Terry Jefferson on the cover of Strike magazine.
Photo credit: Florida A&M University
Humble spirited, authentic and diligent describes Florida A&M University’s football team captain, Terry Jefferson. Not only does he push his teammates to become better, but also he leads by example.
In Spring 2018, Jefferson received his Bachelor’s in Health Leisure and Fitness Studies, after being at FAMU for only three years while juggling football.
The Miami native is currently working on his Master’s in Sport Management and plans to graduate with his second degree in the Summer of 2019.
Jefferson, 22, has his mind set on becoming a coach at the collegiate level after he graduates. However, wanting to become a coach was not always in his future plans.
“Growing up I didn’t want to be a coach. I wanted to become a sports analyst. I used to watch shows like “First Take.” I looked up to guys like Stephen A. Smith. As I continued to play football guys looked at me as a leader … The more I became a vocal captain, I could see the coach tendencies in me. I take pride in not just playing the game of football but helping others better themselves in football,” he said.
FAMU’s nickel back is no stranger to the game of football. Jefferson has been playing since age 4. While he attended Booker T. Washington High School, he acquired three state championship rings and one national ring.
Teammates of Jefferson spoke on what makes him the ideal captain and what makes him stand out.
“What sets Terry apart from others is his will to work. There's never a time where he’s satisfied with what he's doing; he's always trying to find a way to get better year round,” said Orlando McKinley.
FAMU quarterback Ryan Stanley added, “Terry is a guy who always does the right thing. He works harder than anyone and you know you can always depend on him. He is a natural leader. He operates like a champion, a coach can only hope to have a guy like Terry Jefferson on their squad.”
Since being at Florida A&M, Jefferson has received the Jake Gaither Sportsman of the Year Award and has made the MEAC All-Academic Team.
Jefferson’s mentor of almost seven years, Robert Morris, talked about how Jefferson prides himself in doing his best and mentioned how he is a member of South Florida Village mentoring program. Morris said with certainty, “This young man is going to impact the world.”
Jefferson said, “I’ve always went by the code, adversity causes some men to break and some to break records. A lot of adversity in my life caused me to break records.”
Jefferson has accomplished a lot in his time at FAMU. This is a person who strives to become better and pushes the people around him to as well. Jefferson is a person who is expected to do great things in the near future.