Spencer Paysinger Discusses Teamwork, Leadership and Finding Your Own Story

“What’s your story?”

Super Bowl champion, Hollywood writer and producer of the hit show All American Spencer Paysinger posed this question at a Morning Ex before serving as the Cullen J. Davis Young Men of Color Symposium keynote speaker.

Paysinger took his time slowly walking the audience through his own story—from his beginnings in South Central L.A. to playing football at Beverly Hills High School and making the transition from wide receiver to linebacker at the University of Oregon. Then he described that, though he went undrafted out of college, he remained determined and eventually was picked up by the New York Giants—demonstrating his dedication to the team by specializing in special teams. Finally, after playing seven years with the Giants, Dolphins and Panthers, he wanted to tell his story, and, a few months after pitching All American, he retired from football to pursue his dream of developing television and film concepts focused on the Black experience in America.

Through his deeply personal autobiographical story and often hilarious photos, Paysinger highlighted his commitment to being a good teammate, which often led him to taking charge and pushing his other teammates to be the best versions of themselves. He asked the audience, “What is your story?” and encouraged the students to search for themselves and be brave enough to share that story with the world. Paysinger revealed that he would never have guessed how many people would relate to his story and said he would wait for those in the audience to grow up and share their stories with his children in the future. 

The following day, Paysinger was the keynote speaker at Parker’s 8th annual Cullen J. Davis Young Men of Color Symposium leadership conference for self-identified men of color in 6th through 12th grades who attend independent schools.

Participants explored their identities while learning skills geared towards self-advocacy and community-building. Through presentations and workshops, those who attended left empowered to effect positive change in their lives and communities using newly acquired language and knowledge.

Enjoy photos from Paysigner’s visit to Parker here.