Off Court Champs

Dove Men+Care is committed to fighting systemic racism and harmful misrepresentations of Black men in media and society. When research showed that people are more likely to see Black men as athletes over any other profession, the brand set out to challenge that false and damaging stereotype.

During March Madness, we recruited seven former NCAA student-athletes turned “Off Court Champs”—artists, CEOs, politicians, teachers, & more—to share their stories of success beyond basketball, transforming their words into custom illustrations crafted to reflect each man’s individual dreams, passions, and achievements.

I had the privilege of helping bring Edelman’s powerful concept to life as a freelance creative team member, conducting interviews with the Off Court Champs, then translating their words into stories that we printed onto bespoke basketballs. We sent these to media and influencers, calling on them to use their voices to help change the way Black men are represented in culture. The initiative was supported with a social campaign that rallied others to take the pledge to Commit to C.A.R.E. (Care About Racial Equity) Now, while Off Court Clinics helped guide the next generation of student-athletes to write their own success stories, on and off the court.

Agency: Edelman Illustrator: Kingsley Nebechi

Off Court Champs:
Terry Dehere
Justin Drummond
Adonal Foyle
Terrance Hayes
Desmond Mason
Michael C. Thorpe
Onaje X.O. Woodbine