The story
Derrick “DJ” Townsel
Derrick “DJ” Townsel, a former NFL athlete, is now an Orlando-based personal trainer, health coach, and yoga instructor.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Derrick was athletic throughout his childhood and adolescence. His talent, hard work, and tenacity propelled him to a full scholarship playing football at Murray State University as a four-year starter, and then to the NFL with the Houston Texans from 2010–2011.
Following his time with the Texans, two other NFL organizations, and the AFL and CFL, Derrick found his passion helping others realize their physical and mental potential through personal training.
A new practice
From self-taught yogi to international instructor
Inspired by people he discovered on Instagram, Derrick began practicing yoga in 2012. Not entirely comfortable practicing in public at the time, he became a self-taught yogi in the middle of his living room, following online sessions and studying the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects and history of yoga.
Derrick has since become an inspiration to thousands who did not think a passion for fitness or yoga could be possible for them, especially men and people of color. He is a 200-hour Certified Yoga Instructor, Acrobatic Yoga Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, and Level 2 WCO Calisthenics Instructor.
In 2019, Derrick was a contestant and quarter-finalist on the first season of NBC’s The Titan Games, hosted by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. His classes have also appeared on streaming services including Alo Moves, Yoga Journal, and Omstars.
Work with DJ