From First Black Starting Quarterback to Mentoring the Next Generation of Athletes | Greg Thomas
By Lana Reid | July 8, 2026
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Greg Thomasโauthor, coach, mentor, and speakerโto explore the journey that took him from becoming the first Black starting quarterback at both his high school and college to mentoring the next generation of athletes and leaders. Greg reflects on the determination, confidence, and resilience that shaped his own path and discusses how those experiences continue to influence the way he coaches and develops young people today. He also shares the inspiration behind his book Making Believers, which chronicles the remarkable journey of Plano East Senior High and the lessons that extend far beyond the football field.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Greg Thomas shares how perseverance, leadership, and purpose have guided both his athletic career and his life’s work as a mentor.
Greg reflects on the significance of breaking barriers as the first Black starting quarterback at both his high school and college. He explains how confidence, preparation, and resilience helped him navigate challenges while opening doors for those who would follow. Rather than viewing those milestones as personal accomplishments alone, he sees them as opportunities to expand what future generations believe is possible.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Greg explore the realities facing today’s young athletes. Greg discusses the pressures many students experience on and off the field, emphasizing that sports should help young people develop life skills that extend far beyond competition. He believes athletics provide opportunities to build discipline, communication, accountability, and perseverance that benefit individuals long after their playing days end.
The discussion also highlights the important role parents and coaches play in youth development. Greg explains why balancing healthy competition with enjoyment is essential to keeping young athletes engaged while supporting their emotional well-being. He also reflects on the many responsibilities coaches carry today, noting that their influence often extends well beyond teaching athletic skills.
Another key theme is leadership through character. Greg argues that developing integrity, confidence, and personal responsibility is just as important as improving athletic performance. His work as a coach and mentor focuses on helping young people become strong leaders, teammates, and community members regardless of whether they pursue sports professionally.
This episode offers valuable insights into mentorship, youth development, and how sports can become a lifelong classroom for leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
About the Guest
Greg Thomas is an author, coach, mentor, and speaker dedicated to developing young athletes and future leaders. Through coaching, mentorship, and his book Making Believers, he encourages young people to build character, resilience, and leadership skills that extend beyond athletics.
๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ด ๐ง๐ต๐ผ๐บ๐ฎ๐:
https://www.gregthomasconnect.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-thomas-284536253
https://www.facebook.com/greg.thomas.850190
https://www.instagram.com/greggtthomas08
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09XJQ9MGS/
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men whose leadership, lived experiences, and professional expertise inspire meaningful conversations about growth, purpose, and community.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Colorโs Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.