HAMPTON, GA - During National Suicide Awareness Month, the Mothers of Motivated Sons (NFL M.O.M.S.), founded by Dr. Erica Wilson, hosted the Next Play Networking Mixer on September 6, 2025 — a powerful evening helping sports families prepare for “the next play” in life beyond the game.
Supported in part by organizations such as the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, and BodyArmor Super Drink, the event united athletes, parents, and mental-wellness advocates around one mission: listening with presence — as a foundation for empathy, prevention, and emotional safety.
Event Hosts & Special Guests
The evening was led by Dr. Erica Wilson, Founder of NFL M.O.M.S. and proud mother of Allen Hurns, former NFL wide receiver and Co-Founder of the NFL M.O.M.S. Legacy Movement.
Special guest Sandra Perryman, mother of LA Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman, shared heartfelt reflections on supporting professional athletes as both players and sons. The event also honored Dazjanae Greene, Clayton State University Basketball Guard, Coach Neil Hawkins, esteemed coach and community leader and Daryl Wilson, Co-Owner and COO of NFL M.O.M.S., for his leadership and advocacy for athlete and family wellness. Several Black student-athletes and female student-athletes from Clayton State University were also in attendance.
Keynote Speaker: Lisa C. Williams — Founder of CAREGD
and Creator of Me 1st Then Sports
Delivering the evening’s keynote, Lisa C. Williams — Mental Wellness Architect and Founder of CAREGD, a culture-forward wellness movement — challenged the audience to rethink how families, coaches, and communities communicate with the athletes in their lives.
“In our culture — especially in sports — we’re trained to perform, not to pause,” Williams said. “Too often we listen with our mouths ready to respond instead of our hearts ready to understand. Presence builds safety. Presence can save lives.”
Champions of the Game Speaker Panel
Williams also participated in the “Champions of the Game” panel, which explored mental health, nutrition, coaching, finance, and wellness — all through the lens of listening as prevention and empowerment.
Panelists included:
- Ebony Sturrup, LMFT-QS, LMHC – Epiphany Counseling & Professional Services
- Wendell Sturrup – Sports Director & Coach Champion
- Ashley Cunningham – Financial Advisor
- Naomi Adek, MAS, MA, RDN, LDN – Fay Nutrition
- Lisa C. Williams – Founder of CAREGD, Emotional Wellness Company
- Allen Hurns – Former NFL Wide Receiver, Co-Founder of NFL M.O.M.S. Legacy Movement
Listening as Prevention
Dr. Wilson emphasized that the event’s theme was deeply personal:
“As mothers, we’ve seen firsthand how a single conversation can change everything,” Wilson said. “Listening with empathy is prevention — it saves lives.”
The evening concluded with networking and connection among mothers, athletes, coaches, and wellness professionals — building a united front for emotional safety and resilience in sports families.
“Being fully present is the next play.” — Lisa C. Williams
Supported by National Brands and Community Partners
The Next Play Networking Mixer was proudly supported by national and community partners, including the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pajcic & Pajcic, Agent 88, 10 K Kreationz, LLC, Mellow Mushroom, It Had To Happen Podcast, Mydnyght Xpress Truck’n, BodyArmor Super Drink, and Chick-fil-A.
Their commitment to mental-health advocacy and family wellness in sports helped make this event a success. M.O.M.S., Inc. offers sincere appreciation to all sponsors, donors, board members, volunteers, vendors, supporters, guests, and the Henry County Parks & Recreation team for making this event a memorable success.
About NFL M.O.M.S.
The Mothers of Motivated Sons (NFL M.O.M.S.) is a national organization founded by Dr. Erica Wilson and Allen Hurns to support athletes and their families through education, mental-health advocacy, and empowerment programs that prepare families for life after sports.
About CAREGD
CAREGD is a culture-forward wellness and social impact company redefining how communities address emotional well-being. Built on one simple but powerful question—“Are you good?”—CAREGD creates campaigns, tools, and activations that help people check in on their headspace before silent struggles turn into crisis.
Through national initiatives including Checking In – Are You Good?, Me 1st Then Sports, and You Matter More, CAREGD partners with schools, sports organizations, churches, and nonprofits to bring care into everyday spaces like locker rooms, barbershops, classrooms, and congregations.
Powered by tech-enabled check-ins, message-driven merchandise, and real-time data insights, CAREGD turns awareness into measurable care—because prevention isn’t complicated, it’s connection.
CAREGD checks in loud so people don’t have to struggle quietly.
Media Contact
Company Name: CAREGD™
Contact Person: Aniya Williams
Email: Send Email
Phone: (404) 908-0844
Country: United States
Website: https://caregd.com
