By Troy Vincent
NFL Player Engagement
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
~ John Quincy Adams, Sixth American President
When I first transitioned into the NFL as a rookie, my mind was on playing football. That is what I was there to do.
I wanted to make sure that I met or exceeded the enormous expectations of those who had taken a chance on me. Because others saw something in me, believed in me, I was given the opportunity to play in the NFL. When others think you have the potential to be greater, to do more and to become more, you believe it yourself. You become inspired.
As I prepared for what would be the first of 15 seasons in the NFL, it became clear to me that my life had changed forever. I was now part of a league that was not only built on inspiration, but was fueled by it. In a moment of utter clarity and overwhelming gratitude, I wanted to take the global field of inspiration that surrounds the NFL shield and share it.
I was right where I should be, doing exactly what I dreamed of doing. I was playing in the NFL and doing what I loved. I was in the fortuitous position of being able to make a difference in the world around me. Through an intricate weave of all that was important to me, I was given the opportunity to be the best I could be in both life and the game of football.
All who play or have played football in the NFL know exactly what I mean when I speak of the driving need to positively impact the lives of others. Being a part of the NFL allows each of us an incredible platform to serve as an inspiration to others. But with this big platform also comes huge responsibilities.
Most players, active or former, admit that serving in the role as an ambassador of the NFL shield to NFL fans and communities is not always easy. Yet, through our work in Player Engagement, I see how seriously all players take this lifelong responsibility.
Every player remembers the moment when he first realized that he had some fans – as in thousands of them. The powerful connection between an NFL player and his fans is astounding. Fans are eager to support you, root for you, and be there for you.
They believe that to those who have been given much, much is expected. As an NFL player, you are entrusted to play your game and live your life in such a way that you are a constant source of inspiration to those who feel so connected to you.
Inspire them by the way you overcome a challenge or recover from a painful loss. Inspire them by the way you treat your teammates. Show everyone how a professional conducts himself both on and off-the-field.