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About The Castille Family Foundation
The Castille Family Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to mentorship, discipleship, and restoration. Founded by Jeremiah and Jean Castille in 1999 as a 501(c)(3), the Foundation exists to bring hope to the brokenhearted, freedom to those bound by adversity, and healing to individuals and families in need.
Rooted in Isaiah 61:1–4, the Foundation’s mission is to glorify God through service, community outreach, and intentional investment in people—particularly at-risk youth. Through mentoring relationships, leadership development, coaching, and discipleship, the Foundation works to rebuild lives, strengthen character, and restore future generations.
Our vision is to invest, influence, impact, and inspire lives by revealing hope where it is needed most. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that lasting transformation happens through faith, strong relationships, and purposeful guidance.
In 2005, the Foundation acquired property in the Woodlawn community of Birmingham, marking a significant step toward realizing Jeremiah’s vision of reaching inner-city youth through one-on-one mentorship and discipleship. Once fully funded and developed, the Family Enrichment Center will serve as the home base for the Woodlawn Leadership Academy, providing a Christ-centered environment that challenges youth to excel, offers positive role models, and equips the younger generation to grow into strong leaders within their community. Guided by trained men and women of integrity and faith, the center will offer comprehensive programming including computer training, mentoring, structured recreational activities, academic counseling, one-on-one tutoring, homework assistance, life-skills training, and character education.
In addition to youth development and mentoring, the Castille Family Foundation supports a range of ministry initiatives designed to strengthen individuals, families, and communities. These programs include Castille Character Camp and Sports Camp, Men of Stille, chaplaincy work with the University of Alabama Football program, the Jeremiah Castille Ministry, community and corporate speaking engagements, Bags of Hope outreach efforts, and Stille Married marriage seminars. Through Jeremiah Castille Ministry, the Foundation provides biblically grounded counseling for individuals, marriages, and families, as well as group discipleship, motivational speaking forums, and evangelistic engagements—all aimed at fostering spiritual growth, strong relationships, and lasting transformation.
About the Founder
Jeremiah Castille was born in Columbus, Georgia, the eighth of nine children to Joseph and Mary Castille. Growing up in a large family, he learned early the importance of discipline, responsibility, and wise decision-making by observing the lives of his older siblings. He credits both his upbringing and his Catholic school education with shaping his character and values at a young age.
As early as second grade, Jeremiah knew he wanted to play professional football. Sharing that dream with his teacher, Sister Veronica, gave him clarity and motivation to make choices aligned with his goals. During his middle school years, Jeremiah made the most important decision of his life—placing his faith in Jesus Christ—establishing the spiritual foundation that would guide every season that followed.
In 1979, Jeremiah earned a football scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he was profoundly influenced by legendary head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Under Coach Bryant’s mentorship, Jeremiah grew not only as an athlete, but as a man—learning discipline, humility, leadership, courage, and integrity. His collegiate career culminated in being named MVP of Coach Bryant’s final Liberty Bowl game.
In 1983, Jeremiah was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fulfilling the dream he first voiced as a child. That same year, he completed his undergraduate degree in Broadcast Communications from the University of Alabama and married his high school sweetheart, Jean. Jeremiah went on to play six seasons in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos, including an appearance in Super Bowl XXII with the Broncos.
Throughout his professional career, Jeremiah viewed football as a platform for ministry—mentoring teammates and remaining grounded in his faith. Though he loved the game, he felt called by God to step away from professional football without regret. In 1995, he moved to Birmingham to coach and teach at Briarwood Christian High School, further preparing him for leadership and full-time ministry.
In 1999, Jeremiah was ordained at The Church at Brook Hills and, alongside his wife Jean, founded the Castille Family Foundation, rooted in the scripture of Isaiah 61:1–4. Two years later, in 2001, he became the chaplain for the University of Alabama football team—a role he continues to serve in today. He considers it both an honor and a calling to minister at his alma mater, where a second-grade dream became reality.
Jeremiah and Jean are the parents of six children—Timothy, Simeon, Leah, Rachel, Caleb, and Danielle—and proud grandparents to thirteen grandchildren. All six of their children attended the University of Alabama, continuing a family legacy deeply connected to faith, mentorship, and service.