A League of His Own: Lorenzo Jackson Jr. - A Gridiron Giant with an Entrepreneur's Heart

Stepping into the colossal world of football, Lorenzo Jackson Jr. is a force to be reckoned with. Not only does he possess remarkable skills on the field as a defensive lineman for Grayson High School in Gwinnett County, Georgia, but his resiliency, kindness, and entrepreneurial spirit make him a truly dynamic figure off the field as well.

On the field, Jackson shines, standing tall in the midst of fierce competition. “My role on my team is to help the team/defense in any way possible,” he confidently states. His aspirations go beyond making tackles and sacking quarterbacks; Jackson is committed to the entire Grayson football program. "A school like Grayson is where I'm supposed to be because I still have some development to do and I feel like Grayson is going to help me be a better defensive lineman." Given the school’s strong track record of producing D1 recruits and NFL players, Jackson sees a clear path to achieving his dreams.

Beyond his football career, Jackson nurtures a strong interest in business and marketing. He, along with his friends, are in the process of launching a clothing brand called 'MoneyLoversApparel'. This endeavor showcases Jackson's leadership skills and his entrepreneurial spirit. Moreover, his love for music and interest in making beats demonstrates the wide-ranging talent he brings to the table.

In spite of his immense talent, Jackson remains humble and grounded. “I’m a kind and caring person and I think that’s why people, coaches, and teammates respect me on and off the football field,” he says. He plays a significant role in fostering an environment of trust and respect among his peers and believes in the power of kindness and positivity.

Jackson’s journey has not been without its challenges, but the advice he received from his mentor, Mr. Anderson, has kept him motivated. Anderson told him, "You got a min to do sum and a lifetime to regret not doing it." Jackson says, "That reminded me how much football means to me, so I didn't quit. It’s wisdom I'd share with someone younger than me: Don't give up just because people don't want to see you do good. Keep doing you until you get the results you want."

Despite facing doubters and overcoming setbacks, Jackson's determination is unwavering. “I just want to prove everybody wrong that’s doubted me... I try to go harder than anyone on the field because if I let anyone else bring me down, then I’m basically letting everyone who doubted me win. I’m not gonna let that happen.”

He carries this same tenacity into the classroom, creating a balance between his athletic endeavors and academic responsibilities. “It's not easy being an athlete and juggling schoolwork," he admits. "I just made a schedule for football and schoolwork so I could manage both."

Jackson knows that every good athlete needs a way to get pumped before a big game. His go-to? A pregame playlist featuring artists like Rylo Rodriguez and NBA Youngboy.

As for his ultimate dream? "It would be a painting of me and the NFL commissioner taking a picture with me having a New York Giants jersey in my hand and a hat on my head after just being drafted. On my finger would be my college championship ring," he says.

He is quick to credit his Shiloh coaches for seeing his potential early on. "I would like to acknowledge my Shiloh coaches like Coach Brown, Coach Mason, Coach John, Coach Terry, and Coach Jamie because without them I would have never become an All American or had a good football season."

In a nutshell, Lorenzo Jackson Jr. is not just an exceptional athlete, but an inspiring individual whose determination, kindness, and entrepreneurial spirit set him apart. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the belief in one's potential. His words resonate with us all, "Don’t care about what people think keep pushing until you get where you want to be." And Jackson is indeed going places, on and off the field.