AAMU Alumnus Now in his 6th Year with the NFL

Da’Vonta Ealy is going into his second year as the Baltimore Ravens Football Video Operations Coordinator. His remarkable journey to the NFL began as a high school student in Dothan, Alabama.

“I started filming practice and games during my freshman year,” says Ealy. “My coaches told me I could get a scholarship in video and that they would introduce me to every coach who came through the door. My senior year, I met Brent Pradia, the outside linebacker coach at Alabama A&M, and he told me they needed a video coordinator. I visited the campus and met then head coach James Spady, who promised me a full scholarship. I took him up on his offer.”

Ealy’s journey continued when he arrived on The Hill.

“I met my best friend Marlon Sanders, Jr. during Student Orientation and Registration (S.O.A.R.) before our freshman year started,” says Ealy. “We were roommates for that one night on campus. When we got back to campus, we ended up being in the same classes, and kept crossing paths. I posted the football team was looking for videographers via Twitter, and Marlon was one of the first to be interested. We worked together our entire time at Alabama A&M and were roommates.”

Now, both alumni work in the NFL. Sanders is a video assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles and credits Ealy for his persistence in reaching the NFL. This past season, they were side by side filming a game in the same booth. 

Ealy earned his communications media degree at AAMU in 2019.  He says he and Sanders gained tremendous experience shooting video for the AAMU Bulldogs Football Team. That’s when he also started expanding his network.

“Another former Alabama A&M alumnus and football player, Anthony Lanier II, recommended me to the video department when he was with the Washington Commanders,” says Ealy. “Mike Adams, the Assistant Video Director for the Commanders, reached out to me letting me know they didn’t have anything available at the time, but he wanted me to keep in touch.”

Ealy did, reaching out to Adams for advice on skills he could improve on.

“Going into my junior year, the Commanders had an internship available, and I got the opportunity I had been waiting for,” says Ealy.

Ealy served a one-year internship with the Commanders in 2018-2019, the Tennessee Titans in 2019-2020 and the Atlanta Falcons in 2020-2021.

“I was looking for an opportunity in the NFL, so I reached out to Mark Bienvenu, Vice President of Football Video Operations with the Ravens, asking if he knew of any teams hiring. While speaking with Mark, he asked if I wanted to be in consideration for a season-long internship with the Ravens. I got my opportunity in May of 2022.

On January 16, 2023, before his internship ended, the Ravens hired Ealy full time. His role as Video Operations Coordinator involves more than just shooting great video.

“A typical day involves getting to the office at least an hour before meetings start,” says Ealy.
“I set up meeting rooms for the coaches and players, making sure projectors are on and video is playing smoothly. Then, we’re on standby for other meetings in case anyone needs help. Throughout the morning, it’s important for us to get our cameras and replay system set up for practice,” he adds.

Ealy says in between meetings and practice, he handles computer work and helps coaches and
scouts.

“I film what is assigned to me, and I breakdown the equipment after practice is over. Then, it’s back to computer work and being a helping hand wherever needed. The best part of my job is filming, I love it!”

Ealy says his ultimate goal is to become a Video Director in the NFL.

“My family is proud, and they want me to continue on the path that I’m on, continue to break generational curses and keep being an example to the younger generation in our family.”

Ealy also has a message for students who want to follow in his path.

“Take the internships to get the experience, learn as much as possible and make connections, and never give up. No matter what, always believe in yourself.”

(Photos courtesy the Baltimore Ravens)