The famous Jackie Robinson coined the saying, “This ain’t fun, but you watch me, I’ll get it done.”
This could be the perfect description for Gentry High School superstar Troy Griffin’s past three years on the field, court and track.
Adversity has surfaced through many pivotal points in the high school standout’s athletic career, but his tenacity and athletic ability has culminated in a six-figure NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deal with a local company.
Fire Lane Logistics announced the $100,000 deal this week.
“He’s just an all-around athlete, and he possesses characteristics that we need in young men. I’m all for giving him what he needs to take this thing all the way,” Fire Lane Logistics owner Ayanna Lynn said.
This coming after Griffin signed a scholarship this spring to play football at Mississippi Delta Community College in the fall.
This contract with Fire Lane Logistics allows Griffin to be compensated while he achieves his degree.
At the beginning of his collegiate career, the football and basketball star has already added value to his autograph signings, product endorsements, social media posts and more.
“I couldn’t be more happier,” Griffin said. “I’m definitely ready to put on for my people.”
The multi-sport athlete wrapped up his high school athletics career last week by showing his skills as a track star at the state tournament in Pearl.
To the naked eye, one would think he has not faced hurdles aside from the ones on the track, but Griffin has overcome multiple injuries and limited playing time during COVID-shortened seasons, all the while remaining a highly-touted college recruit.
Griffin carried his pain remarkably well as he continued to cheer on his teammates and anticipate his time back on the court and field.
During the height of the COVID pandemic, he wanted to suit up in jerseys, cleats and helmets, but he, along with athletes from around the world, was confined to masks and solitude.
With high hopes and fire under his feet, Griffin remained optimistic about his junior year.
He wanted to come back and dominate his district.
“I didn’t like life without being active,” Griffin said. “It just wasn’t what I was used to.”
Griffin’s reasons for being sidelined were not confined to the pandemic.
After waiting all that time to return to the football field, he sustained an ankle sprain that caused him to sit out in the middle of his first football season back with the Rams.
Emotionally, this was a lot for the young athlete who has played sports his entire life.
Griffin spent the remainder of the year conditioning his mind and body to make a comeback during his senior year.
But more troubles loomed ahead for the current Mr. Gentry High School.
During last offseason, Griffin tore his meniscus.
This is the part of the knee that allows it to transmit weight from one bone to another and plays a vital role in knee stability.
This resulted in him having to have surgery and also miss summer workouts.
Just like the aftermath of the previous injuries, Griffin was back up and running, determined to create more highlights.
It’s safe to say Griffin is the reflection of his school mascot, the Ram.
He instantly became one of the top quarterbacks in high school ball to become one of the leaders in touchdowns. He was in his prime and living up to the name “TG5.”
But tough times still lay in store for him.
Disappointment came knocking at Griffin’s door during the fourth game last fall.
During the game against Leland, Griffin broke his fibula while diving for a touchdown.
An opposing player, he said, fell on his leg causing it to snap. Griffin was rushed to the hospital immediately because he was unable to walk.
Due to the injury he sustained, Griffin spent several weeks going to rehab and physical therapy.
Griffin was still determined to make yet another comeback, and he shifted his focus to his mind and body.
After a long three months, Griffin was fully healed and better than ever. He learned the importance of mental health as an athlete.
Although he was unable to make the statement he would have liked to his senior year, his previous work ethic already spoke volumes for him.
Because of this, Griffin was able to sign with MDCC.
Griffin said he is ecstatic being that he has not been able to play an entire season of football since his freshman year.
He humorously added, “I hope the guys are ready. I have a point to prove.”
The NIL deal is a big statement for Griffin and Fire Lane Logistics.
Lynn started Fire Lane Logistics, not only to provide quality trucking services, but also to give back to her community and create exposure in the Delta.
"I wanted to show that people from Indianola can have their own business and be successful," said Lynn. “This is why I ️decided to reach back and pour back into Troy Griffin. Maybe one day he will start his own business and do the same.”
Founded in 2022, the company rose from one truck to over eight trucks in six months.
The company is expected to bring in over $2.2 million in the first year.
Over 10% of these profits will go toward scholarships and helping others in the community.
Griffin is the first athlete to receive this particular kind of deal by the company.
