John Kenneth Wright's life was profoundly impacted by his time playing football at Asbury Park High School, where he discovered his talent in sports and developed a focused drive. Excelling in football, John earned All-State honors in football. His athletic prowess led him to Virginia Union University, where he played for Coach Tom "Tricky" Harris as a four-year starter on both the offensive and defensive lines, balancing athletics with academics. John was captain of the football team his senior year and was named the Most Valuable Player, selected to the All-CIAA and All-American Squad that same year. John signed his professional football contract with the New England Patriots in 1971. When his football career ended due to injuries, John returned home furthering his education with an M.A. in Urban Education from Montclair State in 1972 and another M.A. in Guidance from Jersey City State in 1975. His journey highlights a commitment to both sports and learning, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.

John’s coaching career began at his alma mater, Virginia Union University in 1975 as a defensive line coach. John not only helped to build championship football programs at Virginia Union, but also at Norfolk State University and Hampton University. While at Norfolk State University, John helped put together an offensive football machine that gave NSU its last football championship. At Hampton University with Coach Joe Taylor, he served as assistant head coach, offensive line coach, special teams coordinator and sponsor of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He assisted in the development of an offense that couldn’t be stopped. They went on to win seven conference championships. In 1998 John was named Assistant Football Coach of the Year for NCAA Division I-AA. John was named Head Coach at four institutions, Albany State University, Kentucky State University, Johnson C. Smith University, and Elizabeth City State University. Not only did John help develop championship teams, he also was and remains instrumental in developing character in young men and mentoring young coaches. Some former players have gone on to play for the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens. They’ve become accountants, medical doctors, dentists, health care executives, preachers, principals, high school teachers/coaches and college coaches, ranking officers in the military. In addition to his busy coaching career, John was very active in his church, serving as chair of the deacon board, leading the men’s fellowship, teaching men’s Sunday School, serving on the stewardship team, and teaching new members’ classes. After a distinguished career, John retired from teaching and coaching in June of 2015. However, his “retirement” has been anything but quiet; he continues to serve as a consultant and mentor to the numerous young men he has had the privilege to work alongside, teach and coach over the decades. Today, John resides with his wife Karan in Suffolk, VA and is the proud father of four and grandfather of five.

Favorite quote is from Dr. David Jeremiah,

"Life’s worst case scenario is to play the game of life without God as your partner".