Above the Noise

My Story of Chasing Calm

By: DeMar DeRozan, Dave Zarum, Gregg Popovich - introduction

Narrated by: Aaron Goodson, John Patrick Walsh

From one of the most outspoken and respected NBA athletes comes a groundbreaking and remarkable memoir chronicling a very public struggle with depression, in the hopes that other people will not suffer alone.

“DeMar DeRozan’s story is one of adaptability, courage, and love. The persistent effort on his part to rise above is compelling and important.”—Coach Gregg Popovich, from the foreword

“As men, and especially Black men, we don’t talk about our mental health enough. We struggle to admit when things aren’t okay, even when it’s obvious to everybody around us. I’ve seen how toxic that can become. I’ve experienced it myself, keeping everything under wraps until your head and heart are full of fire and rage.”

DeMar DeRozan, six-time NBA All-Star, has been called a “basketball savant” (ESPN) and “the best closer in the NBA” (GQ)—but when he went public with his depression, it sparked a conversation that reached far beyond the court. By breaking the stigma of speaking out, he added a new, seldom-heard voice to the mental health dialogue: a successful Black male athlete, openly naming his pain and advocating for others to do the same.

Now it’s time to tell the full story. Born and raised in Compton, DeRozan was no stranger to hardship—living in poverty, losing friends to gang violence. In worn-out school gyms and community centers, fueled by hunger and a desire to prove himself, he started to rise, but doubts followed. In Above the Noise, DeRozan opens up about his proudest triumphs and the times he felt so weighed down he couldn't get out of bed. He reflects on what it took to make a name for himself in a new country after getting drafted by the Toronto Raptors, the pressure of playing with veteran athletes as a twenty-year-old rookie, and the pain of losing role models.

From a scared, angry kid to a confident father of five, DeRozan traces his journey to basketball stardom and the forces that honed him into the player—and the slowly healing person—he is today. It will encourage anyone who has ever felt alone in their struggles and inspire people to rise above the noise and speak their truth.

Critic reviews

“DeMar DeRozan’s story is one of adaptability, courage, and love. The persistent effort on his part to rise above is compelling and important, for it was not without a price. He was quite brave in openly speaking about what would be a topic too often avoided—depression. We now know what a problem this is for millions of people across the nation, and his willingness to be transparent speaks volumes about his character, which exudes a love that is tangible for all to see.”—Coach Gregg Popovich

“DeMar DeRozan’s words, courage, and vulnerability are a balm in a chaotic world that makes less sense by the day. He didn’t just open up a conversation about mental health; he sparked a revolution, forever changing not just the NBA but all of professional sports. In this beautiful, gutting, and deeply introspective memoir, he isn’t afraid to offer the greatest lesson of all: We are all human. We all struggle. DeRozan’s voice is deeply needed in these times.”—Mirin Fader, New York Times bestselling author of Giannis and Dream

How a black that came from humble beginnings with tough love from his father prepared him instead of breaking him.

I like the fact that he kept pushing in the direction of something that he recognized that brought him peace, his courage to speak out which is totally not acceptable in environments that most young black men grow up in. I myself come from a very similar background being from Detroit.

I’ve started a jacket line that represents perseverance. Using fire as my main medium, symbolizes rising from the ashes like a Phoenix. The brand is for individuals like Demar to wear as inspiration and a reminder to himself and others to keep pushing.

Through stories like his is where I find inspiration to keep going and to be cognizant of the environment from which I came from and how it affects my life to this day.

It is an ongoing process to conquer yourself that will never end. Conquer U @u.fire.art

Vulnerable. Truthful. Inspiring

I’ve always been a fan of Demar but his willingness to be vulnerable and so honest about his life is inspiring to say the least. Thanks Debo for sharing with us. The gentleman reading also did a great job!

Adversity

I really love the trials and tribulations that Demar was able to express and navigate throughout his life. Finding a calm in one’s life is essential and it’s alright to face and feel your emotions. It’s apart of being human, as we can see in Demar.

Transparency

The entire story was inspiring and honest . Mental healthcare so important and necessary. Great perspective.

Well Done!

This book defines a mental health story, from beginning to the present. It will inspire many generations