Beyond the Game

The enduring legacy of Demetrea “Meat” Shelton

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill

They called him 'Meat.'

They referring to pretty much anyone who knew Demetrea Shelton—a man whose impact extended far beyond the nickname.

While his physical presence on this earth ended abruptly on March 21, 2022, due to a sudden heart attack, the legend of Meat lives on today through those who knew and loved him. Friends, family, and mentors are all quick to share what they loved about him and the memories they hold dear. Not the least of which is his remarkable athletic career.

Meat's youth was marked by outstanding athletic achievements, and he was hailed as a somewhat legendary multi-sport athlete, excelling on the basketball court, football field, and baseball diamond. While his love for sports began in his early childhood, Meat's legacy of athleticism sparked at Walker High School, where he played all three sports. Notably, he was a 3-year starter in basketball for Coach Phil Schumacher. His love for the game was evident in his relentless dedication to practice and play, and his boundless passion saw him approaching every moment on the court with a beaming smile and tireless work ethic.

Recalling those days, Coach Schumacher fondly reminisces, "In all the time he played for me, I don't think I ever saw Demetrea without a smile, and I only saw him get tired once. It was 1993, and we were up against an undefeated Austin High School in an intense game that went into three overtimes. He played every second of the game. During the third overtime, he asked if he could come out, but I told him we couldn't afford that. He went on to lead us to a win."

Meat had an awe-inspiring versatility that led to a tough decision during his senior year of high school. His prowess in football, basketball, and baseball drew the attention of recruiters across the state and region, leaving him with the challenging task of choosing a path to follow. After much contemplation, he committed to the University of North Alabama (UNA) to pursue football. As a receiver, Meat played a pivotal role in leading the team to their 1993 National Championship.

However, his love for basketball never waned, tugging at his spirit persistently. He returned to Jasper for his sophomore year to play basketball for Coach Glen Clem at Walker College. His teammate, Al Blanton, recalls Meat’s smooth transition from field to court, and how it helped push Rebel basketball to a new height.

“It was a big deal when he came back to Jasper. Everyone knew how successful he was as a football player, but it really brought a lot of excitement for him to join our basketball team. He came in as our starting point guard, that goes to show how good of an athlete he was,” Blanton says. “We played basketball together in high school, so I knew the kind of ability he was bringing, and it was a shot in the arm for our team to add someone like that to the mix.”

Yet, the siren call of the football field beckoned once more, and Meat found himself back at UNA in his third year of college, this time as a quarterback. With his leadership, the team secured yet another National Championship, further cementing his place as an iconic figure in the world of sports.

After college, he returned to Jasper and began working with the City's Parks & Recreation department. He also started his family, welcoming a son, Shondarious, in 1998 and twins Kaden and Kelsey in 2002. It was in his role as a father that Meat truly shined. His children regarded him as a trusted confidant, their rock in times of uncertainty, and their biggest fan in every endeavor. The three reflect on their father's impact on their lives, sharing the standout qualities they adored in him and that they hope resonate in all the lives he touched.

"He had a good, caring heart. He was very service-oriented and always had a lesson to offer. He overcame a lot of adversity in his life, but I think that really shaped him because he wanted to rise above it," says Shondarious.

"He was so easy to talk to; we'd have deep talks about anything and everything. He was truly on our side. That's not to say he was without critique, but it was always earned. He taught us how to be hard workers, and he was so funny and nice," Kelsey adds.

Kaden shares, "He was so entertaining. He was the silliest person I ever knew but also one of the wisest. I've felt some discouragement lately, and I've missed his wisdom. Sometimes I still hear myself saying some of the sayings and phrases he used to say, and it makes me laugh. He played a big role in me being who I am."

Garve Ivey III, Meat's best friend for over thirty years, looks at each of the Shelton children with a fatherly sense of pride, cherishing their numerous accomplishments while also recognizing the radiant presence of his beloved best friend in each of them.

"My oldest daughter is the same age as the twins, so Meat and I got to be dads together among all the other pivotal moments in life that we shared. I have loved watching those kids grow, and especially over the last year and a half, seeing how they would make their dad proud," Ivey says.

Shondarious regularly channels his father's famous culinary skills through an inherited ability to turn ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes. He continues refining his craft and carries forward his dad's cooking chops with each meal he prepares. Kelsey's father's legacy can be seen in her looks and mannerisms. Rarely can she go in public without someone identifying her as "Meat's kid." She carries a piece of him wherever she goes, reminding others of the remarkable man he was. In her eyes, there's a spark of his spirit, a constant reminder of the love he showered upon her. Kaden also likes to try his hand in the kitchen but most notably inherited his father's sharp wit. Quick-thinking and clever, Kaden is outgoing and possesses the same ability to make others laugh effortlessly. His father's humor lives on through him, perpetuating the joy and happiness that Demetrea brought to those around him.

Kelsey and Kaden also inherited their father's athletic abilities, thriving as multi-sport athletes and achieving remarkable success in their respective fields. Kaden excels in baseball, football, and basketball, while Kelsey showcases her skills in softball, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. All three of Meat's kids are like their father in their incredible determination to succeed and even more incredible determination to be good to others in the world around them, in a time where it is needed more than ever.

Perhaps that unending drive to be a pillar of goodness in the world was Meat's most standout quality. Despite his undeniable talent, Meat's focus was never solely on himself. His magnetic personality and laid-back nature made him a joy to be around. His humor and infectious laughter could light up even the darkest days. He had a unique ability to turn tense moments into moments of camaraderie, easing the pressure and tension that can often surround competitive sports. His teammates cherished their time with him during practices and off the field. He was not just a teammate but a friend who brightened their lives with his presence.

In a world where rivalries and animosities can arise quickly, Meat seemed to defy all odds. His friend and fellow athlete, Kendrick Evans, fondly remembers, "I don't think he had an enemy, and he would help anyone." Meat's genuine kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand earned him respect and admiration from peers and rivals alike. He proved that sportsmanship goes beyond the game and that a true athlete values compassion and friendship over personal gains.

Although Meat is no longer with us, his spirit endures in the hearts and lives of those he touched. As time moves forward, Meat's legacy will continue to grow, and his memory will forever be cherished. Whether it's through the laughter evoked by memories of his humor, the sizzle of a well-prepared meal, or the display of his children's talents, Demetrea Shelton's legacy will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him, not only as an athlete, but as a person of exceptional character whose impact reached far beyond the boundary lines of any court or field. 78