Football is a demanding sport – physically, emotionally and in many other aspects of life. If there is one person that can attest to this, it’s DJ McNeil. Many know him for his success as a tailback for the Skyhawks, but football has more meaning for him than simply running a ball. With life lessons and personal achievements that can potentially be rewarded from the game of football, McNeil practices the ethics of the game even off the gridiron.
Born on Nov. 8, 1991, to Dennis and Tina McNeil, DJ McNeil was introduced to a conventional household, with his father being employed as a law enforcement officer. McNeil was urged to work hard during his youth. Taking his father’s advice to heart, he decided to pursue football.
“I put pads on and stepped on the field for the first time, and just fell in love with the game,” said McNeil.
It isn’t just the glory of scoring a touchdown that drives this athlete, however, but the discipline when challenged with such a sacrificing sport.
“You’ve always got to be prepared and on your game; that helps keep my priorities in line, I like that,” said McNeil.
At Briarcrest High School, McNeil played under Coach Major White, where he assisted in the team’s 7-5 record and advancement to the second round of the state playoffs. Also before his college career, he was named as a member of the Commercial Appeal’s Best of the Preps All-Metro team.
Being a running back also had external effects on McNeil’s character because of the physicality of the position.
Playing in the backfield since his earliest days in the game contributes to the experience that he uses even to this day.
Having to act quick on most plays, he remembers to utilize fundamentals from his past, as well as much needed advice from his current team.
When off the football field, McNeil is like any other ordinary student in terms of going to class and other daily activities. He is currently earning a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance.
While there is a possible future career with football for McNeil, he considers his assets by making other preparations for employment after graduation.
“I might actually be up for a job with the Memphis Grizzlies,” said McNeil .
McNeil has worked tirelessly in pursuing his goals, having earned many rewards through the game of football. Using both his formal and informal education, he hopes to give back to the sports community in gratitude that it has given him meaning and shaped him as an individual.
