The562’s coverage of football in 2024-25 is sponsored by The Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
Christian Caesar is a product of his environment, and for better or worse, he’s proud of that fact.
Ceasar is now Wilson’s senior lineman and team captain after years of trying to quell an overall uneasiness. But he never gave up on himself and his family, and his hard work has paid off as he’s helped lead the Bruins into the quarterfinal round of the CIF Southern Section playoffs.
“We are extremely grateful for Christian’s contributions and commitment to our team and program,” Wilson coach Travis Clark said. “He’s a natural born leader, and he’s Wilson through and through.”
We caught up with Ceasar this week to talk about his personal and football journeys.
Question: Did you play a lot of sports growing up?
Answer: I played soccer, flag football and basketball (at Hughes Middle School) but soccer was first. My grandpa was big on soccer first. My whole family, before we played any sport we had to play soccer. So I played soccer for about eight years. My grandpa is from the islands, he’s Guyanese. He was raised on soccer, so that’s all he really knew. I loved playing, and I was actually pretty good.
Q: So why did you move on to football?
A: My friend at Hughes, Maki Stewart (an offensive lineman at Millikan), we played football at recess and I told my dad I wanted to join his team with the Long Beach Patriots. (Football) came naturally because I feel like I pick up on a lot of stuff easily in athletics. My dad likes to work out a lot, he’s big on push ups, and my cousins ran track because of my uncle Sean. So that was good for me. I learned strength and the form for good footwork.
Q: Why did you choose to go to Wilson?
A: My family all went to Poly, so I had to switch up the tradition. It’s love and hate but they’re on my side. I did (want to go to Poly at one point) but I had to realize what comes with it. I know that If I went there I wouldn’t be who I am right now. (Wilson) was a better option to stay focused, get to know people and grow. Wilson has helped me a lot. It’s a really good school family. There’s a lot of people here to help me, who want to see me do good.
Q: Were you always an outgoing person?
A: No. (During COVID) I was in a hole. I really don’t say this, but I was suicidal. So, I had to overcome that. I went to a therapist, talked it out and beat it. It was hard, but I just had to make friends. I figured it out. When I started freshman football I felt like life was getting good again. I made friends, got over that suicidal stuff, and I just kept my head on football and school.
Q: So the environment at Wilson changed you?
A: I’m short tempered, so I did (get it trouble) because during my freshman and sophomore year I didn’t know how to control it. My counselor (Mrs. Beatrice) really changed me. She calmed me down and got me out of situations. I tried to change my ways.
Q: And you were also learning a new position on the football field at the same time?
A: I was trying to be a tight end but I was overweight. I had to lose all that COVID weight. Freshman year I was probably 250 so me and my dad were in the gym everyday. I got back down to like 205. Freshman year I was big so my only option was offensive line. Once I figured out how to play right tackle it was a good fit for me.
Q: You also wanted to play defensive line, so what did you learn about yourself during that process?
A: To be nicer. As a defensive lineman you have to be a bully. (On the offensive line) I have to keep my mouth under control and be there for my teammates. I’m short tempered and I know how to talk a lot. Learning how to calm down and keep everything under control, that was important. You win or lose in the trenches.
Q: How are you doing in the classroom?
A: I’m not the smartest but I try. And my family is really big on grades. My dad will take time out of his day to come to school to talk with my teachers. I’ve even had coaches come to talk with my teachers. I want to provide. I just turned 18 so I know I’ve got to man up. I want to still keep playing football, so I’ll be looking at junior colleges. Football is all I know. But if I don’t keep playing, my mom, brother and I want to start a clothing line. I want to start my own business and be an entrepreneur.
Q: Is your family a big motivating factor for you?
A: My little brother (Caleb) is the strongest person I know. Last year, we found out he had a tumor in his brain. And he also had cancer. So he’s been battling that. He got it again, he beat it again. I give props to my little brother, and he’s a straight A student. My little brother is gonna be better than me. I get my motivation from him. I have to do better for him.
*Text transcript has been shortened and cleaned up from a longer recorded conversation.
