Finding Greatness Off the Field

As Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their second franchise Super Bowl win this past Sunday, it brought me back to a very pivotal, life-changing time.   

The smell of fresh-cut grass, the energy of like-minded individuals working together for one common goal, and the stands roaring to see you all succeed – this is my very personal story of transformation from player to coach.   

If you ask any serious athlete, what the hardest part of their playing career is? They would say without hesitation, the end of their career or “retirement.” Like many of us, this word alone triggers a wave of fear and anxiety, because it forces us to answer the dreaded question, “What’s next?”   

This moment for many can feel forced and for me, it was one of the hardest transitions and most transformative periods of my life that led me to who I am today. You see, my time as a player ended before it even started. Even though I had received a scholarship, I never actually played. By not having my glory days or a reason to look back, fate had prepared me for life. I learned to face obstacles head-on with excitement, vigor & energy.   

Going from on the field to off, literally overnight, taught me that I could still have an impact through coaching. But the path to reinventing myself was not an easy one. I had to start with the man in the mirror and be honest with myself to answer, “what’s next?” I had to let go of all expectations and embrace the unknown, which was a scary new reality. However, the brave new world of possibilities that I did enter brought me some of my life's greatest joys. So, while one door closed, another five had opened. I soon found myself proudly carrying the titles of coach & dad. Mentoring the next generation both in youth sports and at Cisco to their greatest potentials has been the most rewarding experience thus far. This period of my life opened my eyes to the true meaning of humility, perseverance & community.     

Football, which echoes the importance of teamwork, social justice, and investing in others to achieve a vision, has kept our country united and became a symbol of hope. It is also one of the few places I have found true greatness to exist. Football teaches you how to work hard, prepare to win, compete, and most importantly, how to be a selfless teammate. In turn, these are the very people in any organization who create trust, hope, inspiration, and sustainable results.   

Now, what’s next for me? Setting my team up just as fate had done for me to be a best-in-class renewals organization. Now I ask you – what’s next?