Beyond the Game: Desman Stephens II’s Mission to Inspire
Natalie Miller, USC Football Communications Student Assistant
8/30/2025
For his 13th birthday, sophomore linebacker Desman Stephens II asked for one thing: money. This might not seem like such an uncommon request for a teenage boy. It could’ve been for a new PlayStation game or an e-bike. But no, the money wasn’t for himself; he asked for money on his birthday to donate to Kicks for Kids.
Kicks for Kids is a nonprofit organization that provides brand new shoes to children in need. Their goal is to create a world where a child is not held back for things they may lack. It’s a mission that mirrors Stephens' own purpose.
“I think my purpose is inspiring others and giving other people a voice,” Stephens said. “Loving people and hearing people that need to be heard is very important.”
Stephens attributes his profound compassion to his family.
“My dad is definitely my biggest role model,” he said.
His father, Desman Sr., a former defensive back at Western Michigan University, now serves as the athletic director at Atherton High School in Burton, Mich. In 2024, he founded Stephens Relentless Academy, a training facility for developing and sharpening athletes’ skills – an extension of the work he began with his son.
“He’s been there every step of the way from training, to watching film, to helping me understand the game, while also making sure I stayed humble and was focused on growing as a person,” Stephens said. “He raised me as not just a good football player, but a good man.”
Stephens also credits his mother, Jonne, a nurse practitioner who has dedicated her career to caring for others.
“I’m like a sponge,” Stephens remarked. “I watch what they both do and apply that to my life. The two of them together have made me who I am today”.
That devotion to care and service defines the Stephens family, and those values were quickly embraced by the Trojans when Stephens first arrived in January 2024.
“I was really attracted to the people at USC, the way they carry themselves and their mindsets about the future.”
“He’s going to be authentic no matter what,” commented linebackers coach Rob Ryan, praising Stephen’s maturity and natural leadership abilities entering his second season with the Trojans.
To Stephens, leadership isn’t defined by age, but by experience and the ability to communicate effectively with teammates.
“I believe more in experiences than age,” he explained. “Everyone's path is different, and those experiences can push someone to grow into a leadership role faster. I have a voice on this team, and I have the opportunity to inspire a lot of different people.”
That perspective has been enhanced in the classroom, and Stephens credits a player development class, his favorite course at USC so far. In it, he explored intersectionality, the concept that people’s experiences are shaped by the overlapping of their identities and cannot be fully understood by looking at just one part of who they are.
“I understand that people come from different backgrounds and have different things going on, affecting how they act in their everyday lives,” added Stephens. “That, along with the willingness to put yourself in uncomfortable situations, makes you a good linebacker too.”
“Des has the traits of a great leader: he is vocal, competitive and will do anything in his power to win,” said redshirt freshman linebacker Elijah Newby. “He is also a great listener; he seeks new perspectives and is always willing to learn.”
“If you need someone to listen, I will listen,” Stephens said, explaining how his listening skills extend beyond the game.
After his inevitably illustrious NFL career, Stephens has a dream of opening a recreation center in Michigan and hosting events that reach out to communities in need.
“Inspiring others and spreading love – that's what I want to do,” he said.
