“One Team One Family” are the aspiring words of Taj Mustapha, a proud father and coach who's always up for a good challenge.
Born in Chicago, he was a four-year varsity football player who graduated from Northwood High in 1997. During his youth career he started three seasons at running back, averaged 4.6 yard per carry, was selected Second Team All-MIFC and received The Jack Finn Award for outstanding leadership on and off the field.
After our Coach of the Week finished his youth sports career he moved to Detroit where he met and married Christina Malone. Coach Taj and his wife are the proud parents of four boys Tony, Jay, Taj Jr. and Caprisse.
As Coach Taj’s children began to participate in youth sports, he decided to join the South Eastern Michigan Pop Warner Football League. His first coaching role was with his son Taj Jr's, Mighty-Might team.
He wrote that he was very surprised when the Motor City Chargers asked him to help out as a prominent coach. Motor City is a large youth organization serving Detroit youth ages 5-15. Coach Taj felt his participation would be a great opportunity to get more involved with Motor City family. And he has certainly become a staple in the program.
For the past two years, he has not only coached, but become a mainstay on the Motor City staff. He is now the elected commissioner for the Chargers, sitting on the SEMPWFL governing body. Furthering his volunteer time, he also manages two additional teams, the Jr. Midgets and the Mighty-Mites.<
Coach Taj wrote that he considers his teams a part of his family, and he’s thankful for the support that comes from his extended youth sports network. The Motor City Chargers are heading into their 5th year with the SEMPWFL, and have a great future ahead of them. We are sure to see more great accomplishments from Coach Taj.
Off the field, he has worked as an account manager at the United Parcel Service (UPS) for more than 10 years. He furthers his community service outreach by working with UPS’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program, which promotes the importance of community involvement.
Coach Taj's Keys to Success:
• Character
• Communication
• PMA (positive mental attitude)
• Determination to succeed on and off the field through hard work
Thank you, Coach Taj, for your inspiration and drive!
If you have a coach you’d like to nominate, send an email to nominate@weplay.com.
