Drug deals and gangs.
It may be hard to believe based on the person he is, but at one point, the street life of Compton, Calif., was all that Lincoln University junior defensive back Jairon Bailey (Compton, Calif./Locke) knew.
At age 15 and living on his own, Bailey fully immersed himself into the depraved existence. He was lost with no sight on future goals, but after finding a saving grace in Lincoln, he has found new meaning in life on what has been a bumpy journey.
“That was the life that I thought I wanted to live,” Bailey said reflecting. I always had love for football but I found that fast money had overpowered it sometimes.”
Bailey's road is not the one less traveled; it's desolate, completely barren except for the remains of those who could not get out. This path meandered through three stops before reaching a destination in rural Chester County. Starting out at Locke High School, he led his team to the state championship as a sophomore and was ranked as the fourth best prospect in California. By the time his senior year rolled around, Bailey said that he basically “fell off the map” of recruiting due to his big headed nature.
This did not stop Division I Fresno State University. His stay was short lived after a campus violation caused him to leave after less than a semester. Returning home, Bailey got a second chance at Los Angeles Southwest College. Despite his struggles, his focus was still not where it needed to be.
“It was cool, a great program and great coaches,” Bailey said. “My mindset was still street life. I was still making money, so I was like, 'Oh well.' But I knew that I loved football. Now that I look back, I know that wasn't such a great choice.”
After earning first team all-conference honors at linebacker his freshman year, Bailey moved to cornerback. The switch proved to be pivotal as he flourished, receiving a scholarship from Hampton University. Still dabbling in the street life, Bailey did not make it past summer ball and was left once again to get his life in order. His chances were running out.
This is where Lincoln, his self-proclaimed saving grace, comes in. Having been on the other side of the country, Bailey never knew of the historical institution until a former coach who attended Southwest College informed him of Lincoln's new program.
Still somewhat admittedly cocky, Bailey thought he may have been too good for the Division II level. After much hesitation, he realized that at this point he was just relieved to be alive and playing football.
“I'm so humble now to the fact that I'm glad that I'm at Lincoln,” Bailey said. “My mind set is so positive. I have the utmost love for all of my teammates. Words can't explain. I just smile when I think of my teammates.”
Bailey flourished in his first season with Lincoln in 2009. Playing in all ten games, he collected 48 tackles (33 solo), picked off two passes, and forced two fumbles. But more than his stats, he provided stellar leadership, often one of the loudest one on the field.
With a two win improvement last season, Bailey has his sights set on a possible CIAA championship. When August rolls around, he will be a senior and counted on to lead a defense that is expected to bring damage.
'I'm pushing myself to do way more,” Bailey said. “We are coming together as a family now. I am my biggest critic. Some people are content with winning just two more games but I always try to do more than what is expected. Why not win 10 games? Some might say to improve on last year, but I say win a chip. I believe we all have that mind set.”
Perhaps Bailey will have even more push after working out in front of NFL scouts in March, along with fellow juniors John Mason (Brooklyn, NY/Boys and Girls) and Eugene Lancaster (Virginia Beach, Va./First Colonial HS). The three performed the 40-yard dash, the Wonderlic test and other skills tests in front of the Philadelphia Eagles and Blesto, which represents the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.
After receiving a text message from defensive coordinator Herb Pickens about the event, Bailey saw his career come full circle after leaving behind the glory of Division I ball. He notes Jerry Rice as someone he admires who had a Hall of Fame career coming out of a small school (Mississippi Valley State).
“It can be done,” said Bailey. “Quit depending on the next person. Go out and get it. I'm still in shock to this day. It basically showed me that no matter where you are at, if you are getting the job done, you will be seen. I told a lot of the younger dudes on the team, if you want it, you can get it. Stop complaining, just get it done.”
Although he would like to switch Saturday games to Sundays along with his cousin, Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, Bailey has experienced too much on his road to Lincoln to let his lessons learned go to waste.
“My ultimate goal is to work with children,” Bailey said. “A lot of them are finding themselves. It means the world to me considering I was saved by the grace of God as well as the many people who I have encountered with. I have learned so much.”
