Troy's Steven Cattledge banks on brotherhood and connection

It’s been said that no one's path is exactly alike, and while that’s true, linebacker Steven Cattledge and his teammate Ethan Conner are as close as it can get. 

“Growing up across the street from each other, [Ethan] was like another brother to me,” Cattledge said. “We didn’t have much to do back home, so all we knew was ball.  

“We basically grew up together.” 

The duo played together in their youth, went from neighbors to roommates at East Mississippi Community College. Together, the two won a conference championship and mounted an impressive 17-4 record over two seasons. The journey didn’t stop there though, as former coach Jon Sumrall offered both of them to join the Men of Troy for the 2023 season. 

“Everything moved faster once I got to Division I,” Cattledge said. “In the spring, practicing against the offense with guys like Gunnar Watson and Kimani Vidal, they helped me get ready for the fall.”  While the brotherhood with Conner continued, still rooming together even today, Cattledge found even more support within the Trojan family. Cattledge suffered an ankle injury in the early weeks of the 2023 season, and the support of his teammates helped him return to the field for the Sun Belt Championship game against App State that year. 

“Ethan, Jordan [Lovett] and Luke [Hodge] all gave me hope during that time,” Cattledge said. “They just made sure I was still involved and invested in the game and helped remind me to stay ready in the hope that I might come back that season.” 

Cattledge did come back, managing four tackles in the conference title and earning the start in the Birmingham Bowl to close out his debut season as a Trojan, while still maintaining his redshirt status. 

When head coach Gerad Parker was hired, Cattledge had to make a decision on whether to buy into Parker’s “Battle Ready” mentality. 

“I sat down with Coach Parker and heard him out,” Cattledge said. “He made it clear that nothing was going to really change, and that the standard for success remains the same.” 

With a new man leading the team, Parker assembled a leadership group of players as well, the “Troy Football Leadership Council,” and Cattledge has been part of it for two seasons. 

“I wouldn’t consider myself one of the vocal guys within the team, but I try to make sure to help everybody be on track,” Cattledge said. “I really just like being a great teammate by helping out, leading by example and making sure everyone is all good.” 

Cattledge hopes to participate in the NFL combine and potentially pursue a professional career. He also hopes to be able to have a coaching career, potentially beginning as a graduate assistant for Troy.  

“I want to be able to come back and help out,” Cattledge said. “This is a place I can give back to and begin a coaching career at.” 

As Cattledge’s final year continues, he helps to lead the team not always with his voice, but with his efforts. He’s been pushing others, his brothers, to be better his whole career. His brother across the street that stayed with him all these years, his brothers at community college, and his brothers who dawn the Cardinal with him every Saturday now.