We recently connected with Jeff Trotter and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jeff, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Bend Dxnt Break wasn’t born in a boardroom or a brainstorming session—it came from the heart, born out of raw experiences, personal struggles, and a desire to serve others. The journey began during my time mentoring youth through Memphis Athletic Ministries. I noticed many of the kids were rapping Young Dolph’s songs, but the messages they were consuming didn’t always reflect the strength, hope, and resilience I wanted to instill in them. I started writing my own music with positive messages about faith, brotherhood, and the challenges of life. When I performed around Memphis, I decided not to wear big-name brands like Nike or Adidas—they didn’t represent the deeper purpose I was working toward.
So I created my own hoodie, with just a simple design, and wore it to these performances. The students I mentored named it *Bend Dxnt Break*. That phrase stuck because it spoke to the exact message I wanted to deliver: resilience in the face of adversity, faith in the midst of struggle, and the power of community. Soon, people began sharing their own stories with me—stories of how they resonated with the phrase because they, too, were bending under life’s pressures but refusing to break.
The turning point came when my students wore those same hoodies to basketball games, church events, and school. They weren’t just wearing clothing—they were representing a mindset, a story of overcoming. I knew this wasn’t just a product; it was a movement. Bend Dxnt Break wasn’t just apparel—it was a bridge between fashion, mental health, and community.
What made this idea feel worthwhile to me was how deeply it connected with people. I wasn’t just solving one problem—I was addressing a layered issue that no one else was truly speaking to at the intersection of sports, faith, and mental health. For so many young athletes, life off the court can feel like a constant struggle. Whether it’s the pressure to perform, the weight of unmet expectations, or the unseen battles with mental health, these struggles often go unacknowledged. I knew from my own experience as an athlete—someone who faced setbacks, injuries, and battles with ADHD—that young people needed both practical tools and encouragement to face life’s challenges.
The unique approach of Bend Dxnt Break is the way it ties a personal story of resilience to a broader purpose. The brand isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling seen, supported, and inspired. From the name itself to the bold designs and messages, it invites people to embrace their brokenness as part of their strength. That’s what excited me the most—the opportunity to redefine what strength looks like and create something bigger than myself.
When we launched the Bend Dxnt Break Mental Health Summit, bringing in athletes like Pacman Jones, Tony Allen, and others, it confirmed that this wasn’t just my story—it was a story that resonated across communities. We weren’t just selling hoodies or hosting events; we were creating safe spaces for conversations that needed to happen.
The logic of why this would work was simple: I believed in the power of authenticity. I wasn’t selling a product—I was sharing a purpose, a truth, and a community that people could see themselves in. Bend Dxnt Break isn’t just a brand; it’s a reminder that while life may push us to our limits, we don’t have to break. That’s the vision that drives me every day.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Jeff Trotter, the founder of Bend Dxnt Break, a brand and nonprofit rooted in resilience, faith, and the power of community. My journey to this point has been anything but conventional—it’s been shaped by personal struggles, hard-fought victories, and a deep passion for uplifting others. Growing up in Southwest Atlanta, I was a high school basketball phenom who dreamed of making it to the NBA. But life threw me a few curveballs. I battled injuries, mental health challenges, and a constant feeling of having to prove myself. That struggle for identity and purpose ultimately led me to create something far bigger than myself.
I got into this industry by recognizing a gap—not just in athletic apparel, but in the stories and support systems we offer young athletes. I’d spent years mentoring youth, coaching basketball, and working with community organizations. Time and again, I saw the same struggles I’d faced: pressure, self-doubt, and the weight of expectations. What really pushed me was the realization that so many of these young people lacked not just guidance but a safe space to process their struggles. That’s when I knew Bend Dxnt Break could be more than a brand—it could be a movement.
What We Provide
Bend Dxnt Break is both a lifestyle brand and a nonprofit organization. On the apparel side, we design high-quality, bold, and meaningful athletic wear—hoodies, T-shirts, and accessories—that speak to resilience and mental toughness. Every design tells a story, whether it’s overcoming adversity, standing strong under pressure, or finding strength in community. On the nonprofit side, we focus on mental health and youth development through programs like the Bend Dxnt Break Mental Health Summit, where athletes, entertainers, and community leaders come together to share their stories and empower others.
We also provide mentorship, life skills workshops, and scholarships, all aimed at equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive—not just in sports, but in life.
What Problems We Solve
Our work addresses several key issues:
1. Mental Health Stigma: Especially in sports, mental health is often overlooked or stigmatized. We create safe spaces for conversations and provide resources to help people heal and grow.
2. **Lack of Representation:** We aim to show that strength doesn’t always mean being unbreakable. It’s about bending without breaking, embracing vulnerability as part of the journey.
3. **Access to Opportunities:** Through our nonprofit initiatives, we help young athletes access mentorship, training, and resources they might not otherwise have.
What Sets Us Apart
What sets Bend Dxnt Break apart is its authenticity. This isn’t just a brand; it’s my life story woven into every product, program, and initiative. I’ve lived the struggles of being an athlete under pressure, balancing mental health, and trying to find purpose beyond the court. That personal connection resonates deeply with people, and it’s why the brand feels so relatable.
Our dual focus on apparel and mental health also creates a unique blend of purpose and style. When you wear our gear, you’re not just making a fashion statement—you’re making a statement about who you are and what you stand for.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made in our community. Seeing young people light up when they realize they’re not alone, hearing stories of how the Bend Dxnt Break message has helped someone through a tough time, or watching our Mental Health Summit grow into a must-attend event—it’s all a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and community.
What I Want You to Know
At the heart of everything we do is this message: *Your struggle is not your identity. It’s a stepping stone to something greater.* Whether you’re rocking our apparel or attending one of our events, we want you to feel inspired to keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws your way.
Bend Dxnt Break is more than a brand, it’s a mindset, a mission, and a movement. Together, we’re proving that while life may bend us, it doesn’t have to break us to the point of despair.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most defining pivots in my life came after I was released from the Canton Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G-League team, due to an ankle fracture. At the time, I was riding high from practicing with NBA players like Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Mike Conley, and Andre Iguodala, and I felt like I was finally on the verge of achieving my dream of playing in the NBA. When the injury happened, it wasn’t just a physical blow—it was an emotional and psychological one. My dream, the one I’d poured my life into, suddenly felt out of reach.
I returned to Memphis to heal, both physically and emotionally. At first, I felt lost. What was I supposed to do now? Basketball had been my identity for so long. That’s when I decided to pivot—not away from basketball entirely, but toward something bigger than the game itself. I began working full-time with Memphis Athletic Ministries, mentoring youth and coaching basketball. It wasn’t the path I had envisioned for myself, but it became a purpose-filled mission.
In working with these young people, I realized that many of them were dealing with the same struggles I had faced: pressure to succeed, mental health challenges, and the weight of expectations. This pivot helped me see how my story could inspire others, and it planted the seed for what would eventually become Bend Dxnt Break.
This shift taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and purpose. Pivoting didn’t mean giving up on my dream—it meant redefining it. I wasn’t just playing the game anymore; I was using the game as a tool to build up the next generation. That decision to pivot not only gave me a new sense of purpose but also laid the foundation for a brand and movement that’s changing lives.
Sometimes, the pivot isn’t the plan, but it becomes the plan that makes the most impact. For me, the transition from chasing the NBA to creating Bend Dxnt Break was proof that God’s purpose is often found in what feels like a detour.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that illustrates my resilience goes back to my college years at Clayton State University. I had worked my way to earning a basketball scholarship after a standout high school career, but during my senior year, just two days before the season started, my scholarship was taken away due to an NCAA clearinghouse technicality. Everything I’d worked for felt like it had been ripped away in an instant.
I was left with a tough choice: drop out or find a way to pay for school on my own. I couldn’t quit—I had come too far. I took a job at Quiznos in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, working the early morning shift to cover my tuition. My days started at 3:45 AM when I’d catch a bus and a train to the airport, work until noon, and then head to campus for classes that went late into the evening. Sometimes, I barely had time to eat or even catch my breath.
Balancing work, classes, and my dream of playing basketball was exhausting. I had to negotiate a payment plan with the school, becoming the first student at Clayton State to pay for classes while taking them. It was uncharted territory, but I wasn’t going to let circumstances define my future.
The emotional toll was immense. I struggled with self-doubt, frustration, and the physical fatigue of those long days. To make matters worse, I was dealing with undiagnosed ADHD, which only added to the chaos in my life. I often forgot assignments, misplaced things, and had to work twice as hard to stay organized and focused.
Despite all of this, I managed to graduate. Crossing that stage wasn’t just a personal victory—it was proof that resilience and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles. That experience taught me that while life may throw unexpected challenges your way, you have the power to adapt, persevere, and rise above them.
That journey is a big part of why Bend Dxnt Break exists today. It’s a reminder to myself and others that life will bend you, but it doesn’t have to break you. It’s about finding strength in your weakest moments and knowing that with faith and determination, you can overcome anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: bxbsportswear.com & bxbcares.org
- Instagram: @benddxntbreak
