J.J. Outlaw: From NFL Player to NBA Coaching Star

In the world of professional sports, few career paths are as unique as that of J.J. Outlaw. As a high school athlete, he excelled in football and basketball, eventually becoming a coach in the NBA.

Early Life: A Two-Sport Star at Mount Saint Joseph

Outlaw, who was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, attended Mount Saint Joseph High School and excelled in both football and basketball. Even though he received several college basketball offers, Outlaw’s career took a decisive turn after reading an article about the camaraderie of NFL teams. The bond shared among football players made him choose to pursue football at the collegiate level, which would set the foundation for the next chapter of his life.

Villanova University: Making His Mark on the Gridiron

Outlaw, who was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, attended Mount Saint Joseph High School and excelled in both football and basketball. Even though he received several college basketball offers, Outlaw’s career took a decisive turn after reading an article about the camaraderie of NFL teams. The bond shared among football players made him choose to pursue football at the collegiate level, which would set the foundation for the next chapter of his life.

The Transition: From Football to Basketball

After Outlaw’s playing career ended, he confronted the daunting question that many athletes face: What’s next? Basketball was the answer for Outlaw, a sport he had always adored. He began humbly as the Director of Basketball Operations at Marist University (2010-2011), learning the administrative and developmental aspects of the game. In 2011, he landed an entry-level job in the Los Angeles Lakers’ video room, which was his big break. Outlaw entered this new professional sports role with the same level of dedication that defines his football career.

Climbing the NBA Coaching Ranks

The Lakers organization saw the rise of Outlaw as a demonstration of perseverance and skill. From the video room, he progressed to player development coach and then assistant coach, working under some of the NBA’s most respected leaders and with players such as Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. His success in Los Angeles paved the way for opportunities across the league.

He became an assistant coach and summer league head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies, where he grew to be known for his ability to connect with young players and encourage growth. Throughout the 2023-24 season, Outlaw was an assistant coach and summer league head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and spent several seasons with them. The Washington Wizards hired him as an assistant coach in 2024, marking another milestone in his coaching journey. His leadership and coaching acumen were showcased when he led the Wizards’ 2025 Las Vegas Summer League team.

Lessons from Football: Discipline, Preparation, and Teamwork

Outlaw’s success in basketball coaching is not a coincidence. His football background has instilled qualities that are easily transferable to coaching, as he credits it.

• Discipline: Rigorous training habits from his football days inform his coaching methods.

• Preparation: Studying game film as a player laid the foundation for his analytical approach in basketball.

• Teamwork: The camaraderie he admired in the NFL is something he strives to build in every locker room he enters.

Outlaw has become a respected voice in the league due to his attributes and experience working alongside NBA legends.

A Legacy of Sports and Mentorship

Family and mentorship heavily influence J.J. Outlaw’s journey. J.J. is the heir to the fortune of John Outlaw, a former NFL player and NBA coach, and the inspiration of legendary NBA coach Bernie Bickerstaff. J.J. grew up in a world of sports excellence. The way he approaches leadership and his commitment to helping players maximize their potential have been influenced by these relationships.

What’s Next for J.J. Outlaw?

At the age of 41, J.J. is still a young man Outlaw’s coaching career is still in its early stages. His unique path from NFL receiver to NBA assistant coach proves that passion, adaptability, and relentless work can break barriers in professional sports. Outlaw is a leading coach in the NBA coaching ranks, and his diverse backgrounds enrich the game. It won’t take long for him to become a prominent figure in the league with his drive, knowledge, and leadership. J.J. Outlaw’s story is characterized by transformation, resilience, and limitless potential, and it is still ongoing.