No Transfer Too Tough, No Critic Too Loud: Art Warren Joins the Ranks of Sports’ Fierce Fathers

When you hear the names LaVar Ball, John Brown, or Deion Sanders, one thing comes to mind: strong Black fathers who refused to leave their children’s future to chance. Ball used marketing and hype, Brown used discipline and development, and Sanders used charisma and branding. Different playbooks, same core philosophy: my son will succeed, and I’ll fight every inch of the way to make sure of it.

There’s another name that belongs in that conversation, though it’s far less known: Art Warren.

The Father Behind the Athlete
Art Warren is well connected, no-nonsense, and — when it comes to advocating for his family some even say harsh. A retired police officer, former collegiate athlete, and high school coach, he understands discipline, structure, and the grind it takes to succeed in sports. More importantly, he has always believed that his son, Azari Warren, had the tools to play college football — if only he could find the right environment to unlock his development.

Azari’s Rocky Road
Azari’s path has been anything but smooth. A three-star ATH at Chino Hills, now committed to the University of New Mexico, he has had to bounce through multiple high schools. Each move wasn’t about running from adversity, but about searching for the right fit — the program that would truly invest in his growth. From Eastvale to Chino Hills, with multiple stops in between, one thing never changed: Art’s indomitable belief in his son Azari.

That constant search came with a price. Parents, coaches, administrators, and even family members questioned Art’s persistence. Some labeled him difficult. Others called him unrealistic. Even his wife grew frustrated at times with his insistence to keep looking for the right high school.

“I’m not saying I had to sleep on the couch,” Art jokes, “but it was close a couple times.”

Fighting the System
Art’s defense is simple: too many coaches sell parents a dream they never intend to deliver. “They say all the right things when you’re in their office considering enrolling. But when the rubber meets the road, it’s a different story. I don’t allow these coaches to lie to me and my family.”

That conviction mirrors LaVar Ball’s brashness, John Brown’s uncompromising structure, and Deion Sanders’ blueprint for success. Art Warren might not have a sneaker line or a camera crew following him around, but his approach fits right alongside theirs.

The Breakthrough
Azari’s commitment to New Mexico is proof of his father’s vision. Through turbulence, criticism, and constant pressure, Art never doubted his son’s potential. He demanded more from the system, and eventually the right door opened.

Azari ultimately settled in at Chino Hills, where he continued to put in the work. He transformed his body through the weight room and sharpened his speed on the track, turning himself into the kind of athlete recruiters couldn’t overlook. Today, Azari is a chiseled, tough, and determined young man — a reflection of his father’s relentless mindset. On the field, he locks down at defensive back and makes plays in the return game, handling punts and kickoffs for the Huskies.

Redefining the Narrative
Strong Black fathers are often misunderstood when they push hard for their children. LaVar, John Brown, and Deion Sanders became household names for their boldness. Art Warren may not be in the spotlight, but his story is no less powerful.

He clawed, scratched, and fought for the right fit. And now, as Azari prepares to take the next step in his football journey, his father’s influence is undeniable.

Art sums it up simply:

“Just because they don’t share my vision, it doesn’t mean that I’m wrong.”