If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be a bison farmer, I would have thought you were crazy.
I’m from the South – Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to be exact. We don’t have bison down here. They’ve been extinct for a while now. It wasn’t until I started studying agriculture and farming that I came to really learn about them. Their impact on minorities. Their history.
It’s fascinating. Bison were almost completely exterminated in the 1800s, but they’ve come back strong, thanks to the help of many influential people and organizations. Their story is one of resilience. And I can relate to that. So is mine.
My life has been a series of ups and downs, highs and lows, and everything in between. I wasn’t even supposed to be here, you know. I’m a miracle baby. Doctors told my mom that she couldn’t have any more kids. She had two babies that passed away, and I was the third one to come out. My mom raised me into a faithful, strong man. And for that, I am thankful. I know I’m here for a bigger purpose. It’s not just about me. I’m here to help people.
I have a one-of-a-kind story, and I want to use it to inspire others. That’s why I do what I do. I’m a football player, a bison farmer, and so much more. I’m just trying to make a difference in the world, one step at a time.
A Big Family
I grew up in a big family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. My mom and dad were always there for me, and I have an older brother and sister who are 13 years older than me. I’m the baby of the family.
My parents were meant to be together. It was a true connection. My mother did everything to make sure my childhood was great, and she did. I wouldn’t be where I am without her. She instilled great faith in me, and I lean on that to this day.
My dad was my hero. He instilled in me the values of hard work and determination from a young age. I remember him waking me up at 6am in the morning to go on his Budweiser delivery routes with him. We’d stack beer in ten stores on a Saturday. He taught me the importance of getting up early and putting in the work.
My dad was also a funny guy. He had a great sense of humor and could make anyone laugh. People were drawn to him because of his positive energy. He had a way of making everyone feel better about themselves.I wanted to be just like him. My dad was a father who taught his sons everything they needed to know about being a man. He was a role model and a guiding light in my life. He always talked about building a legacy and leaving our mark on the world.
Unfortunately, my dad passed away from kidney disease when I was in school. It was a tough time for our family, but it also motivated me to carry on his legacy. I still think that if I had been able to have access to more NIL money then I could have saved him. I could have gotten him a new kidney. He’d still be here today.
My brother and I are determined to make a positive impact in our community and beyond. We want to be known for more than just being well-known. We want to be known for executing and making a difference. I owe a lot to my dad. He showed me what it means to be a man and how to live life with integrity. I strive to emulate his values every day. He made me the man I am today and I’m grateful.
The Ups and Downs
Growing up in Baton Rouge, I had a great childhood. I started playing football when I was three years old and was a part of some of the best teams in the city. It was all about having fun and enjoying the game back then. That’s all we cared about.
As I got older, the pressure started to build. I committed to LSU when I was 15 years old. Looking back, I wish I had taken more time to explore other options and see the world. But at that time, I felt a sense of loyalty to LSU. My dad was sick, and staying close to home was important to me.
My time at LSU was a rollercoaster ride. There were more pros than cons, but it wasn’t always easy. I had to deal with some difficult situations and people behind the scenes. But despite the challenges, I learned valuable lessons that shaped me into the person I am today.’
After graduating from LSU, I transferred to different schools and experienced the highs and lows of being a college athlete. Each place taught me something new and showed me the good and bad of the sport. It was a ride, but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. From winning a championship at FAMU to now learning even more about agriculture while playing at Colorado, each experience has been good for me.
Through it all, I realized the importance of speaking up for myself and advocating for my well-being. As athletes, we often push through pain and injuries, but sometimes, we need to take a step back and prioritize our health. It’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way, but it’s made me stronger and more resilient.
The Bison Farmer
When I discovered my passion for bison farming, it completely changed my perspective on life. I found a new purpose and a way to connect with my roots. My family has a long history of farming, but it wasn’t until I started my own farm that I truly understood the impact it could have. I’ve met amazing people and learned about the importance of agriculture in our society. It’s not just about raising animals; it’s about nurturing the land and providing for others.
Bison farming has been an incredible journey. Being a bison farmer has taught me the value of hard work, patience, and resilience. It’s a constant reminder that we have the power to create change and make a difference in the world. Bison can even help the climate. They can help the community and change lives for minorities.
Balancing my football career and my business hasn’t always been easy, but it’s a challenge I embrace with open arms. I’ve learned how to manage my time and prioritize my goals. It’s all about finding that balance and staying focused on what truly matters. Through it all, this balance has taught the importance of being authentic and kind. I’ve had moments where I lost sight of that, but I’ve also had moments where I found my way back. And I thank agriculture for helping me see that. It’s a constant journey of self-discovery and growth, and I’m grateful for every step along the way.
Every step has been grounded in my faith as well. He has guided me, and without my relationship with God, I would never have made it. The gift of my life and this gift of agriculture is due to His glory, listening and learning from Him.
Now that I have learned all these lessons, I want to be remembered as someone who changed the world for the better. I want to be a role model and a source of inspiration for others. And, someday, I want to be the biggest bison farmer in the world. In a world that can sometimes feel dark and divided, I want to spread positivity and love. I want to show people that no matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, you have the power to make a difference.
I’m just a kid from Baton Rouge with a dream and a bison farm, trying to leave my mark on the world. To be resilient, just like bison. And I’m just getting started.
