In this episode the Crew dials the voicemail to answer a question from a loyal Power Athlete Radio listener:
Hey John and Tex! It’s JT, long time listener, second time questioner. I recently had a friend share an Instagram post about life after athletics and the “athletic identity” which got me thinking… As a former University Basketball player, I know this too well. The feeing of “what do I do now?” when my athletic career was over. The identity that I had created for myself over the years of hard work and dedication that it took to get to that point was gone when I was unable to play at that high level anymore. That transition both physically and psychologically was probably one of the toughest transitions of my life, and looking back at it I realize there was no guidebook or roadmap to navigate those times. What are your thoughts on those next steps an athlete should take when they come to the end of their career in sport? Looking forward to hearing your answer! JT
For what we get, we can make a living; what we give however, makes a life.
There is a draw to athletics that takes a hold of an athlete and provides a drive to push limits, give to others, and pour every ounce of your being into a physical, mental, and emotional challenge. The connection between an athlete and their sport is unique to all. The energy and passion is so intense, none can fathom there is an end to their athletic journey when they’re living, breathing, and sweating through it! Unfortunately, the end does come for all, some sooner rather than later. The reasons that kept an athlete fighting get so turned down in the real world, they often long for the days of grind they probably cursed or neglected with their team.
Read Now: Power Coach – Fear by Tex McQuilkin
John and Tex have a hotline question of baller searching for meaning now that their athletic career has come to an end. The Crew has always identified as athletes, now they share their perspective on how to maintain this identity and connection to athletics.
Empower Your Performance
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SOURCES
AUTHOR
John
John Welbourn is CEO of Power Athlete and Fuse Move. He is also creator of the online training phenomena, Johnnie WOD. He is a 9 year veteran of the NFL. John was drafted with the 97th pick in 1999 NFL Draft and went on to be a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2003, appearing in 3 NFC Championship games, and for starter for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2004-2007. In 2008, he played with the New England Patriots until an injury ended his season early with him retiring in 2009. Over the course of his career, John has started over 100 games and has 10 play-off appearances. He was a four year lettermen while playing football at the University of California at Berkeley. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Rhetoric in 1998. John has worked with the MLB, NFL, NHL, Olympic athletes and Military. He travels the world lecturing on performance and nutrition for Power Athlete. You can catch up with John as his personal blog on training, food and life, Talk To Me Johnnie and at Power Athlete.
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