Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Brookins.
Hi Troy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is quite interesting on how I started and how I got to where I am today. I grew up in the inner city of Cleveland, OH in low-income housing. I do not like to complain much about that because it truly developed a person that I had no idea I’d become. The housing projects were called Garden Valley. I met some lifelong friends there and I also lost a lot of friends due to murder or ones that failed victim to the system, either way those boys will forever be my brothers. Along the journey, there were other friends that started to become like brothers to me from other neighborhoods that my neighborhood didn’t quite get along with. King Kennedy, Case Court, Unwin, 30th, those projects were all surrounding my high school (East Tech) and were also places where I established a solid group of friends, despite the troubles it would bring in my own neighborhood. Fast forward a couple of years, ended up heading off to college (Tiffin University Division II) on a partial scholarship after losing all of my big offers (Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan, Miami, USC and UCLA) due to the lack of my test scores. Most of the colleges that offered me a full-ride my junior year were all BIG schools.
Throughout the years at Tiffin University, I went on to achieve some high accolades and eventually made some leaps to have the potential to play at the highest level. After my three years of playing in Tiffin, back home a lot of adversity was set forth and I dropped out of school to try and help out financially at home. During that time, I became a bit lost, confused and utterly disappointed in myself because all I wanted to do was play football! I finally got enrolled back into school, different university this time (Urbana University) where I give all thanks to God, family and coaches. I was at a place of discomfort and misunderstanding and the only thing that kept me going was God. After college, I went on to play for multiple teams in the NFL Cleveland Browns, St Louis Rams (currently LA Rams) and other teams. Had the opportunity to play in Germany and a few arena football teams as well. After football started to die down, I started to seek other opportunity and direction.
Again, distractions came and confusion set in. At the end of 2018, I decided to pack my things and move across the country with no job, no work lined up, no direction and lastly no ANSWERS! I got to LA and got to work despite the challenges that I also began to face here. Today, I am featured and recurring on a hit tv show called All American, Disney project titled Stargirl where I play Ron Kovak and an Amazon Prime movie where I play Jeremih. 2020 has brought some battles, I’m sure it has to us all but the moral of the story is to seek what you feel you need and drive towards that no matter the deserted or empty feeling that you may have. Your answer is just around that mountain that you fail to go just a little further on.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road and I don’t think that it will ever be. Just know that when the road gets bumpy it is just to prepare you. It means you’re hitting another milestone and to get through those trying times mean that you’re accomplishing another goal and the same problems that bothered you before will not stand a chance.
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?
My work is genuinely something I do from the heart. I have learned that the more you do from the heart, the less you will want to have a break from it. I have grown to really fall in love with the craft. I am a full-time actor and what sets me apart from others is my knack for success in such a place where it’s easy to lose your focus. I am most proud of my drive, my hunger, my heart to remain good though it has been tough to organically meet good people with those same intentions. I challenge myself often to stay true to myself no matter what comes from this, either way I just appreciate the journey. Also, just created my own company titled “A Move to LA” for people starting out in Los Angeles without any guidance or services to help them get their foot in the door and on the right track. More details to come on that, but we are officially open and running as a company!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Along my journey, I have learned that there isn’t any way to attract what you want rather than going to get it yourself. By that I mean, going through the things that surface with good intent no matter the bad that has developed along the way. Pay attention to the signs and do everything from a place of happiness. Granted, we are not always going to wake up and be positive but fight every one of those thoughts because our mind will steal or own joy before we know it. Especially during such a time like now.
Pricing:
- Services $250/month
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.troybrookins.com
- Instagram: whostroy
- Twitter: @troybrookins
Image Credits
Getty Images Rob Regpala
