Justin Matlin’s Story
Hello, everyone.
If you’re reading this, it means my journey ended sooner than I expected. My name is Justin Louis Matlin, and at 23 years old, I experienced a life full of smiles, passion, and love.
From a young age, I loved the playful dance of flirting. It wasn’t just about romance for me, it was about making connections, sharing laughs, and bringing happiness into someone’s day. I was also quite the jokester, always cracking jokes and making sarcastic comments. Some will remember me by my contagious smile and laughter.
Football was a great passion of mine. Whether on the field playing, coaching, or in the stands, the sport gave me a thrill like no other. The energy, the competition, the camaraderie it was all intoxicating. Football wasn’t just a game for me, it was a way to feel alive and connected to something bigger than myself. Sports in general was a huge part of my life and it started with soccer. I became a little too aggressive for the soccer field getting yellow and red cards at a feverous clip. My parents were getting annoyed, so to the football field I went to release my combative spirit. I became the kicker and I was a damn good one too. Guess what? I wasn't your average kicker eluding contact. I actually broke a returner's collar bone as I tackled him to the ground.
My siblings were my first friends and my greatest confidants. We shared countless adventures, inside jokes, and heartfelt conversations. They were my anchors, my partners in crime, and my best friends. The bond we had was unbreakable and brought immense joy and comfort to my life. We did pretty much everything together from playing games together as kids, partying together as teens and even going to strip clubs together as young adults. Being the oldest I made sure to watch out for my siblings. I remember a particular rafting trip where we capsized the boat and I was panicked for my brother's safety and he was busy collecting his precious water guns. Having a sister only 4 years younger than me was a blessing and a curse. The one side I liked all her cute friends and they always liked me. I even dated one of them. On the flip side, my friends liked my sister and my sister liked them too. Our parents had their hands full with the three of us, but we always had a good time no matter what. I will ALWAYS watch over them.
I was known for my crystal blue eyes that I got from my mom and my competitive, athletic spirit that I got from my dad. My dad wouldn't even let me win at Chutes and Ladders. I loved my parents and they love me even if I was regurgitating food and walking around with my shirt off chanting, "STRONG BOY". I love them deeply. My parents always received praise on what a good person and how helpful I was with the exception of the school dance chaperones. Sorry mom and dad. They raised me to be a good person and to help others. I tried to make a positive difference in people's lives and bring a smile to their face.
Though my story wasn't as long as most, I lived it with a full heart. I enjoyed connecting with people and bringing a smile to their day. Keep laughing, keep playing, and keep loving. Live your life to the fullest and know I will always be watching over you, Peace out. Until you see me again.
Love,
Justin Louis Matlin, aka The Kicker