From a quarterback at Grant High in Sacramento to life in prison, Tommie Hall transformed his life around his faith in Jesus Christ and beating youngsters on San Quentin’s gridiron.
Anthony Manuel Caravalho: You had the world in your hands but wound up at CDCR, how?
Tommie Hall: Two words: gangs and drugs. I was prideful about my athletic ability and thought the world should be handed to me. Beneath everything was a deep desire for acceptance, respect, and a desire for power and control. Unfortunately, my selfishness overtook sports.
AMC: How and when did you turn to Christ?
TH: I was playing with God — one foot in, one foot out — for a long time. It took me 10 years of “doing things my way,” before He opened my eyes to discover my need for Him. I gave Him full control, gave up drugs, and walked away from the crowd. I recognized I’d been at odds with Him, and outside His will.
AMC: Are you Board-eligible, and if so, when?
TH: Yeah, I have another Board date in December. A year ago, I received a 3-year denial and it’s been amazing for my growth. No one wants to be denied, but you learn and develop. I’m grateful I did not let stress and rejection defeat me like I used to. Today, I’m empowered through challenges because I trust God’s planning and timing.
AMC: How do you lead on the field of SQ and in the prison Chapel?
TH: It’s all God, bro. He gives me the ability to connect with people. He provides opportunities, and has put great men in my path who have been examples for me.
AMC: What does your support group consist of?
TH: My wife and kids, my mom and dad; also friendships I’ve formed – some still behind these walls and some released. Relationships aren’t the same, either. Historically, I wore a mask, lying to myself; I wanted to be liked, and I wouldn’t accept criticism.
AMC: How do you use sports, and what do you get out of it?
TH: Sports lets me show others what the Lord has done in my life and what the Lord can do in others’ lives. I compete for fun in a healthy way, but sports is now a springboard to show how to live the Gospel in front of them, or preach it, if He asks me.
AMC: SQRC is helping people to go home — are you mentoring others as well?
TH: Yes, definitely. I’m passionate about discipleship. I walk with younger bros and I pass more than a football — I’m passing on everything I’ve gotten, so God can give me more! I’m still being “discipled” and mentored by brothers, too, because I need help like anyone else — so I can help others grow and I don’t stagnate myself.
AMC: Tell us about your typical week.
TH: I’m on the move! Monday to Thursday, I’m learning Audio/Video engineering. I’m in T.R.U.S.T./Project LA/BA, prayer meetings, Light Keepers, discipleship time, Bible Study, Youth Ministry, A.A., seminary, N.A., S.Q.U.I.R.E.S., choir practice, church service at night, and I chill on Sunday, before I meet a bro one-on-one. So, I’m hardly idle.
AMC: Who recruited you in high school and who recruited you to God?
TH: Utah State, Cal, North Carolina, and Purdue were the main ones, but there were many others. I started receiving letters from schools during my sophomore year; I was kicked out of school after my junior year. Now, I’m left to wonder what schools would have shown interest my senior season. Who recruited me to the Lord? Two volunteer chaplains at High Desert State Prison, who for seven years challenged me to commit my whole life to Christ.
AMC: From a 4.5 40-yard-dash to forty prayers, how did you persevere?
TH: I persevered by God’s grace. I could be dead with all the violence I’ve been around; I could be crazy, or worse from the drugs I’ve taken. God spared me and awoke in me a need for Him. I can’t take credit for any of this. Understand my parents covered me in prayer, too, and now, I cover my kids by lifting them up to Christ. He can do it for them because He did it for me.
