Jamal Cooley
Senior Digital Designer, Graphics
Who in your life exemplifies strength: "My parents are my greatest example of strength. I've witnessed them at their highest and lowest points while raising me. Every day wasn't easy or perfect, but they showed up and gave their best — and they continue to do so even now. To me, their unwavering commitment embodies true strength. As they often say, 'You might not always be at your best, but you can always bring your best.'"
On Black History Month: "Black History Month is important to me because it highlights that Black history is an essential and inseparable part of history as a whole. It serves as an opportunity to educate people about the systemic racism and oppression faced by African Americans, while also celebrating their resilience, contributions, and progress. This month encourages reflection on how far African Americans have come and inspires action toward addressing inequality and promoting racial equity."
Miyah Sizer
Social Media Coordinator
Who in your life exemplifies strength: "I would say my mother. She is probably the strongest Black woman I know. She has overcome so many things in this life, and she never let that stop her from being a joy in the lives of those around her. I've seen her overcome the sudden loss of a sister, to battling through and beating breast cancer, and now taking care of her father. She never fails to amaze me with how strong she is. She has been a light to so many and has always been a constant in my life and, to me, a perfect example of what strength is."
Brandy Pickett
Premium Services Account Executive
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength: "One of the most pivotal moments of my career occurred during my tenure as a 9-1-1 police radio dispatcher for the Memphis Police Department. Each day, I faced high-pressure situations, often involving callers in moments of crisis, fear, or uncertainty — frequently in life-or-death scenarios. My primary responsibility was to remain calm and composed, regardless of the chaos unfolding on the other end of the line, ensuring that help was dispatched swiftly and efficiently. This experience profoundly shaped my understanding of strength. It taught me the importance of remaining composed under pressure, providing compassion when it is needed most, and making critical decisions in real time. Far beyond being a job, it was a daily test of my character and resilience — one that has significantly influenced my approach to both personal and professional challenges."
Who in your life exemplifies strength: "My mother, La'Vette, has been a true pillar of strength throughout my life. She has exemplified grace and determination, consistently showing me the power of overcoming obstacles without compromising one's spirit or compassion for others. Similarly, my father, Randy, has demonstrated that strength is defined by integrity, consistency, and unwavering support for loved ones. Through his actions, he showed me the value of staying grounded, working diligently, and never settling for less than I deserve.
"My achievements today are not solely my own; they are a direct reflection of my parents' love, sacrifices, and the invaluable lessons they imparted. Every goal I pursue and every milestone I achieve is a testament to their strength and the profound impact they've had on shaping my life. La'Vette and Randy didn't simply raise a daughter, they cultivated a legacy of resilience, love, and purpose that I carry with me in all that I do."
On Black History Month: "As an African American woman working in the NFL, Black History Month holds a profound significance for me. It's a time to celebrate the legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black people who have paved the way for opportunities I now enjoy. It reminds me that I stand on the shoulders of trailblazers who broke barriers in industries, including sports, where representation hasn't always been equitable.
"In a field where diversity and inclusion are still evolving, Black History Month takes on an added importance – it reaffirms the value of visibility. Representation is crucial, not just for recognition, but for creating meaningful change. Being in this space means I'm part of an ongoing legacy of progress. It inspires me to work hard, lift others as I rise, and advocate for equity and opportunity in ways that will continue to make a difference for the next generation of Black professionals in sports and beyond."
Why is it important to highlight the strength, growth, and resilience of Black people: "In a world that has too often sought to silence or marginalize certain voices, celebrating the achievements and potential of Black individuals is not merely an act of remembrance; it is a commitment to shaping a future grounded in inclusivity, equity, and mutual respect."
Autumn Lockwood
Associate Performance Coach
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength: "A moment in my life where I had to display strength came at the beginning of my career. It was during a time of transition from one job to the next in the midst of COVID. There were a lot of moving parts that came with a great sense of overwhelming thoughts and high anxiety. It was my first director spot. There were a lot more responsibilities that came with the new resources that I was being exposed to and, at that time, it was a lot of change at once. In that season of growth, I was tested in a lot of ways and each day I prayed to make it through the day (and sometimes even just the moment). It taught me the true strength of showing up every day, asking for help, getting professional help when things become too much, and the power of prayer. That season helped prepare me to become more resilient towards the path I am pursuing as an African American woman working in football."
On Black History Month: "Black History Month is important to me because it is a time to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of all of those who have come before us and give them their flowers for paving the way. It's dedicated and acknowledged time to reflect on just how far we've come. It's a time to empower the current generation to continue to push the needle in a positive direction. While we may not get to reap the benefits, I believe that by doing good and what is right in the here and now, the future generations to come will live amongst each other in nothing but love and unity becoming one like the one above wants for us."
Why is it important to highlight the strength, growth, and resilience of Black people: "I believe it is important to highlight the strength, resilience, and growth of Black people because there were very hard, traumatic, and trying times that our ancestors had to endure and fight through. There are still residual effects that our current generation is up against as well. By highlighting the strength and resiliency of Black people, I believe it provides encouragement to keep going and to keep fighting towards a world where we are equal, we are valued, and we are awarded the same opportunities to grow, thrive, and build something special."
Shane Ramsey
Communications Coordinator
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength: "A moment that I had to display strength was during the sudden passing of my father during my second semester of graduate school at the University of Florida. My dad was with me when I originally toured the campus after making the 13-hour drive to Gainesville and was the only family member who made multiple campus visits with me. We had formed an even stronger bond through the hours that we spent traveling to Florida and his excitement for me. During the time of his passing, it was really hard for me to focus on the rigors of school and I contemplated taking a break or leaving the program altogether. Where I found my strength was in the strength and support of my friends and family who encouraged me to continue and to not only finish the program, but excel in the program and to make the most of the educational opportunity. I truly believe that many people do not realize the strength that they have in themselves and the importance of having a community that can build up your strength. I went back to school after taking virtual classes for a month and persevered through to graduate with Distinction from the University of Florida."
On Black History Month: "It's THE culture. Everything that people do is impacted or influenced in some ways by Black culture, so it's extremely important to highlight figures and people that have a great impact on how EVERYBODY lives their lives."
Kobie Tuckson
Event Staff Operations Coordinator
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength: "A moment in my life where I had to display strength would be when I had to make the transition from Washington, D.C./Prince George's County, Maryland to Kutztown, Pennsylvania for college. Growing up in a predominantly black community, where I only had to interact with people who looked like me, may have put me in a rare social box that I now appreciate.
"Being at Kutztown made me realize I did not have the same experiences as others who were at the school. Everything was simply different than what I was accustomed to. I had to remain strong and adapt to my new environment. I believe I displayed strength in the way I stuck it out and adapted at Kutztown, no matter how different it was from what I was used to."
Who in your life exemplifies strength: "My mother is the strongest person I have ever met. She was able to raise two great men in this world as a single mother. Through every obstacle we have ever experienced, she always found a way to make it happen for us. Sacrifice after sacrifice, she always had a plan and that was to make sure my younger brother and I were always good no matter what. She was the first to have a baby out of her sisters and closest cousins, so I was the 'test baby' where they used me to figure out what works and what does not work as far as life. My mother is the reason I am in the position I am in today: Working, healthy, and happy. Without my mother's strength, I would not be where I am today."
On Black History Month: "My family has a lineage at Howard University, which is an HBCU in Washington, D.C. I have been around Black excellence my whole life. Being able to celebrate and acknowledge what I have been learning about my whole life is a great feeling. I also have family members who have made an impact on the progress of Black people. For example, in the nursing field, my great-grandmother (who is still alive), a Howard University graduate, was the first to be sent out to a white patient's house while working for the Visiting Nurses Association in D.C."
Why is it important to highlight the strength, growth, and resilience of Black people: "The path that was paved by the people before me was not an easy one, so the fact I (we) have the opportunities we have today is unbelievable. I am still learning and hearing about brave people in our community and it always amazes me on their obstacles and still being able to overcome them."
Paige Davenport
Season Ticket Member Services Coordinator
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength: "Starting my college journey, my interest in pursuing sports management, which is a male-dominated field, came with challenges along the way. Every year, I continued to push myself in class and activities that showed an amazing sense of strength that this was my calling and I was in the right place. As I further my professional career, it is always exciting to push the glass ceiling for women and Black women in sports."
On Black History Month: "As an African American woman myself, it is important to recognize the importance of a month that highlights the extraordinary efforts that Black people have brought and contributed to this country."
Why is it important to highlight the strength, growth, and resilience of Black people: "It is important to highlight the growth of Black people to continue to educate people who don't know the history, as there is so much of it. History has no timeline to the work that Black people have done and continue to do, so it is important to make sure that it's always highlighted beyond just one month so that nothing is forgotten."
Broklynn Gomez
Scientific Programs and Inclusion Initiatives Coordinator
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength: "The hardest moment in my life has been when my Godfather passed away in 2022. During that time, I was completing my last semester of my Master's program at USC. I confided in my professor that I was struggling due to the tremendous loss in my family and she had told me she did not envision me finishing the program and I should drop out. That added fuel to my fire because I knew that was the last thing my Nino would have wanted me to do. His message as I was approaching the end of my program gave me strength. 'I cannot tell you how proud we are of you and all that you have accomplished already in your young life. Your commitment and dedication have been such a positive example for the family. On the nights that I'm up late working until the following morning when I get tired I think of all you had to endure to achieve such incredible goals and it motivates me and I fight through it because I know that's what our family does!' So that's exactly what I did I fought through and found strength during the hardest time of my life just like my family does in all situations."
Who in your life exemplifies strength: "When I think of someone who exemplifies strength, I think of the women in my family. My Nana the matriarch, my mother, and my Godmother. My Nana, who was born in the 1940s, relocated from Louisiana to California and has lived through so many experiences just to give her children the best opportunities in life. At a time where education was not as popular for women, she decided to complete her education. At one point in time, she could not imagine what life would be like for her kids. Now, eight children later and 56 grandchildren later, me being one of them, she has inspired us all to obtain higher education.
"When I think of my mother's strength, I think of my birthing story. My mother's water broke when she was four months pregnant and had me during the fifth month of her pregnancy. The doctors prepared her for the worse, but throughout her entire short pregnancy, she believed and had faith in God for the best. When I was born, my organs were not fully developed, nor was my skin. I was in the NICU for months, but my mom still believed that all would be well, and that turned out to be true because of my mother's strength and faith in God."
Chris McPherson
Senior Manager, Digital Media
Who in your life exemplifies strength: "How crushing would it be to have what many of us would think is a sensible, realistic dream – one that would improve and benefit the lives of others – and be told that it's not possible? That's what happened to my father, Lloyd. The son of a Jamaican immigrant and an African American mother, my dad grew up not too far from here in Bridgeton, New Jersey. While many people raised there ended up working in the factories based in the town, my father had bigger ambitions. He wanted to become a doctor, even though there wasn't a role model within the family with so much as a college degree. Well, my father was told, 'Black people don't become doctors.' That didn't stop my dad, who earned his undergraduate degree from Howard in D.C. and his medical degree from Rutgers Medical School. He specialized in emergency medicine, working as the director of the emergency room for a hospital in New York City for many years before traveling to work at hospitals on Indian reservations throughout the country toward the end of his career. He was extremely passionate about growing and developing the next generation of minority doctors to help make the path easier than it was for him."
