We were thrilled to interview Donovan Peoples-Jones of the Cleveland Browns who was born and raised in Detroit.
Q: Describe what the Detroit area means to you.
A: The Detroit area means everything to me. It is my foundation and where it all began. My parents and I were born and raised there. My parents and grandparents have lived there, were educated there and held active roles in the community. Rooted in the culture, I participated in pop warner football, attended Southfield Christian K-8, Cass Tech HS and the University of Michigan. My agent, Vinnie Porter of Headline Sports Group, is also an U of M alumni. When I am not in my NFL season, training or vacationing, I am home in Southfield regrouping and preparing. That is my base, home and safe haven. Detroit is my foundation and I am grateful!
Q: With Thanksgiving coming up, what are you thankful for and how do you celebrate?
A. Thanksgiving is very special to me. I am personally thankful for the love, unyielding support and encouragement from my family and friends. I am thankful for the skills and opportunities that God has given me. I work hard daily to perfect my craft. I am blessed to live my dream. I choose to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends enjoying good food, laughter, games and dancing. Sometimes duty calls and the celebration is cut short like this year when I will be preparing for our Sunday game in Baltimore.
Q: What has the transition from the University of Michigan to the Cleveland Browns been like so far?
A: The transition has been exciting, coupled with some anxiety. COVID-19 and the global pandemic impacted my rookie year with unpredictable circumstances. However, my NFL year 1 was a great learning experience and a great start to my career. In reflection, I value the transition process from student athlete at the University of Michigan to becoming a professional football player. This has always been my dream, so it is a surreal experience and being drafted to the Cleveland Browns is the cherry on top.
Q: What are your goals in the game of football?
A: I want to be the best player that I can be. I want to help my team win a Super Bowl and bring a championship to the city of Cleveland. The Browns drafted me, believed in me and now I want to help the Browns organization win a championship.
Q: To move away from football a bit, we have seen quite a few dance videos, end zone dances and even a roller skating video on your social media. Where did you learn how to dance?
A: [Laughs] I enjoy being creative. I love to dance. It is a form of expression for me. And…as for who taught me to dance, I am self-taught! I am always looking to get better and create something special. Hopefully, I can do that multiple times this year in the end zone!
Q: Lastly, your agent told me that you have plans and intend on giving back to your high school (Cass Tech) and Mott’s Children’s Hospital, amongst others. Can you speak about your philanthropic endeavors?
A: It’s all about the kids for me. I want to be able to help kids in the Detroit area that are disadvantaged and lift the spirits of kids that are sick. I want to be able to give back to a community that has given me every opportunity in the world and use my platform to help and give hope to those in need.
The Detroit area means everything to me. It is my foundation and where it all began. I want to be able to give back to a community that has given me every opportunity in the world and use my platform to help and give hope to those in need.