On Wednesday, April 29, Overbook Catholic School welcomed Tennessee Titans guard Peter Skoronski for a Q&A session open to its 5th and 6th-grade students to talk football, faith, and family.  

Raised in a deeply Catholic family in Park Ridge, Illinois, Peter grew up attending St. Paul of the Cross Parish, where his parents emphasized not only the importance of Sunday Mass, but also a lifelong commitment to serving others. Since his move to Nashville to play for the Titans, Peter has become connected to the Overbrook Catholic School community through longtime family friendships and shared values. 

Sixth grader Chase Killburg, friend and former neighbor of the Skoronskis, introduced Peter. Four students were selected to represent their classmates as a panel of interviewers, asking some preliminary questions before opening the discussion to a larger Q&A. 

One of the panelists asked Peter how he “hypes up” for a game, but Peter shared that he prefers to “mellow out” to combat the pre-game nerves, and his faith plays a big part in this. “I pray three Hail Marys before every game for three members of my family who have passed. It helps to ground me."  

As students asked about balancing the pressures of football with everyday life, Skoronski spoke candidly about how his faith has shaped his understanding of identity and purpose beyond athletics. 

“It’s hard to think of myself without thinking about football...and I kind of tie my whole identity to that. I think faith has helped me remove that way of thinking. My identity is not just being a football player; it’s being a son of God.” 

When discussing leadership and teamwork, Skoronski emphasized that success on the field depends just as much on character as it does talent. 

“To be a good teammate, you have to be selfless and humble. It’s very important to be able to work together. Humility also helps you understand how to accept your mistakes and learn from them.” 

Students also asked questions about Skoronski’s journey to the NFL, his experience on the field, and what advice he would give to young people pursuing their goals. Throughout the conversation, Skoronski continually emphasized the importance of discipline, gratitude, and staying grounded in faith and family. 

The visit gave students a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from a professional athlete about perseverance, character, and the role faith can play both on and off the field. Overbrook Catholic School is grateful to Peter Skoronski for taking the time to encourage and inspire its students through his witness and example.