Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, I faced challenges that could have defined my life in all the wrong ways. My memoir, The In Crowd: Life, Legacy, Leadership, is the story of how I turned adversity into opportunity, rising from gang-ridden streets to professional football fields. It’s not just about my athletic achievements—it’s about the leadership lessons I learned along the way. Through resilience, faith, and a commitment to inspiring others, I’ve carved out a path that I hope will guide anyone striving to lead with purpose. Here, I share the key principles that shaped me, from navigating tough neighborhoods to excelling in the Arena Football League (AFL) and beyond.
Leading Through Adversity
Adversity was my constant companion, but it became the foundation of my leadership. My childhood in Little Rock was no easy ride—gang violence was so rampant that our neighborhood was featured in HBO’s Banging in Little Rock. My mother’s battle with substance abuse and my father’s absence forced me to step up early, especially for my younger brother, Randii. I remember thinking, “I don’t want to be like my father.” Instead, I followed my older brother, Aaron Jr., who introduced me to sports and survival in our tough world. Choosing a different path wasn’t easy, but it built my resilience, a trait I lean on as a leader.
My football journey was just as challenging. As a walk-on at the University of Arkansas, I faced doubts from coaches and teammates who didn’t see my potential. In high school, my coach, Bernie Cox, once told me I was the worst quarterback he’d ever coached. Those words stung, but I refused to let them define me. I pushed harder, excelling on the scout team in college and later in professional leagues. Setbacks like academic suspension, injuries, and being cut from teams tested me, but I kept going. Leadership, I’ve learned, isn’t about dodging obstacles—it’s about facing them head-on and turning them into stepping stones.
Faith as My Guiding Light
Faith has been my anchor, guiding me through the darkest times. In high school, I found solace at Second Baptist Church, where I deepened my commitment to Christianity. I recall those moments vividly: “Joining that church family shaped my relationship with Jesus. I learned to lean on Him for every decision.” That spiritual foundation gave me purpose and humility, shaping how I lead others.
When I faced a crossroads in my career—choosing between a risky NFL shot or staying in the AFL and CFL—my faith guided me. My coach, Brenard Wilson, asked, “Do you want to play, or do you want to watch?” I prayed on it, and my heart told me to stay where I could make a difference. That choice taught me a vital leadership lesson: anchor your decisions in your core values. Even in uncertainty, my faith gave me clarity, showing me that true leadership means trusting in a bigger plan.
Inspiring Through Action
Leadership, for me, has always been about lifting others up. My transformation from a kid tied to gang life to a professional athlete and coach is proof of what’s possible. In the AFL, my work ethic earned me the Defensive Player of the Year award in the AF2 league. Coach John Jenkins once said I was as brilliant a player as he’d seen in his decades of coaching. That brilliance came from my drive to improve and push my teammates to be better. I wanted to show them what was possible through hard work.
Off the field, I found my true calling as a coach at an alternative high school, mentoring at-risk youth. I felt it deep in my soul: “This is what I’m meant to do—help young people see their dreams.” By sharing my story, I showed them they could overcome their struggles. Leadership isn’t just about words; it’s about actions that inspire. When you show resilience and dedication, you create a ripple effect, encouraging others to rise above their challenges.
Building a Lasting Legacy
My legacy isn’t just about touchdowns or interceptions—it’s about the leadership principles I live by. My memoir is my way of sharing a blueprint for perseverance, faith, and service. Escaping gang life, earning a college degree, and thriving in professional football weren’t easy, but they showed me how to leave a lasting impact. I’ve always believed in myself, even if some called it cockiness. I’d say, “I’m the best,” not out of arrogance, but because I knew my God-given gifts and wanted to live in my purpose.
As a coach, I leaned on lessons from mentors like Jay Gruden and Gary Anderson to build teamwork and discipline. Gary once noted, “I wanted to lead drills, to show the right way.” That’s my legacy—creating a positive influence that outlives my time on the field. My story is a call to others: use your triumphs to inspire the next generation. Leadership is about empowering those who come after you to strive for greatness.
Conclusion
My journey, as told in The In Crowd, is a roadmap for leadership through adversity and achievement. From the dangerous streets of Little Rock to the professional football arena, I’ve learned that leading means persevering with faith and purpose. My ability to face challenges, trust in God, inspire through action, and build a legacy offers lessons for anyone looking to make an impact. Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, pushing forward, and lifting others along the way. I hope my story encourages you to lead with courage and conviction, no matter the obstacles in your path.
