In the vibrant heart of Southside Chicago, within the walls of the Cabrini Greens, my life began with challenges that many couldn’t fathom. Born 4 months premature, weighing a mere 3lbs 1 oz, I entered the world deaf, blind, with low brain function, and a single functioning lung. The odds were stacked against me from the start. For six long months, an incubator was my cradle, and the hum of machines my lullaby. But a miraculous blood transfusion gifted me with sight and hearing, though it came with the challenge of a respiratory disorder.

Growing up, the echoing sounds of the Cabrini Greens were a constant backdrop. My mother, a beacon of strength and determination, juggled three jobs to ensure we never went hungry. Her sacrifices painted a vivid picture of resilience and love. Our lives took a turn when, in the sixth grade, we packed our bags for California, drawn by the need to care for my ailing grandmother.

High school in California brought with it new passions. The thrill of the track, the challenge of hurdles, and the adrenaline of football consumed me. Despite my mother’s reservations about football, the pull was too strong to resist. My dedication paid off when, just four games into my junior year, I was offered a full ride to USC. There, I not only celebrated two back-to-back national championships but also graduated with honors, boasting high honors and two degrees, one in Biokinesiology and the other in Communications.

The NFL beckoned next, and I became a free agent with the Houston Texans. But as fate would have it, an injury cut short my time on the field. I found myself back in California, grappling with the dual challenges of physical pain and starting over. But with my wife by my side, I channeled my passion for sports into coaching. Since the age of 15, I had trained other athletes, and now, I found solace and purpose in guiding others to reach their full potential.

Today, nestled in Orange County with my wife and two beautiful daughters, I wear multiple hats. As a Licensed Realtor® and a dedicated coach, I’m driven by a singular mission: to help others succeed in every facet of life. Whether it’s on or off the field, creating and funding your business, or in daily challenges, I believe in the transformative power of guidance. Having a coach in life, as I’ve been fortunate to have, can make all the difference.

In reflecting on my journey, from the challenges of my birth to the peaks of the NFL, and the valleys that followed, one thing stands clear: against all odds, I’ve defied expectations at every turn. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of guidance, and the belief that no matter where you start, with passion and determination, you can redefine your destiny.