DJ James Brings the Spark to the Orlando Storm
Welcome back to Queen Media, your home for all things sports and the official Queen Media Sports Report. Before we dive into today’s exclusive spotlight, make sure you head over to our store and check out the new Miami Vice Collection for our hats and gear—it’s the perfect look for hitting the streets or the stands.
Today, we are beyond excited to officially welcome the newest member of the Orlando Storm: DJ James.
DJ has barely unpacked his bags here in Florida, but he’s already making a massive impact on the field. From his powerhouse high school days to the bright lights of the NFL, and now bringing his undeniable talent to Orlando, DJ sat down with us to talk about his journey, his roots, and what’s next for the Storm.
🏈 Iron Sharpens Iron: The High School Days
DJ’s path to the pros started at Spanish Fort High School in Alabama, playing for the Toros. When you're playing high-level high school ball in the South, you're going to face elite competition, but DJ credits his early development to the environment and the people around him.
He gives massive props to his high school coaches, Coach Blackman and Coach Atlas, for preparing him day in and day out—from the weight room to the grass. But it wasn't just the coaching; it was the locker room. DJ shared the field with absolute ballers like the Johnston brothers (Tyler and Thomas) and his fellow pro, Chris Drain, who currently plays for the Denver Broncos. Having that level of D1 and NFL-bound talent on the same high school squad made transitioning to the next level that much easier.
🌲 A Culture Shock in the Pacific Northwest
Leaving the South for the Pacific Northwest to play for the University of Oregon Ducks was no small leap. As DJ put it, it was a definite "culture shock." The weather was different, the food was different, and the vibe was a complete shift from Alabama.
But true to his nature, DJ adjusted. He found his footing by leaning on a great group of friends, coaches, and teammates that he still communicates with to this day. The welcoming environment at Oregon allowed him to lock in and focus on what he does best: locking down receivers.
💚 Forever a Duck
Despite the initial culture shock, DJ’s time in Eugene left a permanent mark on him. He didn't just survive the transition; he thrived and built a deep connection with the program.
"Oregon's my heart," DJ told us, making it clear that he never wanted to leave. It’s a sentiment we hear often from athletes who make the trek to the Pacific Northwest. The culture out there—the ease of the transition once you're in the building, the way the community embraces the players—makes it a special place to play. DJ's love for Oregon is absolute proof of the powerhouse culture they've built out there.
⚡ Bringing the Storm to Orlando
DJ’s pro career kicked off when he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. It was a thrilling moment, made even better by the fact that he was joining a squad that already featured some of his former Oregon teammates, keeping him on the familiar West Coast.
But now, DJ is bringing his talents to the Sunshine State, and he has wasted absolutely zero time making his presence known. In Game 1 with the Orlando Storm, he jumped a route, secured the flat pick, and took it straight to the house! When asked about joining the team's winning culture, DJ kept it humble but hungry: his goal was simply to provide a spark and prove to his coaches and teammates that he's a guy they can count on to make a play.
Up next? The Storm is heading to Fort Hood to play in front of the troops, taking on a Cavalry unit renowned for their die-hard football fandom and their massive 1st Cav horse patch. DJ is hyped for the opportunity to showcase his love for the game in front of the men and women who serve our country.
Oh, and before we let him go, we had to ask the most important question: Does the Orlando Storm have the coolest uniforms in the league? Between our "Orange Crush" look and the iconic Fort Hood 1st Cav gear, DJ didn't hesitate. The Storm's flying colors take the crown.
A huge thank you to DJ James for stopping by the Queen Media Sports Report. God bless our troops! We can't wait to see you back out there on the field making plays for the Orlando Storm!
