How God Used Me to Found the Lettermen of the USA

In December 2011, a divine truth pierced my soul: men who lack discipline are men who lack results. I was struggling—personally, spiritually, and professionally—when God placed a powerful calling on my heart. It wasn’t a fleeting moment of inspiration or a casual thought—it was sacred. I heard it as clearly as if God Himself had spoken: “Build your dream life without relying on motivation or willpower. To succeed in this world, you must build an unwavering sense of self-discipline.”

That moment became the foundation for what would eventually grow into the Lettermen of the USA—a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization uniting former college athletes and coaches to serve veterans and those in need. But it all began as something smaller, more personal, and deeply rooted in faith: the Lettermen of the Iron Bowl.

As a former college athlete, I understood the crucible of discipline—early mornings, relentless practices, mental toughness, and the deep brotherhood formed through shared struggle. God showed me how that same spirit could be harnessed for His glory. He led me to unite rivals from one of the most iconic football matchups in America—the Alabama-Auburn Iron Bowl—to create something bigger than the game itself. The name honored both the rivalry and the unity God was cultivating, with a mission centered on supporting veterans, uplifting communities, and advancing His kingdom through faith and discipline.

The early days were tough. Spreading this God-given vision across Alabama took relentless faith. I crisscrossed the state, meeting with alumni, coaches, and fans from both schools. I would often say, “That royal blue jersey has a lot of power in the state of Alabama—but so does that crimson one. And when you combine them with the Word of God, there’s no platform on earth you can’t take on in this state.” That message resonated. It wasn’t about football—it was about purpose. It was about how God could use sports, unity, and discipline to build something holy.

Still, there were moments when doubt crept in. I remember hitting my lowest point—tired, uncertain, and questioning whether I was truly called to this mission. Then, out of nowhere, a stranger spoke life into me. They said, “You’re going to be OK, because God’s going to send His angels to surround you and support you in this mission.” I believe that was a messenger sent by God Himself, reminding me this wasn’t mine to carry alone. It was His.

God gave the vision, and He also gave the strength to bring it to life. We hosted our first events, including the One Yard at a Time Gala, where former athletes—lettermen—shared stories of discipline and triumph to inspire and uplift veterans. These gatherings were living proof of God’s power working through human obedience.

We spread the word through social media platforms like Instagram (@lettermenoftheusa) and X (@LETTERMENUSA), using modern tools to tell an eternal story: one of faith, unity, and action. From those humble beginnings, LotUSA grew beyond Alabama and Auburn. It became a national movement, uniting athletes and coaches from across the country—all because God used one willing vessel to carry out His purpose.

Then, in 2019, it almost all ended.

One year after our first Gala—where we honored USMC Lt. Col. Dave Bonwit and former Alabama linebacker Cornelius “Biscuit” Bennett—I collapsed during a Ripper X workout from the P90X fitness program. I died. On my living room floor. But through the grace of God, I came back. Doctors discovered I had aortic stenosis—the top of my heart had turned to chalk. Without immediate medical intervention, I wouldn’t have survived.

But God had gone before me. He placed gifted surgeons and prayer warriors in my path. Thousands prayed—across Alabama, Arkansas, and beyond. I later found out, thanks to Coach Ross, that over 44,000 people from Church of the Highlands were praying for my recovery. A few days before my surgery, my dear friend Frank Bromberg—of the legendary Bromberg family—looked me in the eye and said, “Darryl, whatever you do, don’t die, because this vision will die with you.”

God didn’t let that happen.

At one early LotUSA event, a former Alabama player reminded us all of the truth God had placed in my heart: “To succeed in this world, you must build an unwavering sense of self-discipline.” That’s what LotUSA stands for. That’s what we teach, model, and live.

This movement isn’t mine—it never was. It’s God’s. I was simply willing to say yes. Since that moment in December 2011, He has taken my brokenness and built something beautiful. Something lasting. Something eternal.

If you feel that stirring in your heart—if you sense that God is calling you to something greater—don’t ignore it. Surrender. Let Him guide your passion. Let Him refine your discipline. Because when God works through a willing vessel, there’s no limit to what He can accomplish.