Advisory Board Bio – Darrell “D.K.” Taylor

Darrell “D.K.” Taylor is the visionary founder and CEO of Brand Name Athletes (BNA) Sports Organization and the BNA Foundation. With a deep-seated passion for sports and youth development, Taylor has dedicated his career to creating meaningful and transformative experiences in youth sports. His organization, BNA Sports, is committed to offering the ultimate youth sports experience, focusing on building character, fostering teamwork, and promoting excellence on and off the field. Through BNA Sports, Taylor has established an innovative platform that prioritizes athlete development, sportsmanship, and community engagement, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Taylor’s career path has been shaped by his extensive experience within the NFL, where he held influential roles with two notable franchises. He served as the Director of Youth Football for the Cleveland Browns, a role in which he was responsible for developing and implementing programs that engaged young athletes and provided opportunities to hone their skills in a supportive environment. Prior to this, he worked as the Manager of Football Development for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played a key role in expanding the team’s outreach and development programs aimed at young football enthusiasts. These roles allowed Taylor to gain firsthand insight into the intricacies of youth sports and inspired him to make an even greater impact on young athletes’ lives.

In founding BNA Sports and the BNA Foundation, Taylor has blended his professional expertise with his personal vision to create a platform that goes beyond athletic performance. The BNA Foundation, a nonprofit extension of BNA Sports, focuses on community outreach, providing resources and opportunities for underserved youth to engage in sports. Through scholarships, education initiatives, mentoring programs, and community events, the foundation works to break down barriers and create inclusive opportunities for all young athletes.

Taylor is not only a leader but a pioneer in youth sports development, continually striving to enhance the experience for young athletes. His mission with BNA Sports and the BNA Foundation is to equip youth with the skills, values, and support needed to thrive in sports and life. Through his work, Taylor is redefining the role of sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, making a lasting impact on the communities he serves.