Meet THE FOUNDER
Usama Young
A graduate of suburban Washington D.C. high school, Largo High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Usama Young has a longstanding record as an all-star athlete and philanthropist. After he lettered in baseball, track, and football throughout his high-school career, Young earned a football scholarship to Kent State University and a spot as a four-year starter at cornerback. During his undergraduate years,Young was named a Draddy Trophy semifinalist, an accolade that recognizes outstanding undergraduate players with combined success in academics, football performance, and community involvement.
He strengthened his philanthropic endeavors in New Orleans, LA after being drafted to the New Orleans Saints in 2007. During those years, he began participating in relief efforts to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina and went on to become a Super Bowl XLIV champion. When he relocated to Cleveland, OH in 2011 to play for the Cleveland Browns, he had a keen focus on providing aid and mentorship to inner city youth and the homeless. |
Shortly thereafter, Young was named the team’s representative for the Byron Whizzer White Award, which acknowledges players’ impact in the community and on the field. By the time he landed in Oakland, CA in 2013 to play for the Oakland Raiders, he had a clear focus on improving communities that were reflective of his childhood hometown of Washington, D.C. He was ultimately named the team representative for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which also honors players making a difference on and off the field. Young was also named the Oakland Raiders NFLPA player representative. An eight-year veteran of the NFL and lifetime philanthropist, Young founded Believe in U in 2014. To date, the foundation has impacted the lives of countless children and communities across the country.
Usama’s Core Principles
“Work hard, but make sure you’re having fun doing it”
“Never listen to people that tell you that you can’t accomplish your goals”
“With opportunity, training, and desire any goal can be accomplished”
Usama’s Core Principles
“Work hard, but make sure you’re having fun doing it”
“Never listen to people that tell you that you can’t accomplish your goals”
“With opportunity, training, and desire any goal can be accomplished”