LOS ANGELES – For football fans in Southwest Riverside County, the path from Friday night lights to the NFL is a dream few realize. But for Temecula native Justin Dedich, that dream has become a tangible reality defined by hard work and persistence. From his days dominating the trenches at Chaparral High School to a six-year tenure at USC, Dedich has carved out a place for himself on the Los Angeles Rams active roster.
Dedich’s journey was not a straight line to stardom. Despite a decorated collegiate career where he played 47 games and earned 33 starts for the Trojans, he went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft. The uncertainty of being an undrafted free agent (UDFA) is daunting, yet Dedich signed with the Rams, determined to prove his worth.
His resolve faced an early test. On August 27, 2024, the Rams released him during final roster cuts. However, the team recognized his potential, signing him to the practice squad the very next day. By September 18, his persistence paid off when he signed to the active roster. The move secured his spot in the league and came with a two-year contract.
Before the professional contracts and the bright lights of SoFi Stadium, Dedich was a standout at Calvary Murrieta, before moving to Chaparral High School. A 2017 PrepStar All-American and USA Today All-California First Team selection, he was a force on both sides of the ball. He even displayed his athleticism on the soccer field, maintaining a 1.333 goals-against average as a goalkeeper.
“Coach Andrew Ramer at Chaparral played a huge part in shaping the person and player I am today—his support really meant the world to me,” Dedich said. “And my dad has always been there, especially when things got rough mentally.”
Now, Dedich is using his NFL platform to shine a light on issues close to home. The values and support he found growing up in Temecula continue to shape his identity and his drive to give back. “Whenever I think about where I started, I go back to those early mornings and late nights at Chaparral and around Temecula. The community really shaped me—my coaches, teachers, friends, and neighbors, they all played a huge part in who I am,” Dedich said.
For the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, Rams players wear customized cleats to raise awareness for nonprofit organizations. “Representing my hometown every time I step on the field means a lot to me. I want to make the people of Temecula proud, and I hope the kids back home see that someone from their streets can have an influence, both in football and in life,” Dedich added. During the matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 23 at SoFi Stadium, Dedich represented Five Acres.
Five Acres is an organization dedicated to promoting safety, well-being, and permanency for children and their families. The cause is personal for Dedich, who has been open about his own challenges with mental health. He selected the charity because he believes children need to learn strategies to overcome internal struggles early in life.
“Mental health is something that’s deeply personal to me. Growing up and even now, I’ve faced my own challenges with it, and I know how hard it can be when you feel like you’re alone in what you’re going through,” Dedich said. “For a long time, mental struggles just weren’t talked about enough—in sports or anywhere else. I think it’s so important that we start having real conversations, especially with kids, so they can learn healthy ways to cope. Finding an outlet, finding people you trust to talk to, it can make all the difference. I want to use my platform to encourage others to speak up and know they’re not alone.”
He credits his support system back in Temecula for helping him navigate the pressures of professional sports.
“Last year was one of the hardest of my life,” Dedich said. “Going undrafted left me questioning if I’d ever get a shot to play in the NFL. There were a lot of nights filled with doubt. Getting that call from the Rams—it felt surreal, like all of the support and encouragement from my family and coaches finally paid off. For me, making it to this level is as much about the people who stood by me as it is about the game itself.”
Dedich is not the only local product making waves in the league. Brennan Jackson, a graduate of Great Oak High School in Temecula, also began his career with the Rams before being claimed off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders in August 2025. Jackson continues to represent the area with distinction. Last season, for his My Cause My Cleats initiative, Jackson supported the Synovial Sarcoma Foundation in honor of his cousin, Nicole, who passed away after battling the rare cancer.
As Dedich took the field this past week, he carried more than just his assignment on the offensive line. He carries the pride of Temecula and a message of hope for those fighting silent battles. His story serves as a reminder that the road to the NFL is rarely easy, but for those willing to fight for it, the opportunity is there for the taking.
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