By John Ingoldsby
Engagement Insider
NASHVILLE, TN January 21, 2014 – Freddie Scott II is a man of many talents, who walked the walk in football and now talks the talk on how men must follow a “Family First” philosophy.
With gridiron gifts that were on display for the Falcons and Colts, his far-reaching flair now is as an orator imploring men to meet their responsibilities as a father, husband, role model, and mentor.
This ability to speak with evangelical fervor has been heard so well that he will now spread the word even louder with the Super Bowl Week launch of his new non-profit organization called Unlock the Champion (www.unlockthechamion.com).
Scott has been building the company for the past two years as he crisscrossed the country carrying his inspirational message, and finally formed it officially with a focus of supporting families, following four guiding principles beginning with the letter L.
Lift Yourself
Love Your Spouse
Lead Your Children
Leave a Legacy
The last one is of particular importance to the former Penn State pass-catcher, who says, “Many of us need to find and follow a second dream, because after all, life would be boring with only one dream.”
Speaking the morning of Martin Luther King Day, he had delivered this exact message the day before at a Real Warriors event in Colorado’s Fort Carson Garrison to soldiers who had just returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Like Scott himself and most every NFL player, these men had an abrupt ending to their current career, so they and their families were ready to hear his perspective.
“Like I was when my NFL career ended, these men are suddenly in transition and asking themselves, ‘What am I going to do?’” Scott explained. “I told them to discover their dream and then act on it. Our issues can be similar. ”
As a certified mental health professional, he is uniquely qualified to speak to this military group as well as other audiences, who are able to hear him through his travels as a Transition Coach for the NFL Player Engagement (NFLPE) department and Champions @Home workshops for the NFL Players Association.
The father of five is also a national spokesperson for All-Pro Dad, the renowned and growing organization founded by Tony Dungy.
“The need is so big since 40 percent of children are born without a father in the home, so I address relationships, marriage, leadership, conflict resolution, and countless other relevant topics,” said the second-generation NFL player, who is the son of former receiver Freddie Scott.
Football was not the only talent passed down from father to son, as the father of five also connects well with kids, having just partnered on a schools program with the city of Nashville, where he lives with his wife of 15 years.
“We are in the first year of a program where we tutor at-risk youth on life skills,” he explained, “where we work closely with children facing various challenges, including autism, ADHD, and custody issues. We simply are trying to keep them on the right path.”
Additionally, he brings to bear his talents as an author (The Dad I Wish I Had) and radio personality (Unpackin’ It With Bryce & Freddie) in his quest to make a difference.
“We are trying to change the way we follow up, and collaboration is the key as we work with a lot of volunteers to address the home infrastructure,” he stated. “I don’t speak and then leave. I believe in proper follow-up where we measure and track progress to ensure longer traction and more sustainability.”