PAC Accelerate | Phoenix, Az | March 30 - April 02

Changing Lives Beyond the Game

Donteea Dye’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and giving back. After making it to the NFL as an undrafted free agent and competing at the highest level, he has transitioned into education, helping first-generation and low-income students achieve their college dreams. Now based in Fort Lauderdale, Donteea works year-round with high school students through a grant-funded program at FAU, showing them that with hard work and the right support, anything is possible.

- Invest - Cultivate - Elevate -

Lifting Others Through Education and Mentorship

Former NFL receiver turned academic coordinator, guiding students toward higher education and building a future beyond sports.

Invest

in education. Donteea is committed to lifelong learning, earning certifications, and expanding his knowledge to better support the students he mentors.

Cultivate

opportunities for students. His role at FAU allows him to give back, guiding first-generation and low-income students on their path to higher education.

Elevate

his mindset. Transitioning from football to education wasn’t easy, but Donteea has embraced the challenge, growing emotionally, mentally, and professionally.
What stood out to me most at PAC was the level of vulnerability in the room. Everyone was open and honest, sharing their truths in a way that created a space for real connection. Seeing former athletes find success in different industries and having the opportunity to be around like-minded individuals was inspiring. PAC brought together the right people and created an environment where we could all learn and grow.
Donteea Dye
Energetic. Resilient. Humble.
3 years in the NFL

Off the Field Success

education & mentorship

Donteea Dye’s passion for education comes from his own journey. Growing up in Cincinnati as a first-generation, low-income student, he knows firsthand how overwhelming the college process can be without the right support. The lack of resources, financial barriers, and uncertainty about the future can discourage students from pursuing higher education. After navigating those challenges himself and ultimately making it to the NFL, Donteea felt called to give back and help students facing those same struggles. Now, as an Academic Coordinator at Florida Atlantic University, he works with over 90 high school students across five schools, ensuring they are not just eligible for college but fully prepared for the transition. His role is year-round, offering mentorship, academic tracking, standardized test preparation, and essential resources to help students succeed. He focuses on math and science education, recognizing how crucial these subjects are for students pursuing STEM careers and other specialized fields.

Beyond academics, Donteea takes a holistic approach, teaching students the importance of self-discipline, time management, and confidence in their abilities. He knows that success in college is about more than just grades—it’s about developing a mindset that allows students to overcome obstacles, set goals, and take control of their futures. His ultimate goal is to be the mentor he wished he had growing up. He wants students to see that higher education is possible, no matter their background. By providing guidance, encouragement, and real-world strategies, Donteea is helping young people break generational cycles, chase their dreams, and step into their full potential.

Real Estate

Faith has always been at the center of Donteea’s life, keeping him grounded through every challenge. From overcoming a torn ACL in high school to making it to the NFL against all odds, his faith has guided him every step of the way. Now, he channels that same faith into his work, believing that he has been placed in a position to inspire, uplift, and create opportunities for those who need them most. His belief in hard work, perseverance, and trusting God’s plan continues to shape his approach to both life and career. His family remains one of his biggest motivations. Originally from Cincinnati, Donteea grew up in a close-knit household alongside his two sisters. As the middle child, he learned early on the importance of both leadership and adaptability—qualities that have stuck with him throughout his journey. His family has supported him at every stage, from his college days to the NFL and now into his career in education. No matter where life takes him, Cincinnati will always feel like home.

Despite living in Florida, Donteea stays connected with his family as much as possible, prioritizing time with them whenever he can. Whether it’s checking in with his sisters, visiting home, or making time for family trips, his bond with them remains a driving force in his life. He is also a proud dog dad, enjoying time with his German Shorthaired Pointer, who keeps him active and adds to his love for the outdoors. For Donteea, faith and family are the foundation of everything. They are his why, his source of strength, and the reason he continues pushing forward—no matter the challenge.

hobbies & personal growth

Outside of work, Donteea has a passion for photography, running, and spending time at the beach. These activities keep him balanced, providing both an outlet for creativity and a way to stay active. He believes in continuous growth, constantly seeking new ways to learn, improve, and expand his knowledge beyond football. With his transition to education still fresh, he is focused on building his expertise, earning new certifications, and expanding his real estate portfolio. Whether in the classroom, in business, or in his personal life, Donteea approaches everything with energy, humility, and an eagerness to grow.

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