The D’Sean Perry Foundation
Honoring a life of leadership, love, artistic expression, and athletic dedication.
“D’Sean’s legacy lives on — a force of positivity, artistic creation, and community empowerment for young athletes.”
“Bigger Than Me”
“Whatever I do in the future, I will make sure that whoever has helped me become successful will receive something in return. All I want to do is make my family and the city I'm from proud.”
— D'Sean Perry, High School English Essay
“Even though there was hate and adversity, we turn it into motivation and overcame those odds.”
— D'Sean Perry, on the power of teamwork
“D'Sean was a loving, giving, caring, God-fearing young man who made his family proud. Football and art was his passion, but the love that he had for his family, friends, and community was proven time and time again...”
— Sean & Happy Perry, Parents
“D'Sean was a delightful, respectful, hard-working person who was one of the best overall young men our communities had to offer. He had a fierce competitive nature, but he was kind and had a strong faith.”
— Earl Sims, Jr., High School Football Coach
More Than anAthlete
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, D'Sean Perry was a force of nature — on the field, in the studio, and in every life he touched. A standout at Gulliver Preparatory Academy, he earned the South Florida Conference's 2018 Defensive Player of the Year with 199 career tackles and 15 sacks.
At the University of Virginia, D'Sean wore #41 with pride as a linebacker and defensive end. A Studio Art major, D'Sean filled sketchbooks since childhood, earned awards for his ceramics, and created sculptures that blended mythology with self-expression.
Continuing WhatD'Sean Started
“The D'Sean Perry Foundation empowers youth through athletics, education, and community — carrying forward the spirit of a young man who believed everyone deserved a chance to shine.”
Youth Athletics
Free football camps and sports mentorship programs empowering young athletes in Miami and beyond to pursue their dreams through discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
Education
Scholarship programs for student-athletes who embody D'Sean's spirit of academic excellence, artistic passion, and dedication to personal growth.
Community
Holiday bike drives, outreach events, and initiatives that carry forward D'Sean's natural gift for bringing people together and lifting up his community.
Investing inTomorrow's Leaders
D'Sean Perry's Annual Bike Drive
Fulfilling D'Sean's personal dream of giving back to his community, the annual D'Sean Emir Perry Bike Drive provides hundreds of bicycles, helmets, and locks to local children every December. Hosted at the Second Baptist Church in Richmond Heights (Miami, FL), this signature event continues D'Sean's legacy of spreading joy, community safety, and opportunities for young kids.
The D'Sean Perry Memorial Scholarship
Supporting student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically, honoring D'Sean's dual passions for the game and the arts. Recipients are selected for their character, leadership, and commitment to community.
- Academic achievement
- Athletic dedication
- Community leadership
- Creative expression
Youth Development Grants
Funding youth football camps, art workshops, and mentorship programs in Miami and Charlottesville — creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential, just as D'Sean did.
- Football camp sponsorships
- Art & creativity workshops
- Mentorship connections
- Equipment & resources
Making aDifference
Every number represents a life touched by D'Sean's legacy.
Youth Impacted
Through camps, programs, and community events
Scholarships Awarded
Supporting student-athletes and creatives
Bikes Donated
Holiday bike drives in Miami communities
Community Events
Annual camps, drives, and memorial gatherings
Gathering inHis Honor
From football camps to community drives, every event carries D'Sean's spirit of bringing people together.
Annual Holiday Bike Drive
Miami, Florida
Providing bicycles to children in need during the holiday season — continuing D’Sean’s tradition of giving back to the Miami community.
Youth Football Camp
Miami, Florida
Free football camp for young athletes featuring coaching on fundamentals, teamwork, and character development.
Memorial Remembrance
Charlottesville, Virginia
Annual gathering to honor and celebrate the lives of D’Sean, Lavel, and Devin. A time for healing, community, and remembrance.
Art & Athletics Exhibition
University of Virginia
Showcasing D’Sean’s artwork alongside youth creations, celebrating the intersection of athletic excellence and artistic expression.
Memories ThatLive Forever
Words from those who knew and loved D'Sean.
D'Sean had this way of lighting up every room he walked into. His smile was contagious, his laugh was infectious, and his heart was bigger than anyone I've ever known.
He wasn't just an athlete — he was an artist, a poet, a musician. He saw beauty in everything and created beauty wherever he went. The world lost a true Renaissance man.
D'Sean taught us that you can be tough on the field and gentle in the studio. He broke every stereotype and showed that strength and creativity go hand in hand.
My son's legacy is not how he died — it's how he lived. He lived with purpose, with love, and with a fire to make everyone around him better.
He'd fill sketchbooks on road trips, play classical music in the locker room, and then go out and play like a warrior on the field. D'Sean was one of a kind.
From Gulliver Prep to Charlottesville, D'Sean left a trail of people who loved him. He had this gift of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room.
Continue HisLegacy
Every contribution helps us carry forward D’Sean’s vision — empowering young athletes, supporting students, and strengthening the communities he loved.