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BRAND RECOGNITION: Jordan’s Stanfield chases dream of shoe design, football
The pursuit of one’s dream is made all the more achievable when you have the drive and connections to do so.
This is something that Katy Jordan’s Deacon Stanfield knows from experience.
Not only is Stanfield a speedy WR for the Jordan Football team, but he also happens to be an accomplished artist. This has prompted him to create his own shoe-designing business known as DeacDesign.
Photo acquired via Twitter: @DeaconStanfield
Surprisingly, he didn’t paint much in high school.
“I’ve only really taken one art class my entire high school career,” said Stanfield. “High school art wasn’t really for me, since I kind of like to let my creativity flow and don’t like to be super confined. But, I’m a huge sneaker-head, I have a huge collection of shoes. This business I do just puts both of my hobbies/passions together.”
Standfield has become so accomplished, in fact, that his designing has garnered the attention of several big-name athletes, including Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets, recent draft-pick Jaxon Smith-Njiba of the Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy.
Stanfield provides new designs to 49ers QB Brock PurdyPhoto provided by Deacon Stanfield
“Being an athlete myself, I get to understand how the mind works,” Stanfield said. “What the pregame is like, how they go about their day, and the busy atmosphere of it. I think that will help me a lot, down the road--knowing what the dudes like to wear, what’s fashionable, what isn’t, etc.”
Since his business has taken off, Stanfield has enjoyed several opportunities, such as when the trading card company Panini flew him out to the Super Bowl in Los Angeles [Super Bowl LVI], where he painted cleat designs for several athletes.
But, just how has Stanfield’s work gained such popularity, despite his young age?
“My Dad has been a huge help in this whole process,” he said. “So, my Dad [Dusty Stanfield] is a marketing agent for a whole bunch of NFL players. He really helped lift off my brand and my company. The first professional athletes I made cleats for were Case Keenum and Andy Dalton. It’s really just skyrocketed from there.”
One can imagine that being surrounded by athletes you see on TV can be overwhelming. However, given some time with them, Stanfield’s mindset adjusted.
“Well it’s my dream to run my own business and that revolves around professionals,” Stanfield said. “Being around all these dudes, you get kind of star stuck at first. But, at some point you realize they’re normal people, but they just do things on a much grander scale.”
“A lot of these athletes are as humble as anyone. They don’t let the money or the fame really get to them--they’re still some of the nicest people you’ll meet. That’s what I hope to be like. I don’t want money or the people I’m around to change me--I want to keep being who I am, as I pursue my dream.”
Photo provided by Deacon Stanfield
Stanfield claims that his upbringing is what’s kept him on the path to success.
“I think growing up in a Christian household and the impact my family has had on me has really helped to shape me in my football and business career,” he said. “Football can be a bit of a struggle sometimes, when you’re surrounded by all these talented people who are getting offers.”
“But, trusting in God and his path has been the best thing for me. Trusting in that has allowed me to see a lot of things come true, like the opportunities with my business and finally getting some offers [currently with the University of Houston, and Valpo University] of my own.”
As he prepares for his final season with Katy Jordan Football, Stanfield seems to be destined for big things in his future, whether it be through football, his business, or both.
SPEED KILLS: Louisville-signee, Jordan T&F star holds national record
Katy Jordan Track and Field has a speed demon in their midst.
At the Katy ISD Bubba Fife Relays, Jordan senior Nathan Salz logged the fastest official 100m Dash time in the nation, with an astounding 10.31 mark.
Salz holds numerous school records (100m, 200m, 4x100, 4x200, and Long Jump) and is the team MVP, indicating that the sky is the limit for the Warriors' star.
“Last year, my time (10.31) wasn’t the fastest, so I’m sure someone will end up beating it. For now, it feels really cool,” said Salz. “I never had the chance to run the 100m last year because that event is immediately before the 4x200, so running back-to-back wouldn’t usually be done. I’m clearly glad I did this year. Now that I have that time, I can focus on the relay and getting my team to State.”
Furthermore, his performance as a dual-sport athlete throughout his high school tenure has garnered Salz the attention of the University of Louisville, where he will join the football (WR) and track programs at the conclusion of this semester.
“Well, as they say, speed kills,” Salz said. “So, anytime I’m working on getting faster, it helps with both sports. Louisville said they want to use me to get behind the defender and ‘take the top off the defense,’ which sounds perfect to me. What appealed to me the most was the coaching. They were amazing throughout the whole process. I’m just excited to start checking off my goals there. Playing in front of ACC crowds at famous schools like Notre Dame, Clemson, and Miami. Man, it will be incredible.”
As a senior, this will be Salz’s final opportunity to represent Jordan on the track. Expect him to continue leaving opponents in the dust as he makes a run for the UIL State Meet.
“My main goal is to make State, both individually and with our relay team,” he said. “That’s been our goal for the last two years. I’ve loved being here [Katy Jordan]. My teammates have been awesome and being a part of the inaugural seasons has been fun. I’m obviously excited to step up and compete at the next level, but I will definitely miss my time at Jordan. I know both the track and football teams have big things ahead of them, so I want to finish this year with some more fond memories.”