Player Features

Demeris Johnson, a former wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, is probably best known for catching and delivering souls. For the past 15 years Johnson has worked as a pastor, mentor and athletic trainer–all in hopes of helping individuals reach their divine purpose. His book, Mission Possible: You Have Something to Do, revolves around fundamental questions that need to be answered to live life to the fullest. The book focuses on the plague of hopelessness that causes symptoms of unbelief and despair. There are seven chapters, and a conclusion titled, The Millionaire Million Dollar Questions.

Johnson, a native of Detroit, Michigan, serves as a pastor at Destiny Life House Church (Buffalo, New York), works as a journalist for the Total Christian Television Network, and is the CEO of Perfecting Your Performance. This husband, father, and man of faith also serves as the spiritual advisor and speed development coach for the Sound Mind Sound Body Football Academy. His expertise is well-known and respected in football circles. All pro Rob Gronkowski credits Johnson for his professional success. “Demeris is one of the main reasons I am the professional athlete I am today. His spiritual mental and physical training put me on the path to achieve my personal greatness,” said Gronkowski. We say job well done and welcome to the PNE Network!

Please support this first time author by purchasing his book online or considering connecting with Demeris face-to-face at PNE 2017.

Earnest Byner is one of the most accomplished running backs of all time. This two-time Super Bowl champion and former all pro retired after a 14-year NFL career ranked 16th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 8,261 yards and 56 touchdowns. His 13,442 all-purpose yards rank him 55th all time. He’s in the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor and the East Carolina Hall of Fame.

But he’s most known for the fumble, a play that prevented his team from advancing to the Super Bowl. Byner had to lean on his faith and family to get through the long and bumpy road following the fumble. His book provides intimate insight from his high school, college and professional football experiences. His aim is to help readers blend life and football philosophies in hopes of reaching fulfillment. The book is crafted so the reader can take notes and draw upon her or her own experiences. Long time NFL coach Jimmy Raye wrote in the book’s forward, “Earnest Byner displayed confidence, fortitude, pride, persistence, fearlessness, and focus” throughout his career. “The strength of his convictions and character leaves valuable legacy” on and off-the-field. Our hope is that authors like Byner will inspire you to get off the ground and achieve your purpose.

Please support this first time author by purchasing his book online or considering connecting with Earnest face-to-face at PNE 2017.

Tyler Lockett has a reputation to uphold.  He is the son and nephew of professional football players. Lockett followed in his dad and uncle’s footsteps to play at Kansas State University where he earned All American honors. His dad, Kevin Lockett, is a tough act to follow having played seven NFL seasons as a wide receiver for the Chiefs, Redskins, Jaguars and Jets. Tyler was drafted in the third round of the 2015 draft as the 69^th overall pick. It didn’t take him long to make a favorable impression scoring a touchdown on a kickoff return in his first preseason game and a punt return in his first regular season NFL game.  He put in the work and was rewarded as an All Pro after his first season with the Seattle Seahawks.

His football pedigree is evidenced by his production but most would have counted the undersized Lockett out. He, however, will always be in the game. Competing in all phases of life because of his grit and faith. Lockett, a devout Christian, is as squeaky clean as they come. He’s honest, pure and well-rounded. He’s inspirational, entrepreneurial, and a member of the PNE network.  His most recent venture, TL, is a clothing line of tee-shirts, hoodies and hats for men and women. He’s not just selling clothes. He’s selling beliefs. Fear Can’t Come, Don’t Stop, I Create and Silence the Critics are four slogans you can rock from his 2016 line.

Tyler has passions outside of the game. Check him out performing spoken word–and follow him on–Twitter @tdlockett12. You’ll be glad you did!

Al Smith is a family man. He and his wife Trina have three children that they love and guide on a continuous basis.  He is also a man faith and faithful supporter of players in the PNE Network. His on the field accolades include Utah State Athletic Hall of Fame, Utah State All Century Team, and NFL All Pro.

Al has worked in various roles in college and professionals sports. Past roles include Director of Player Development for the Tennessee Titans, Chapter President for the NFL Alumni, and Director of Player Development at Vanderbilt University. He has also worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bridges Domestic Violence and the Ronal McDonald House. Al continues to add value to the sport he loves as an Ambassador for the NFL Play 60, a youth football coach, radio analyst, and a uniform compliance officer for the NFL. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the NFL Alumni Association and the American Cancer Society.

Smith is passionate about helping people–especially athletes–compete in the game of life. His recently released book, Think Like a Pro, Act Like a Pro, is dedicated to his mother who taught Al the value of hard work and sacrifice. The subtitle of his book tells it all: Game-Winning Strategies to Achieve Results, Discipline, and Success in Life and Business. The book outlines 17 lessons on what it takes to go from amateur to pro in all aspects of life, not just in sports or in business. This book will encourage you, maybe even challenge you to take an all-in, all-pro mindset embracing the attitude and character it takes to both think like a pro and act like a pro!

Please support this first time author by purchasing his book online or considering connecting with Al face-to-face at PNE 2017.