Balancing Act!

During my time in the NFL I have had five different head coaches and they all had their own thing they loved to focus on every year. It was part of their DNA and helped to create the foundation of their team. One coach in particular would put up a chart every year during OTAs to help define people’s roles and expectations on the team. The chart would feature categories such as Pro Bowler, Potential Pro Bowler, and Starter. It would also define the differences between a good, a great and a hall of fame caliber player.  Usually the coach would walk us through his interpretation and provide examples, but one year he decided to bring in a player as a guest speaker.  He won multiple Super Bowl championships, is a Hall of Famer, and I greatly respected and admired him.

I still remember his message today because it was so over the top.  And now that I am injured I have a better understanding of why 80% of NFL players are broke, divorced, and/or depressed once they leave the game.  His message was simple: football is everything and anything that interrupts that laser focus is a distraction, including community service, family emergencies or anything else that does not involve football. Now as a player, I understand the dedication, focus and perseverance it takes to play this game at a high level, but I felt this was a little extreme for my taste. But, I am not a Hall of Famer nor am I a Super Bowl champ. However, I do believe there is a delicate balance that can make it possible to achieve it all. The reality is, no matter how focused you are, the average career is only 3.5 years and at 25, or even if you are blessed like me to play until you're 30, there are still many productive years left to live. And once the game leaves you behind, what does your marriage, your relationship with your children or your ability to still earn a living look like?


Even though I do not believe this injury has ended my career, this time is invaluable for the rest of my

life.  It gives me a chance to really think about where the next chapter of my life should be heading.  Close family and friends always used to advise me about my future saying, “Faith, family and football” and “Do not put all your eggs in one basket.”  But I never thought making life decisions would be so hard, especially since I am a CAL guy (LOL).  I have all these great ideas but without the structure, deadlines or accountability that football provides, procrastination sets in and execution becomes almost impossible. The key, once the initial shock of not being able to play football passes, is identifying your resources and putting a plan in place that will allow you to execute at a high level. I have been able to lean on relationships I have built throughout the years, whether with teammates or other individuals I have met on the way, and learn from their experiences and expertise.

Also, I examined my strengths and weaknesses, and being honest with myself has helped me narrow my focus. Often our passion lies and sometimes we know exactly who we are.  Understanding one’s self is a critical piece in connecting with the right people, occupation and ultimately minimizing wasted time.  Lastly, the most important piece is realizing my limitation as a man and understanding that some things only God can control.  As a professional athlete, I have allowed my confidence and pride, things I need in the NFL, to override my faith as Christian. So I have to constantly remind myself of Romans 11:33-36:
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! We have a misconception of who we are and were. Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." 
Even though I build relationships, gather knowledge and serve without God's power and intervening, I am operating on fumes.