Damon West shares redemption story in Holmes

One moment Damon West had it all.

In what seemed like an instant, he had it all taken away.

Today, much like a coffee bean in boiling water, he found a way to create positive change and become a useful part of society, something that appeared would never be the case after the star Texas quarterback fell into a life of drugs, theft and ultimately a life sentence in a Dallas penitentiary.

West visited West Holmes School District Thursday, Feb. 12 to speak at three separate functions — the first to the middle school students, the next to the high school students and finally to the community at-large that evening.

West’s story is a cautionary tale of having it all and throwing it away. It is a story about redemption. It is a story of faith, hope and, above all, learning how to be someone who can make a positive impact on others, whether it is in everyday life in the world or on the prison inmates incarcerated around you.

“My identity was playing football,” West said. “I didn’t have another identity and came to a fork in the road. I was a star, but I wrapped myself up in something external. But one thing I want kids to understand is that while all these extracurricular activities are good, it’s not who you are on the inside.”

West approaches speaking to young people not as a parent, coach or administrator, but rather as a guy who has seen the best and worst life has to offer.

His message is to many, yet it is so personal he understands the power his message has to reach one individual.

“I feel like I get these kids drawn in because of the story,” West said, noting every kid deals with struggles and doubts in life, and while they may not be as dire as what he faced, the struggles are real.

West is an American motivational speaker, best-selling author, college professor and inspirational leader known for his story of transformation and resilience. He was once a Division I starting quarterback at the University of North Texas. After a career-ending injury, he struggled with drug addiction, falling into a life of crime.

After losing what he felt was his identity as a star athlete, West became involved in crime linked to his addiction and was sentenced to 65 years in prison in Texas. It was there a pivotal conversation inspired him to adopt a “coffee bean” mindset, learning to positively transform his environment rather than be changed by it.

West said connecting with young people and giving them hope, purpose and a sense of direction through his story of redemption from a life term in prison is now his purpose in life.

He said the joy and thrill he receives from challenging young people to be coffee beans and become a change agent in the world around them for the better is far more important than any touchdown pass he ever threw.

He knows changing the life of even one kid makes what he does worthwhile.

“My dad said I am living one of the greatest underdog stories ever right now,” West said of his mission and his story of redemption.

Eric Jurkovic, West Holmes Schools superintendent, said West's message is something every young person should hear and understand.

“It’s important because we as educators and parents tell the kids about choices and the things you do affect your life, and they tend not to listen,” Jurkovic said. “When they hear it from someone else, they tend to listen. He made poor choices but turned his life around and is doing the right thing.”

Jurkovic said the event was possible through the generosity of several key supports, a list that includes United Way, Grace Church, Adena Corporation, Rea Business Advisors, Holmes County Commissioners, Fanning Howey, Pedal to the Medal and the West Holmes Booster Club.

As a sponsor, Megan Wilson of United Way said supporting the event was an easy decision.

“We love Damon’s message,” Wilson said. “It’s beneficial to students, seniors and the community. It’s a story about help and redemption, and we don’t get a lot of chances to hear these types of impactful, real-life stories. Our hope is that his story impacts that one child or adult who is struggling.”

West is a three-time Wall Street Journal best-selling author including books like "The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson To Create Positive Change" and "The Change Agent," which detail his life and transformational message. He also has worked as an adjunct college professor of criminal justice.

West’s message centers on the idea individuals have the power to turn difficult circumstances into opportunities for growth and influence.

Since being paroled following what was initially supposed to be a life sentence of 65 years, West has spoken to corporations, schools, sports teams and organizations on topics like leadership, resilience, addiction recovery and personal responsibility.

His inspiring life story of downfall and redemption motivates people to overcome adversity and make positive change.

To learn about West’s life, visit www.damonwest.org.