Who is Don Carey?

Don Carey believes true success isn’t defined by the number of goals we reach but the number of people we reach.  A celebrated NFL player, author, speaker, CEO, philanthropist and activist, Don is on a mission to use his influence to help others find success.

Originally from Hampton Roads, Virginia, where his wife, LaKeisha, and their children still reside, Don has been a valuable player in the NFL for the past ten years, starting out as a safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars before moving to the Detroit Lions in 2011 and just recently signed back with his old team, the Jaguars for the 2018 season.  In 2016, he was nominated as Detroit Lions Walter Payton Man of the Year for his commitment to community service. The Detroit Lions Alumni Foundation awarded him again for his continued dedication to serving his community in 2017. In 2018 Don's Alma Mater awarded him the "Graduate Of The Last Decade" which is an award given to graduates who demonstrate exemplary leadership in their professions and in the community.

Don spends much of his offseason time traveling to speak at various colleges and grade schools, where he teaches, challenges and inspires our next generation of leaders.  Continually seeking new ways to make a positive impact, Don recently founded the Don Carey REECH foundation (www.reechfoundation.org), a non-profit organization committed to Reaching, Educating, and Empowering Children, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.  His first book, It’s Not Because I’m Better Than You, in which Don shares his personal story and the principals he used to find success, was released in 2017 to rave reviews.

Currently studying to receive his Masters in Theological Studies with a focus in the Old Testament at Moody Theological Seminary, Don received his Bachelors Degree in Building Construction Technology from Norfolk State University shortly before he was drafted into the NFL.  He founded C&R Preferred, a real estate company based out of Chesapeake, Virginia, in 2012, and he remains the CEO.

Evidenced by his commitment to meaningful offseason pursuits, Don is passionate about continuing education, serving the community, and using his resources to make a positive impact on those around him.  Inspiring, relevant and relatable, he is dedicated to using his own struggles and successes to help others triumph.