Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaylen Fowler.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From an early age, I was always on the move. I started playing football at just five years old, and it quickly became my passion. I spent most of my Pop Warner years with the North Jax Sports Association, with a brief period at the Oceanway Sports Association, continuing to play through middle school and into high school. I began my high school journey at Trinity Christian Academy, surrounded by gifted athletes who all shared the dream of making it to Division I football.
But my path took an unexpected turn. At just 15, during my sophomore year, I suffered a complete ACL and MCL tear—a devastating injury for any athlete, especially one with dreams of going pro. While I pushed through and continued playing football, the injury ultimately ended my basketball career. It was during the recovery process, through rehab and strength training, that I discovered something new: a deep passion for fitness and personal development.
In 11th grade, I transferred to First Coast High School to continue my football journey, then returned to Trinity for my senior year. I graduated with the Class of 2020 from First Coast High School and went on to play college football for two years at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to hang up my cleats and return home to Florida. Leaving football was hard—it had been a huge part of my identity for so long—but I knew it was time to pivot. Even after stepping away from the sport, my love for training never left. I stayed committed to the gym and continued to push myself physically and mentally.
I later transferred to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, where I earned my degree in Criminal Justice in December 2024. While studying at FAMU, I remained closely connected to my hometown of Jacksonville. I often heard from friends and family that the city hadn’t changed much, and that reality was disheartening—especially knowing how much potential Jacksonville holds as the largest city by land area in the U.S.
While scrolling through social media during my time in Tallahassee, I came across community run clubs from major cities like Brickell Run Club in Miami and Run It Up Dallas in Texas. Seeing their energy, purpose, and sense of community sparked something in me. I thought to myself, “Why doesn’t Jacksonville have something like this?” That thought quickly turned into action. I teamed up with my brothers Jerome Jordan III and Rique Bentley, and together, we launched the Jacksonville Run Club—built from the ground up with community, health, and unity at its core.
Today, I’m proud to be a Florida A&M graduate, a member of the Florida Air National Guard, a certified personal trainer, and the founder of the Jacksonville Run Club. My mission is to lead by example and inspire others to take control of their well-being. I promote not only physical fitness, but also the importance of hygiene, mental health, and self-care—because true wellness is holistic. It’s about showing up for yourself in every aspect of life.
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. That injury at 15 felt like a detour at the time, but it ultimately led me to my greater purpose. Now, I get to serve my community, lead with intention, and live out my passion every day. I’m just getting started—and the sky’s the limit.
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?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. Tearing my ACL and MCL at just 15 years old was a major setback that shifted the course of my life. It impacted my dreams of playing Division I football and ultimately making it to the NFL. At the time, it felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away. But in that challenge, I found something greater—I discovered a deeper strength within myself and uncovered a new passion for fitness, discipline, and growth.
Another personal hurdle was my reserved nature. I’ve always been more introverted—someone who preferred to stay out of the spotlight and keep to myself. While I wouldn’t call it a barrier, stepping into a career in fitness and taking on the role of a community leader definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone. It challenged me to find my voice, build confidence, and become someone others could look to for guidance and motivation.
Those struggles helped shape the person I am today. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of stepping up—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Growing up, I was widely recognized for my talent on the football field. Being a standout athlete opened many doors, but eventually, that chapter came to a close—and a new purpose began to unfold. Today, I’m a certified personal trainer, running coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping others lead more active, healthy, and meaningful lives.
I’m also the founder of the Jacksonville Run Club—a vibrant and growing community focused on fitness, connection, and purpose. Through weekly group runs and local engagement, we’re creating a space where people from all walks of life can come together in pursuit of better health. My approach to wellness goes beyond physical fitness. I also emphasize the importance of hygiene, mental health, and emotional well-being because true health involves caring for the whole self.
What sets me apart is that I’m humble, driven, and self-motivated—but more than anything, I move with purpose. I have a deep desire to see people win, whether that’s through fitness or a simple conversation. I don’t move for attention—I move with intention, always aiming to leave every space and person better than I found them.
What I’m most proud of is the journey itself. Overcoming injury and redefining my identity wasn’t easy, but it led me to a greater calling. Now, I get to inspire, lead, and serve my community through a mission I’m truly passionate about—and that’s something I’m deeply grateful for.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, I give all the glory to the Most High God. Without divine guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today or living the blessed life I’ve been entrusted with. I’m beyond grateful to my parents, Sean and Chatoya Fowler, for raising me with strength, discipline, and love—and for shaping me into the man I am today. I also want to thank my little brother, Jamari Fowler, and my older sister, Nae Davis, for always standing by me and offering unwavering support. My deepest appreciation goes to my grandparents as well, whose love, wisdom, and encouragement have guided me through every stage of life.
And lastly, I want to thank myself—for staying focused, persevering through adversity, and continuing to grow with purpose, no matter the circumstances.
Pricing:
- 1:1 In-Person Training – Contact Me
- 1:1 Online Training – Contact Me
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pensight.com/x/jaylenfowler
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylendfowler/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaylendfowler
- Other: Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@jaylenfowler
