I once dreamed of playing in the NFL. I worked tirelessly, earning success and accolades in college, yet despite my achievements, the opportunity I longed for never came. Instead, I faced assumptions about my height and size—evaluated not by my heart, work ethic, and accomplishments, but by factors outside my control.

That experience left a lasting mark on me. I prayed fervently, asking the Lord for just one thing: “Put me in a position where I can help young athletes in the way I wished someone had helped me.”

Many talented athletes today face the same struggle—overlooked, underestimated, or simply waiting for a fair shot. If that’s you, I want you to know: I see you.

The so called experts in the NFL said I was too small and not fast enough, but I played bigger than I looked when my professional opportunity came. I wasn’t just playing in games, I mastered them. Throught faith, relentless preparation, and a commitment to excellence, the Lord took me further than the so called experts every expected.

The Purpose Behind DM9 and Diamonds of Distinction

After retiring from the Arena Football League and coaching high school football for 14 seasons, I felt a calling far greater than the game itself.

The Holy Spirit led me to create DM9, LLC—not just as a business, but as a platform of purpose. I wanted to help create real opportunities for student-athletes:

To help high school athletes position themselves for scholarships.

To mentor college athletes navigating the same struggles I once faced.

To guide those pursuing professional aspirations through faith and preparation.

This mission isn’t just about recruiting—it’s about raising the standard for young men both on and off the field.

They said I was too small and played out of position, but I played the game bigger than I looked. My success wasn’t just about talent: it was about faith, work ethic, and trusting God’s plan. He met me where I was and carried me beyond waht the experts believed was possible.

What Sets My Approach Apart from Other Programs

There are countless recruiters, trainers, and coaches in this industry. But not all of them have lived this journey the way I have.

I don’t just focus on numbers—I focus on hearts.

Many recruiters prioritize height, size, speed, and strength. And while those attributes matter, I look for something deeper:

The athlete who refuses to quit, no matter the odds.

The one who plays every snap, every play like it’s their last.

The student who is coachable, disciplined, and eager to grow.

That’s who I was as a player. And that’s who I want to work with now.

I played every snap with faith, determination, and relentless effort. I wasn’t the biggest, but like David against Goliath, I trusted in the Lord, believed in my abilities, and let my work ethic and the way play the game speak for itself. That night, I didn’t just play, I proved I belonged on the field against anyone on any level.

The Diamond Process: Why Hardship Shapes True Greatness

People used to call me a “diamond in the rough.” But I never saw myself as someone in the rough—I saw myself as a diamond already formed through adversity.

Think about how a diamond is created: How a successful athlete is created:

It starts as a raw material. The Beginning: You the student-athlete

It endures immense heat: Step 1: (Obstacles & Struggles)

It endures pressure. Step 2: (Training & Discipline)

It is cut, refined, and shaped until its brilliance is undeniable. Step 3: (Refining mindset & Skills)

Brilliance is achieved. Step 4: (Becoming a standout student-athlete)

That’s exactly what my journey was. And it’s the journey of every athlete I train and mentor.

Adversity isn’t a roadblock—it’s the fire that refines your greatness.

So, if you’ve ever been told you’re “too small,” “too slow,” or “not what recruiters are looking for” … good. That means you have something to prove.

They called me a ‘diamond in the rough’ but I knew I was already forged through adversity. I never let size define me, I let my play do the talking. Every snap, every hustle play, every big play, every hit was my way of honoring the Lord who gave me my abilities. When you give your best for Him, the right people will see you and the right people will speak on your behalf. They called me and many today diamonds in the rough, but the only way they miss players like us is if they are not looking. When you came to a game, high school, college, professional, I would stand out clearly and today there are many who are doing just that. That’s the theory behind the name “Diamonds of Distinction”

Who I Want to Work With

I’m not looking for the most physically gifted athletes. I’m looking for the ones with something burning inside them.

If you’re an athlete who:
✅ Plays every game like it’s their last.
✅ Learns, grows, and embraces coaching.
✅ Fights for every inch—even when no one’s watching.

Then I want to work with you.

If you’ve been overlooked, if people have doubted you, if you feel like you’re being cut and shaped by the challenges in your path—you’re in the right place.

Because those are the players I believe in. Just like someone believed in me.

My Promise to Athletes and Parents

I’ve been where your son is. Even your daughter, as an student-athlete. I know what it’s like to feel unseen.

That’s why I don’t make empty promises. What I do promise is this:

I will invest in your child’s growth—not just as an athlete, but as a man.

I will guide them with honesty, faith, and accountability.

I will help them position themselves for opportunities—but they have to put in the work.

I don’t promise shortcuts. But I do promise commitment, faith, and an opportunity to help them grow into everything God created them to be.

I’ve walked the same path that many are walking today. I’ve been overlooked, doubted, but never outworked. Every level I reached wasn’t just about talent; it was about faith, discipline and a relentless will to be my best. I can’t want it for you, you have to want if for yourself. But if you’re willing to put in the work, I’m here to guide, mentor, and help you position yourself for success. Most importantly, I’m here to remind you that true success begins with faith. Seek the Lord first, trust His plan, and let your work honor the gifts He’s given you. The rest will follow.

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re an athlete who is ready to prove yourself…
If you’re a parent looking for someone who will guide your son with integrity…
If you believe in heart, faith, and hard work over hype…

Then let’s get started.

 Contact me today, and let’s build your future together. damonmason@iamdm9.net