Stories of a Second Chance - A Conversation with Teacher of the Year Darrion Cockrell

[Disclaimer: The opinions in this episode are of my own accord and DO NOT reflect the opinions of any respective organization or institution.]

Coach Darrion Cockrell (better known as DC) was born to a mother who struggled with addiction and a father who passed away at age 4. He bounced in and out of foster care in St. Louis and found himself involved in gang and drug-related activity throughout his youth. Plagued with temptation, DC wanted more out of life and began to pursue a better future for himself and his family. 

This is the moment DC found football and football found him. Through his eccentric passion for life, DC was adopted by his football coach and got a second-chance on life. He went on to play college football at Milliken University and pursued a degree in Physical Education the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

Coach DC has been awarded the 2021 State Teacher of the Year Award for Missouri, and the 2024 Missouri Elementary P.E Teacher of the Year Award. 

He has was a special guest on the Tamron Hall Show, featured in CNN and NBC News and has been giving keynote presentations across the country; sharing his story of a second chance and the power of sports and a positive attitude. 

Below are some links for Coach DC's story!

https://ntoy.ccsso.org/2021-state-teacher-of-the-year-missouri-darrion-cockrell/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwGw7q5gjpo

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/gma/story/man-gang-member-missouris-2020-teacher-year-74366768?userab=shop_ui_series-231%2Avariant_c_cta-top-868

I hope you enjoy the episode!! 

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