Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Gray.
Hi Aaron, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Aaron Gray and I am 24 years old. Originally from Washington D.C. and raised by a single mom with my little brother and older sister. As well as my grandparents. I first began playing rugby in 10th grade of high school. I had just transferred to a new school in Washington DC and was hoping to be able to play baseball at the school. At the time baseball was my #1 sport. Once I found out they did not have a baseball team, during the season the school was playing something called “rugby” that I have never heard of. I had always played sports throughout the whole school year. So, one day I decided to go out to rugby tryouts and give it a go. After playing in my first ever rugby game, right then I had new that I would fall in love with this sport. Throughout the remaining years of high school, I had continued to play rugby and develop my skills and play for All-Star teams and different men’s clubs while in high school. When it was time to decide what I was gonna do for college, it was between going to school to play football or rugby. Ultimately Rugby had my heart and I chose to continue playing in college. I attended Kutztown University for college and played rugby there all my years. While at Kutztown I continued to develop my skills and gain many honors playing rugby. Rugby gave me the opportunity to travel to places I have never been and meet many different types of people. I had also attended different All-American camps and even had the opportunity to represent the USA Men’s Falcons in Fiji and other tours. My college coach Doc Jones always believed in me and he gave me the opportunity to showcase my talents. In my senior year in college, I decided to enter the major league Rugby collegiate draft, not knowing what would come from it. This is only the second year that the MLR had done a collegiate draft. Out of the hundreds of people that declared for the draft, less than 40 players would actually get drafted. My goal was to always be a professional rugby player but I do not know exactly how I would get there. The MLR Draft what is a great opportunity for me. I was selected as the 14th pick overall in the second round by Dallas Jackals. The Dallas Jackals are the 13th team in MLR and this is the first year that they are entering the league. I am very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of a brand-new franchise and be able to learn, develop, and grow with them. Right after graduating in December 2021, only a few weeks later I packed up and moved to Texas right before the start of the season. I am very excited to be in Texas and bring a part of the community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part it has been a smooth road but it has also been a long road. The in Fiji and other tour’s goal was to live my dream of being a professional athlete. There has been struggles along the way, but I knew in order to accomplish my goal it would take a lot of hard work. Determination, and even some sacrifices.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional rugby player for the Dallas Jackals. A professional rugby team in the MLR (Major League Rugby).
I am known for my speed and my ability to evade defenders with my steps/jukes and quick feet. I am most proud of
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years I See Major League Rugby continuing to grow in America and the league will expand from 13 teams to even more. I also see rugby becoming more popular in America and young kids will start to play rugby from a young age.
Contact Info:
- Email: Gray.jackals@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyguy_aaronn/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.gray.102
Image Credits
Amir Gray
Olly Laseinde
