Fair Chance Employment At The LA Rams and Bank Of America

From the Streets to the Stadium: Jessie Rose’s Incredible Journey from Incarceration to the LA Rams

Early Years: A Rocky Start

Jessie Rose’s story is one of transformation and redemption. Jessie grew up in a world of constant instability; “Life wasn’t always stable; there wasn’t always structure,” Jessie reflected on his childhood. Despite the chaos around him, he found solace in sports, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball throughout his youth. But life had other plans for Jessie.

By age 15, Jessie had grown tired of the lack of stability in his life. He decided to take matters into his own hands and moved out to live independently. “I wanted to live life on my own terms,” he explained. Working at a Del Taco and crashing with friends, he tried to create a life for himself. But as a young man trying to navigate the world alone, he found himself increasingly drawn to crime.

The Descent Into Crime

The summer of 2014 marked a pivotal moment in Jessie’s life. At just 17, he attempted his first armed robbery. “I was scared, but I thought I could handle it,” Jessie recalls. One robbery led to another, and by the third, he was caught red-handed. Jessie was arrested and faced with the harsh reality of his actions. “I thought I’d get a slap on the wrist because I was a minor,” he admits. Instead, he was handed a 13-year prison sentence.

The gravity of his situation hit him hard when his public defender revealed that he was facing life in prison. “That was my aha moment,” Jessie says. Sitting in juvenile hall, he began to reflect on his life, his choices, and the impact his actions had on his victims, his family, and himself.

A Journey of Reflection and Transformation

Jessie’s time behind bars became a period of deep reflection and growth. “I knew I couldn’t change the past, but I could control who I became in the future,” he explains. With this mindset, Jessie poured himself into self-improvement. He immersed himself in books, expanding his vocabulary, and sought out every educational opportunity available.

“I became a bookworm,” Jessie says with a chuckle, noting how ironic it felt for a former athlete who had once avoided libraries. His thoughts began to change, his aspirations grew, and so did his determination to use his time in prison wisely.

The Path to Redemption Through San Quentin

After spending four years in various prisons, Jessie arrived at San Quentin State Prison, where his journey of transformation took a new direction. It was at San Quentin that Jessie became involved with the media center, thanks to encouragement from fellow inmates. One of those people was Maserati-E, who now co-hosts The Last Mile Radio. “Maserati-E really encouraged me to step into leadership roles,” Jessie recalls.

Jessie’s time at San Quentin allowed him to hone new skills and expand his understanding of life beyond the prison walls. “It was about preparing for life after prison,” he explains. “I took every opportunity I could to invest in myself, and it changed the trajectory of my life.”

A Second Chance with the LA Rams

Jessie’s commitment to self-improvement eventually caught the attention of The Last Mile, an organization dedicated to preparing incarcerated individuals for successful reentry into society through business and technology training. Upon his release, Jessie had a newfound sense of purpose, but reentry was still daunting. That’s when the opportunity of a lifetime appeared—Jessie was selected for the Los Angeles Rams and Bank of America Fellowship.

“It felt surreal,” Jessie recalls. “Here I was, a guy who never even dreamed of working for an NFL team, and now I was being given the chance to start a new life with the Rams.” The fellowship provided not only professional experience but also essential life skills such as financial literacy and mentorship.

Molly Higgins, the Vice President of Community Affairs for the LA Rams, had this to say about Jessie: “Jessie is an incredible example of what second chances can achieve. His attitude, work ethic, and humility have not only made him a great addition to the Rams family but also a beacon of hope for others in similar situations.”

The Support Behind Jessie’s Success

Jessie’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of key individuals and organizations. Stephanie Lomibao, of Bank of America, highlights how crucial partnerships are in creating second-chance opportunities. “Our partnership with the LA Rams and The Last Mile is about more than just giving people jobs. It’s about transforming lives, and Jessie embodies that transformation.”

Jessie is quick to credit those who helped him along the way. “I couldn’t have done this alone,” he says. “From the staff at The Last Mile to the team at the Rams, I’ve had incredible support every step of the way.”

The Power Of Second Chances

Today, Jessie Rose is thriving, not just as a member of the LA Rams team but as a living testament to the power of second chances. His journey from a troubled teen to a professional working in the sports industry is nothing short of inspirational.

For Jessie, the story is far from over. “This isn’t the end for me,” he says. “I’m just getting started. I want to keep growing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep giving back. If I can make it, anyone can.”

Molly Higgins’ advice to those still incarcerated is simple and profound: “Don’t let your past define you. Put in the work, stay focused, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. The opportunity will come—you just have to be ready when it does.”