Dejon Jernagin

Dejon Jernagin

Helping People Discover Who They Are When the Cheers Stop."

Los Angeles , California, USA

Booking Info

In-Person
$5,000 – $6,500
Virtual
$500 – $2,500
national travel
Speaking Since 1998
Languages: English

Expert In

  • Mental Health, Emotional Wellness & Athletes
  • Communication, Personality Styles & Relationship Building
  • Leadership Development Adults/Youth
  • Coaching Coaches on College Recruiting
  • Relationship Sales / For Profit Education
  • Sports, Character & Life Beyond Athletics

Experience

  • CCDC Men’s Ministry Leadership Conference – Featured Speaker
  • Keynote Speaker & Workshop Facilitator — Kings County School District, California
  • Glazier Clinics - Keynote Speaker - When The Cheers Stop
  • Speaker and Facilitator - How to work with Difficult People
  • Keynote - Speaker When The Cheers Stop Sacramento State Football
Leadership
Organizational Growth & Strategy
Athletics & Sports
Education
Violence Prevention
Personal Development
Mental Health
Sales
Entrepreneurism
Relationships

About Dejon Jernagin

DEJON JERNAGIN

Christian Motivational Speaker | Author | Leadership Coach | Pastor | Former Professional Athlete

Dejon Jernagin is a dynamic Christian motivational speaker, ordained minister, leadership coach, and former professional basketball player with the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. Known for his powerful storytelling, authentic delivery, humor, and ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life, Dejon brings a unique combination of biblical truth, practical wisdom, and real-world experience to every stage. His message centers on faith, purpose, personal transformation, leadership, and the power of God’s grace to restore broken lives.

As the founder of The Man Up Foundation Central Valley and pastor of Transparent Truth Worship Center, Dejon has dedicated more than three decades to mentoring young people, developing leaders, strengthening families, and empowering individuals to discover their God-given potential. A certified John Maxwell Team speaker, coach, and trainer with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, he combines spiritual insight with proven principles of personal and professional development.

Through his signature message, “When the Cheers Stop™,” Dejon addresses identity, disappointment, depression, failure, and the emotional challenges people face when success, recognition, and applause fade away. Drawing from his journey through professional sports, ministry, leadership, and personal adversity, he challenges audiences to understand that their worth is not determined by their accomplishments, their mistakes, or the approval of others, but by their identity and purpose in God.

Whether speaking at churches, conferences, men’s gatherings, leadership events, schools, or community organizations, Dejon delivers messages that inspire reflection, encourage accountability, ignite hope, and challenge people to take meaningful action. His passion is helping people move beyond their past, embrace God’s purpose for their lives, and recognize that their greatest chapter may still be ahead of them.

Speaking At

Event Types

Keynote
Conference
Mastermind
Church Event
Youth Conference
School Assembly
Camp
Healthcare Conference
University Lecture
Panel Discussion
Men's Conference

Audiences

Corporate Executives
Managers
Entrepreneurs
HR Professionals
Corporate Teams
Youth Groups
University Students
Students K-12
Parents
Sales Teams
Faith Communities
Non-Profit Leaders
General Public

Testimonials

"Dejon Jernagin is not just a motivational speaker—he is a POWERFUL voice of inspiration, transformation, and hope! When Dejon takes the stage, he brings an unmatched level of energy, passion, authenticity, and purpose. He doesn’t just speak to an audience; he connects with their hearts, challenges their thinking, and inspires them to take action! What makes Dejon exceptional is his ability to combine real-life experiences, humor, biblical wisdom, and powerful storytelling into messages that truly resonate. His journey from professional athletics to ministry, leadership, and community service gives him a unique perspective that audiences need to hear. Dejon doesn’t just motivate people for the moment—he challenges them to change their lives! Whether he’s speaking to educators, business leaders, young people, men, or faith-based audiences, his passion is contagious and his message is unforgettable. If you’re looking for a speaker who will bring the energy, deliver a powerful message, and leave your audience inspired to become better, Dejon Jernagin is that speaker!” — Keith Wolaridge"

Keith Wolaridge Professor , Bakersfield College

"“Dejon Jernagin is one of those rare individuals who can walk into a room, immediately connect with an audience, and deliver a message that stays with people long after the event is over! What separates Dejon from other speakers is his authenticity, passion, and extraordinary ability to inspire people to believe in themselves. His experience as a professional athlete, educator, mentor, pastor, and leadership coach gives him a powerful perspective on success, failure, discipline, and overcoming life’s obstacles. Having spent my career in the sports industry, I understand the importance of leadership, preparation, and developing young people beyond their athletic abilities. Dejon understands that better than most. He doesn’t simply talk about success—he challenges people to discover their purpose, take responsibility for their future, and develop the character necessary to succeed in life. Dejon is more than a motivational speaker; he is a difference-maker! His energy is contagious, his storytelling is captivating, and his commitment to helping others reach their potential is genuine. I would highly recommend Dejon Jernagin to any school district, athletic organization, corporation, church, or leadership conference looking for a dynamic speaker who will educate, motivate, and truly impact their audience. When Dejon speaks, people listen—and more importantly, they leave believing they can accomplish something greater!” — Harlen Warner President, Sports Placement Services"

Harlen WarnerPresident , Sports Placement Services

" “Dejon Jernagin is the kind of speaker who doesn’t just inspire a room—he challenges people to change the way they think, the way they lead, and the way they live! In the world of athletics, we talk constantly about discipline, accountability, preparation, and overcoming adversity. Dejon brings those same principles to life with an incredible combination of passion, authenticity, faith, and real-world experience. His ability to connect with athletes, coaches, educators, and leaders is truly special. What I appreciate most about Dejon is that his message comes from experience, not just information. He’s lived the highs of professional sports, faced life’s challenges, and dedicated himself to helping others discover their purpose. He understands that developing successful people is even more important than developing successful athletes. Dejon has an amazing gift for making people laugh, think, reflect, and believe in something greater than themselves—all in the same presentation! His energy is contagious, his delivery is powerful, and his message about identity, leadership, perseverance, and personal responsibility is exactly what this generation needs. If you’re looking for a speaker who can command a room, connect with the audience, and leave people motivated to become the best version of themselves, Dejon Jernagin is your guy! He’s not just delivering a speech—he’s making an impact!” — Coach Eric Scott Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator Sacramento State University"

Eric Scott Offensive Coordinator , Sacramento State Football