[Passion To Purpose] BE Modern Man: Carlos Emmons, Retired NFL Player and Business Owner

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Though a retired NFL player, MBA candidate, and an intelligent, young man, Emmons still could not escape the realities of the world we live in today. As he began scouting locations for his restaurant, Emmons witnessed first-hand how black business owners are placed at a disadvantage. “Locations would all of a sudden become unavailable after learning the owner was African American; that showed me how real racism is,” Emmons tells BE Modern Man. “It was even suggested that I send someone who is Caucasian to meetings to act as the owner. My response to that was that if that’s what it took, I would never open a business, because I would never stoop that low.” 

Knowing that these inequalities exist, Emmons makes it his business to make sure today’s youth sees positive role models, and that people know there is much more to NFL athletes than what is seen on the field. “We are business men, we are committed to our families, we love God, we can play game after game, win Super Bowls, and even become Hall of Famers, but most of all, we give back to our communities and help our fellow men.”

Working with numerous charities throughout his career, Emmons is now helping many in need through his own foundation, 51 Ways. “We provide empowerment for our community, and we pledge to build stronger and healthier communities,” Emmons tells BE Modern Man. “I grew up in a low-income household, and I didn’t even realize I did until I was older. My family sacrificed to make sure I was shielded from our shortcomings. I look forward to being that shield for people that are less fortunate in the future.”

A man of substance and character, Emmons says, “Being a BE Modern Man means to make an impact on and off the playing field, in business as well as sports. A BE Modern Man is a man that never forgets where he came from, and he is that spark that lights the flame for the youth of today.”

The Black Enterprise team salutes Carlos Emmons for persevering through his trials and tribulations, and realizing that his greatest impact is felt off the field. We look forward to seeing him continue to make an impact on his community through his philanthropic work, while helping to position today’s youth as future BE Modern Men. 

It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @blackenterprise and join the BE Modern Man conversation using #BEModernMan.