Get to Know the NFL PREP 100 Coaches – Ladell Betts
One of our most talented coaches, Ladell Betts has proven to be a valuable asset in mentoring the next generation of student-athletes at the running back position. He has worked closely with another former Redskins running back, Rock Cartwright, to offer a fountain of experience and expertise on how to be the best both on and off the field.
A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Ladell overcame difficult circumstances growing up to become one of the best players in the Kansas City area, ultimately ending up at the University of Iowa on a full athletic scholarship. He claims that it was the perfect place for him in that it offered a change of scenery from Kansas City, but was also close enough that his parents could come to many of his collegiate games. He graduated with a degree in Recreational Sports Management and has put it to good use as you will see in his Q & A.
Ladell sums up in many ways the different characteristics we look for in our NFL Prep 100 Series coaches. He was fortunate enough to make it to the highest level of athletic competition while simultaneously realizing that his experience has an impact on each and every kid that puts on the NFL Prep 100 Series gear. We are proud to have him as one of our position coaches and look forward to his assistance for years to come.
PE) Give us a little bit of your history... Where did you grow up? What did you do as a kid? What were your aspirations other than being a professional football player?
LB) I grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. My father is one of 12, so it’s fair to say I have a lot of cousins. As a kid, I was very active. I spent most of my time outdoors with my cousins and other neighborhood kids. We did just about everything you can think of: kickball, hide-and-go-seek, baseball, football, basketball, and riding bikes. As a kid I quickly realized I had a gift for sports, but I also had a gift with numbers. Mathematics came easy to me, so I thought about being an accountant if football didn't work out for me.
PE) What college did you attend and why? What did you study?
LB) I attended the University of Iowa. I chose Iowa for a few reasons: they were the first school to recruit me as a sophomore, I had another high school teammate already at the university, and it was close to home so my family could come watch me play. It was also far enough away that my parents couldn't just pop up, which while in college is a terrifying prospect. I started out as an actuarial science major, but switched to economics. I later finished with a degree in Recreational Sports Management.
PE) What have you been doing as a new career after your NFL experience?
LB) Post-football I have ventured into coaching on the high school level and have also been a part of NFL Prep 100 Series. I really enjoy being around the game and having a chance to teach the fundamentals, while also being able to impact young men’s’ lives.
PE) What is your proudest non-football related accomplishment?
LB) My proudest moment outside of football is being a father. I have three beautiful little girls age eleven, two, and nine months. They definitely keep my wife and I busy! It's the hardest, and the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.
PE) What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with the NFL Player Engagement Department and the PREP 100 Series?
LB) The most rewarding aspect of NFL Player Engagement and Prep 100 is... Being able to make a difference on and off the field for many high school players across the country. To watch the light bulb go off in a kid’s head as we speak of life and wisdom. Also, to see kids get scholarship offers because of the exposure of being at a Prep 100 event is amazing as well. I'm looking forward to working with NFL Prep 100 for many more years as we continue to make this the Premier High School Platform in the country!