BEAR, Del. — A Red Lion Christian Academy sophomore who plays football despite legal blindness has advanced to the final round of Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year competition, potentially earning significant financial rewards and national magazine recognition.
Isaiah Bingham, 15, emerged from hundreds of candidates to compete for the prestigious award that includes a three-brand sponsorship deal, $25,000 cash prize, $500 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift certificate, and coveted Sports Illustrated cover feature.
The 6-foot-3 defensive player was born with optic nerve coloboma, a condition preventing proper eye tissue development that creates retinal holes limiting his distance vision and peripheral sight.
“God allowed me to get nominated to down like 20 or 30 other candidates,” Bingham explained about reaching the competition’s final stage.
Despite his visual challenges, the Bear resident excels on Red Lion’s football team as defensive end, defensive tackle and offensive guard while maintaining academic excellence with a 3.9 to 4.0 grade point average.
His father Bernard Bingham emphasized his son’s comprehensive achievements beyond athletic performance.
“And school. He is 3.9, 4.0 GPA. What more can I ask for,” the elder Bingham stated while encouraging community voting support for Isaiah’s candidacy.
The teenager adapts to football’s physical demands by developing enhanced auditory and tactile awareness to compensate for his vision limitations, demonstrating that sensory disabilities need not prevent athletic participation.
“You can do anything despite having anything in your way. You can do anything through God,” Isaiah declared about overcoming his visual impairment.
Beyond sports, the sophomore operates a clothing business featuring the inspirational motto “Vision Is Better Than Sight,” reflecting his philosophy about succeeding through determination rather than relying solely on physical capabilities.
Isaiah previously served as team captain during earlier high school seasons, showcasing leadership qualities that complement his athletic abilities and entrepreneurial ventures.
For the teenager, potential Sports Illustrated recognition represents more than personal achievement or financial gain—it offers a platform for inspiring others facing similar challenges.
“For me my story can get out there and help other people more,” he explained about the competition’s broader significance.
The award selection process allows daily public voting through the Sports Illustrated website, with options for free participation or paid voting starting at $10 minimum contributions.
“I’m really excited. I am kind of nervous though because I never had an opportunity this big,” Isaiah admitted about the national competition’s scale.
His personal brand extends beyond athletics through his clothing line and community involvement, positioning him as a role model for young people navigating physical disabilities.
“Not even just working out for football. I have to carry myself a certain way because I want to inspire others,” the defensive player emphasized regarding his public responsibilities.
The competition concludes with Sports Illustrated’s final selection, potentially elevating Isaiah’s inspirational message to national audiences while providing substantial financial support for his future endeavors.
How you can help: Click here to vote for Isaiah