Between being a college football player, running a non-profit, leading my own agency, operating a health and wellness business, and doing partnerships of my own, I usually have my hands full. I love what I do, and I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to pursue my education and a wide range of business ventures while continuing to play the sport I love. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of doing, and it’s surreal to see the pieces all start coming together.
I grew up on the south side of Atlanta with my parents and two sisters. We’re a tight-knit family, and they’ve always supported me in my academic, athletic, and professional endeavors. I was fortunate to have several mentors and friends supporting me as well. In fact, that’s why I named my non-profit organization the “It Takes a Village Family Foundation.” It took a village to get me to where I am today, and I’m blessed to have had their support along the way. I’ll always be grateful for the people who’ve helped me in my journey, and I’m committed to giving back to the community through my foundation.
Multi-faceted athlete
As a kid, I was involved in a number of activities and sports. I actually started out playing soccer, as it was my first love. I picked up football when I was around seven years old and started wrestling in middle school. I won a county championship in wrestling and continued to play football throughout high school. I transferred schools halfway through high school, but still managed to lead the state in interceptions my senior year. I was even inducted into the Johns Creek Sports Hall of Fame. Needless to say, I’m proud of my accomplishments as a high school athlete, and the lessons I learned from each sport have helped me become a more well-rounded athlete.
From Stanford to Bucknell
During high school, I received around 50 offers from various colleges and universities, but ultimately decided to play football at Stanford University. The combination of a top-tier education and an all-star coaching staff made the decision a no-brainer. However, I ended up transferring after my second year and landed at Bucknell University. I fell in love with the school, and I knew it would be a great fit for me both academically and athletically. I’m now in my second season at Bucknell, and I’m honored to have been selected as a team captain by my peers.
I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a player and a leader and helping our team compete for a championship.
My involvement in the NIL space
One of the reasons I chose to transfer from Stanford to Bucknell was my interest in the NIL space. As a student-athlete, I saw NIL as an opportunity to grow my personal brand and make an impact beyond the field. In my first year of college, I had about 25 to 35 NIL deals, which was a blessing. I used a lot of my NIL funds to start my non-profit, the It Takes a Village Family Foundation, and give back to my community. I also co-founded an agency called TA Sports Management because I saw a gap in the NIL space. I wanted to help athletes with financial education, marketing, and true NIL deals with brands. I believe that athletes need more than just someone to negotiate contracts for them, and I’m committed to providing that support through my agency.
Health and wellness
In addition to my non-profit and agency, I also have a health and wellness business. I’m passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and helping others do the same. It’s something I’ve always been interested in, and I’m excited to share my knowledge and expertise with others through my business.
Community and mentorship
I’m also actively involved in the community, and I understand the importance of having mentors to help guide you along the way. Mentors have played a crucial role in my life, and I strive to be a mentor for others. I believe that we all have a responsibility to give back and help those who are coming up behind us. It’s one of the reasons I started the It Takes a Village Family Foundation, and I’m committed to providing opportunities and support for the youth in my community.
Balancing it all
Balancing all of my responsibilities can be challenging at times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I use Google Calendar to stay organized and ensure that I’m prioritizing the things that matter most. I also make sure to take time for myself and focus on my mental and physical well-being. Roller skating has become one of my favorite ways to relax and unwind. It’s something I picked up in Atlanta, and it’s my mental getaway. I try to skate a few times a week, and it’s a great way for me to clear my mind and have some fun.
The sky’s the limit
With all of my various endeavors, it can be easy to get overwhelmed, but I take it one day at a time. I understand that there will be highs and lows, but I’m committed to taking the steps necessary to reach my goals. My dream is to make it to the NFL, and I hope to get a couple of years in the league. Beyond that, my goal is to become the best in all three of my business ventures. I want TA Sports Management to be the agency that athletes think of when they need representation. I want the “It Takes a Village Family Foundation” to be one of the first non-profits that people think of when it comes to giving back to the community. And I want my health and wellness business to be a go-to resource for people looking to live a healthier lifestyle. I know I have a long way to go, but I’m excited for what the future holds. With the support of my family, friends, and mentors, I believe that the sky’s the limit.
