Buckle Up: Mekka Don’s Playbook for Purpose and Perseverance

Former OSU Star Reinvents Himself as a Motivational Author

By Donerik Black, The Dayton Weekly News

When you think of a college football star, you may not immediately picture a rapper, an attorney, or an author. But Mekka Don has never followed the expected playbook—and

now, he’s written his own.

Born Chukwuemeka Nnamdi Onyejekwe, the former Ohio State Buckeye wide receiver has

added yet another title to his multifaceted resume: published author. His new book, Buckle Up: The Playbook: 5 Winning Plays for Go-Getters, is part memoir, part motivational guide, and fully grounded in real-life grit.

In a candid and inspiring interview with Dayton Weekly News, Mekka Don opens up about the

turns in his journey, the power of community, and the lessons he hopes will resonate most—especially with young Black men navigating their own path to greatness.

DWN: Your story is one of reinvention—athlete, artist, actor, lawyer, and now author. What inspired you to write this book, and why now?

Mekka Don: I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years, but at the core of it all has been a desire to chase purpose, push past limits, and inspire. Writing Buckle Up came from a place of reflection—looking back on my wins, failures, and pivots, and realizing the lessons I learned could help someone else. With all the uncertainty in the world today, I felt now was the time to share the plays that helped me bet on myself. It’s part memoir, part motivation, part blueprint.

DWN: How did your experience at Ohio State shape your perspective on perseverance and success?

Mekka Don: Being a student-athlete at Ohio State meant navigating pressure and high expectations while balancing academics and football. It taught me that success isn’t just about talent— it’s about discipline and how you respond when things don’t go your way. I had to figure out who I was beyond the jersey, and that mindset has carried me through every pivot since.

DWN: The title Buckle Up suggests a wild ride. What’s the message you most want readers— especially young Black men—to take from this book?

Mekka Don: I want them to know that their path may not be straight, but it’s still valid. You don’t have to fit into one box. This book is about owning your story and doing what others won’t. Your dreams are possible—but you’ve got to stay locked in, ready for adversity, and willing to work. Buckle up—because your ride matters.

Mekka Don - rapper, actor, athlete, lawyer.

DWN: How do your many identities—rapper, actor, athlete, lawyer— show up in your writing?

Mekka Don: They’re all part of the same story. Being an athlete taught me teamwork. Law sharpened how I think. Music helped me express what words couldn’t. Acting taught me empathy. When I write, I bring all of that with me. That’s why Buckle Up feels real— it’s not theory, it’s lived experience.

DWN: How do you stay grounded through the ups and downs?

Mekka Don: Faith, family, and purpose keep me centered. I celebrate small wins, journal, stay active, and talk to my people. Vulnerability is strength. What keeps me moving forward is knowing someone needs to hear the message— that they might believe in their power because I didn’t quit.

DWN: For young people here in Dayton who feel like their dreams are out of reach, what would you say?

Mekka Don: I’d say this: your environment doesn’t define your possibility. Dreams don’t have zip codes. You can pop from anywhere. All it takes is one move, one decision, one “yes” to yourself. Buckle Up is for you—because if I can do it, so can you.

DWN: How have your faith, family, and community helped guide you?

Mekka Don: They’re everything. Faith gives me peace. Family holds me accountable. And my community—from Ohio State to Columbus to Dayton— has poured into me in ways I can’t repay. You don’t rise alone. You rise with your village.

DWN: Can you give us a sneak peek into one of your most personal chapters?

Mekka Don: Chapter 4: “Go to War with Self-Doubt.” That chapter is deeply personal because I’ve battled that silently, often. Whether it was leaving law or entering new spaces, doubt always came knocking. But I moved anyway. That chapter is for anyone fighting that silent war. You’ve got more in you than you know.

DWN: How do you define success today?

Mekka Don: Success is alignment and impact. Not titles or trophies—but doing work that reflects who I am and helps others. If someone is inspired to move, heal, or believe because of me, that’s success.

“Buckle Up: The Playbook” is a guide for any go-getter or individual ready to make some positive change in their life. In the book, Mekka Don gives 5 “Plays” that helped him fight to overcome self-doubt and the pressures of societal norms. Many of us go through life feeling stuck, insecure, and unsure of what to do next. This book will change that! Get the book on Amazon and find more from Mekka Don at MekkaDonEnterprises.com

DWN: Is this book the start of a new chapter?

Mekka Don: Without a doubt. This is a seed. I want to bring The Playbook to schools, prisons, and boardrooms—anywhere people need to be reminded of their power. More books, music, talks, and my documentary Buckle Up: The Soundtrack of Champions, which drops June 16 on YouTube — it’s all part of the mission. I’m just getting started.

DWN: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Mekka Don: Huge shout out to my mentor Gene Smith for writing the foreword, and to my business partners Hall of Famer Cris Carter and his brother Jeff Davis for their support. Follow me @MekkaDonMusic and check out my website www.mekkadonenterprises.com. Thank you for the love, Dayton.

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Buckle Up: The Playbook: 5 Winning Plays for Go-Getters is available now. Whether you’re navigating a pivot, chasing your first dream, or climbing your next mountain, this book delivers the plays and the belief to get you there.