Damien Anderson is a professional athlete who believes that involvement in his community is the key to inspiring youth to view sports as a tool used to attain goals, and further believes a good education is the foundation to attaining those goals. Damien has used his passion for football and education to create NU Life Foundation and Planetgridiron.com; programs that create awareness and facilitate change. With over 23 years of experience on the field and in the classroom, Damien’s focus is to assist student athletes in reaching their athletic and educational goals by providing them with the tools needed to reach their highest potential, on and off the field.
Prior to reaching his goal as a running back for the Arizona Cardinals, Damien earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Northwestern University where he was accepted with a football scholarship. As the starting running back for Northwestern University Wildcats, Damien was an All Conference Selection, an All-American, a Heisman finalist, and currently holds the school’s record as the all-time leading rusher; rushing for over 4,485 yards.
Damien Anderson lives in Chandler, Arizona where he spends time with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children; Drake, 9 and Sophia, 2. Whether coaching his children in youth programs or volunteering with his wife in the community, Damien is making a commitment to stay involved and bring awareness where it matters by representing athletes and students everywhere.