Caden’s Warriors Foundation

08/26/2026

If you didn’t know Caden personally, this short, yet powerful message is one of the best examples that show Caden and his heart.

A friend of his shared this with us a few months after his passing, and it continues to bring us such comfort. Having the words that Caden spoke to others in an effort to comfort them, let them know they are seen and matter, and speak truth into them brings us such peace. It also challenges us in new ways.

Caden allowed the Lord to work through him in ways that were seen and unseen to those around him. He didn’t do it for acknowledgement or a pat on the back. He didn’t need recognition for it. He did it because he loved others, loved God, and wanted others to find the peace and joy he had found in having a relationship with the Lord.

It is our hope that we are continuing the great works the Lord started in Caden through this foundation. ♥️

Work Hard
Be Chivalrous
Be Faithful

08/10/2026

MONDAY MOTIVATION

John 13:7 ♥️
Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now why I am doing it; someday you will.”

The verse that sat upon the top of Caden’s shoulder held significant meaning for him in multiple ways.

Caden Clay was a servant leader. Whether in the locker room, on the field, in the classroom, at church, around the neighborhood, at home, at my school, or out in the community, he strived to serve others. It didn’t always make sense to those around him why he chose to spend many Saturdays volunteering, and he certainly didn’t feel the need to post about it. It’s just who he was.

This verse spoke to him in another way as well. What some may not know, is that Caden faced many physical trials along this journey, starting with major surgery the day after he was born to correct TE Fistula and Esophageal Atresia. In short, his throat was not connected to his stomach but instead to his trachea. The time on Caden’s tattooed timepiece was set to the date of this surgery, 2-28-05. Many future throat dilations and medications were a result of this first physical challenge. He was also born with a hole in his heart, which thankfully corrected itself over time, however, he continued to always have a galloping heart rate which required some monitoring. During a full body scan, we also discovered he was gifted an extra vertebrae and rib.

Around the age of 3, he started experiencing headaches almost daily. After many doctor visits, MRIs, and scans, they eventually were determined to be the result of terrible sinuses. Over the years, he had his adenoids out, sinus surgery, and was set to have another one this past July. Over the course of 19 years he lived more days with a headache than he did without, yet rarely complained.

While in middle school, Caden began having difficulty with his footwork while playing baseball and started experiencing significant pain in his ankles and knees. It was quickly discovered that bones in both his feet were fusing together, restricting his feet from any mobility and clearly explaining the footwork difficulties! This resulted in major foot surgery on both feet six months apart. This is where his journey with baseball had to end and his love for football took over. This eased most of the ankle and knee pain but not completely, and he likely would have needed complete foot reconstruction at some point.

His senior year, he suffered several small tears in the ligaments in his knee but was determined that nothing was preventing him from playing his senior year. There were many other physical setbacks along the way which eventually resulted in me needing to refer to notes in my phone any time I filled out his medical history.

I share all of this because in life we all experience things that seem unfair or unexplainable, and while we certainly may choose to forgo some of these experiences that cause heartbreak, our perspective and reaction is our choice. Not once in Caden’s 19 years and 3 months did I hear him murmur, “Why me?” He truly believed that this was part of his testimony, and God would use it in some way to help him reach others. That’s not to say there weren’t moments of frustration, but he didn’t allow himself to sit around in self pity.

He didn’t always understand why these things were happening, but he trusted that one day he would, just as John 13:7 promises. I have a feeling that he has now been able to step back and look at the full picture, understanding how God’s ways are always better than ours. If I’m honest, I struggle with this and just want Caden to walk through the door or give me a call. However, I will strive to continue learning from his example and find a way to use my frustration and pain to further God’s Kingdom.

07/25/2026

We have a lot of new followers, so we wanted to share again the heart behind our foundation. We greatly appreciate every prayer, share, and word spoken about Caden and our foundation. It is our desire to be able to help others in ways that honor the incredible life and legacy of one of the kindest and most genuine Jesus followers we’ve known. ♥️

What is the mission of Caden’s Warriors Foundation?

Caden’s Warriors exists to honor the legacy of Caden Clay by empowering youth through scholarships for education, athletics, and personal growth.

From the time Caden could walk, he was drawn to all things sports…especially equipment. He wanted to play hockey and wear all the gear. When he started baseball at 5 years old, he was the only one who wasn’t afraid to get behind the plate, and there began his love for catching…and all the gear. This desire spilled over into football where the sleeves, bands, and eyeblack were always placed with great intentionality. Of course, all of this led him to the greatest locker room in all of college football, The University of Alabama, where he would not only get to help ensure the players looked immaculate but also form some incredibly special relationships. His years spent in organized sports taught him a multitude of life lessons such as, perseverance, respect, grit, loyalty, hard work, and how to be a great teammate. These are traits Caden’s Warriors feels every kid should have the opportunity to hone regardless of their financial situation.

Caden also had a deep passion for helping and serving others. Through years of serving at church, taking drinks and snacks to workers in our neighborhood, volunteering at numerous nonprofits, helping lead Kids Prosper Kids, organizing events to raise money for foundations, and, maybe most importantly, listening to and serving those right around him in ways so many overlooked, he was a light to others. This was all a direct result of his love and devotion to Jesus, which he eagerly shared with anyone who would listen.

The name Caden means, “Little Warrior.” This fit him perfectly from day one. Throughout the years he showed warrior-like strength in so many circumstances. In addition, he and Billy attended several years of Warrior Weekends at Sky Ranch with dear friends. These Father/Son weekends fostered growth, solidified bonds, and strengthened their relationship with the Lord.

Therefore, Caden’s Warriors Foundation will have the privilege of helping fund scholarships such as, the Caden Clay Memorial Scholarship at The University of Alabama and the Caden Clay Heart of an Eagle Scholarship at Prosper High School. The foundation will also provide equipment and registration fees for local kids wanting to be involved in organized sports but find themselves in financial hardship. All of this will be done with a focus on Jesus.

We have decided that we will allow the Lord to use our pain to help others. It’s what Caden would want, and we feel the mission of Caden’s Warriors encompasses some of Caden’s greatest passions. We are working on many things to come, and will share them as soon as possible.

FAITH • SERVICE • SPORTS
♥️

07/14/2026

We are blessed to be in a position to have contributed significantly to college scholarships for local seniors and to have helped several young athletes be able to pursue their passions. We have even more young athletes seeking assistance to play this season.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
🌟donate
🌟share this post
🌟tag a friend
🌟tell someone about Caden’s Warriors

Every action helps support our local youth!

♥️ To donate, visit https://cadenswarriors.org/donate

07/07/2026

🚨 Coaches, this is for YOU. 🚨

You see the potential.
You see the heart.
You see the kids who just need a chance.

Caden’s Warriors Foundation is here to help remove the financial barriers that keep young athletes off the field. Through our sponsorships, we help cover registration fees, uniforms, and equipment so every kid has the opportunity to play.

🏆 Know an athlete who needs support?
📣 Coaching a player who deserves a shot but can’t afford it?
👉 Nominate an athlete or apply today at CadensWarriors.org

And please SHARE this post so we can reach more coaches, more families, and more kids who need it. Together, we can make sure no athlete is left on the sidelines.

07/04/2026

06/02/2026

⭐️ FALL SPORTS SPONSORSHIPS NOW OPEN!!

Apply or nominate an athlete by:
• visiting our website: CadensWarriors.org
• emailing us at: [email protected]

04/25/2026

Congratulations, Caleb Downs! Welcome to Dallas! ♥️🐘🌊

03/30/2026

DON’T MISS OUT! 💥

The online store closes TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT!

♥️wear the gear
♥️support the mission
♥️be a warrior

Visit CadensWarriors.org to order!

03/30/2026

🚨LAST CALL!🚨

Today is your FINAL chance to grab official Caden’s Warriors merchandise through the online store! Every purchase isn’t just gear - it’s a powerful way to support our mission, spread awareness, and share Caden’s legacy in a way that will impact and help others.

Don’t wait. Don’t miss out.

⭐️ wear the mission
⭐️ support young athletes and students
⭐️ be a warrior

Visit https://cadenswarriors.org to order!