Oxford, Mississippi, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Jared Foster, once a promising football star, overcame personal struggles after a career-ending injury and legal troubles. Now the owner of ‘The Velvet Ditch,’ a sports bar in Oxford, Mississippi, he promotes a message of faith and community while sharing his inspiring story of redemption and entrepreneurial success.
Oxford, Mississippi: From Star Quarterback to Redemption
Jared Foster, a former promising star quarterback with aspirations to play for Ole Miss, has transformed his life from one of despair to one of hope and success in Oxford, Mississippi. After a series of life-altering events, including a severe ankle injury and subsequent legal troubles, Foster has emerged as the owner of a thriving sports bar, “The Velvet Ditch,” which promotes a message of faith and community.
Early Promise and Tragic Setback
Foster’s football journey began at Canton Academy in Mississippi before he transferred to Madison Central High School to gain greater exposure. However, just before his senior year, he suffered a devastating injury—a torn tendon in his ankle—crushing his dreams of playing college football. In the aftermath, faced with the pressures of lost ambitions, Foster turned to steroids and painkillers, which quickly led to a downward spiral of drug use and dealing.
Legal Troubles and Downward Spiral
In a tragic turn of events, Foster was arrested for selling steroids a mere ten months before he was set to join Ole Miss. This arrest not only resulted in the loss of his scholarship but also initiated a series of legal difficulties, with Foster experiencing multiple arrests and charges across three states. His actions culminated in a potential 40-year prison sentence in 2013, sparking a nationwide manhunt that lasted 31 hours before he was apprehended by law enforcement.
Turning Point in Prison
While incarcerated, Foster turned to literature for solace and introspection. He read “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel, a book that profoundly influenced his spiritual journey. This newfound faith prompted him to engage more seriously with prison outreach programs, leading to a significant change in his mindset. Moreover, an incident involving an arresting officer, who was federally indicted for stealing drugs from police evidence, resulted in Foster’s sentence being reduced from 40 years to just 18 months.
A Second Chance and New Beginnings
Upon his release, Foster was determined to rebuild his life and share his story of redemption with others. He opened “The Velvet Ditch,” a sports bar that fosters a message of faith alongside traditional alcoholic offerings. The bar was designed to be a welcoming space for everyone in the community, not just college students, and features a Gulf Coast-inspired ambiance, outdoor seating, and numerous televisions for sports viewing. This establishment reflects his commitment to creating a positive atmosphere centered around community and support.
Expanding Culinary Ventures
Foster’s entrepreneurial spirit did not stop at “The Velvet Ditch.” He previously launched a restaurant called “The Landshark,” notable for its boiled crawfish, and has expanded his culinary operations to include seven food trucks and two additional restaurants in Oxford. Additionally, he has established a seafood distribution company named “The Cajun Cartel,” further solidifying his presence in the local food scene.
Support System and Community Impact
Throughout his tumultuous journey, Foster credits his family—particularly his brother and parents—for their unwavering support. They played a pivotal role in his recovery and reorientation toward a more purposeful life. Through his ventures, Foster aims to inspire others and nurture a sense of community, emphasizing that forgiveness is attainable and that a relationship with faith can serve as a guiding light in overcoming life’s challenges.
Conclusion
Today, Jared Foster reflects on his former experiences in prison not as a period of failure, but as a transformative moment that led him to discover his true purpose. Through his various businesses, he continues to share his story, encouraging others to find hope and redemption even in the most difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Jared Foster after his injury?
After suffering a severe injury, Jared Foster began using steroids and painkillers, which led to legal troubles and a series of arrests that ultimately culminated in a 40-year prison sentence.
How did Foster turn his life around?
While in prison, Foster found inspiration in a book and began seeking faith, which played a crucial role in his rehabilitation. He was later released after a reduced sentence, allowing him to start anew.
What businesses did Foster establish post-incarceration?
After his release, Foster opened “The Velvet Ditch” sports bar and previously founded “The Landshark” restaurant. He has since expanded to include several food trucks and a seafood distribution company.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5: Ex-Ole Miss QB Commit Turns Life of Crime into Faith
- Wikipedia: Redemption
- Oxford Magazine: The Ditch is Overflowing
- Google Search: Jared Foster
- Oxford Eagle: Velvet Ditch Site Plan Ok’d
- Google Scholar: Jared Foster
- Hotty Toddy: Oxford Crime Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Redemption
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
