Two prominent players from Utah’s rival teams shared the stage Saturday night, Feb. 6, during RootsTech 2016 Family Discovery Day at the Salt Lake Convention Center. Taysom Hill, who played as quarterback at Brigham Young University, and Britain Covey, wide receiver at the University of Utah, shared memories and personal experiences regarding their faith and membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Rob Boshard, known as “Rockin’ Rob” on local radio station Oldies 94.1, acted as emcee to the special session of the family history conference that was geared toward youths and families.
When Boshard asked the college athletes about their hero or “someone who’s been influential in their football career,” both young men noted the example of their fathers.
“There’s something about a father-son relationship that’s special,” Covey said. “Not only as a kid was he a role model, but he also set an example of what a father should be. The way that he treats my mom is the way I want to treat a wife. He’s taught me what’s most important.”
Hill echoed those sentiments. “I’ve always looked up to my father. He certainly taught me a lot of things in family home evenings and scripture study and in church, but the thing that spoke loudest to me was his example.”
Both Hill and Covey answered questions regarding opportunities to share their faith with teammates. They also highlighted Covey’s recent acceptance to serve a mission in Chile and Hill’s marriage to his wife, Emily, in the Salt Lake Temple.
Covey said many people ask him about his decision to take a two-year hiatus from football to serve a mission. “Scoring a touchdown is awesome, but it is a different type of happiness than this gospel brings. That’s what I am excited to share,” Covey said.
Wearing their team jerseys, Hill and Covey launched the event — and acknowledged their teams’ rivalry — with a short competition involving a teddy bear, a tricycle, a wheelchair, a “selfie” and a couple of youth volunteers from the audience.
When Boshard pointed out that the U. of U. player’s dad is a “diehard BYU fan,” Covey responded, “Honestly, I don’t see why you can’t like both. That’s kind of the motto in my family.”