FAIRLESS HILLS — Connor Kirby met with incoming Pennsbury head coach John Greiner in March to discuss his role on the football team.
After being a reserve lineman for the Falcons during his freshman through junior seasons, they decided that Kirby would be a team manager in 2026 as a senior.
Kirby is thoroughly enjoying his new responsibilities while continuing to be around the team.
“I thought managing was an interesting idea,” Kirby said. “If there’s one thing I could talk about being a manager compared to a player, it would be filling in behind the scenes, making sure the players are ready, hyping them up before games (and) being the most versatile man I can be.”
Kirby, who was diagnosed with autism as a young boy, works closely with Pennsbury
director of football operations Cliff Stout during practices and games.
“Connor is dependable, trustworthy, energetic and proud to be a member of Pennsbury’s varsity football program,” Stout said. “Because of those traits, he is respected by all his teammates and the coaching staff, and he sets a positive example for all to emulate. He just has a nice, polite way of doing things.”
Among Kirby’s responsibilities are making sure there is plenty of cold water available, helping with the kicking portion of workouts, collecting, distributing and inventorying uniforms, and leading selected drills. He also sometimes posts inspirational quotes on Hudl for the players to see heading into weekend games.
“He’s a great morale guy, always positive (and) always has a smile on his face,” said Pennsbury senior captain Luke Beighley. “He just brings a great attitude. I know all the guys love having him around and I think he likes the environment. I think it means the world to him.”
Kirby is appreciated by the players and coaches alike.
“We are Kirby’s closest friends,” said senior captain Henry Garlits. “We’ve all built connections with Kirby. We’ve got a lot of guys on this team that really value Kirby. He’s a guy you want to have around our players. He’s just a good dude.”
“I would say (they’re some of my better friends),” Kirby said. “I think they’re my family, too.”
Kirby, 17 and a Fairless Hills resident, believed he could make more of an impact this year as a manager than a player.
“He just wants to be there for the team,” said his mother, Katherine Carrillo. “He doesn’t want to let them down. He wants to be that solid motivator for everyone and lead them in that way. He felt like he could do that (better) on the sideline instead of on the field. He’s maybe a little socially awkward at times, but he’s a smart, dedicated young man.”
Greiner, who was Kirby’s 10th-grade world history teacher, praises Kirby for “being there every single day (and) making my life a little easier.”
After graduation in June, Kirby plans on entering the workforce. He’s hoping for numerous more wins for the 2-2 Falcons, who host SOL National rival Abington on Friday night, between now and then.
As for his autism, Kirby doesn’t let it prevent him from doing whatever possible to boost the Falcons.
“(Being on) the spectrum doesn’t really define the characteristics of what I can put myself through (or stop me from) sharing what’s on my mind with my team,” he said.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhilly is a sports columnist for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Pennsbury's Kirby makes difference in football as manager | Exclusive
