Success Starts with the next play

The Playbook for Success Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth, specifically targeting elementary and middle school students. Our mission is to equip them with the skills needed for academic and personal success, while promoting their physical, mental, and social well-being. We strive to eliminate barriers to success and foster a foundation for a prosperous future for all youth.

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Empowering Tennessee’s
Underserved Youth

Literacy Programs
Providing targeted literacy support to help students build a strong academic foundation.

Health & Wellness
Promoting physical and mental well-being through comprehensive youth development programs.

Juvenile Diversion
Offering guidance and resources to keep at-risk youth on a positive life path

Who We Are

The Playbook For Success Foundation, founded by NFL alum Dan Williams, champions the dreams of Tennessee’s youth. We are a beacon of hope, offering literacy programs, health and wellness education, and paths away from the juvenile system for elementary and middle school students. Our heart beats with a network of educators, health professionals, and community advocates, all united under Dan’s vision: to light up young lives with the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Why We Care

Every child holds a universe of potential, yet too many face invisible barriers. At the Playbook For Success Foundation, we see the unseen. We believe in breaking down these barriers—not just with programs, but with passion, care, and a relentless drive to empower. Our work is more than filling gaps; it’s about igniting hope, nurturing dreams, and crafting a future where every young Tennessean can soar. Join us, and together, let’s transform potential into reality.

Vision

We envision a future where all youth, regardless of background, has access to avenues that allow them opportunity to succeed. We aim to encourage strong literacy skills, health and wellness principles, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges successfully. The Playbook For Success Foundation aims to be at the forefront of nurturing well-informed, healthy, and responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities and lead by example for future generations.

The Gaps

Too many of Tennessee’s youth face invisible barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Despite their boundless promise, factors such as:

  • Poor literacy skills
  • Lack of health/wellness education
  • Risk of juvenile delinquency

Threaten to derail their academic and personal success from an early age.

Without intervention, these obstacles can have lifelong ramifications, hindering their:

  • Educational achievements
  • Physical and mental wellbeing
  • Ability to become productive, responsible citizens

At the Playbook For Success Foundation, we see the unseen. We are committed to dismantling these barriers through targeted literacy, health/wellness, and juvenile diversion programs.

Our driving purpose? To clear their path and empower every Tennessee child to flourish.

Our Solution

At the Playbook For Success Foundation, we take a holistic approach to empowering Tennessee’s youth through:

In-School & After-School Programs

  • Literacy initiatives
  • Health/wellness education
  • Financial literacy courses
  • Mentorship opportunities

Summer Camps

  • Health & Wellness Camps
  • Enrichment through essay, poetry, art contests

Juvenile Diversion

  • Mentorship programs
  • Positive outlet channels like writing, art
  • Community service involvement

Our robust offerings strike at the core barriers – providing the academic foundation, life skills, and support structure to help young students thrive.

From the classroom to the community, we surround Tennessee’s youth with the tools, knowledge, and motivation to overcome any obstacle in their path.

Our commitment extends beyond just programs – it’s an unwavering dedication to shaping well-rounded, successful individuals and future leaders.

making a difference

meet our team

Executive Team

Dan Williams II

President + CEO

Oakland Raiders 2016 Walter Payton
NFL Man Of The Year Nominee

Tia Williams

Executive Director

Board Members

Dan Williams II

President + Chairman
Playbook for Success Foundation

Eric Berry

College Football Hall of famer/ entrepreneur.

Hillary Bounds

Deputy General Counsel at gates ventures

Calais Campbell

NFL’S Walter Payton Man of the Year/ 17 year NFL Veteran/ entrepreneur

Josh Davis

President of The Will Group

Travis Greaves

Judge at United States Tax Court

Patrick O’Connor

Treasurer
Wealth Advisor, HHM Wealth Advisors

Blake Todd

Audit Manager

Advisory Board

Dr. F. Kevin Malone

Assistant Director of Middle and High Schools, MASE

Dr. Kevin Malone is a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience leading school improvement across the Mid-South. A former Principal of the Year, he is known for academic turnarounds, mentoring leaders, and supporting families. He and his wife Renee have two adult children.

Phillip Fulmer

Former University of Tennessee head football coach, athletic director, and special advisor to the President
As head coach from 1992–2008, he led the team to a national championship, two SEC titles, and compiled 152 wins—the second-most in UT history. A 2012 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, he later served as UT’s athletic director from 2017 to 2021. Fulmer has also worked as a sports analyst and national spokesperson for the Jason Foundation, supporting youth suicide prevention. He has served on numerous boards and currently chairs the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. He is married with four children.

Allison Maurer

Associate Athletic Director of Student Health and Wellness at Knoxville Catholic High School in Knoxville, Tennessee
Allison Maurer is a veteran sports dietitian with over 20 years of experience fueling athletes at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. She serves as the Associate Athletic Director of Student Health and Wellness at Knoxville Catholic High School, where she oversees strength and conditioning, nutrition, and sports medicine. Maurer coaches strength for multiple teams, teaches nutrition and performance classes, and provides team and individual counseling. She also works part-time as the Minor League Catering Coordinator for the New York Mets, managing meals for their Triple-A, Double-A, and High-A affiliates.

How to Support

Let's Connect

info@theplaybook.org

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