Jabari Carr

Role Model/SJSU Grad/Father

MR. San Jose

    1.For those who don’t know what does Mr.San Jose mean to you?

Mr. San Jose started my freshmen year of college during a game against Fresno State in which the radio station covering the game called me Mr.San Jose after a TD. Originally I didn't like it because I didn't feel deserving and I thought it was added pressure. But when a team mate explained to me that it was something bigger than just a name and explained how it represented a hometown kid who had ambition to help change the cultures around the city and inspire the youth. I then understood it's was fitting because I was exactly that Mr.San Jose.  
 

2.What does being someone who quote in quote made it out of your city?

It's huge for myself and my family as well as the community. San Jose has a lot to offer being in the middle of the tech hub. However you don't hear about the rough part of Silicon Valley and those kids who have no idea what the City has to offer. So coming to who I am now to who I was as a child helps me inspire the youth who grow up in the same community I did and it helps me give them exposure to things they won't see without someone like myself exposing them to it.  
 

3.Although I may know the answer, are you still fighting for the dream(NFL) and how was the training camp with Browns?

Training camp with the Browns was amazing, definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am very grateful for. However I wish I knew what I know now. Growing up everyone talks about making it to the league but no one talks about making it to the league and staying in the league. Yes I made it to the league for a very short time however that wasn't my end goal. With that said I challenge kids to dream bigger because if there goal is to just make it to the league that goal isn't big enough. I am not attempting to make it pro any longer, my career has run its course which I am proud of.  
 

4.What does being a role model in your community mean to you? Especially being a home owner/someone who has gotten their Degree and come back home?

Being seen as a role model in the community is everything to me. It's literally what keeps me going everyday. There need to be more individuals like myself that tell there story to our youth. It doesn't have no include college or sports but anything that has content of how to push through obstacles and become who you've dreamed about. Those stories are something  our youth should hear of because if we leave it up to TV, and social media those stories won't do our youth justice in the end. 

5.First, congrats on becoming a father, how has this impacted the man you are/wish to become?

Becoming a father has answered a lot of questions for me. Like for instance I've always asked myself why in a number of situations. Why do certain things in life happen and what is it preparing me for, and I now know. Before the passing of my father there was so much I wanted to ask him during his battle with cancer and when I asked him what to tell my unborn kids about him he told me simple "nothing". He said I have told you everything there is to tell you and show you. And now that I am a father myself I understand and I am honored to carry his legacy in fatherhood.

6.Who are people you looked up to along your journey; whether it be coaches, family, or whoever it may be?

My parents first and foremost they've inspired me in so many ways and I've seen them battle through things my entire life. Also a man by the name of R.J. Powell who's been my mentor since I was in Jr high school. Also San Jose great James Jones who's been a mentor for me throughout my time at San Jose State. 
 

7.We’re San Jose guys? Whose the best to come out of Oak Grove? Or San Jose in general?

There have been a number of great players that have come out of Oak Grove and I respect every single one of them. However I'll bet on myself, my Oak Grove resume is pretty impressive. 
 

8. Oak Grove athletes have always gotten out, with Chidobe Awuzie success and Will Ossai coming up this year? Do you believe Oak Grove becomes more of a prominent recruiting staple?

Oak Grove is a public school that has had its share of great athletes come from there but recruiting is something we don't do. We don't have a budget like that. 
 

9.Lastly, any words of wisdom you have for the kids coming up in San Jose? Or our youth in general?

Dream bigger.