July 7, 2021

Meet Byron Johnson II, The Collegiate Athlete Turned Actor & Model

What’s a quote that fuels your passion?

Matthew 6:33, “Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and All These Things Shall Be Added Unto You.”

Quote: “If you pursue perfection, you may not get it; but you will definitely catch excellence.”

Byron, your Humble Takeover is your story. Although one post could not tell your whole story, we are glad to highlight a few of your Great efforts. Tell the family where you started and how you got to where you are today.

Photo: IG @brianjonesphotography

“Hopefully you have some time because this story is a winding road.”

I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. I grew up there in New Orleans east. My family and I moved to Zachary, Louisiana in 2005, at 12 years old, after Hurricane Katrina. That was a tough year for my family as we lost our home in Katrina. In 2006 I lost both of my biological grandfathers early in the year and in November of the same year my dad Byron Johnson Sr. passed away from cancer. My loss left me feeling a bit numb and confused but I also felt my losses got me focused on building myself and my future. It gave me my drive. I entered high school at Zachary High School in 2007. Over time, I went from being a scrawny 5’4 105lb freshman on the football team to becoming a starting wide receiver and a team captain.The growth process in high school entailed me waking up at 4:30am in the morning everyday to workout, working out with my coach at 6:15am before school, working out with my teammates at practice and then again after school for those next 4 years. My hard work granted me a college football scholarship at Millsaps College.

Although I had a great year as a freshman,I decided to walk onto the football team at Southeastern Louisiana University. Anyone who has been a walk-on knows it’s a grueling process, so I spent the entire first year there on the practice squad and going hard in the weight room and on the practice field. My effort paid off as the very next year my coach announced to me, before one of our biggest games of the year, that I was going to be on scholarship. I went on to be a part of two conference championships, won the Iron Horse Award, and was voted, by my teammates, as a senior team captain which was a huge honor to me. I had NFL aspirations and even got invited to a workout with the New Orleans Saints in which I impressed Coach Sean Payton and did really well, but my name never got called for that NFL dream. I saw soon that God had other plans for me.

After my football career I worked at UPS and the casino for 3 years, but one day I went to an audition for a movie by Perry Productions. My aunt actually sent me the casting call because she thought this Perry Productions was Tyler Perry. Needless to say, I auditioned anyway but my audition was terrible because I never acted a day in my life. The director, Vincent Perry, thankfully saw something in me and nine days before they started shooting the movie “A Life To Choose” presented me with the lead role. I accepted the opportunity and once I got on set, I felt like I was doing what God called me to do. I have been on this path ever since.

Which chapter in your story inspired your current venture?

Between working at UPS and auditioning for the movie “A Life To Choose,” I was in a really dark place and questioned if God had something planned for my life. Seeing the movie Black Panther sparked my initial curiosity of being an actor only because I saw the impact the movie was making around the world. I prayed about possibly trying this path, and then the Lord saw fit to give me an opportunity after that.

What keeps you Humble through your success and failure in Life?

My relationship with God keeps me humble. I know that everything that I am, and everything that I have been given is through Him. Also, I have a great group of family members including my mom and sister. My brothers Chris King, Darol Dewey, James Donaldson, and Terry Minor always keep it real with me and hold me accountable. I know my blessings and success aside from God are tied to those people. They keep me level headed yet confident whether things are going good or bad.

What advice would you offer our family who is writing their own story?

Enjoy the journey. I think at times as we go through life, we always think, “When I get to this place, I will have arrived, it will all be good.” Our human flesh is set up to always want more so even what you wanted at some point will not be enough when you get it. Enjoy the path, enjoy the journey, take time to reflect on Your growth, be Your Best Self, Trust God, do not ask for permission to be great and most importantly Have Fun! We always forget that! Laugh and smile.

Do you have any upcoming events or projects you would like to share?

Right now I am working on a show on a really popular network that I cannot disclose just yet but I would say stay tuned. Also I am collaborating with some really talented actors and creatives to produce our own content. The movie I starred in, “A Life To Choose” is on Amazon Prime if people would like to check it out. I also was in the Hallmark Christmas movie, “Christmas Everlasting” starring Ms.Tatyana Ali and Mr. Dondre Whitfield.

We’d love to hear more stories, please suggest 5 other persons writing their own story and Conquering the World.

James Donaldson

Zach Richardson

Terry Minor

Brittany Guess

Jalen McCleskey

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