Clemson Football Alumnus, John Wright Jr., Gives Back to Benefit P.A.W. Journey

CLEMSON, S.C. – IPTAY has announced that former Clemson Football player, John Wright, Jr. (’10) and his wife Courtland (’12), have made a significant contribution to Clemson Football’s P.A.W. Journey Program. This gift will help fund programming for holistic development of Clemson Football scholar-athletes, cultivating them to become first-class men and world-class leaders.

“I am extremely thankful for my time at Clemson University. I can honestly say that if not for the amazing teammates and coaches that I was around at Clemson I would not be the husband, father, and business leader that I am,” said Wright. “My time at Clemson helped mold me into the man I am today, and this is just a small way for me to say thank you and more importantly, invest in the next generation of Tiger leaders!”

Wright earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management with a concentration in Real Estate and a Minor in Accounting in December of 2010. While at Clemson, he was a defensive tackle for the football team from 2006-2010 where he walked on, earned a scholarship, and lettered in his final two seasons.

“John’s heart is always in the right place; he’s a truly special person,” remarked Antoine McClain, Director of Former Player Engagement and Development. “P.A.W. Journey is thrilled with John’s generous contribution to support the future of Clemson Football scholar-athletes. John is always willing to extend his valuable insight and resources to his Clemson brothers, exemplifying his deep passion for their holistic development as future leaders. John and Courtland Wright are shining examples of first-class individuals!”

John has worked in commercial real estate since 2012 and in 2020 became President of McCoy Wright, Inc., his family’s fourth-generation commercial real estate firm based in Anderson. He has been involved with several projects that have been well publicized and helped grow the local economy.

John is also very passionate about public service as evidenced by his current service on the Anderson County Council, the IPTAY Board of Directors, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Anderson University Board of Visitors, and Ten at The Top Board of Directors. He is a graduate of Leadership Anderson and is also an active member of NewSpring Church. In 2018, John was recognized by the Clemson University Young Alumni Council as one of the “Roaring 10” – young alumni who have made an impact in business, leadership, community, educational and/or philanthropic endeavors.

“John has been an extremely valuable addition to the IPTAY Board of Directors and we are thankful for his additional commitment to the P.A.W. Journey,” said IPTAY CEO Davis Babb. “He has an evident passion for supporting both Clemson University and Clemson Athletics, and we are grateful to have him as an active member of the guiding force and leadership behind fundraising efforts for Clemson student-athletes.”

P.A.W. Journey is a leadership initiative that holistically develops Clemson Football scholar-athletes through personal growth, life skills, and professional development. P.A.W., an acronym for “Passionate About Winning,” encourages football student leaders to maintain a continually competitive posture towards all aspects of the journey of life. This journey prepares each young man to apply their leadership, while also challenging them to seek new victories in their careers, communities, and households.

John and his wife, Courtland, reside in Anderson, S.C. with their three sons, Brazeal, Ballard, and Jack.

For information on how to support Clemson Football and P.A.W. Journey, contact Antoine McClain, Director of Former Player Engagement and Development at 256-689-5874 or amcclai@clemson.edu. If you are interested in learning more about sport-specific giving for all Clemson Athletics programs, visit this site or contact IPTAY at (864) 656-2115.