Before he headed to Pittsburgh for the Steelers offseason program, Isaiahh Loudermilk was hanging out at home in Howard, Kansas, literally surrounded by family and friends.
That is because everyone in the tiny town of Howard, population 602 as of 2019, knows everyone else. Especially Loudermilk, one of their most famous residents who was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
"It's extremely quiet there," said Loudermilk. "It's in the middle of nowhere. It's home for me and everyone who lives here. It feels like family. I can walk down the street and every person I see I know. I am close to all of them. It's amazing. I have been able to take some walks, go out to eat, and see the people I have grown up around, people who raised me. They know me. I couldn't imagine growing up in a better place, better community. I love having my family here and sharing it with my community.
"The reaction from everyone has been incredible. I am blessed to have all of these people in my life. I am hearing from so many people. This community is so tightknit, everyone is congratulating me. My grandma and grandpa have been hearing form their friends."
Loudermilk's mom, Stacy Howell, works at Batson's Drug Store in Howard, a local staple where everyone knows her and the congratulations have been plentiful.
"People come up to her, saying congratulations, telling her they are happy for me," said Loudermilk. "She is getting more people coming up to her than I am."
While at home before being drafted, Loudermilk did what you do in Howard, which he joked for a minute, was 'not much.'
But it's a place where outdoor activities are plentiful. Where enjoying the simple pleasures life has to offer is the standard.
"When I am home, I will go out and ride around on the four-wheeler, fish and hunt," said Loudermilk. "We'll go to the park and shoot around. There are some local places to eat that are delicious. I get as much as I can of that while I am here. There are no movie theaters. You just have to find ways to have fun outdoors.
"It's a big farming place. I could probably drive across town in two minutes then the outskirts are farms, open land for miles. It's what I like. I grew up here. Once I got to the big city it was different. I love coming here to visit. It's a different type of living. It's the perfect place to be, winding down, taking it all in. It's not busy. It's beautiful. I can just relax. I couldn't think of a better place to be."
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June 07, 2021 at 08:14PM
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