There’s something for each of us to do, a calling. But we have to listen for that calling. This is the story of Ervin “Blue Print” Parker, NFL player and founder of the Blue Print Leadership Academy, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Ervin “Blue Print” Parker
Born and raised in rural Georgetown County, S.C., Parker’s NFL career began in 1972 as a high school waterboy. He played for South Carolina State University, who recognizes him as one of the greatest players of the century, and is a member of their athletic Hall of Fame. In 1976, he got the name Blue Print from his coach after an intense practice: “You leave a print on everyone because you hit them so hard.” He was drafted into the NFL in 1980, joining the Buffalo Bills, later playing for the San Diego Chargers and the Seattle Seahawks.
After the NFL, he was a successful sports agent and talk show host. But his greatest calling has been the Blue Print Leadership Academy (BPLA). We talked with Parker, asking him what motivated him to start the academy.
A talk with God
“It started with a conversation I had with my higher power who I call God. I asked, “Well, God, what do you want me to do?” He said, “You’re not ready to do what I want you to do.” And I said, “What do you mean?” He said, “When you’re ready to do what I need you to do, you will know.” And that’s what happened. About a year later, I ran into a professor at the University of Washington, an older Black man, who didn’t know my name was Blue Print. He shared with me that a blueprint is about changing from one type of mental aspect to another. He said that a blueprint is about building lives, building life skills. From there, everything started falling into place, and we began building the academy from that moment forward.”
BPLA Class
“Today we serve the young men and young ladies of Georgetown. When I say rural, I mean rural. We have a lot of young people who come from places where they have no running water. They have outhouses. It’s about 90%-to-98% Black. For the past 25 years, we’ve been providing these young people with enrichment and knowledge of life skills tools they can apply to day-to-day goals, in order to accomplish long-term goals. We’ve also brought the BPLA to Ghana through the work of my sister, Dr. Carrie Brown. That is work that’s been going on for three years now.”
Fueled by mentors
Mentorship is at the heart of the BPLA. Parker and his team are always demonstrating leadership, character, unconditional love, and acceptance. The academy is all about mentorship because it is Parker’s mentors who have helped him become the man he is. “I was blessed to have three powerful mentors in my life, and I strongly believe mentors are needed. They guide you, correct you, and help shape your character and direction.”
First, there was John Spears, my high school coach, who set me straight in the 10th grade when I was misbehaving and thought I was a “cool guy.” That moment changed my path. Second, the legendary Willie Jeffries, my college coach at South Carolina State University and the first African American head coach at a Division I school. He showed me what leadership and excellence truly looked like. Lastly, the late Chuck Knox, former head coach of the Buffalo Bills. He drafted me in 1980 and later brought me out of retirement to play for the Seattle Seahawks. His belief in me made a lasting impact. Their influence and mentorship stay with me, and our hope is that we can offer similar meaning and impact to today’s young men and young ladies of Georgetown.”
BPLA-First Class
Guidance for those new to the nonprofit world
While Parker is quick to credit others for his success, he is equally quick to share his guidance with others who want to start a nonprofit. “If you’re not 100% committed, don’t start. You have to put money into what you are trying to do. A lot of people are not committed to their foundations – they use it as a tax shelter. Answer the question: what are you trying to do? Be legitimate and be committed.” He also has guidance for professional athletes wanting to invest in an emerging charity. “Make sure the nonprofit you are dealing with is a clean organization and that they are doing what they say they are doing. Make sure that you know the money is going where you want it to go.”
Learn more at www.blueprintleadership.org. Or call him at (843) 545-8861. Instagram: Ervinblueprint.
© 2026 Mel and Pearl Shaw, authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” We provide fundraising counsel to higher education, nonprofits, and philanthropy. Video conferencing always available. Visit www.saadandshaw.com.
