KILLEN — Football has been a major part of Dozie Moseley’s life.

He remembers vividly the heart-breaking loss when his Sheffield Bulldogs lost 7-6 to Escambia County on a failed two-point conversion. And, like many Alabama football fans, he subscribes to the Bear Bryant coaching theory that a strong defense and running game are the keys to winning football.

For the past seven seasons, Moseley has been a fixture on the sidelines at Brooks youth football games, coaching his youngest son Mason when he got started playing in micro midgets.

Moseley’s story is not unlike many other youth league coaches — they are in it not because of a paycheck or as an obligation. Instead, for Moseley it’s been a chance to spend time with his son, teach a few life lessons and give back to the community.

“I came from a football family.” Moseley said. “My dad played at Sheffield and was all-area and we always enjoyed watching Alabama together. Back in the 70s, we didn’t have as many things to do as kids today and you played what sports were available.

“Football is good because it teaches the value of working with a team. It is not an individual sport. Although there may be individual awards, nothing can be gained without the rest of the team. It’s a good outlet. Most parents don’t want their kids getting knocked around, but it’s good for them. It’s good for them to have to get back up. It teaches them to compete and there is nothing in life that is not competitive.”

Moseley counts his blessings each day he can coach. When he was 35 in 1992, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart disease. Five years later Moseley had a heart transplant. Given only a survival rate of 70 percent, Moseley beat those odds.

“A miracle,” he said.

It took nine months and countless trips to UAB until he made a full recovery, but when he did he was ready to attack life with the same gusto as before.

Moseley dabbled in youth coaching in the late 1980s when his oldest son played, but it wasn’t until 2004 when his youngest son showed interest that he resumed walking the sideline.

Moseley has enjoyed plenty of success as he and Mason have moved up in age groups. He has a 52-6 record across all leagues, including five undefeated seasons and three Toy Bowl championships.

Moseley, though, takes little credit for the success, instead deflecting it to his players.

“They are hard-nosed, aggressive football kids,” he said. “Last year they were smaller than nearly every team on the schedule. You might not be the fastest, the biggest or the strongest, but anyone can give effort. No one can measure your heart.”

Moseley’s efforts are appreciated by the parents of those he coaches.

“Coach Dozie is a great man.” said Shea Culbreath, who has a son who plays for Moseley. “He’s a good coach and role model for the players. When my son was sick, he made a special trip to the hospital to see him. He didn’t have to do that, but that’s just who he is.”

“The kids respect Coach Dozie and listen to him.” said Steve Stutts. “Some things said from parents can seem to go in one ear and out the other. From him, they really listen and take it to heart.”

Moseley also tries to teach life lessons to his players, stressing the importance of academics. He requires his players bring their report cards from school.

“If you don’t make your grades, you don’t get to play,” he said. “For most, football is not a forever thing and there are things more important than playing.

Moseley recognizes his role as a mentor.

“A lot of kids have split families these days and in general are reaching out in different directions,” he said. “It is important to help steer them in the right direction. It’s easy for kids to be overlooked with everyone working, and I just try to say things to steer them, like it’s important that they get their homework done first and to say “yes sir” and “no sir” to their parents.”