Every little boy has heroes.

Some heroes wore a black bat costume, others swung around on webs. Then there were the ones who were faster than speeding bullets.

Tim McCarthy’s flew around a high school football field.

Two years older than Tim, Pat McCarthy was someone to look up to.

“My brother was a great leader on and off the field,” McCarthy said. “He did well in school. He really just guided me and showed me what to do, right from wrong.”

Pat, who played linebacker at Minnesota, also showed Tim the game of football.

“Back then him and I used to play football in the backyard,” McCarthy said. “You know, just little kid stuff. But I think that’s where I acquired the love for the game.”

Tim started watching everything his brother did. From how he exercised to how he played on the field, Pat was the role model that Tim molded his love of football around.

And when Tim entered the seventh grade, everything his brother taught him was put to the test.

It was time for Tim to lace up the cleats, throw on the pads and start his career in football.

But his love for the game and all those years of watching only got him so far. His coaches taught him how to be great.

“Growing up, I had great coaches from middle school to high school,” McCarthy said. “Those were the people who helped me develop my skills.”

Those skills helped him become a star at Neenah High School in Neenah, Wis., and get the attention of NIU’s coaches.

Three years after graduating, the redshirt sophomore is still a star. The junior is second on the team in tackles with 72 and first in interceptions with two.

But those stats don’t interest McCarthy. What matters is having fun.

“I have a love for the game,” McCarthy said. “And if you don’t enjoy playing the sport, there’s no reason you should play.”

That’s why his teammates enjoy being alongside him on the field and off.

“McCarthy is a great guy to be around,” former NIU teammate Brian Holick said. “He’s a hard worker and everyone loves him.”

Of course, Pat wouldn’t have taught his younger brother to be anything less.