Shawn Fauntleroy Jr. enters his first season on the Norfolk State football coaching staff in 2026 as an Offensive Assistant, returning to his alma mater after spending the 2025 season at Christopher Newport University.
A former standout defensive lineman for the Spartans, Fauntleroy played at Norfolk State from 2012-15. After joining the program as a walk-on, he worked his way into the starting lineup during his freshman season and developed into a four-year starter on the defensive front.
During his playing career, Fauntleroy helped anchor a Norfolk State defense that consistently ranked among the top units in FCS football. The Spartans finished among the nation's top 10 defensively throughout his career, including a season in which NSU ranked second nationally in total defense. Fauntleroy also served as a captain of the defensive line, providing leadership for one of the program's strongest defensive units.
Following his playing career, Fauntleroy remained connected to football while continuing his academic and professional development. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in business from Norfolk State University in 2017 before returning to NSU to earn his Master of Social Work in 2020.
Fauntleroy's return to Norfolk State brings his journey full circle, allowing the former Spartan student-athlete to use his playing, coaching and professional experiences to help develop the next generation of Norfolk State football players.
