Duke
Fergerson
Head Coach
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THEY
CALL HIM, "COACH DUKE" There
was a time when Duke Fergerson would have
had trouble reading this sentence.
Fergerson was almost out of high school
when he realized he was nearly functionally
illiterate, his SAT scores a combined 540.
But, despite what his scores might indicate,
he had learned some important lessons. As
a young boy, he had a paper route and had
developed a strong work ethic. In trying
to keep up with or outshine his two older
football-playing brothers, he had developed
a healthy taste for competition. And, in
having a mother who believed in him, he
had learned to believe in himself and to
never give up.
Although Fergerson grew up poor in Merced,
California, he always saw a world beyond
it. And, at a young age, he knew that hard
work and football would be his way out of
poverty – into a world he would create
for himself.
He attended Merced Junior College, took
heavy course loads and worked with tutors.
Offered a football scholarship by Washington
State, he accepted, did well academically
and athletically, then transferred to San
Diego State, where he earned a political
science degree in and was drafted into the
National Football League.
From 1976 to 1983, Fergerson played wide
receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle
Seahawks and Buffalo Bills. Even when playing
pro football, Fergerson never stopped hitting
the books. Humbled by tutors much younger
and constantly teased by his teammates,
but continued taking courses and advancing
his studies.
At the end of his NFL career, Fergerson
settled on the West Coast, developing a
successful career in finance. In January
1986, he moved to Boston and applied to
Harvard Business School. He was accepted
to Harvard in April and began his studies
that fall.
A decade later, Fergerson found himself
working in Harlem for a real estate development
company owned by Roger Staubach, his former
Cowboys teammate.
When Duke discovered there were no football
teams for Harlem’s high schools, it
was a void he couldn’t leave empty.
There was too much to be gained through
football: scholarships for some, the lessons
of teamwork, the experience of believing
in something and making it happen and learning
what you’re made of.
So Duke Fergerson, 19 years after quitting
pro football, is now Coach Duke, working
to help a group of young men develop their
football skills and life skills.
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Keenan
Davis
Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator
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Born
and raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas ... Davis
attended college at Louisiana State University
(LSU). Walked-on to the football team his
freshman year. Had a short career because
of a leg injury ... maintained his
love for sports by working in various capacities
in college athletics (student newspaper, campus
tv station and counseling) ... Finally, in
his senior year, Davis found a niche in the
Sports Information department, where he was
a secondary contact for the annual NCAA Track
and Field champions as well as a key contributor
publicizing their nationally-renown Fighting
Tiger football team ... After completing his
degree in General Studies, Davis attended
Grad school for one year in communications
before he landed his first professional job
with the Chicago Bulls ... Davis worked in
the front
office in the publicity department for the
2000-2001 s eason where he learned how to
publicize a professional football team, schedule
media appearances and coordinate interviews
in a metropolitan area... The summer of 2001,
Davis embarked upon the next move of his career
which was included a move to the National
Football League Headquarters in New York City
... He has been a member of the Communications
and Public Affairs department of the League
Office for three seasons ... Davis has covered
two AFC Championship games, three NFL Combines
and one Pro Bowl ... He also is a member of
the Playboy All-American football selection
committee ... This past may, Davis joined
the Harlem Hellfighter staff as the defensive
coordinator/assistant head coach ... Davis
will continue to coach and assist the team
in all phases throughout the 2004 season.
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Barnet
Silver
Director of Communications
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Barnet
Silver is a Communications Professional with
over 25 years experience. He has worked for
some of New York City’s top ad agencies
creating national campaigns in print, TV and
interactive media. He has serviced Fortune
500 Companies such as Procter & Gamble,
American Express, Volkswagen, Canon and Verizon.
Barnet is a senior manager
adept in strategic planning, branding, and
delivery of effective creative solutions
using all integrated media. He is currently
responsible for building and maintaining
a first class image for the Harlem Hellfighters
football organization.
As Communications Director, Barnet engages
all national and local TV networks as well
as newspapers and magazines to insure consistent
press coverage of all team events.
In
addition, he serves as a media advisor to
the players on an individual basis, helping
them develop an on-camera presence. Barnet
has been with the Harlem Hellfighters since
September 2003 bringing his expertise to
help them launch their first competitive
season.
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