Carmine’s childhood took a big turn when his family left the city for the country. At first, he wasn’t an athlete—he loved junk food more than exercise and had never played organized sports. But with encouragement from his mom and stepfather, Carmine joined youth football under three remarkable coaches, Dick, Dave, and Eddie—mentors who believed in shaping character as much as winning games. What started as a challenge,losing weight to make the team, quickly became a journey of discipline, determination, and teamwork. Carmine pushed through grueling practices, late-night runs with his friends, and the mental battle of sacrifice and self-control. He learned how to block, tackle, and even help design plays with his teammates. Along the way, football taught him lessons that reached far beyond the field: confidence, resilience, and the importance of never backing down, especially when the toughest challenge was placed directly in front of him. This heartfelt story, inspired by the author’s own youth football experiences, is a tribute to the mentors who guide us, the friends who run alongside us, and the moments that shape us for life. Perfect for readers who love sports, coming-of-age stories, and tales of perseverance, Put The Toughest Kid Over Carmine shows how a young boy became stronger on the field and in life because someone believed in him enough to put the toughest kid over.