Ken Seals left a legacy in the high school game. Now it’s little brother Daniel’s turn.
Ken Seals has been a household name ever since he won a national quarterback competition in the seventh grade.
He was destined to be one of the top area players after winning multiple QB battles, attending some of the top college camps, starting as a freshman at Azle and breaking passing records at Weatherford.
Seals also played in five International Bowls and became the first high school player to win five times.
Now the 4-star prospect is enrolled at Vanderbilt, where he hopes to turn the program around in the ever-so-tough SEC.
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But with his high school career over, it’s time to pass the torch to a new Seals.
Daniel is a sophomore at Weatherford, playing tight end and fullback. He got the chance to play alongside his brother after playing on the varsity team for the first time last season.
“Seeing them line up in the backfield this past season was really an amazing experience as a dad,” father Robert said.
“He’s finally getting into working and training hard and it will eventually pay off,” Ken added. “There was a time where he wasn’t sure what position he was going to play. He finally picked a position and is starting to make the most of it.”
Ken had been at Vanderbilt for a week before returning home for his fifth and final International Bowl during the Under-19 national game against Panama on Jan. 15. The U.S. won 67-0. Seals started at QB and connected on six of his eight pass attempts. He threw for 204 yards and touchdown passes of 55, 20 and 71 yards.
Then it was Daniel’s turn. He played in the Under-17 game against Japan. It was his first appearance.
“Getting to see them both play at AT&T Stadium, it helps me deal with the fact that Ken has left,” Robert said. “Where Ken’s chapter ends, Daniel’s begins. It’s come full circle.”
“I was beyond blessed to have that opportunity to play,” Daniel added. “It’s something I never thought I’d get to experience.”
Like Ken, Daniel started playing football at an early age. No surprise, the boys were competitive growing up.
“Ken was the one who found his passion early in football. Daniel is kind of a late comer, but he’s absolutely aspired to playing football now,” Robert said. “The boys were living upstairs and it was highly competitive. I don’t know what they were competing about, but there were times I thought the roof was going to come down.”
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During the high school season, Weatherford posted a 7-4 record.
The Kangaroos went to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, with 2018 being the first trip since 2007.
Ken was voted District 3-6A MVP and Fort Worth Star-Telegram first-team all-area after throwing for 3,060 yards and 33 TDs. He added 85 carries, 494 yards and seven TDs. He broke multiple season and career records at Weatherford, including most passing yards and TDs all-time.
“It was awesome. He’s a great man off the field, but to see his character and leadership on the field first-hand was incredible,” Daniel said. “It absolutely motivates me. I love to see it and it makes me proud to be his brother.
Throughout the football season, we’d sit down after games and talk about how it went. My brother and dad have always been by my side and have helped push me toward the direction I need to go.”
Daniel hopes one day people will start recognizing him for him, but right now he’s fine being known as Ken’s little brother.
“My whole life I’ve been recognized as Ken’s little brother and I don’t see a problem with it,” he said. “I’m proud to be his brother. But if I can make a name for myself then that’s great too.”
