EMOTIONALLY DAMAGED: Redefining What It Means to be a Champion

As the Year 2022 draws close to an end, despite what my social media profiles and pictures might say or how I appear during my TV interviews, I have to admit something – I Am Damaged. It is an uncomfortable thing to admit, but after a few years of a global pandemic, industry shake-ups, financial loss because of less work, issues with family members, and just plain ole’ mental fatigue, I am not the man I used to be. I also think that at some level, each one of us has felt the stress and anxiety of a world in turmoil, and wondered where we are going next. A recent wellness survey proves this out, noting: An overwhelming majority of people in the United States think the country is experiencing a mental health crisis. According to a new survey in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation, nine out of 10 adults said they believe there is a mental health crisis in the US today. Asked to rate the severity of six specific mental health concerns, Americans put the opioid epidemic near the top. More than half identified mental health issues among children and teenagers as a crisis, as well as severe mental illness in adults. Suddenly, all of us who thought we were okay, and would never need the help and support of others, find ourselves out-of-sync with the lives we used to know. As someone who works with highly successful individuals and organizations across the sports and business world, it is as if a bomb dropped. The world today has given me pause, and time to reflect on my life, what I do, and what it really means to Change Like a Champion. Standard definitions of a Champion include: • A person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a competition, especially in sports • One that does battle for another's rights or honor • A militant advocate or defender All of these descriptions still ring true and I consider myself fortunate that many people I call friends fall under these definitions of champion, yet there is now another facet of championship behavior that must be included. This is the knowledge and acceptance that things may not be okay right now, but I am willing to plan, persevere, and set a course for improvement – everyday. Winning does not happen by accident. All of us possess the ability to change on purpose, for a purpose. The very act of identifying our faults or weaknesses, while being open to finding a new way to live, demonstrates that everyone has the capacity to Change Like a Champion. Now, more than ever, we as a culture need to demonstrate a willingness to help others, wherever they are in their lives, to rise above their current situation in an effort to feel and be better. It is not all about being the best in the world; it is more about being your best self, which then makes you the best for the world. Legendary basketball coach, John Wooden, who amassed ten national championships during a twelve-year period, did not build his program based on striving to be the best in the world, but by being your best self. Being the best you is a goal we can all help and support each other to achieve, incrementally, on a day-to-day basis. It is okay, not to be okay. If you need help, ask for it. If you can help, then do so. This is a great place to start if you’re looking to improve your company’s work culture. As a good friend of mine likes to say, “The Tide Lifts All Boats,” and when it comes to any organization it is better to move one thousand people one foot, than to have one-person move one thousand feet. Winning does not happen by accident and each of us have a unique purpose for which we've been created. For we may not be the people we once were, but we now have the opportunity to become the people we have always wanted to be – changing on purpose, for a purpose - like champions.

Sun Sets on a Local Sports Legend

Detroit is one of the best sports cities in America. With over 300 combined years and 22 collective championships it would be difficult to rival this iconic sports town. In addition to the memorable championships, sports has proven to influence far beyond the fields and arenas as it transcends race, creed, and economic status. This transcending has brought together households and made uncommon ground common. However, there is one item sports is unable to transcend, and that is the setting of the sun. Unfortunately, as we've learned in sports, every team and every dynasty has it's sunset. Locally, we've seen the sun set on great sports venues like the Palace of Auburn Hills and infamous Silverdome and this year we've also seen the setting of the sun on legendary sports icons like Al Kaline, Kobe Bryant, and David Stern to name a few. Today, we've learned that the sun has set on a local sports legend at the untimely age of 48 years. Jamie Samuelson spent his career transcending the airwaves on both radio and TV, bringing together sports fans and their families in a way that he only could. His presence among the sports community was extremely professional, yet unassuming. Jamie had a special way of smiling while strongly disagreeing with you and made many friends throughout his broadcasting career, as a result. My work with former professional athletes is a daily reminder that that life as a pro is only temporary, and Jamie's passing reminds us that this life we've been given is only temporary, too. Warm thoughts and prayers for his family and close friends. We can hope that Jamie Samuelson's untimely passing will remain a reminder that the sun will eventually set on all of us, and motivate us to live and love while able.

Sudden End to Athletic Careers

I usually write about topics that focus on the transition of professional athletes following their careers, but in this unprecedented moment of time in the sports world introduced by the COVID-19, I need to go beyond pro sports and discuss sports careers cut short at ALL levels. The news resounds with the cancellation of NBA, NHL, and MLB games which are newsworthy in themselves, but what about the high school and college athletes who may likely not see a well-deserved finish to their senior years? Athletes who have committed four plus years getting to what should be the pinnacle of their lives as an amateur athlete. High school and college basketball, volleyball, fencing, bowling, gymnastics, hockey, skiing, swimming and diving ended mid-stream and Spring sports that may not start altogether. How do you tell your high school or college senior that their sports career ended this way? Without an opportunity to make that run toward a state championship or the NCAA Final Four. At least, when you got knocked out in a tournament you knew you got beat by a team who performed better that day. How do you tell your senior you were not beat by a better team but a mitigation protocol designed to flatten the curve? Many seniors can hope they have an opportunity to play at the next level; high school to college and college to pro, but what about the majority who will not? NCAA statistics show that under 2% of college athletes will have an opportunity to play professionally, and the high school stat is even lower. It goes back to an undeniable truth that at some point an athletic career will be over, whether high school, college, or pro. Can one continue to play sports...absolutely! But replacing what comes with playing for a high school, college, or professional team is irreplaceable, in my opinion. So what is the best way for a senior player to abruptly transition from what should have been their swan song? Through my own transition as a professional basketball player and someone who works closely with Hall of Fame and World Champion former professional athletes, I've discovered there are 5 keys or commonalities of success for transitioning from sports. These 5 RULES, as I call them, have catapulted me like rocket-fuel into the next successful phases of my life as a counselor, Emmy Award Winning TV Producer, best-selling author, and business owner. R=REFOCUS The first key to facing rapid change is to refocus, and the best way to refocus is to evaluate current goals and develop new goals. By doing so, new passion and purpose can be developed, which is especially important to athletes who thrive on passion. ACTION - Define your goals. U=USE NETWORK Most of us have a vast network of people around us. It's important to tap into that network and find strategic relationships that may help accomplish your new goal(s). I do not advocate for 'using and abusing' people for your own gain but recommend creating win-win relationships with those who can help. ACTION - List the people who may help you accomplish your new goals. L=LET GO Bar none, the most difficult aspect for transitioning athletes. We've been ingrained with an attitude of never giving up, do not quit, and fall down seven, get up eight. Albeit very difficult, letting go is imperative in order for an athlete to move forward. Letting go of failures AND successes is essential for moving forward. ACTION - What is it you need to let go? E=EXECUTE Creating success, especially while in transition is not a one-and-done deal. Knowing what to do isn't good enough if you don't have the discipline to do it, and continuing efforts toward new-found success is a must. ACTION - List your commitments and actions you will go to help create success. S=SOMEONE Having someone, a mentor, so-to-speak, can help transition smoother and faster, especially if that someone is where you want to be. ACTION - Who in your network would make a great mentor for you and your goals? So as tens of thousands of high school and college seniors abruptly end their athletic careers remember the 5 RULES for success, so you can Face Change Like a Champion! To find out more about me, my TV show, and speaking go to: www.KurtDavid.com

SUPER 'WHAT NOW?'

No sports fan is able to ignore the existence of one of the biggest sporting events of the year....THE SUPER BOWL.

But when the six hour pregame hype is over, the last half-time song has been sung, and the final pricey commercial has been aired what happens to the 106 warriors on the field who have just experienced the most intense sporting experience of their lives? Fifty-three privileged men on each roster stand where others can only envy. But when the smoke of the fireworks clear, the final horn has sounded, and the champion is crowned what happens to these select NFL players?

Unfortunately for many, it will be their final competition. Who truly knows what exact percent of Super Bowl players face job termination proceeding this event year in and year out, but there are some stats that are worth paying attention to.

For instance, one statistic indicates 25% of NFL players are bankrupt within their first year out. Another states 50% of divorces occur within the first year after an NFL player's retirement. Some say 78% of NFL players are either divorced, bankrupt, or unemployed two years after departing from the game.

One of the biggest misconceptions for pro football fans is thinking everyone plays 10 to 15 years and makes millions of dollars. Not so, says the reality of an NFL longevity of under 4 years. In addition, many league minimums are paid out and it is only the exceptional athlete who plays for 15 years and makes the millions and millions of dollar we read about.

It's estimated that 320 NFL players must annually face the cold, hard reality of permanent job termination from pro sports, which includes a loss of status, lack of purpose, lack of direction, and needless to say a huge income loss. How would you feel if I told you, you were going to lose 90% of your income for the rest of your life? I don't care how much money you make, losing 90% of your income is a major lifestyle change, no matter how much you started with. Most NFL players are far from being set for the rest of their lives and our society is not set-up to handle those 35 year old retirees who are.

So what is a former Super Bowl athlete to do? Well, perhaps keep working out and spending a significant amount of money attempting to get back into the game for a couple of years or...perhaps find a way to channel the same wherewithal they applied as a pro athlete into the next phase of their lives.

Imagine the focus, the drive, the self-discipline, the ability to work together with others for a common cause all channeled into a new phase, a new focus, a new life. Exciting isn't it?

Imagine, if pro athletes apply the same mental, physical, and emotional energy they applied during pro sports, into the betterment of our society.....this world would be a much better place.

Some have done this and others eventually will.

So whether you've played in a Super Bowl or not remember one thing holds true....."100% of PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ULTIMATELY EXPERIENCE JOB TERMINATION."

Let's hope they're ready.

You can find out more about me, my TV Show & book, and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EMMY AWARD WINNING 'FROM GLORY DAYS' TV SHOW IS NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEOS. According to a past Sports Illustrated magazine article: *25% of NFL players are broke within the first year out. *78% of NFL players are broke within the second year out. *60% of NBA players are broke within five years out. *Up to an 80% divorce rate. From job loss to disaster, this can be the reality for former professional athletes. The TV Show -'From Glory Days' chronicles this transition as told directly by the athletes themselves. 'From Glory Days' completed its 4th season and each half hour episode features a Hall of Fame, All-Star, or World Champion former professional athlete. Now available on Amazon Prime Videos, the audience will be taken on a personal journey with each athlete as they discuss the pinnacle of their pro sports career, their transition from sports, and how they've recreated new success in the life they're living now. This season featured the likes of 7x World Champion & Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas 'Hitman' Hearns, 3x NBA Champion James 'Buddha' Edwards, 4x Stanley Cup Champion Darren McCarty, and many more. You can find out more at: www.fromglorydays.com

SERVICING PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES

Traditionally, this blog is written for and about professional athletes, however, this month I decided to post something for people who service pro athletes. It is from an article I wrote a while back for the NATIONAL INSTITUTE of SPORTS PROFESSIONALS, for which I am a member. www.nisprofessionals.com

Below is a copy of this article:

SERVICING PRO ATHLETES

"100% of PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ULTIMATELY EXPERIENCE JOB TERMINATION!" This is my credo. As a former professional basketball player who now possesses an advanced degree in counseling and works as a Transition Consultant for Professional Athletes my interest in sports transition is both personal and professional. My focus as a Transition Consultant is to resolve the emotional and practical issues potentially associated with athletes as they exit their craft…back into normal, everyday lives. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things and would enjoy sharing some tidbits with you, as a fellow NIS Certified Sports Professional.

First of all, let me begin by stating my understanding of our craft as service professionals. I understand not everyone has interest or may be best suited to work with professional athletes. They are a special breed, which requires a special approach. Today’s pro athlete is being pulled from all sides. Many people from many different aspects are looking for a piece of these athletes from agents to attorneys, from financial planners to investment brokers, from car dealers to Realtors, from media personnel to the neighbor, many people are looking for a piece of their pie, if you will. Throw in the fact this is all occurring while the athlete is typically young, and trying to maintain a single focus…performing to their peak ability, and it’s easy to see why they do not have the time (and often the energy) to devote to taking care of all of their needs. Thus, the reasons we often see an entourage surrounding our most famous athletes and entertainers. They must manage their home situations while traveling extensively, their finances during this peak earning window (most pro athletes face a 90% pay cut once done), and their personal time, all while attempting to constantly perform at their best.

I’ve spoken with many professional athletes who have brought up one resounding factor when discussing their need for any professional service….TRUST. Because of the amount of people constantly grabbing at and wanting a piece of their pie, many professional athletes become leery and their trust becomes limited.

One way to build trust is a relationship over time. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a large amount of time from a pro athlete, so we must find another, more efficient way. I’ve discovered there are three questions that I can answer in a very brief amount of time that will help build trust amongst pro athletes. They are no-nonsense questions that are consciously or sub-consciously asked by every pro athlete.

1.) How will your service save/make me money?
2.) How will your service save me time?
3.) How will your service be enjoyable for me?

If you are able to briefly and clearly answer these three questions, you will be prepared once you do get your foot in the door of a professional athlete.

Not every service professional may desire to work with professional athletes, but hopefully this brief information benefits those that do, understanding there are many other aspects that make working with pro athletes unique…perhaps, in a future article. To find out more about me, my book, and my services go to: www.fromglorydays.com
- Kurt A. David

No sports fan is able to ignore the existence of our arguably biggest sporting event of the year....THE SUPER BOWL.

But when the six hour pregame hype is over, the last half-time song has been sung, and the final pricey commercial has been aired what happens to the 106 warriors on the field who have just experienced the most intense sporting experience of their lives? Fifty-three privileged men on each roster stand where others can only envy. But when the smoke of the fireworks clear, the final horn has sounded, and the champion is crowned what happens to these select NFL players?

Unfortunately for many, it will be their final competition. Who truly knows what exact percent of Super Bowl players face job termination proceeding this event year in and year out, but there are some stats that are worth paying attention to.

For instance, one statistic indicates 25% of NFL players are bankrupt within their first year out. Another states 50% of divorces occur within the first year after an NFL player's retirement. Some say 78% of NFL players are either divorced, bankrupt, or unemployed two years after departing from the game.

One of the biggest misconceptions for pro football fans is thinking everyone plays 10 to 15 years and makes millions of dollars. Not so, says the reality of an NFL longevity of under 4 years. In addition, many league minimums are paid out and it is only the exceptional athlete who plays for 15 years and makes the millions and millions of dollar we read about.

It's estimated that 320 NFL players must annually face the cold, hard reality of permanent job termination from pro sports, which includes a loss of status, lack of purpose, lack of direction, and needless to say a huge income loss. How would you feel if I told you, you were going to lose 90% of your income for the rest of your life? I don't care how much money you make, losing 90% of your income is a major lifestyle change, no matter how much you started with. Most NFL players are far from being set for the rest of their lives and our society is not set-up to handle those 35 year old retirees who are.

So what is a former Super Bowl athlete to do? Well, perhaps keep working out and spending a significant amount of money attempting to get back into the game for a couple of years or...perhaps find a way to channel the same wherewithal they applied as a pro athlete into the next phase of their lives.

Imagine the focus, the drive, the self-discipline, the ability to work together with others for a common cause all channeled into a new phase, a new focus, a new life. Exciting isn't it?

Imagine, if pro athletes apply the same mental, physical, and emotional energy they applied during pro sports, into the betterment of our society.....this world would be a much better place.

Some have done this and others eventually will.

So whether you've played in a Super Bowl or not remember one thing holds true....."100% of PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ULTIMATELY EXPERIENCE JOB TERMINATION."

Let's hope they're ready.

You can find out more about me, my book, my TV show,

and my services at: www.fromglorydays.com