Javien Elliott Hired To Run MLK Recreation Center And Teach Valuable Lessons

PANAMA CITY, FL – Javien Elliott was hired in August as manager of the MLK Recreation Center in Panama City, Florida, which is scheduled for a grand opening around MLK Day, January 19th, 2026.

Elliott is from Panama City, a graduate of Rutherford High School and, like many young men, had a dream to play professional football. He was not offered a scholarship while in high school, but his persistence paid off when he eventually got a walk-on opportunity then earned a scholarship at Florida State, playing defensive back. 

Elliott went on to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016, moved on to the Carolina Panthers in 2018, the Calgary Stampeders in 2021, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023, retiring in 2024.

Elliott told the Kiwanis Club, “One of the most valuable lessons that I learned in that time was patience. When I first got there [FSU], I didn't play until the sixth game.” “It never happened until we played Louisville with Lamar Jackson when he was playing quarterback. That time finally presented itself, a coach said, hey, next drive, you're going in. And here goes number 14, running on the field… That's when I got my first interception in college… From that moment on I started the rest of the college football season. That's how I got my opportunity to go undrafted in the NFL.”

Elliott sees a lot of potential there in our youth but thinks it doesn't have to always be about sports. People need to develop multiple talents, multiple interests. He wants to help them discover their true purpose and their passion.

Elliott wants to serve the community through this new 30,000 square foot state of the art facility with STEM labs, teaching kitchens, a multi-purpose room, arts and craft rooms, sound booths, recording spaces, outdoor basketball courts, and a multi-purpose field. There will be programs, workshops and seminars to serve our community, resources to help our youth, adults, and seniors thrive.

Elliott is married, has a two month old son and moved here in June to be closer to raise him “within our own village.” The Boys and Girls Club made a huge impact on his life as a child and he wants to be able to give back, to make an impact through the MLK Recreation Center.

He plans to survey the community to determine their interests and test programs to see how well they are received, then will make data driven decisions about what to keep on the schedule.  There could be cooking classes, music classes, basketball tournaments, after-school programs and summer camps, etc.

The Rec Center will develop calendars for planned activities each spring, summer, fall and winter; circulate newsletters; and use the media and social media to advertise events.

The previous MLK Recreation Center means so much to the surrounding community. Panama City looks forward to this facility being even bigger and better.

New and Improved!