ABOUT OUR FOUNDER: JONATHAN LEDBETTER

Jonathan Ledbetter is a starting defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals. Growing up in Tucker, GA, was not easy for Ledbetter. After the passing of his father, his mother was left to raise four kids on her own. With this came financial difficulties, mental health struggles, and the lack of a father figure that every boy needs. Ledbetter attended Tucker High School where he was a standout player, seen by most college scouts as a top ten defensive end in his class. Coming out of high school, Ledbetter was committed to play college football at the University of Georgia. In his first year in Athens, he ran into off the field issues that led to a six-game suspension. He joined the starting lineup during his sophomore year and won the National Championship as a junior. By the end of his senior season, Ledbetter was invited to play in the 2019 Senior Bowl.

As an undrafted free agent, Ledbetter signed with the Miami Dolphins. Not long after, he was placed on injury reserve and eventually waived by the Dolphins. The Arizona Cardinals picked him up in 2021 and Ledbetter has fought his way through injuries to become a starting defensive end for the team every day since.

Today, Ledbetter is dedicated not only to football, but also helping shape and empower the next generation. Through his foundation, The Led A Better Way Foundation, he emphasizes what having a mentor and support system can do for you. Having gone through hard times and overcoming tough obstacles, he is determined to help those in similar situations realize anything is possible with hard work. 

Through his inspiring words, Ledbetter talks about what it’s like to grow up in a single family household with the stress and struggles of substance abuse, mental health, and financial literacy. With an emphasis on chasing your dreams, he highlights that it won’t be handed to you, you have to work hard and want to be the best in order to achieve greatness. The topics he touches upon can be heavy, however, his message is incredibly inspirational and one that leaves his audience in awe.