple but powerful: work hard and listen well. “I stand out by always trying my hardest and focusing on what the coaches tell me,” he explains. Though he hasn’t selected a single favorite coach yet, he values all their guidance and uses it to grow stronger every week.

Like many young athletes, Rhett faces the challenge of wanting to win, a feeling that can make every game feel bigger than life. But instead of letting that pressure overwhelm him, he turns it into motivation. “I try my hardest in every game,” he says. And anyone who’s watched him play knows he means it.

Off the field, Rhett recharges in the very best small-town ways, spending time with his cousin Armon and helping his grandma out on the family ranch. These moments keep him grounded, happy, and ready for whatever challenge comes next.

With heart, humility, and hard work, Rhett Johnson is shaping up to be an athlete Oakdale can be proud of, and his journey is just getting started.