In 2013, All-pro linebacker Demario Davis started the Devoted Dreamers Foundation featuring an online school that gives students the opportunity to focus on sports year-round. Now, Davis is expanding those lessons of life and football in his adopted home of New Orleans. This is the journey of the Devoted Dreamers Academy transitioning from online to a classroom.
Demario Davis is a four-time captain and linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. He played college football at Arkansas State and was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Demario was named to the All-Pro Team in 2019 and was named the Saint's nominee for the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his dedication to his work off the field. In 2021, he was awarded the Bart Starr Award for exemplifying outstanding character on the field, at home, and in the community, as voted on by his fellow NFL players.
Devoted Dreamers Foundation was founded in 2013 by Demario Davis and his wife, Tamela. Demario, who grew up in an impoverished environment, was always a talented athlete and excelled in school. However, the influence of his surroundings led him to drugs, alcohol, gangs, violence and eventually jail. In 2008, while a student at Arkansas State University, Demario says he was shepherded into a relationship with Jesus Christ by the team chaplain. As the transformation took place in his heart, his life was transformed as well. Demario says he soon realized he had a heart to reach not only his teammates, but the next generation of leaders for the Kingdom of God. Demario, along with his wife, wants to impact generations the way he says he was impacted by the Gospel.
The Players
The Devoted Dreamers Documentary explores the lives of three young men who all have one goal: to make it to the NFL. And while their dream may seem farfetched, their hopes are hanging on the skills they learn through the Devoted Dreamers Academy. The academy, led by its founder Demario Davis, aims to prepare these men to be leaders on and off the gridiron because he understands better than most how one false move can sideline their career and life.
Don Bruce
Don Bruce is the son of Deweltress Bassrone. He is a sophomore at McMain High School in New Orleans, LA, where he plays varsity football. His plan is to play college football and pursue an engineering degree. His goal is to graduate from college and play in the NFL. Don spends his time studying and spending time with friends. When asked about his future, he reassures that "no one will outwork me."
Devionne Thompson
Devionne Thompson is the son of Kwamme and Keoka Thompson. He is the youngest of three, and has participated in youth football for over 8 years. He is an honor roll student and participates in varsity football at Livingston High School. Devionne's dream is to pursue an engineering degree while being a full-time college student-athlete. His goal is to graduate from college and play in the NFL.
Tory Pinkney
Tory Pinkney is the son of Kentrell Perkins and Tory Pinkney Sr. He is the oldest of three and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Tory is a junior at Carver High School in New Orleans, LA where he plays Varsity football. His goal is to receive an athletic scholarship to pursue a college degree in engineering. After graduating college, his dream is to play in the NFL.
Known as the Big Easy, New Orleans has an intoxicating mix of African and French heritage, from the food to the music. New Orleans' unique culture separates itself from other cities with the spirit of nightlife, cuisine, festivals, and architecture. But beyond the French Quarter lies a city still struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Billions of dollars have been invested in enhancing and rebuilding infrastructure, including massive floodgates and storm surge barriers, to protect the people and spirit of New Orleans.
