What do you do when all you have is a dream and $20 in your pocket?
In this episode of Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester, DeJay shares the story behind one of the biggest turning points of his life and football journey.
Back in 2015, DeJay flew to Iowa for a two-day arena football workout with nothing but a football bag, a backpack, and his last $20. After landing in Des Moines, he used the last money he had on a taxi ride to a hotel near Wells Fargo Arena — only to realize he couldn’t afford a room.
What followed was a journey filled with uncertainty, rejection, resilience, and faith.
After being released following the workout, DeJay returned to Salt Lake City believing football might be over. But only weeks later, another opportunity opened the door that eventually brought him back to Iowa - the same place that would later become part of his story in a much bigger way.
This episode dives into:
- chasing opportunity with nothing guaranteed
- perseverance through setbacks
- arena football life
- betting on yourself
- resilience during uncertainty
- finding purpose through adversity
Sometimes the moments that break you are the same moments that prepare you for what’s next.
🎙️ Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester
Real stories. Real adversity. Real growth.
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