Therrian Fontenot Advocates for Discipline, Youth Development, and Second Chances Through Sport
Former Los Angeles-based football athlete Therrian Fontenot highlights the role of discipline, structure, and community support in shaping young lives
TAMPA, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 8, 2026 / Therrian Fontenot, a former high school standout at Leuzinger High School and collegiate football player at Fresno State, is using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of discipline, youth development, and second chances through sports and structured environments.
Drawing from his own journey from Louisiana to Los Angeles and into competitive football, Fontenot is speaking out about how access to sports and mentorship can shape long-term outcomes for young people.
“Football gave me structure and direction at a time when I needed it most,” Fontenot says. “It wasn’t just a game. It taught me how to show up every day and stay committed to something bigger than myself.”
His message comes at a time when youth participation in organized sports is declining. According to data from the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, only about 38% of children ages 6-12 in the United States regularly participate in team sports, down from previous decades. At the same time, studies show that young people who engage in structured extracurricular activities are more likely to develop leadership skills, maintain better physical health, and avoid risky behaviors.
Fontenot believes that access and consistency are key factors.
“Not every kid starts with the same opportunities,” he says. “But when you give someone structure and support, it can change their path completely.”
After earning a full scholarship to Fresno State, Fontenot experienced firsthand the demands of high-level athletics. He later pursued a professional football career, an experience he says reinforced the importance of preparation and resilience.
“At the next level, everything moves fast,” he explains. “You have to be ready mentally and physically. That mindset doesn’t just apply to sports. It applies to life.”
Now focused on building a new chapter, Fontenot is in the early stages of developing Help2Others, an initiative aimed at encouraging personal growth and community support. While still evolving, the effort reflects his belief that success should extend beyond individual achievement.
“Success isn’t just about what you accomplish for yourself,” he says. “It’s about how you use what you’ve learned to help other people move forward.”
Fontenot is also drawing attention to the broader challenges facing former athletes and young adults navigating transitions. Research from the NCAA indicates that fewer than 2% of college athletes go on to play professionally, leaving many to redefine their identity and career path after sports.
“That transition is real,” Fontenot says. “You go from a structured environment to figuring things out on your own. That’s why discipline matters. It stays with you even when everything else changes.”
He emphasizes that the lessons learned through sports-accountability, teamwork, and consistency-can serve as a foundation for long-term success.
“You don’t win alone,” he says. “Everything is built with other people. That’s something I carry with me every day.”
Fontenot is encouraging individuals, families, and communities to take simple, practical steps to support youth development and personal growth:
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Encourage consistent routines and accountability in daily life
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Support local youth sports programs and mentorship opportunities
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Promote physical activity and teamwork as part of personal development
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Focus on long-term discipline over short-term results
“You don’t have to start big,” he says. “Just start with showing up, staying consistent, and helping someone else do the same.”
As he continues to build his post-football path, Fontenot remains focused on using his experiences to highlight the value of structure, effort, and community.
“Everything I’ve done started with discipline,” he says. “That’s something anyone can build, no matter where they are.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Therrian Fontenot
Therrian Fontenot is a former football athlete who played at Leuzinger High School in Los Angeles and earned a full scholarship to Fresno State, where he competed at the collegiate level before pursuing a professional football career. Originally from Louisiana, he now focuses on personal development, fitness, and launching his community-focused initiative, Help2Others.
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SOURCE: Therrian Fontenot
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