Brian Parker, a 2009 McQuaid Jesuit graduate, is representing his former high school in the National Football League, currently for the Denver Broncos. Parker is a story of great success, but also one of resilience and the willingness to never give up. With his resilient and hard working mentality, Parker has been able to play on football’s biggest stage.

Parker is from Henrietta and first started attending McQuaid as a freshman in 2006.

“My favorite part of being at McQuaid was the friendships I made.  Some of the friends I made there I will have throughout my life,” said the 6’4” tight end.

While at McQuaid, Parker had an accomplished football career, winning two Rochester City Catholic league titles, and coming up just short of a Section V championship his senior year. McQuaid finished the 2009 season with a record of 8-2, and were ranked 22nd in the state of New York, according to MaxPreps. Parker caught 35 passes for 400 yards, to go along with four touchdowns. The Democrat & Chronicle named him to the All-Greater Rochester second team.

Current McQuaid football head coach Bobby Bates had the honor of coaching Parker his senior year. Coach Bates made Parker a captain of the team, and had only positive things to say about Parker.

“Even though Brian was the biggest, strongest and most imposing player on the field, he never acted like he was better than anyone on the team,” coach Bates said. “He was an outstanding teammate, and he always treated the coaches with respect.”

After high school, Parker continued his football career at the University of Albany. Playing tight end, Parker did well enough to attract attention from multiple NFL teams. Parker compiled 1,006 receiving yards along with nine touchdowns, while also making Academic Honor Roll twice in his college career. After his 2014 season, the San Diego Chargers signed him to an undrafted free agent deal following the draft.

Parker has had his share of ups and downs throughout his young career. After a short stint with the Chargers, Parker spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs where he had a reception for them during the 2015 season. After being waived by Kansas City, Parker spent almost a year on the New York Jets.

Parker was recently signed to a contract by the Denver Broncos on January 1, 2018. He was promoted from their practice squad to the official roster prior to the Broncos’ Monday Night Football game on October 1. He has been on their active 53 man roster ever since.

“My favorite part about playing in the NFL is that I’ve achieved one of my lifelong goals, and now I can set new goals,” Parker said.

Resilience and hard work have paid off throughout Parker’s NFL career. He has battled a nerve injury in his shoulder that he received while playing for Chiefs. The injury caused the Chiefs to waive him in September of 2016. Parker worked hard to recover and get back to playing in the NFL.

When asked about Parker’s nagging injury, coach Bates said, “His hard work with rehab and training has pushed him through. The most important attribute, however, is Brian’s family. Scot (father), Elva (mother), Corey (brother), and his grandparents have been a tremendous influence on Brian.”

Parker said that life experience has helped him push past the roadblocks that he has faced in his career, and has allowed him to keep playing football at the highest level.

“My life up to my NFL career set me up to overcome adversity in many ways with my experience at McQuaid being a large part of that.”

With determination and resilience, Parker has been able to overcome adversity and represent McQuaid while playing in the NFL.