The Need to Believe

About the Book

THE NEED TO BELIEVE — ONE MAN’S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, is a book that depicts the inspirational life of Donovan J. Rose and his belief at an early age, that anyone can accomplish anything in their life, if they develop “THE NEED TO BELIEVE.” Faced with obstacles, hurdles and setbacks throughout his upbringing, Donovan continued to prevail and he applied the basic principles that his parents embedded in him as a child. Donovan’s parents had a profound effect on him and his siblings growing up. His mom always put family first and provided love, guidance and endless possibilities for her family to obtain. His father, “Joe Rose to his friends,” was a legend in his own right. He made more imprints on more lives that most people could make in two lifetimes. Even though Donovan was the youngest child, he learned and picked up a lot from his family. As an adult, Donovan continued to raise the bar and provided illustrations of how anyone who develops “THE NEED TO BELIEVE” can obtain them. Donovan became an outstanding human being; a great people person; God-Fearing; loving family man; a great coach; youth advocate; outstanding athlete; organized; developed a strong intellect; accountable; compassionate; prompt and a professional. To find out more about Donovan and to gain insight into his blueprint for success, I urge you to buy this book, “THE NEED TO BELIEVE — ONE MAN’S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.

About the Author

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Donovan J. Rose was born in 1957, to Joseph and Ednae Rose. His HBCU-educated parents were a driving force in his decision to attend Hampton Institute, join the football program, and earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. After graduating from Hampton and earning several All-American honors, Donovan worked his way into the world of professional football, both American and Canadian as a walk-on! Only four players were drafted at Hampton Institute prior to Donovan graduating in 1979. (HU players drafted—Lucien Reeberg, nineteenth round, 1963; Anthony Andrews, seventh round, 1968; Ed Tomlin who is Mike Tomlin’s father, Pittsburg Steelers, tenth round, 1968; and Reggie Doss, seventh round, 1978). Donovan played with Reggie Doss, Hall of Fame Defensive End on defense for three years. Reggie played a big part in Donovan’s development and mindset. Even though Donovan did not get drafted, he continued to believe and made the most of all his opportunities. In 1980, Donovan signed as a free agent for the Kansas City Chiefs as a defensive back and started at nickel back during his rookie year. The following year Donovan signed with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL and played three years, before getting traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he led the team in interceptions and helped Winnipeg win the 1984 Grey Cup Championship. During his option year, Donovan was contemplating going back to the NFL. After Winnipeg gathered the news, they traded Donovan to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. That year the Hamilton Tiger-Cats won the Eastern Conference Championship. After playing for five years in the CFL, Donovan decided to test the waters in the NFL and played two years with the Miami Dolphins and led the team in interceptions in 1986. Donovan retired from the Miami Dolphins in 1988. Over the years, Donovan developed a special interest and talent in mentoring youth dating back to his days in high school, college, and as a professional athlete. Donovan has also coordinated his efforts with educators, businesses, and community leaders, to develop educational and athletic programs, which motivate youth and prepare them for a successful life. From 1989 to 1991, he helped implement strategies and direct targeted groups such as SUPER Teams (Students United with Pros to Encourage Responsibility). From 1992 to 2008, Donovan was the executive director for the JET (Job Education Training) Corps, a prominent summer and year-round program for local at-risk youth. From 1992 to the present, he directed the HOPE (Hampton Opportunity Program for Enhancement) program, which was initiated out of a concern of the university for the plight of Black males in today’s society. He also sponsored several football camps (youth and professional) during his career. Donovan remains an accomplished professional with over twenty-three years of experience at his alma mater Hampton University in coaching, recruitment, and fundraising. After a distinguished career playing in the National Football League/Canadian Football League, coaching at his alma mater, and developing youth programs, Donovan decided to take a sabbatical from Hampton University in 2013. After contemplating his next move, and talking it over with his wife and family, Donovan decided to come back to Hampton University. President Harvey then offered Donovan the position of assistant athletic director for development at HU. This inaugural program (Hampton Nation) was one of many that Mr. Rose implemented or started at Hampton University. Since 2016, Donovan has added several positions to his resume, such as being named the director of operations for athletics, representative for Under Armour, and currently he is the assistant athletic director for event management. Donovan has had a remarkable career in playing and coaching at Hampton University and has influenced and motivated thousands of people, as well as playing for three Hall of Fame coaches in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). In addition to having a remarkable career, Donovan is extremely blessed to have a loving and supportive family. We hope that you enjoy Donovan Rose’s first book, The Need to Believe: One Man’s Commitment to Excellence.