Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, during the 1980s and 1990s, I faced challenges that could have defined my life in all the wrong ways. My book, The In Crowd: Life, Legacy, Leadership, is my story—a raw, unfiltered account of how I navigated gang-infested streets, family struggles, and personal setbacks to become a professional football player and a leader in life. This isn’t just about my time on the field with the Arena Football League (AFL), Canadian Football League (CFL), or my brief NFL stint. It’s about the resilience, faith, and leadership that carried me through adversity and continue to shape who I am today.
My Childhood – A Test of Strength
My early years were anything but easy. Little Rock’s streets were a battleground of gangs, drugs, and violence. At home, things were just as tough. My mother, who raised me and my siblings, battled substance abuse, forcing me to step up as a parental figure for my younger brother, Randii. My father, a brilliant man admired by many, was rarely present, leaving a void I filled by looking up to my older brother, Aaron Jr. He introduced me to sports and taught me how to survive in our rough neighborhood.
Despite the chaos, I was determined to carve a different path. My mother’s fierce drive and my grandmother’s insistence on education lit a fire in me. My faith in God became my anchor, guiding me away from the gang life that tempted so many. I focused on school and sports, learning early on that discipline and commitment were my tickets out. Those choices weren’t just about survival—they were the first signs of the leader I’d become.
High School – Building My Foundation
Attending Little Rock Central High School was a turning point. This historic school, known for its civil rights legacy, was a mix of opportunity and danger. Gang fights and racial tensions were part of daily life, but I found my place through academics and football. I wasn’t a star athlete at first, but by my senior year, my hard work paid off, and I earned the starting quarterback spot.
One moment stands out: my coach, a harsh, old-school type, told me I was the worst quarterback he’d ever coached. Those words stung, but instead of breaking me, they fueled my resolve. I turned criticism into motivation, a habit that became a cornerstone of my leadership. High school also taught me about community. When the Rodney King beating sparked a sit-in at school, I saw racial divides soften as students came together. Those experiences shaped my belief in unity and empathy as essential leadership qualities.
College – Rising Above Setbacks
Walking on to the University of Arkansas football team was a bold move, one driven by my dream to play at a higher level. I earned a partial engineering scholarship, but the field was a different story. As a walk-on, I faced skepticism from coaches and teammates who didn’t always welcome my confidence. My freshman year brought a physical transformation—I shot up from 5’7” to over 6’ tall, boosting my athletic potential and self-assurance.
But life threw curveballs. Without my mother’s guidance and with the new responsibility of fatherhood at 18, I struggled to balance everything. An academic suspension sent me back to Little Rock, a place I’d fought to escape. Instead of giving up, I cut ties with gang-affiliated friends, worked multiple jobs, and took extra classes to regain eligibility. A biology professor, Dr. Kilambi, saw my potential and challenged me to excel. His belief in me, combined with my own determination, got me back on track. Those years taught me that leadership means taking responsibility for your own path, no matter the obstacles.
My Professional Football Journey
My football career, laid bare in The In Crowd, is a story of grit and unexpected opportunities. After a rocky college experience, I got my shot with the Arkansas Twisters in the AF2, the Arena Football League’s developmental league. My tryout performance, fueled by sheer tenacity, earned me a training camp spot, where I was named MVP. That moment launched me into the AFL, CFL, and NFL Europe, playing for teams like the Milwaukee Mustangs, Toronto Phantoms, and Buffalo Bills.
The road wasn’t smooth. A misdiagnosed sports hernia and team politics tested my resolve. But I adapted, switching from quarterback to defensive back, and let my work ethic speak for itself. Coaches like John Jenkins and Rick Frazier saw my versatility and leadership, praising my ability to inspire through action. I set a record for interceptions in a season with the Twisters and earned All-Arena honors with the Nashville Kats. Off the field, I stayed committed to my family, supporting my daughter and brother despite a crumbling marriage. Choosing the AFL and CFL over an uncertain NFL dream was a tough call, but it showed my pragmatic side—leadership sometimes means choosing impact over ambition.
Faith and Mentorship – My Guiding Lights
My faith in God has been my rock. From my high school days at Second Baptist Church to the highs and lows of my pro career, I leaned on prayer and scripture. Believing “no weapon formed against me shall prosper” gave me unshakable confidence. That faith helped me forgive my father before he passed and guide my brother away from trouble.
Coaches like Jay Gruden, Pinball Clemons, and Gary Anderson were more than mentors—they were models of leadership. They taught me humility, preparation, and the value of team unity. Their lessons carried me into coaching, where I used my experiences to inspire young athletes. Working at an alternative high school, mentoring at-risk youth, felt like a calling. It was my chance to lead by giving back.
Inspiring Others
The In Crowd isn’t just my story—it’s a guide for anyone facing adversity. My journey from Little Rock’s streets to professional football shows what resilience, faith, and hard work can do. I want readers to see that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about lifting others up. Whether I was mentoring youth, supporting my family, or competing on the field, I tried to embody courage and empathy.
My legacy in sports is my versatility and grit. In life, it’s my ability to rise above and inspire. I hope my story pushes you to chase your goals and lead with purpose, just as I’ve tried to do.
Conclusion
Writing The In Crowd: Life, Legacy, Leadership was my way of sharing a truth: leadership is born in adversity. From Little Rock to the football arena, I’ve learned that resilience, faith, and commitment make a true leader. My journey isn’t just about what I’ve achieved—it’s about how I’ve tried to uplift others. As I continue coaching and mentoring, I want my legacy to be one of inspiration, showing that greatness comes from how we face challenges and empower those around us.
