We were lucky to catch up with Jordan Knox recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Life is full of crossroads, and at every turn, we face a choice—play it safe or take a risk. My journey has been defined by calculated risks, each one shaping my path toward purpose and impact.

It all started with a devastating injury. As a baseball player at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, my dream was to play Division 1 baseball. That dream was nearly shattered when I suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, one that could have ended my career entirely. Rehab was slow, progress was minimal, and doubt crept in. I made my first major risk—I fired my physical therapist and took my recovery into my own hands. It was a bold move, but by the grace of God, my relentless determination paid off. I returned to the field 2.5 months ahead of schedule, proving to myself that calculated risks, backed by faith and hard work, yield extraordinary results.

My next major decision came when I chose to step away from baseball—not because I had to, but because I felt a deeper calling. I wanted to make an impact beyond the game, using fitness and sports as a tool to help others. In 2017, I started working at Fundamental Fitness, learning the business while building my own brand. I was stepping into the unknown, but I knew this was the next step in my journey.

The risks didn’t stop there. After gaining valuable experience, I faced a defining moment—I had to leave my mentor and boss and fully trust my abilities. On January 6, 2018, I opened Fort Knox Fitness LLC, my very own gym in Wichita, Kansas. This was my dream becoming a reality, but it was also a massive risk. Would people trust me? Could I sustain the business? I pushed forward, knowing that growth requires stepping into discomfort.

As I built my gym, another passion started to emerge. Teaching. I took the leap and finished my graduate program in education, landing a job as a Physical Education teacher at a Day School. There, I discovered my gift for working with troubled youth, kids who had been overlooked and counted out. This realization led me to my next big risk—creating something bigger than myself.

On November 6, 2020, alongside Craig Nicholson and Daniel Aleman, we launched Untamed Athletes Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to mentorship, fitness, and providing a safe space for at-risk youth. This was more than just a gym or a training program—it was a movement to uplift young lives through discipline, guidance, and opportunity. The impact was immediate, and I knew this was my true purpose.

After five years of teaching, I faced my biggest risk yet—walking away from a stable career to fully commit to my nonprofit. No safety net, no guaranteed paycheck, just faith in my vision and the community I wanted to serve. Today, I am 100% dedicated to Untamed Athletes Inc., working every day to keep Wichita’s youth safe, empowered, and on the path to success.

Each risk I took wasn’t reckless—it was intentional. I didn’t just jump; I prepared, I believed, and I executed. Taking risks has not only elevated my life but has allowed me to elevate others. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s this: the greatest rewards come when you trust yourself, embrace discomfort, and take that leap of faith.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Jordan Knox is a dedicated mentor, coach, and community leader who thrives on transforming lives through discipline, structure, and personal development. With a deep passion for working with athletes, he approaches training with a systematic, carefully prescribed method that considers not just physical growth but also stress from practice, performance, and injury recovery. Beyond athletics, Knox is committed to mentorship, guiding young people through life’s toughest battles, helping them develop mental resilience, leadership skills, and a fighter’s mentality.

As the driving force behind Untamed Athletes Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Wichita, Kansas, Knox has created a movement that goes beyond sports—it’s about family, unity, and development in all areas of life**. Untamed Athletes serves youth ages 10-23, with an emphasis on mentorship, character building, and academic and career readiness. The program is 100% free because, in Knox’s words, **“A child’s life shouldn’t have a price tag.

Untamed Athletes Inc.: More Than a Program—A Safe Haven

Untamed Athletes Inc. provides a **structured, high-accountability environment for youth, many of whom face instability, financial hardships, or legal troubles. The program partners with schools, probation offices, law enforcement, and community organizations to reach the kids who need it most.

Key Programs & Initiatives:

Athletic Development & Training

At Untamed Athletes Inc., we believe that true development goes beyond the game. Our Athletic Development & Training program is designed to push youth both **physically and mentally**, sharpening their skills through structured performance training and competitive opportunities.

Every training service is considered a charitable membership. That means when athletes invest in their growth, they’re also investing in the future of those in need. **50% of each membership is tax-deductible**, allowing us to expand our reach, provide more resources, and open doors for youth who might not otherwise have access to high-level training and mentorship.

Mentorship & Leadership Development – Programs like the “Comeback Kid Initiative” and “Victory in the Trenches” teach goal-setting, accountability, and life skills.

Untamed 180 Program – A transformative program for court-involved youth, helping them reintegrate successfully through mindset training and personal growth.

Post-Secondary Pathways – Career and trade partnerships with 5-STAR Mechanic and Legends Barber College.

Scholarship Initiatives – Supporting high-achieving student-athletes through academic and community service-based awards.

Community Support– Providing hygiene supplies for students in need, fostering a sense of dignity and self-worth.

At the core of Untamed Athletes is the “Motto: Aim. Train. Change.” This philosophy embodies the mission of helping young people aim for something greater, train with discipline, and change their lives for the better.

Untamed Athletes is not just a nonprofit—it’s a movement designed to break cycles of struggle and create a new generation of disciplined, resilient, and purpose-driven young men and women. Under Knox’s leadership, the brand represents **strength, mentorship, and transformation**, with a long-term vision of establishing a boarding school for at-risk youth** that combines academic, athletic, and vocational training.

With the mindset of **U v. U**, Jordan Knox and Untamed Athletes Inc. continue to push the next generation to unlock their full potential—mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I wouldn’t trade this profession for anything. This work doesn’t feel like work—it’s a calling. The opportunity to build genuine relationships and deep connections within the community makes every moment meaningful. Watching individuals overcome obstacles, crush their goals, and grow into their full potential is the ultimate reward. Knowing I played even a small role in that transformation? That’s priceless.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Be genuine from the start—genuine in your why, your mission, and how you treat people. Let your faith in God guide your thoughts, actions, and purpose. When you move with authenticity and a heart full of faith, everything else falls into place. Love what you do, trust the path He’s laid out for you, and watch how He works through you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.untamedathletesict.com
• Instagram: @coachknoxua
• Facebook: Untamed Athletes Inc (has a man as profile picture)

Image Credits

Steeze Marketing