A military brat himself, Dereck L. Faulkner was born on a US military base in West Germany. Dereck is the son of two military officers, his Father serving as a Captain and his Mother as a 20-year Retired Major. Dereck Faulkner attended Hampton University where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and he then continued his education at George Washington University School of Business where he obtained an MBA degree, with a concentration in Marketing and Non-Profit Management.

As a professional athlete, Dereck signed as a priority rookie free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2007 NFL draft. Following his rookie season with the Eagles, he spent time with several NFL organizations and also spending two seasons in the Canadian Football League.  Currently, Dereck services as an Elected President of the NFL Players Associations Retired Players Chapter of New York/New Jersey.

​
 

​

​

 

 

​

 

 

 

As the founder of  The Athletes for Vets Foundation, Dereck Faulkner recognizes the sacrifices of our military personnel. The military has afforded Dereck’s family many opportunities in education, travel, personal development, and career advancement.  Athletes for Vets is an expression of Dereck’s gratitude to the military, and his respect and admiration for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. As the visionary behind AV, his goal is to unite, support, advocate and help the heroes who defend our nation’s freedom.  It is Dereck’s commitment to philanthropy and humanitarianism along with his own personal connection to the military that has lead to the creation of The Athletes for Vets Foundation.