User:Mwikd/DensonBio

Damon Michael Denson (born February 8, 1975) is a preacher, motivational speaker, writer and former football player for the National Football League (NFL).

Early Life and History
Damon Michael Denson was born on February 8, 1975 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. A few years after his birth, his parents moved from Aliquippa to Baldwin, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Ironically, the legendary WPIAL high school football coach Don Yanessa took over as the athletic director and head football coach at Baldwin High School in 1989 after leaving Aliquippa High School and having coached NFL greats Sean Gilbert and Ty Law. Denson became only the second player in Baldwin High School history to start on the varsity football team as a true freshman. During his junior year, the Fighting Highlanders beat North Hills High School to win their first playoff game in over three decades. During his senior year, Denson was selected as a USA Today High School All-American and chosen to play in the prestigious Big 33 Pennsylvania Football High School All Star Game.

College
After graduating from high school in 1993, Denson went to the University of Michigan where he became a starter his true freshman year as a defensive lineman. During his junior year he made the switch to offensive guard. Denson along with Jon Runyan, Jon Jansen and Rod Payne helped Tim Biakabutuka rush for 1,818 yards; still the single-season Michigan record. In his senior year, Denson was named a 1st Team All-Big-Ten selection.

NFL
In 1997 Denson was drafted by the New England Patriots and played under coach Pete Carroll. In 2000 Denson finished his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens and subsequently retired.

Ministry
Denson was converted to Christianity during his freshman year at Michigan. He joined a local church where he was ordained as a minister and began teaching bible study on campus. After being drafted by the New England Patriots, he continued to minister as an evangelist at a local Boston church. Denson's service to humanity spans from ministering in churches and prisons as well as performing Chaplin duties for professional sports teams. Denson also enjoys mentoring young men. In September 2007 Denson started his own ministry website DamonDenson.com with the mission of empowering people to reach their full potential through spiritual and practical guidance

Personal
Damon is married to his wife of ten years Camille, they have 2 children.