Early Life in Dallas
Rickey Allen Bolden was born on September 8, 1961, in Dallas, Texas — the seventh of ten children raised in a single-parent home. Growing up on the streets of Dallas, Rickey faced the kind of adversity that breaks most people. His father died when he was just 11 years old. At 14, he was shot in the leg. He witnessed the murder of people he knew and the attempted suicide of family members.
The environment was designed to produce one outcome — a life defined by violence, poverty, and hopelessness. But Rickey saw something different. He saw a way out.
"I could become a product of my environment and follow the same path that so many of my family and friends did, or I could find a way out. The decision, for me, was easy."
The Sports Escape
That way out was sports. At Hillcrest High School in Dallas, Rickey became an All-American in football and All-Metroplex in basketball. His athletic talent wasn't just impressive — it was transformative. It gave him direction, discipline, and a ticket to a different life.
His football ability earned him a scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he played tight end for the Mustangs from 1980 to 1984. He was named All-Southwest Conference twice, establishing himself as one of the premier athletes in the conference.
The NFL Dream
In 1984, the Cleveland Browns selected Rickey in the 4th round of the NFL Draft — 96th overall. Standing 6'6" and playing at up to 320 lbs, he transitioned from tight end to offensive tackle and guard, becoming a crucial part of the Browns' offensive line.
"At that moment, I remember feeling every single emotion possible. I was honored, grateful, overjoyed, and above all else, determined."
Over six seasons (1984–1989), Rickey played in 62 games with 34 starts. He was on the field for the legendary 1986 AFC Championship game — the game now known as "The Drive," one of the most iconic moments in NFL history — and played in the 1990 Hall of Fame Game.
The Call to Ministry
But the NFL wasn't the final chapter — it was a bridge. A veteran teammate had given Rickey wisdom that would shape his life:
"Rickey, in this league, you have to prepare to leave before you even arrive."
During a game, Rickey experienced a moment of absolute clarity:
"I was on the field when all of a sudden it was clear to me I wasn't supposed to be there anymore, that my career was over and I was supposed to be in ministry."
He walked away from professional football and enrolled at Ashland Theological Seminary, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry. The man who had once protected quarterbacks would now spend his life protecting souls.
A Life of Service
From Washington D.C. to LaGrange, Georgia, and back again, Rickey has spent more than three decades in ministry — founding churches, mentoring youth, conducting Bible studies with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, and speaking to audiences around the world.
In 1999, he co-founded The House DC in Anacostia — transforming a former crack house on what was known as "Murder Row" into a youth ministry center. Today, through Discipleship Works, he continues to pour his life into the next generation through life-on-life discipleship.
"It has always been my mission to serve people and to give."
Family
Rickey married Glenda Bolden on February 14, 1988 — Valentine's Day — during his time with the Cleveland Browns. Together, they have raised five children: four sons and one daughter. Their daughter is a doctor, their son Caleb handles investments, and their son Micah works in counseling. The Bolden family lives in Bowie, Maryland, near Washington D.C.
