Mission: Strength

Send us Fan MailEpisode 6- Mission: StrengthOn this episode of Driven by the Mission, Jean Boyd and Raymond Harrison sit down with Karl Holmes Jr., Director of Player Engagement for Oregon Football. Karl opens up about a non-linear path—from arriving at Arizona State with his belongings in trash bags, to JUCO detours, seven concussions, a cleared arrest that still echoes, and a degree earned at Grand Valley State. He explains how those chapters forged his purpose: advocating for student-athletes as whole people in a high-pressure NIL/revenue-share era.Karl breaks down “Flight School,” his 8–10 week onboarding for freshmen and transfers, why radical authenticity beats any budget, and how he pushed for due process when a player was prematurely dismissed. He also shares a powerful story supporting a transfer navigating his mother’s illness and draft-night grief—reminding us that money and accolades can’t replace community.Follow DBTM @drivenbythemission on IG, Facebook, TikTokSubscribe / Rate / Share if an episode has impacted you—because if it helps one, it’s worth it.