Demar Dotson: Protector of Quarterbacks and Protector of Wallets

In the final year of his college career at “The University of Southern Mississippi“, having joined the school on a scholarship, Demar Dotson contemplated life and what his next step was. Sitting on the edge of the bench in the Final game of the year while “Golden Eagle” battled it out on the hardwood, Demar battled his brain.

It wasn’t until the final game of the year; when schools were about to let out, the season was almost over, and his college career was coming to a close, that Demar contemplated his future. A few days later strength coach approached Demar and told him he should try out for the football team!

Up to this point in his athletic career, he had NEVER put on a football helmet, or shoulder pads, much less has he ever played an organized game, but why not? He could get another year of eligibility from the NCAA to play, and he hadn’t come up with any great leads for his future.

So the Head Coach at that time was Larry Fedora, and he told him that he wanted to try out for the team, Demar was officially invited to try out for the team in the upcoming season. This is one of the first major opportunities Demar was given, and he took it being undecided at this point in his future, with nothing really to lose.

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So, showing up to tryouts in his athletic shorts and basketball shoes, and at some point, the toes of those sneakers came out. He ultimately made the team on the defensive side of the ball. He played minimally, only compiling 4 tackles.

The NFL and NBA draft came and went, and there was no word on his future until someone from The Bucs approached him. Dom Green is currently a Scout for the NY Jets. Dom looked at Dotson and said, “Man, you look like an offensive lineman”, so Green went back to “One Buc Place” and advised them to bring Demar in for a tryout, and they did. That was the 2nd opportunity Demar had been given to change directions in his life.

He came to Pro camp in his basketball shoes and caught a few crazy eyes, so he decided to go to the training room to get a pair of cleats. Demar told me, “The equipment room guys cussed me from one end to the other. “ Asking him, “You’re a tryout guy, why in the hell would you not bring cleats?” — laughing, also telling him, “They had no size 18” to fit Demar, so they gave him a size 16 cleat.

Let’s put this into perspective: He had absolutely no organized football training, dreamed of playing basketball before his 5th-year tryout in college, had never even put on a helmet, and now shows up to Rookie camp for the “Tampa Bay Buccaneers “ with toeless basketball shoes, and those were replaced with size 16 cleats (2 SIZES TOO SMALL) !!

So, in his senior year of college, having No football experience and trying out in cleats too small, the 2 things with Demar you could count on are his attitude to never let an opportunity slip past him, but also his athletic abilities with a freakishly large frame of 6’9″, weighing in at 315lbs.

Demar spent the first couple of years developing until Raheem Morris, currently the Atlanta Falcons head coach, gave Demar his 3rd opportunity to grow as a person and player.

It was at this point that Demar never looked back, always grinding to get better; playing next to All-Pro and Pro Bowl talent on the line, such as Donald Penn, and Davin Joseph, Ali Marpet, and subsequently replacing Jeremy Trueblood, it wasn’t ever a surprise he ended up a perennial starter on the right side of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line.

Playing 9 seasons with the Bucs and one with the “Denver Broncos”, his last season with the Krewe was one season shy of the Bucs winning the Super Bowl — Demar acknowledged that it just wasn’t meant to be.

One of the biggest impressions Demar made on me was his extraordinary humility, As well as his desire to always take the next step forward and never let an opportunity pass you by.

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He also spoke about the culture in the locker room, noting that when Bruce Arians was brought on to coach the football team, the organization was definitely headed in the right direction, calling Arians “A WINNER”.

Today, Demar has chosen the life of a Financial Adviser as a profession, using his passion to help his people learn money and how to be better prepared than most when it comes to that time in our lives.

So many of us, not to mention athletes, struggle in this area, and there is zero doubt from me that Demar will have a large impact on anyone he comes across, but he has made a valuable impression on me.

If you are ever in need of any assistance in the financial area or insurance, as he is licensed, so call 1-813-614-6844, or you can also find him on Facebook or Instagram at @dotson.demar. Make sure to follow for all your financial questions and needs. His website is in the works and will be up soon.

This, being my first interview with a Pro athlete, Demar, just made ya feel like one of the boys, a humble, intelligent family man.– A man who takes the time to do interviews while at the Beach with his family. (THANKS FOR THAT!!), It’s that humble mindset and determination that has led the way for success for a rather large fellow from the small town of “Alexandria, Louisiana”.

His humility was on display as he touted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently signed Tristan Wirfs as “THE MAN!!” Going on to say that the Bucs are in good hands — I say that we have a blessing in Tristan Wirfs, but if you didn’t get to know Demar Dotson, then you definitely missed out!! — A number 1 class act, and we wish nothing but the best for his future and success! Go! Bucs