Temple University Athletics
Balancing Fatherhood, Football, and Legacy
10.4.24 | Football
D.J Woodbury, a senior linebacker for the Owl's, isn't just the American Athletic Conference leading tackler, he's a true leader, both on and off of the football field. Born in Burlington, New Jersey, and spending four years on 10th and Diamond, Woodbury has become the textbook definition of what is means to be "Temple TUFF."
Woodbury maintains a standard of excellence and leadership that goes further than the game. For D.J, being a leader is way more complex than just setting the standard for his teammates to follow, it means being a father to his now 9-month old son, Deonte Jr., or Deuce. When discussing the topic of leadership, Woodbury believes the most important value is how other perceive you, and what actions you take to better the next generation. "Leadership is defined as how you're viewed, and the way someone describes you," he explained.
Woodbury has persevered through times of adversity to get to where he is now, becoming a single-digit player was not easy. A single-digit jersey is a long time Temple tradition, awarded to players who exemplify leadership both on and off the field. D.J reflected on his freshman year with the Owls when he was a devo, or developmental player, and he wasn't even traveling with the team. "I remember saying I was going to work to the point of becoming a leader on the team and earning a single-digit," he explained. The now senior, wearing number 0, has finally achieved his goal, and it's something that he doesn't take for granted. To him, being a single-digit is all about respecting the athletes before him who paved the way for him to be where he is now, and helping develop those who will come after him.
Between all of the responsibilities he has, time is very valuable. Between fatherhood, graduation approaching, and football, Woodbury has to maximize the most out of his 24. "Time is valuable," he said, and dove further into his adjustment of his priorities. No matter what, and god-willing, he's always home by a certain time to get his son ready for bed. D.J has a strong support system, but gives a lot of credit to his mom and dad for instilling core values into him that have made him into the man that he is today. He finds his motivation from reminding himself of Matthew 17:20: "Faith can move mountains." Despite the moments of anxiety and depression, the support from his parents, and the faith in himself from the man above has kept one foot in front of the other for Woodbury.
Becoming a father has changed his outlook on life, football, and school. "No matter how hard my day is, when I see my son, my day automatically gets better," he explained. Deuce has brought a undeniable light into D.J's life, and it has helped him put everything into perspective. The sport of football has implemented a mentality of being both physically and mentally tough all the time, but he says when he's with his son, he's at peace. He's able to let his guard down and become at ease. Caring for Deuce has taught Woodbury how to be more purposeful with each day. Woodbury has a deeper understanding that with every decision he makes, he sets the tone for both his and his son's future. When asked what keeps him going when he wants to quit, he said one word, "Deuce." "When I no longer have the desire to do the harder things in life, or I don't feel like getting out of bed in the morning, I think of Deuce. I think about what my son would think if his Dad quit," he explained.
Accountability and consistency are two values that have become intertwined throughout his journey from football to fatherhood. "Every decision I make influences my future and my son's future," he explained. D.J's upbringing wasn't exactly the easiest, and he wants to give his son the life that he didn't have growing up. Woodbury has experienced losses, both close to him and within his local community, but he uses that as motivation to continue living his dream. "I want to give him the life that other kids dream off," he said. He likes to mentor the younger guys on the team, or as he calls it, "giving game." Like Jordan Montgomery, who he considers to be a younger brother. To DJ it all comes down to setting the right examples for everyone around him, and sharing his wisdom.
Whatever Woodbury may be going through, those around him would never have a clue. During fall camp this past August, he brought in a basketball hoop for the locker room to keep the atmosphere light-hearted and fun for his teammates. That's what being a leader is about, maintaining the positivity and keeping the energy high. "I try to bring joy and happiness into the facility to keep everyone uplifted," he said, which shows his dedication to his leadership role on the team. It goes further than leading by example, it's about creating a safe atmosphere.
Reflecting on the phases throughout both his college and football experiences, he's very well content with the man he's developed into. He remembers being known as the class clown, and the guy who slowed the team down. He thinks on former single digit #5, Jadan Blue, and reflects on what those conversations between the two did for him. He realized it was time to get serious and change his ways if he wants to accomplish his goals.
D.J Woodbury wants his legacy to be defined by resilience and dedication. As the top-ranked player in the American Athletic Conference Defensive Stats for 2024, D.J is more than just an athlete — he is also a father, a brother, and a mentor. His journey has had some setbacks, but he has never stopped striving for greatness. "I want to give my son the life that I didn't have," he said. With every practice, every game, and every moment spent with his son, he's making that goal happen.
