LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Growing up in Bessemer, Alabama, DeMeco witnessed firsthand the disadvantages of youth with limited financial resources and opportunities to advance and pursue their educational and personal endeavors.
Ryans has always been a leader, both on the field and in the classroom. He graduated cum laude with a 3.55 GPA at the University of Alabama in seven semesters.
In addition to winning unanimous All-America honors as a senior, Ryans won every academic accolade he could win, including Academic All-America. His greatest honor was being chosen to the NCAA’s Top VIII Award, the highest undergraduate honor an athlete can win. He wanted to prove to youth from his hometown, regardless of your background or economic status, you can be successful.
When DeMeco moved to Houston, he vowed to create opportunities to support programs that aid and empower youth with the resources to set realistic goals both academically and physically and to achieve those goals. The foundation leverages its resources to effectively cultivate and coordinate a measurable network of social services for youth. DeMeco believes that shaping and motivating young leaders today will help us maintain a positive and prosperous community.
MISSION
The DeMeco Ryans Foundation, was formed as 501(c)(3) non-profit support organization, as a way to give back to the community and to showcase the positive lifestyles and contributions of professional athletes. Although DeMeco has excelled on the football field, he wants his accomplishments off the field to be just as effective. Because he understands the struggles of our inner city youth, the foundation is committed to creating innovative programs that provide access to educational, recreational and healthy living initiatives designed to positively aid in the development of youth.The DeMeco Ryans Foundation supports and partners with other community organizations that motivate and empower underprivileged youth to become productive and responsible citizens.
VISION
The DeMeco Ryans Foundation will be the catalyst for the delivery of effective programs and services to underprivileged youth in the Houston and Bessemer areas. We will do this by being the established leader, partner, and advocate among the area’s non-profit agencies.