Football and Business: Amahni Spinks is a Creative Thinker On and Off the Field

The cornerback position is often deemed the toughest to play on the defensive side of the ball, and for good reason. It combines elite athletic demands, a brutal margin for error and constant isolation, but what it also does is open up creative freedom, something not many other positions allow. You can call a zone coverage concept, dial up man coverage in certain situations and find strategies to hold the best receivers silent. The art of creativity and instincts are not only prevalent on the field, but off of it, too, especially for former Alabama A&M corner Amahni Spinks.

“You’re a college kid, and, well, everyone needs money,” said Spinks at the 2026 National Scouting Combine, an event held in Naples, Florida, for draft-eligible prospects from FCS, Division II and other small schools. “So I decided to put together a whole bunch of things in my life, passions, you know? I made a business for myself.”

Spinks had a strong collegiate career, specifically in zone coverage. Zone coverage is a primary defensive scheme that an elite cornerback must excel at, as 20 of the NFL’s 32 teams run zone 72%-or-more of the time. The skills required to succeed in zone coverage are harder to coach because most zone-heavy corners are exceptional athletes, and you can’t teach the intangibles: height, weight, length and speed. Zone cornerbacks are targeted more, yet the elite ones are at the top of the league in pass breakups and interceptions every year because they know how to make plays on the ball.

The Huntsville, Alabama, native has prototype corner size at 6-foot-0-inches and 190 pounds, but plays with a pitbull-like attitude. His drive and passion are evident when he puts on the pads, yet it is also there when he’s running his Jewelry business, Da Guru Shop LLC.

“My grandma always made crystal jewelry,” said Spinks. “Bracelets, necklaces–you name it. My Mom makes body butter, so me, being a business major outside of football, had the idea to start something up for myself.”

Before his time at Alabama A&M, Spinks played for Kentucky State. He was not only a force and leader behind his facemask, but also with his shop.

“First semester at K-State, man, [I] sold out,” said Spinks. “That’s when I knew that I might have something here.”

His positive attitude, work ethic and social media presence led to a plethora of scouts wanting him in their program. Initially, this resulted in a jump in competition, but also an invitation to the National Scouting Combine (NSC).

“I was really impressed with his quiet feet and competitive nature,” said Michael Martenson, the director of FCS recruiting for NSC. “His character and passion for, well, life, were a huge positive during the scouting process, too.”

Martenson heavily recruited defensive backs, specifically corners. Spinks immediately stood out at the event, showcasing his length and dedication in every drill. He was the first one to line up, warm up and show up to the facilities.

“I love making plays, man,” said Spinks. “Forced fumbles, interceptions, big hits; I just love making plays that change a game.”

As his collegiate career came to an end, Spinks realized something that combined his two passions: football and running his business.

“The work you put into a business is what you’ll get out of it; the same goes for football,” he said. “… effort, training and teamwork really determine your success in both football and running a business.”

As Spinks awaits his next football opportunity, whether that be in an Arena League, Canadian League or the ultimate dream of the NFL, he continues to grow his business. 

He can be seen selling his jewelry at Alabama A&M basketball games, where he often sells out before halftime. 

In many ways, Amahni Spinks still plays cornerback long after the fourth quarter ends. On the field, he studies tendencies, trusts his instincts and takes calculated risks that can flip a game upside-down in an instant. Off the field, he applies that same football mindset to Da Guru Shop LLC, reading the market like a quarterback’s eyes and breaking on opportunities with confidence and creativity. 

Football taught Spinks discipline, patience and accountability – traits that now fuel his growth as an entrepreneur. Whether locking down a receiver in zone coverage or selling out in a flash, Spinks embodies creative freedom in its purest form: the courage to trust your preparation and make a play when it matters most. 

No matter where his football journey goes next, one thing is clear – Amahni Spinks isn’t just chasing opportunities; he’s creating them.