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Danielle Beverly

Danielle Beverly is a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness and a living testament to resilience. A former college athlete and high school basketball coach, Danielle was enjoying life in 2003 as she pursued a teaching certificate, while also preparing to expand her family with her husband, Eric Beverly, an NFL player with the Detroit Lions. However, at 29 years old, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer. Following a bilateral mastectomy and successful reconstruction, Danielle seemed to be on the road to recovery.

But the battle was far from over. In March 2005, just a year after her first surgery, Danielle was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. At only 31, she underwent six months of chemotherapy, and despite the grueling treatment, she triumphed over cancer and celebrated her 32nd birthday in remission. Unfortunately, just a few years later, during her pregnancy with her daughter Lia, she discovered a lump in her left breast. Once again, Danielle faced cancer, and after giving birth, she underwent surgery, radiation, and hormonal therapy.

In June 2022, after living nearly 15 years cancer-free, Danielle received her fourth breast cancer diagnosis—Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. She recently completed radiation and is currently undergoing a regimen of daily medication, along with regular monitoring. Despite the challenges, Danielle remains strong and committed to living beyond breast cancer, with Eric and Lia by her side every step of the way.

Today, Danielle’s remarkable journey serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by breast cancer. Having fought—and won—against breast cancer four times, Danielle is a powerful example of living life to the fullest, no matter the obstacles.

Eric R. Beverly

Eric Beverly is a former NFL player who enjoyed a successful 10-year career in professional football, spending seven seasons with the Detroit Lions and three with the Atlanta Falcons. His playing career came to a premature end after Danielle, his wife, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time. Faced with the need to support his family, Eric made the difficult decision to retire from the NFL, prioritizing his role as a husband and father to their daughter, Lia.

Off the field, Eric demonstrated a commitment to education and professional development. In 2006, he completed the prestigious NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program at Harvard Business School. His off-season experiences included internships with the NFL league office and Kmart Corporation, as well as serving a term as team representative with the NFL Players Association, highlighting his leadership and business acumen.

After retiring from football, Eric transitioned into higher education, where he made a significant impact at both the University of Georgia and the University of Texas. From 2008 to 2012, Eric served as the Coordinator of Academics for Football and Academic Counselor for Soccer at Georgia, where he helped the football team achieve some of the highest term GPAs in the university’s history and contributed to the team's top 10 ranking in APR scores among the nation's top 25 football programs.

In 2012, Eric joined the University of Texas, where he served for five years as the Assistant Athletics Director for Student Services. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing academic support programs and personal development initiatives for the football team. Eric played a key role in evaluating the initial eligibility of prospective student-athletes and managed daily operations related to academic performance and support for football student-athletes. His leadership ensured effective communication and coordination between academic staff and student-athletes, fostering both academic success and personal growth within the program.

From 2012 to 2017, under Eric’s guidance, the University of Texas football program consistently ranked at the top of the Big 12 Conference in Graduation Success Rates (GSR) and Academic Progress Rates (APR), reflecting his commitment to student-athlete achievement both on and off the field.

Currently, Eric serves as the Director of Operations at the Tulane University Center for Sport, where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the Center’s diverse programs. In this capacity, he manages a team of over 30 employees, provides strategic direction, ensures financial oversight, and coordinates both internal and external communications.

Eric is responsible for the development, facilitation, and management of clinical, research, educational, and community programs designed to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and groups in the sport industry. He plays a key role in driving the Center’s tactical initiatives while managing a budget exceeding $6 million annually.  In addition, Eric directs the planning, design, and execution of external promotional initiatives, aiming to raise awareness and secure support for the Center’s mission and programs.

Eric’s journey from professional athlete to higher education administrator underscores his versatility, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.