Growing up in a close-knit family in Mansfield, Texas, Jeromey Clary learned early on about the powers of love and hard work. “The way my parents interacted with each other taught me a lot. They showed me how I should love my wife; how to be a good husband.” His father built up a successful business over the years, and consistently set high character standards for young Jeromey to emulate. His parents’ positive influence has had a lasting effect on him. This is revealed by the abundantly giving spirit that defines Jeromey and his program, Clary’s Crew.
On the gridiron, Jeromey takes his cues from his offensive line coach, Hal Hunter. He is also inspired by the leadership qualities of center Nick Hardwick and fellow lineman Cory Withrow. Like them, Jeromey is no stranger to hard work. His determination to reach his goal of playing professional football in the NFL led him to an early graduation from college.
In the summer between junior and senior years he took 18 units in order to make this happen. Thus enabled with extra time to get his body into top physical shape for the NFL combine, Jeromey was drafted in the sixth round by the San Diego Chargers. He became a starter in 2007, only his second season in the league. His motto is, “No one works harder than me. Nobody.”
Jeromey knows that a strong work ethic and determination can move mountains. He acknowledges how much children benefit from mentorship programs; however, at the same time he believes that sometimes well-intentioned hardworking parents need a helping hand, too. His vision is to be someone who provides a “hand up”, not a “hand out”. A “hand up” could be tuition for one last course to achieve a long-pursued degree. It could be the laptop necessary for a struggling entrepreneur, or a power tool for a carpenter.
He would like to provide the means that leads to life-changing success. In this fashion, just like his fierce blocking at right tackle, he can help to “clear the way” and make a real difference in the lives of some of San Diego’s hardworking parents. When this can happen, the entire family benefits.
