SQ resident Bryant Underwood, 36, is the new All-Madden Football head coach. He is taking over the position that long-term resident Dwight King, 47, held for three years until he recently became eligible for parole.
“I’m passing the torch to a younger guy to create a platform for younger men to have the opportunity to build community relations with other people and for Bryant to be an example for young men to see what good conduct looks like,” said King.
The All-Madden team had a 4-2 record pre-COVID. Not only did the guys have fun playing the sport they loved, but playing football gave them the opportunity to become better men, new head coach Underwood said. When he played, not only did he learn football, he also learned some life skills.
“During some hard times, playing football allowed me to see a different outlook on life,” Underwood said. “I learned some conflict resolution tactics and I also learned how to display empathy for others.” Underwood participated in self-help groups and programs at the prison but said that rehabilitation and transformation do not come easy. That’s why he plans to continue being a positive role model for the men he will manage.
“I will expect a team of positive programming, but I will be focused on building relationships with the guys, being able to be there for them and talk to them as a friend and not just a head coach.”
During the time when he was a player for the team, King was Underwood’s mentor. Little did he know, but Underwood was being groomed to be the new head coach for the team. His integrity and his conduct were being scrutinized.
“I became known by my walk,” King said. “Integrity is a big characteristic to have.”
With the 2021 NFL football season happening, it’s a good time for some football inside of prison. No outside teams have come inside to play the men yet, but the men are having fun challenging other teams made up from other coaches from inside the prison.
