Today we’d like to introduce you to Xavier Drakeford.
Hi Xavier, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started in Ferrum, Virginia, where I grew up and graduated from Franklin County High School. From there, I went on to play college football at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. During my junior season in 2008, I earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named an Honorable Mention All-American.
After college, I had the opportunity to continue playing professionally in arena football. From 2010–2012, I played in the IFL for the Fayetteville Guard, Fairbanks Grizzlies, and Lehigh Valley Steelhawks. Unfortunately, my playing career came to an end after I suffered a torn Achilles, but that setback ultimately opened the door to the next chapter of my life.
In 2012, I met my wife, and today I’m blessed to be a proud husband and father of two. My family has always been the foundation behind everything I do.
I began my coaching career in 2016 at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, where I coached defensive backs and helped coordinate the defense. Coaching gave me a new way to stay connected to the game while also having an opportunity to develop young men, build relationships, and share the lessons I learned through my own playing career.
In 2026, I became the head coach of the Roanoke Rampage of the NPSFL, finishing the season 2-2. During that season, the New York Boldest were short a few coaches for a game in Las Vegas, and their head coach, Eddie Ensminger, invited me to come out and assist. He had seen how well we coached and prepared our team, and it was an incredible experience that gave me an even greater appreciation for the opportunities coaching can create.
My family eventually moved to Richmond because of my wife’s new career opportunity, and that move opened another exciting door for me. I was given the opportunity to become the head coach of the Richmond Frontline, an expansion team growing out of the Roanoke Rampage organization. I’m excited to help build the program alongside Jamison Ratcliffe and the other leaders involved, from the ground up.
I’ll also be serving as the Co-Defensive Coordinator at John Marshall High School in Richmond, where we’re working to help turn the program around and build something the players, school, and community can be proud of.
When I look back, my story has really been about adapting, overcoming setbacks, and finding new ways to serve others through football. I’ve gone from playing the game, to coaching it, to now having the opportunity to build programs and help develop the next generation. I’m excited about where this next chapter will take me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have also been challenges balancing family, work, coaching, and the uncertainty that comes with pursuing opportunities. Moving my family to a new city and starting over professionally has required a lot of faith, patience, and hard work.
But I’ve learned that setbacks don’t have to be the end of the story. They can become the foundation for the next chapter. Coaching allowed me to turn my experience as a player into an opportunity to develop young athletes and build programs. Now, with my family in Richmond and new opportunities with the Frontline, I’m focused on taking everything I’ve learned and using it to build something meaningful for my family, my players, and my community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
One of the roles I’m most proud of was my work with the McKinney-Vento program in Roanoke City Schools. I worked directly with students and families experiencing housing instability, helping connect them with resources they needed, including food, clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, and other community services. That experience taught me that sometimes the biggest difference you can make in someone’s life is simply being willing to listen, show up, and help them find a way forward.
I’m also passionate about coaching and developing young people. I’ve coached defensive backs, helped coordinate defenses, and now have opportunities to help build football programs in Richmond. I enjoy taking what I’ve learned through my own experiences and using it to help others reach their potential.
I think I’m known most for being someone who genuinely cares about people and is willing to help. What sets me apart is that I care about other people’s goals and passions just as much as I care about my own.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been blessed to have some incredible people support me along the way. My wife deserves the most credit for always being by my side, encouraging me to keep going through the highs and the setbacks. My parents have also always supported and believed in me, which has meant a lot throughout my journey.
I’m also grateful for my all my former coaches that molded me in to man i am today and the Rampage president Jamison for giving me opportunities to grow. I’ve learned that success is never achieved alone, and I’m thankful for everyone who has encouraged me, opened doors, and believed in me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Justcallme_xd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JXV8icod1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-drakeford-74971698?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
