CJ Wilson II 🖤 Tallahassee, FL
Author: Francis Blackheart
“Hard work will get you wherever you need to be.”
— Every Heart Has A Story
Heart Talks Vol 1 Episode 3
CJ Wilson II takes us back to Tallahassee, where football was not just a sport. It was a standard, a way to learn discipline, and for many kids it felt like the clearest road to a better life. In this episode, CJ shares how his mindset was built through early competition, family influence, and the pressure of high level football. He breaks down why so much talent never makes it out, what commitment really costs, and how the lessons from the game still show up in fatherhood, coaching, and media today.
Watch Heart Talks Vol 1 Episode 3
Every Heart Stories Interview
Where did your love for the game start?
CJ said it started early in Tallahassee with organized sports like flag football and T ball. He remembered how the city was close knit and how kids grew up believing sports could change their future.
How did your family shape your mindset?
CJ gave credit to his family for keeping his memories alive and pushing his competitive mindset. He said growing up around athletes made him want more, work harder, and take accountability early.
Why do so many talented athletes never make it out?
CJ said the separation happens when football starts demanding real choices. He explained that talent is common, but commitment is rare. A lot of people fall off when it gets hard, when the work gets real, or when life starts pulling them in different directions.
What was the Godby High School experience like?
CJ said going to Godby came with pressure and high expectations. He talked about the talent in the program and the influence of older players who set the standard. He also shared how difficult it was to watch a talented team fall short of its potential.
What kept Godby from winning it all back then?
CJ said it was a mix of tough breaks and key moments that changed the season, including incidents that led to suspensions and disrupted momentum. He also compared program structure across schools and how preparation can make or break outcomes.
How important was academics and NCAA preparation?
CJ said one major gap was starting academic preparation too late. He explained that some programs built college readiness into the culture early, while others waited until it became a problem. He said that delay cost people opportunities.
What did prep school teach you?
CJ described prep school as extremely competitive and physically demanding. He said it confirmed that he belonged, but it also showed how ruthless the environment can be when everybody is fighting for the same chance.
What is a moment you will never forget from that time?
CJ told a story about scrambling to finish highlight tapes when equipment went missing. He said getting that tape done helped create real opportunities, not just for him, but for others too.
How did fatherhood change you?
CJ said becoming a father reshaped his priorities and increased his drive to provide. He said it made him lock in and take his future seriously in a new way.
How do you approach coaching kids today?
CJ said the new generation needs a different approach. He still believes in standards and accountability, but he explained that communication matters. He said if a kid chooses sports, they have to be all in, because the work ethic required at higher levels is real.
Why is Florida football different?
CJ said Florida athletes often carry a different hunger because for many, sports feel like the way out. He explained that even when other states have more resources, the mindset in Florida can be unmatched.
Tell us about Doak Talk and why it matters to you
CJ said Doak Talk is a full circle moment that connects his love for football with his background in mass communications. He said the platform reignited his drive, created new relationships, and reminded him that the same discipline from sports translates to real life.
What does being a champion mean to you?
CJ said a champion is proof of the work. He explained that everybody has talent, but hard work is what separates people at the highest level. He connected that mindset to the most demanding seasons of his football life.
What would you tell your younger self?
CJ said he would take school more seriously earlier. He explained that he still accomplished a lot, but the road was harder than it needed to be. He encouraged young athletes to match their sports energy with academics.
What does Every Heart Has A Story mean to you?
CJ said every person is unique and every story matters, no matter how big or small someone may seem. He said people should be willing to share because you never know who needs to hear it.
Every Heart Has A Story is a community of real people and real stories. Share yours and help someone find hope today.
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