faith family football

The Javis Austin Story

Dive into the extraordinary life of Javis Austin, a rising college football star from a tight-knit South Carolina town, as he overcomes adversity, mental health struggles, and personal tragedies while pursuing his dreams on the field. In this gripping autobiography, Javis's journey through faith, family, and football reveals the relentless pressures of college athletics and the emotional battles behind the helmet. His inspiring story, along with his organization 'Be a Builder,' advocates for mental health awareness, making Javis an inspiration to many. 'Faith, Family, and Football: The Javis Austin Story' is a must-read tale of triumph, resilience, and the power of inner strength that transforms life's toughest challenges into monumental victories.

About the author

BIO

Most people work to make a living. But for Javis Austin, he lives to work. As the founder and CEO of JA Fitness Plus, a physical and mental training company that focuses on holistic wellness, the Clemson, South Carolina native is inspiring people to elevate their self-care game.

In middle and high school, Javis was an all-star athlete, lettering in football, basketball and track. He went on to become an elite football player at Clemson University where he ultimately received a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing. On the field, he was celebrated but privately he endured a silent hell. In 1999, after battling with severe depression and destructive thoughts for over 7 months, Javis attempted suicide but was unsuccessful. God had other plans. While his injuries included him having a prosthetic right eye and approximately 40% vision in his left eye, his purpose became clear.

Empowered by the strength of a single vision, to build a life on the solid foundation of faith, respect, responsibility and communication, Javis has cultivated community with JA Fitness Plus. As a servant leader, he has worked as a special needs teacher’s assistant, organized and operated football camps in addition to coaching football for 7 years, mentored youth and established the Be A Builder (BAB) philosophy, which educates young people on the importance of exercise, mindfulness and nutrition as well as their connectivity. Javis knows firsthand that improving your physical health and maintaining a balanced diet helps to improve one’s mental health. This is what prompted him to use his experiences and build a business around them. By embracing his circumstances and not allowing them to define him, JA Fitness Plus was born. Javis’ passion is helping to prevent suicide in all age groups by sharing his story as a public speaker. In doing so, he hopes to help initiate conversations about mental health and erase its stigma.

PRESS RELEASE

Film in pre-production

Media