Supposed To Be A Statistic
I’m from Detroit and everything that comes with it. The streets, the pressure, and the lessons you learn early when life doesn’t wait for you to grow up. My journey wasn’t perfect, but it shaped who I am today and why I believe so strongly in discipline, consistency, and purpose.
When I was four years old, my dad went to prison. He didn’t come home until the summer before my senior year of high school. For most of my childhood, his presence came through phone calls, letters, and challenging conversations. Every time we talked, he told me the same thing: don’t end up like me, and don’t fall into the streets. Even from behind bars, he kept me focused and honest about where the wrong choices could lead. His guidance didn’t come from theory; my pops actually lived that life, and I carried that with me every step of the way.
While my dad was away, my mom became our everything; she still is! She is my superhero, without question. She worked, sacrificed, and showed up every single day to give my siblings and me a better life. She didn’t just meet the standard, she exceeded it. 3 out of 4 of her kids are college graduates, holding bachelor's and master's degrees, and one is even pursuing a doctorate. She never let our circumstances become our excuse, and watching her taught me what resilience, consistency, and unconditional love truly look like.
At 15, I got arrested. That surprises people because I was also an A and B student with goals and potential. I ain’t gone lie, being smart doesn’t make you immune to bad situations, and talent doesn’t protect you from the wrong influences. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, around people I shouldn’t have been with. That moment showed me how quickly life can shift and how thin the line is between opportunity and consequence, especially for young Black men. It’s easy to get in trouble, but hard to get out of.
Sports gave me structure when I needed it most. Training gave me discipline and an escape. Purpose gave me direction. I learned that talent might open doors, but being coachable, having character, and maintaining consistency are what keep them open. I became intentional about my work, my mindset, and the people I allowed into my life. That focus carried me to college, but more importantly, it prepared me for life.
Today, success means more than personal achievement. It means breaking cycles, making better choices, and pouring back into the city that raised me. I don’t believe success is making it out and never looking back. I believe success is coming back equipped and ready to help others see what’s possible. That belief is the foundation of Dont Get Beat Academy.
Recently, my dad told me something that stopped me in my tracks. After everything we’ve been through, after years of distance, growth, mistakes, and healing, he said this:
“Hey, I just wanna tell u how proud I am of you, son. You're everything I wanted to be when I was coming up. Playing football for a college, making a difference in kids' lives, changing lives, and living out a dream. Making a difference — that’s your most significant assets and accomplishments in life. When I saw that young kid at his press conference say I wanna thank Coach Parker for helping me, I shed a tear. It just shows how great a young man you are and how much you've grown into an incredible man. You are everything I dreamed of when I was young, coming up wanting to make a difference in life, period. I love you, baby, and it’s beautiful to watch through your eyes. I really enjoy it. You are appreciated, son. You are the best in the world, son. Thank you for loving me, right or wrong, and thank you for taking me all over the world through your eyes. Thank you, son. I love you.”
It reminded me that growth is real, redemption is possible, and impact matters more than anything else. My story isn’t about being perfect; it’s about choosing better, staying disciplined, and becoming someone others can believe in.
If you’re a young athlete reading this, especially from Detroit, know this: your past doesn’t define you. One mistake doesn’t cancel your future. Discipline can rewrite your story. I’m living proof man.
Don’t Get Beat, not by them streets or by your own distractions
- Slot God 🤎