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5-star recruit carries Waffle House flag onto field to honor late CEO
By Crissy Froyd
Published:
5-star recruit Jackson Cantwell’s passion and commitment to football is evident through the performance he’s put on the field with the nickname of “Mr. Olympics.” But he’s almost as committed to Waffle House.
In something that can only be described as purely American, Cantwell led Nixa High School (Nixa, MO) into action in their most recent game with a Waffle House flag in his hand. The gesture was done to honor the chain restaurant’s late CEO, Walt Ehmer.
Ehmer died at 58 years old earlier this month after complications of a long illness.
“He will be greatly missed by his entire Waffle House family,” the company leaders wrote in a statement. “For now, we know all of you join us in extending our deepest condolences to Walt’s family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The Waffle House CEO passed away this week and the No. 1 offensive line recruit in the country leads his team out on the field carrying a Waffle House flag just a few days later.
It doesn’t get any more American than this. https://t.co/q6zHepUIBe
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) September 14, 2024
Cantwell is one of the most impressive prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle, No. 1 overall prospect in the state of Missouri and the No. 2 prospect in the nation for the cycle, per the 247Sports composite rankings.
He’s been offered by a number of prestigious programs, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and LSU. We think a Waffle House NIL deal might be in his future, too.
Crissy covers SEC football news for Saturday Down South.
