After an 11-hour drive from Louisiana State University, Patrick Towles made it home for the holidays on Christmas Eve, bringing his dog, Lily, along for the ride. The former Highlands High School and University of Kentucky quarterback, who had a standout career in both high school and college football, made the 800-mile journey to spend Christmas Day with his family. This year, as he celebrates the birth of Jesus, Towles reflects on how his faith has transformed his life.
For the past five years, Towles has been serving in Catholic ministry on college campuses. He is now the full-time development director at Christ the King Parish and Student Center at LSU, a position he began after starting his religious journey in 2018. Towles’ main responsibility is raising funds for the campus parish to further its mission of spreading the gospel and connecting students with Jesus.
Towles is passionate about his work, saying, “If I ever talk to anybody, it’s please, please spend the time to get to know our Lord. He’s a living person who desires a relationship with you and will transform your life to be the man and the saint the Lord created you to be.”
Also Read – Gender Identity Law Criticized: Women’s Prisons Face Safety Concerns in California
His athletic career was impressive, earning him the title of Mr. Kentucky Football in 2011 and ranking among the nation’s top high school quarterbacks. Towles led Highlands High to three consecutive state championships, totaling 7,431 passing yards and 73 touchdowns. Despite his success, his heart has always been focused on a greater purpose. After a solid college career at both the University of Kentucky and Boston College, Towles shifted his priorities away from football and pursued a career in faith-based ministry.
“Before, I was a Christian in so far as it was convenient,” Towles admits. “Until the Lord demanded something of my life, it was easy for me to just kind of push things off. Now, I’m a guy who only wants to live for him, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do these last few years.”
Though Towles didn’t make it to the NFL after college, he redirected his focus to Catholic ministry, first working with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) at LSU, then at Ohio State University, before returning to LSU last August as development director. He believes in the transformative power of Jesus and feels privileged to share this message with students.
“Jesus Christ has radically transformed my life, so I get to share him and his gospel, which I think is true, with students who need to hear him,” Towles says.
Though football remains a part of Towles’ life, he acknowledges that his career in ministry has brought him a sense of fulfillment that aligns with his values. He once applied for the head coaching job at Lexington Catholic High School but has since embraced his calling to help spread the gospel.
Towles still cherishes the lessons learned from his high school coach, Dale Mueller, who emphasized perspective and faith. “When we lost, it was, ‘OK, I’m not defined by who I am as a high school football player. I’m defined by the one who created me, who is God.’”
Also Read – Felon Caught Traveling Through California with Cocaine, Guns, and Ammo
For now, Towles enjoys spending Christmas with his parents in Paris, Kentucky. He plans to attend Mass at the Church of the Annunciation with them and his grandmother on Christmas Eve. The Towles family tradition focuses on the deep significance of Christmas, celebrating the moment when God became man. Towles sees this as a reminder of the profound love that the Lord has for humanity.
Before heading home to Louisiana, Towles visited his girlfriend’s family in Texas, making it a true holiday journey. His return to LSU is planned for New Year’s Eve, ahead of the 2025 spring semester.
“I don’t have two commas in my paycheck, but I’m so happy,” Towles reflects. “I have such a great group of men to work with. We’re in the same Bible study and meet every Friday morning at 6 a.m. to read scripture and talk about our lives. It’s just the best possible place I could be.”
- Man Fatally Shot While Riding Bike in L.A. County – Reward Offered - March 21, 2025
- Scammer Posing as FBI Agent Tricks Elderly Man in Southern California - March 21, 2025
- In-N-Out Burger Opens Newest Location Near Disneyland - March 21, 2025
