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Katy Jordan's Deacon Stanfield presents cleats he designed at Super Bowl LVI
BRAND RECOGNITION: Jordan’s Stanfield chases dream of shoe design, football
Not only is Stanfield a speedy WR for the Jordan Football team, but he also happens to be an accomplished artist. This has prompted him to create his own shoe-designing business known as DeacDesign.
Photo acquired via Twitter: @DeaconStanfield
Surprisingly, he didn’t paint much in high school.
“I’ve only really taken one art class my entire high school career,” said Stanfield. “High school art wasn’t really for me, since I kind of like to let my creativity flow and don’t like to be super confined. But, I’m a huge sneaker-head, I have a huge collection of shoes. This business I do just puts both of my hobbies/passions together.”
Standfield has become so accomplished, in fact, that his designing has garnered the attention of several big-name athletes, including Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets, recent draft-pick Jaxon Smith-Njiba of the Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy.
Stanfield provides new designs to 49ers QB Brock PurdyPhoto provided by Deacon Stanfield
“Being an athlete myself, I get to understand how the mind works,” Stanfield said. “What the pregame is like, how they go about their day, and the busy atmosphere of it. I think that will help me a lot, down the road--knowing what the dudes like to wear, what’s fashionable, what isn’t, etc.”
Since his business has taken off, Stanfield has enjoyed several opportunities, such as when the trading card company Panini flew him out to the Super Bowl in Los Angeles [Super Bowl LVI], where he painted cleat designs for several athletes.
But, just how has Stanfield’s work gained such popularity, despite his young age?
“My Dad has been a huge help in this whole process,” he said. “So, my Dad [Dusty Stanfield] is a marketing agent for a whole bunch of NFL players. He really helped lift off my brand and my company. The first professional athletes I made cleats for were Case Keenum and Andy Dalton. It’s really just skyrocketed from there.”
One can imagine that being surrounded by athletes you see on TV can be overwhelming. However, given some time with them, Stanfield’s mindset adjusted.
“Well it’s my dream to run my own business and that revolves around professionals,” Stanfield said. “Being around all these dudes, you get kind of star stuck at first. But, at some point you realize they’re normal people, but they just do things on a much grander scale.”
“A lot of these athletes are as humble as anyone. They don’t let the money or the fame really get to them--they’re still some of the nicest people you’ll meet. That’s what I hope to be like. I don’t want money or the people I’m around to change me--I want to keep being who I am, as I pursue my dream.”
Photo provided by Deacon Stanfield
Stanfield claims that his upbringing is what’s kept him on the path to success.
“I think growing up in a Christian household and the impact my family has had on me has really helped to shape me in my football and business career,” he said. “Football can be a bit of a struggle sometimes, when you’re surrounded by all these talented people who are getting offers.”
“But, trusting in God and his path has been the best thing for me. Trusting in that has allowed me to see a lot of things come true, like the opportunities with my business and finally getting some offers [currently with the University of Houston, and Valpo University] of my own.”
As he prepares for his final season with Katy Jordan Football, Stanfield seems to be destined for big things in his future, whether it be through football, his business, or both.