​About Us

The Jaylon "6" McKenzie-Rising Star Foundation was created to continue the legacy and excellence of Jaylon “Jay” McKenzie whose life tragically cut short on May 5, 2019 while attending a high school party. Jay was a football phenom and exemplified excellence on and off the field. Jay expressed an interest in football at an early age, and his first word was appropriately “ball”. His talent was undeniable, and he was featured in the November 2018 issue of Sports Illustrated in an article titled, “Six Teens Who Will Rule the Future of Sports.” Jay, who played running back, receiver and defensive back came into national prominence in August 2018 at the NFL’s 8th Grade All-American Game in Canton, OH, where he caught five passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Although Jay had not even started high school, he had already received scholarship offers from University of Missouri and University of Illinois. Jay also excelled at track and basketball, but football was his 1st love.

The Foundation will focus on helping other kids excel at life, academics and sports. It will instill in the community the core traits that made Jay a great scholar, athlete and individual-dedication, tenacity, humility and practice.