(pronouns: he/him/his) 

 

Reggie Stephens is a former professional football player, coach, and mentor in Santa Cruz County. Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Reggie moved to Santa Cruz in 1990 where he became a three-sport athlete at Santa Cruz High School. After attending Cabrillo College, he earned a full-ride scholarship to Rutgers University, where he excelled academically and athletically. Upon graduating, Reggie went on to play professional football in the NFL for the New York Giants and competed in Super Bowl XXXV. After retiring from professional football, Reggie transitioned into coaching, an experience which inspired him to create the Reggie Stephens Foundation (RSF) in 2018. The Foundation focuses on sports, arts, education, and culture, with the mission of empowering youth through mentorship and community support. RSF has grown to serve over 300 student-athletes annually, offering free training programs in sports such as basketball, football (including 7v7), girls’ flag football, speed and agility training, and more. These programs not only help athletes develop their physical skills but also provide mentorship, mental wellness support, and leadership development. The Foundation also proudly partners with Morgan State University to offer Black and Brown youth in Santa Cruz County opportunities to explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), broadening their horizons and opening doors to higher education and cultural enrichment. 

In addition to his work with the Foundation, Reggie is a music producer and a Grammy voting member. He is also part of the UNESCO Creative City of Music program in Kansas City, as well as collaborative projects in Mexico City, blending his passion for music, culture, and community development. Through the Reggie Stephens Foundation, Reggie strives to create opportunities for young people to “Seek, Believe, Achieve,” and build a legacy of community empowerment that impacts future generations.