Devin Gardner, a Detroit native and former Michigan quarterback, recently spoke about the driving forces behind his "Young Go Getters" program, a mentorship effort he funds entirely to guide young football players.
Growing up in Detroit’s Smith Homes and Brightmoor projects, Gardner faced a lack of a father figure and navigated aggressive neighborhood dynamics that shaped his resilience and work ethic.
Mentorship Rooted in Detroit
The program began with mentees such as Dante Moore, Dequan Finn and Ahlon Mitchell, later expanding to include Austin Mitchell, who sought better treatment on his team, illustrating the program’s impact beyond skill development.
Gardner’s experience mentoring has informed his broadcasting approach, where he breaks down complex football concepts for casual viewers while maintaining depth during critical moments.
He predicts that the 2024 college football season will feature heightened parity, giving teams across divisions a realistic chance to compete, a trend he believes will test the preparedness of programs nationwide.
Reflecting on player compensation, Gardner notes that while new financial opportunities can benefit athletes, they also bring challenges that may affect long‑term development and success.
Although he could have transferred from Michigan, Gardner chose to stay, citing personal confidence in his ability to compete, and even requested a move to receiver rather than quarterback, a decision rooted in his self‑assurance.
He also praised Pat Fitzgerald’s leadership at Northwestern and highlighted Michigan State’s potential to win between three and five games this season, underscoring his belief in the competitiveness of the Big Ten.
At the core of his philosophy is service, a principle inspired by the mentors who guided him growing up, and he encourages his mentees to view mentorship as a reciprocal exchange of knowledge and support.