Coach Jeff Young is an inspirational writer and motivational football coach. A former college running back and rock guitarist, Jeff began having trouble holding a guitar pick in 1983. This led to an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) diagnosis and medical prognosis of death within three to five years. Thirty-one years later, not only does he continue to befuddle medical experts, but he has also turned his tragedy into a triumphant role inspiring people the world over. With arms, hands, and legs nearly useless, and a progressive and fatal neurological disorder hanging over his head, Jeff has spent three plus decades creatively developing ways to remain positive and optimistic. He learned just how individualistic happiness, motivation, and optimism are when he saw individuals getting everything they wanted in life and were still unhappy pessimists, while many in wretched circumstances remained cheerful optimists. He made it his mission to learn as much as he could about how to be happy, motivated, and optimistic, and to share this knowledge with as many others as possible. He began sending out Jeff’s Inspirational Quotations, a biweekly inspirational email message of his findings and philosophy, and quickly received feedback from nearly every corner of the world in the form of praise and from those seeking advice. Impressed with Jeff’s writings, in 2004, legendary high school football coach Steve Coury asked Jeff to join his coaching staff for motivational and inspirational reasons. When both saw the incredible impact his message had on the lives of Coury’s athletes, his role increased from a weekly inspirational letter to the team to include mentoring individual players and teaching leadership skills to team leaders. About Coach Jeff, Coury says, “I have been coaching for 30 years with aspirations of making a difference in young men’s lives. Coach Young has a profound impact on every life he touches.” After many bitter “close, but no cigar” playoff losses, in 2011, amidst tears of joy, the state championship trophy was presented to Coach Jeff in one of the great moments in Oregon high school football history. Jeff has been featured in numerous local and national publications including Positive Thinking Magazine, and written motivational speeches for companies like Standard Insurance. He’s been featured in broadcast features on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Comcast Sports, CBS College Sports, and ESPN. Jeff is also part of America’s PremierExperts®, a leading organization that recognizes experts from across the country. ESPN Sports Center Anchor Neil Everett recalls, “While at ESPN, I heard the story of a guy in Oregon doing remarkable things with young people on the football field. Jeff’s spirit soars and his words walk for him.” Despite some ominous signs of things to come for our world, Coach Jeff looks to future with the same optimism he’s handled ALS with, and lives to inspire others. Jeff is a 1985 graduate of The University of Oregon and single father to daughter Priya. Connect with Jeff at: [email protected] www.friendsofjeff.com www.twitter.com/CoachJeffQuotes www.twitter.com/CoachJeffYoung www.facebook.com/LO48Coach www.youtube.com/coachjeffyoung48