Deatrich Wise facts for kids

Deatrich Wise, born on May 6, 1965, is a former American football player. He was a defensive tackle, a position where players try to stop the other team. Wise played in different leagues, including the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Arena Football League (AFL). He was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks in the 1988 NFL draft. He also played college football at two universities.

Early Life and High School Football

Deatrich Wise grew up in Evergreen, Alabama. He played high school football at Evergreen High School. He was a versatile player, meaning he played many different roles. Wise played on both the offensive and defensive lines. He also spent time as a placekicker, which is someone who kicks the ball for field goals. In 1983, he won the Defensive Lineman of the Year Award. He also received the Wendell Hart Memorial Trophy for being the Most Valuable Player.

College Football Career

Wise started his college football journey at Alabama State University. He played for the Alabama State Hornets. Later, he transferred to Jackson State University. There, he joined the Jackson State Tigers team. The Tigers were very successful during his time there. They made it to the NCAA Division I-AA football playoffs in 1985, 1986, and 1987.

Professional Football Journey

Deatrich Wise was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1988. He was the 242nd player chosen in that year's 1988 NFL draft. After his time with the Seahawks, he played for the New Orleans Saints in 1989. From 1990 to 1991, Wise played for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. He then joined the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League. He played for the Storm from 1992 to 1995. In 1993, he was recognized as a First Team All-Arena player, which is a big honor in the AFL.

Coaching Career Highlights

After his playing career, Deatrich Wise became a football coach. He started as an assistant coach for the Jackson State Tigers from 1992 to 1993. He helped coach the offensive line, defensive line, and special teams. From 1994 to 1995, he coached the offensive and defensive lines for his former team, the Tampa Bay Storm.

Wise also coached at the college level for the Delaware State Hornets. He was an assistant coach there from 1997 to 1999. He then coached the offensive and defensive lines for the Grand Rapids Rampage from 1999 to 2000. From 2000 to 2001, he was the head coach of the Norfolk Nighthawks in the af2 league. Under his leadership, the Nighthawks had a record of 11 wins and 11 losses.

Later, Wise became a high school head coach. He coached at I. C. Norcom High School in Virginia from 2004 to 2006. He also served as an assistant coach for the Dallas Desperados from 2007 to 2008. In 2014, he became the head coach at Coppell Middle School West.

Family Life and Sons

Deatrich Wise has two sons who also play football. His oldest son, Deatrich Jr., was chosen by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. His youngest son, Daniel, has also played in the NFL. Daniel has played for teams like the Washington Commanders and the Kansas City Chiefs.