Since working as a writer for Mocking the Draft, I have noticed how analysts will talk about a player, but never go to the source. In this case, that’s what I wanted to do. Today, we’ll give you some background story on Burfict and an exclusive Q&A will follow on Tuesday.
In the 1980’s Vontaze’s parents, Lisa Williams and Vontaze Deleon (Lonnie) Burfict were running with gangs on the streets of Central Los Angeles, one of the hardest neighborhoods in the United States. When most people outside the area think of gang activity and the streets of South Central, they think about prominent rappers like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Tupac, who glorified a "gangster lifestyle." His parents had to protect their image in a violent society where few people get out. It wasn’t always easy, but on Sept. 24 1990, things would change for Vontaze’s mother. She gave birth to Vontaze Jr., a chunky baby who changed the way she saw the world. No more than a few months later, Vontaze Sr. went to Texas with some friends and was arrested on possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Since then Vontaze Sr. has been in and out of prison and is currently serving a 25-year sentence for drug related charges. This was one of the toughest times for the mother of Vontaze Jr. She had to decide whether to stay in L.A. or move her family.
She moved back to her mother’s house in Corona, California but quickly found it was no different than Los Angeles. Instead of the Bloods and Crips running the streets, there were gangs like Vatos Locos.
Still, to benefit her family, Lisa had to change her lifestyle. She worked numerous jobs to provide Vontaze with a good upbringing. He grew up playing football with friends and family, and always dreamed of one day playing in the NFL.
But first, there were many obstacles in his way, on the field and off. At Centennial High School, a member of the Vatos Locos gang fatally stabbed his best friend Dominic Redd 13 times. That event drove Vontaze to better himself on the field instead of figuring out a way to retaliate. Soon after Redd’s death, Vontaze would become close friends withShelly Lyons and Brandon Magee who were both teammates. Vontaze, Lyons and Magee all made a pact to thrive at all phases in life.
