Sean James facts for kids
Sean James speaking at Washington University in St. Louis 2015
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| Born: | March 15, 1969 Meridian, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Running back |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 214 lb (97 kg) |
| College | Missouri Southern State University |
| NFL draft | 1991 / Undrafted |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1991–1992 | Minnesota Vikings |
Sean James was born on March 15, 1969. He is a former American football player. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 1991. Sean is also known as an activist who works to help others. He is the cousin of famous baseball players Cecil Fielder and Prince Fielder. In 2012, James started an organization called "Be In The Know About Bullying" to help stop bullying.
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Early Life and School Sports
Sean James played high school football at Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Kansas. In 1986, his team made it to the state semifinals. Sean earned special honors for his skills in football.
He was a top athlete in three sports: football, basketball, and track and field. In 1987, he had the best long jump in Kansas at the Kansas Relays. He jumped an amazing 23 feet, 6.5 inches (7.17 meters)!
College Education and Sports
Sean James went to Missouri Southern State University. He earned a degree in Business Administration in 1992. He also studied Physical Therapy, which is about sports medicine.
At college, Sean was a two-sport athlete. He continued to excel in track and field. He was an All-Conference sprinter in the 60 metres and 100 metres races. He also had a personal best long jump of 25 feet, 3 inches (7.70 meters).
When NFL scouts watched him, Sean showed off his amazing speed. He ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.37 seconds. He also had an impressive 41-inch vertical jump. These skills helped him get noticed by professional football teams.
Modeling Career
After his time playing professional football, Sean James started a new career. He signed a contract with the Ford Modeling Agency. He appeared in many advertising campaigns for well-known brands. Some of these included Hanes, Fubu, Avon Products, and Phat Farm.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
In 2007, Sean James founded and became the president of Sean James Student Athletes (SJSA). This is a nonprofit group in New York City. SJSA helps young people who need financial support by providing scholarships.
In 2012, James started another important organization called "Be In The Know About Bullying." This program aims to stop bullying. It teaches students that they can make a big difference in preventing bullying at their schools. The program focuses on leadership, education, and using good mentors. It brings together community leaders and NFL Players to raise awareness and create programs to fight bullying.
Television Appearances
Sean James has appeared on television to talk about important topics.
- On October 23, 2013, he was on CBS The Couch. He talked about his national campaign, "Pro Athletes Lend Their Voices to Anti-Bullying Movement." He also produced a public service announcement (PSA) for "Be In The Know About Bullying."
- In November 2013, James discussed the culture in NFL locker rooms. This was after a player was suspended for bullying.
- In October 2014, James became an expert correspondent for PIX 11. He talked about social issues in sports and business.
- In 2019, James appeared on Fox & Friends. He shared his thoughts on game predictions and social issues in the NFL.
