For longtime Indiana Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes, faith and family remain two of the most cherished things in his life, outranking everything else he does on and off NFL’s sprawling football fields.
“We’ve got three boys, and they need a lot of energy-burning time,” Rhodes says. Since joining the Indianapolis Colts back in 2016, the 33-year-old football player has welcomed three children with his wife, Hannah, the person he believes keeps things running smoothly in the fast-growing Rhodes household.
“The number one thing I have in my corner is an amazing wife,” Rhodes says. “Her support and dedication, and the time that she spends getting them involved in everything and signed up for activities and ready for school [means so much]. When I get home, I can kind of take over and help out in any way I can.”
Family First
Rhodes’ dedicated stance when it comes to his wife and children all trace back to his own upbringing with his close-knit family. “My dad was my coach in most of my sports growing up, and then in high school he kind of stepped back so he could just be a fan,” he says of his parents. “They might have missed one game in my whole college career.”
Nowadays, as a father himself, Rhodes tries to approach raising his children with the same thoughtful attentiveness his parents took when he was growing up.
“I would say I make sure discipline is at the front,” Rhodes says. “I make sure they know they can trust me. Really, just giving them my time and attention and leading with love. And really showing them what it looks like for a healthy relationship and marriage. My wife and I try to give them a very good example of what they should look for.”
On Being a Role Model
To that end, Rhodes has worked tirelessly to make sure that he’s serving as a role model to his own children, as well as younger fans of the NFL. Reflecting on the Colts’ summer training camp, he observes, “I can remember vividly being a kid and thinking, ‘How cool would it be to be this up close and personal and talking and interacting with an NFL player?’” Rhodes says. “And for me, I don’t think of myself like that, but the way they look at me is different. So I kind of put myself in their shoes and give them the experience they’re looking for, being the kind of role model I would want my kids to look up to.”
Along with trying to serve as a positive influence for the younger generation, Rhodes also remains incredibly active with various children’s charity and support groups, including the Children’s Bureau and the Children of Fallen Patriots.
“I come from a military family, so I couldn’t imagine being a little kid and losing a parent in the line of duty,” Rhodes says. “Really, it’s about giving kids an opportunity to experience something they wouldn’t have been able to, based on where they grew up or what happened with their parents or the situation they’re in. It’s about giving them an opportunity to feel seen and loved, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. It’s really important to me.”
Enjoying Indy as a Family
For as much work Rhodes puts into his charity efforts and accomplished NFL career, he also is adamant about spending time with his family. As a touching example of this, the first thing he does after practice is catch up with his wife and sons. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for the Rhodes family to watch Rhodes practice and play on the sidelines, in addition to exploring the outdoors and the countless activities Indianapolis has to offer.
“They love coming out here and watching practice and hitting all the parks,” Rhodes says. “You know, Indy’s just full of things for children to do around here, so that part makes it easy. There’s always something to do.”
As for a perfect night in the Rhodes’ abode, Rhodes says he prefers a quiet night of card games and TV, as well as cooking their meals together as a family. In terms of favorite recipes, Rhodes mentions that he can make a “sweet potato coconut shepherd’s pie,” a couple different stews, and plenty of steak throughout the week. “Our boys just love a good steak,” he says.
“It is challenging to go out with three boys, one being 10 months old,” Rhodes says. “That’s not as enjoyable as staying home and cooking and playing Uno and card games, or going for a walk or fishing. Just things that kind of wind down the night. Maybe watch a little TV show, read our books and go to sleep. That’s what we enjoy and thrive in the most.”
