Born February 14th and raised in Washington, DC’s inner city, Leroy M. White, Jr. has a fascinating background in sports, entertainment, and community initiative oversight. The oldest of four boys, Leroy continues to possess leadership qualities that have made him a trailblazer and have paved the way for his many successes. Leroy was introduced to football by his father. “I remember my father always having a football handy” remarks Leroy, to which he attributes his love for the game. “We played football anywhere, everywhere at anytime” and it was that early foundation and street ball toughness that led Leroy to the gridiron that started it all. That very foundation resulted in three city championship victories with the #11 Metropolitan Police Department’s Boys & Girls Club, which, in his adult years, Leroy returned to coach. Leroy attended Archbishop Carroll High School where, during his senior year, he was named one of George Michael’s “Golden 11,” an NBC local affiliate’s honor awarded to the top eleven football players in the Washington Metropolitan area. Leroy earned All Metro Honors with more than 1,400 yards rushing including 310 yards in a 28-23 victory over then-ranked number one, DeMatha High.
In Leroy’s post high school graduate year, he attended Valley Forge Military Academy, to focus on his studies and prepare for college. There, he excelled academically, ranking number one in his class serving as football team Captain and setting a precedent earning both athletic and academic honors which were true reflections of Leroy’s character, discipline and drive. Leroy went on to attend West Virginia University (WVU), where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology. Leroy’s academic successes were mirrored on the football field as a starting fullback for the Mountaineers and a key participant in four Bowl games. Leroy went on to become an explosive running back and was labeled a “Bruising blocker with Tailback speed”. In 1993 Leroy was named Rookie of the Year, the very same year he was part of the undefeated team that went to the Sugar Bowl. As a three year starter, Leroy was fourth leading rusher in 1995 for the Mountaineers and that year had the honor of playing in the Carquest Bowl. Leroy continued to make history in 1995 with WVU’s season’s longest rushing touchdown, an amazing 60 yards. In 1996, Leroy had limited activity because of a torn ACL in his knee and off-field adversities. Despite all, Leroy returned to limited action and started in the 1996 Gator Bowl. In 1997, Leroy was voted team Co-Captain because of his stellar work ethic and his unmatched ability to motivate his teammates, and that year went on to play in the Carquest Bowl. Not surprising, Leroy signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1998 and participated in several pre-season games. A whirlwind of activity followed to include a change in coaching staff, the effects of previous knee injuries and his simultaneous acceptance to West Virginia’s graduate school program, which resulted in Leroy’s decision to pursue his Master’s degree in Community Health Education, successfully earned in May of 2000.
Today, Leroy’s highly energetic personality continues to drive this goal oriented team player. Since leaving the gridiron, Leroy’s approach creates win-win scenarios, providing his audience with his unique “meet you where you are” philosophy. Leroy’s diverse background and range of experience includes the development and implementation of interventions designed for behavioral change. These changes are evident in Leroy’s work with anger management, prevention of sexual promiscuity, recidivism and violent tendencies. His diverse experiences parallel and have proven to support the needs of populations in reform, education systems, at-risk youth, and those living with HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. His “Train-the-Trainer” skill set allows him to effectively communicate strategies for the dissemination of information, from teachers to students, and peer-to-peer. Leroy has developed a curriculum in which music is the primary vehicle to encourage youth through community-based initiatives designed to promote awareness and foster the prevention of adverse behaviors.
Leroy is also an Independent Producer and Songwriter with a vast catalog of music and poetry. Leroy is a long term member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., an organization that embraces the concepts and framework of community empowerment. Leroy currently resides in Maryland with his beautiful wife, six wonderful children and their pets. He remains a huge fan of all sports, is an avid reader and enjoys music and travel.
