Rodney Addison: Mr America 2024
Rodney Addison – Bio
Rodney Addison is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and fitness expert focused on revitalizing underserved communities in New Jersey, particularly Paterson. As President of the Onyx Repository Foundation, he has spearheaded initiatives driving economic growth and job creation, with successful ventures like Pull-Up Rideshare and Chowdown food delivery, collectively creating over 400 local jobs. Rodney is deeply committed to circulating dollars within these communities to strengthen local economies.
For the past 17 years, Rodney has been a dedicated nutritionist, combining his knowledge of health and fitness with his entrepreneurial spirit. Over the last 10 years, he has also made his mark as a natural bodybuilder, placing 1st in every competition except four, showcasing his discipline and dedication to peak physical performance. His commitment to natural bodybuilding is reflected in his recent triumph at the prestigious 2024 Mr. America Open Bodybuilding Championship in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
In addition to his community efforts, Rodney is the founder of Deliberate Nutriti, a sports supplement company that promotes holistic well-being and peak athletic performance. Through this platform, he encourages both youth and adults to lead healthier, more active lives. Rodney views his success in natural bodybuilding as a platform to advocate for health, fitness, and mental discipline, particularly in underserved communities.
The Mr. America competition, established in 1939, is one of the world’s oldest and most respected natural bodybuilding contests, focusing on peak physical conditioning, mental discipline, and drug-free competition. In October 2024, Rodney’s victory in this prestigious event highlighted his rigorous preparation and dedication to fitness. Beyond the competition, the Mr. America Organization supports public servants such as firefighters, police officers, and underserved youth through wellness initiatives, which align with Rodney’s mission of bringing accessible fitness resources and wellness programs to underserved communities in New Jersey.
Juwann Winfree - Indianapolis Colts
Juwann Winfree is a professional football player known for his resilience and versatility on and off the field. A standout wide receiver at the University of Colorado, Winfree was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He has since played for the Green Bay Packers (2020–2022) and currently contributes to the Indianapolis Colts roster. Throughout his NFL journey, Winfree has been recognized for his work ethic, leadership, and commitment to giving back.
Beyond his professional career, Winfree is the founder of Juwann Winfree & Friends Youth Football, an initiative focused on mentoring and inspiring young athletes. With a passion for public speaking and community engagement, he frequently makes appearances to motivate youth and fans alike. Looking ahead, Winfree is preparing for a post-football career in coaching and sports broadcasting, continuing to impact the game from the sidelines and the screen.
Michael Olajide - #2 middleweight contender
Michael Olajide Jnr was Slick, Smart and aptly nicknamed Silk because of his exceptionally smooth footwork and hand speed. He came to limelight in his boxing career April 10th 1985 when stopped Wayne Caplette in the ninth rounds to capture the Canadian Middleweight title. Michael Olajide Jnr became the toast of boxing fans in Canada and one of the biggest names when added the World Athletic Association Middleweight title to his collection stopped Sukavera Ve in the ninth rounds. Michael Olajide Jr power and heart make him one of the most exciting fighters in the World. October 10th 1987 earned a shot for Vacant IBF Middleweight title in an explosive and thrilling fight with Frank Tate after 15 gruelling rounds Michael Olajide Jnr lost and failed in his first Championship Fight.
Marvin Washington - New York Jets
Washington was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 1989 NFL Draft as the 151st overall pick. He played eight seasons with the Jets, serving as a starter for six of those years. In 1992, he led the team with a career-high 8.5 sacks, followed by a personal-best 71 tackles in 1993.
Following his tenure with the Jets, Washington played one season with the San Francisco 49ers, then joined the Denver Broncos, where he earned a Super Bowl ring. He returned to the 49ers for his final NFL season in 1999.
Over the course of his 11-year career, Washington appeared in 155 games, starting 96 of them. He totaled 40.5 sacks, 386 tackles, and 10 forced fumbles.
Mike Bantom - Phoenix Suns
A 6’9″ power forward/center from Saint Joseph’s University, Bantom won a silver medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics as a member of the United States national basketball team, who lost a controversial final game to the Soviet Union. He was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the eighth pick of the 1973 NBA draft, and he embarked upon a nine-year NBA (1973–82) career as a member of the Suns, Seattle SuperSonics, New York Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Philadelphia 76ers. He earned All-Rookie Team honors and ended his NBA career with 8,568 total points, 4,517 total rebounds, and 1,623 total assists.
Since retiring as a player, Bantom has served as the licensing manager for NBA International, the NBA International director of marketing, the NBA senior vice president of player development, and the executive vice president of referee operations
Kym Hampton - New York Liberty
Kym Hamptonis a retired professional basketball player, model, actress, and singer. Drafted 4th overall in the 1997 WNBA Elite Draft, she played three seasons as the starting center for the New York Liberty, following a 12-year pro career in Europe. Hampton retired in 2000 due to knee issues.
Known for her consistent performance, she averaged 9.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in her rookie season and helped lead the Liberty to the WNBA Finals in 1997, recording a double-double in the championship game.
After basketball, Hampton transitioned into modeling and entertainment, appearing in national campaigns for CoverGirl and Lane Bryant, and featured in Essence, Glamour, and on ABC’s The Revolution, where she returned to her playing weight through a televised transformation.
Adrienne Goodson - ABL & WNBA
Adrienne Goodson is an American former basketball player, a 6-foot forward who played professionally for 14 years, in Brazil, the ABL, and the WNBA. Active in the community and a guest speaker to numerous groups and schools across the country, Goodson received the 2003 WNBA Off-Season Community Assist Award and for six seasons was a spokesperson for the WNBA’s Mind, Body, and Spirit and Read to Achieve programs. In 2003, Goodson was invited by then First Lady Laura Bush to the Third Annual National Book Festival organized by the Library of Congress. She also served as an Ambassador in the Land O Lakes Hoops 4 Africa program in 2005.
