I will never understand how billionaire team owners have convinced the public that the players, who put their bodies on the line every week and make less than 50% of league revenue, are the “ungrateful” ones.

Considering football’s level of brute, immanent physicality, high turnover as well as the short life cycle of its participants, it would seem to me that NFL players are in the most need of fully guaranteed contracts.

Many argue that trying to compare the league-player dynamic in the NFL with other sports is apples to oranges. Yes & no. League revenues are skyrocketing, a monster media rights deal is on the horizon, the business of football will never be the same.

It’s up to us, the players, to decide if we want league ownership to finally respect us as partners. Truth is, there is NOTHING preventing agents from negotiating a fully guaranteed salary for an NFL player (see Kirk Cousins deal).

Only problem is that this rarely happens… BUT it doesn’t have to be this way…

Players want guaranteed money? Great! Rewrite the CBA. That’s right, we need an overhaul not a revision or an extension. Why?

For starters: the current CBA uses an antiquated revenue accounting method and salary cap rules take up a significant part of our collective bargaining agreement.

Salary caps

don’t

help

players!!

Moving on.

One part of ownership’s reluctance to give players guaranteed money is the structure of our cap system, the “cap” consists of an intricate series of accounting rules that does not fully reflect actual transfers to the pockets of players.

Historically, the league has done a masterful job inserting language into the CBA to justify getting out of a “guarantee” or contract. Most headlines on the first day NFL free agency are misleading, even for players who are household names.

Superlatives attached to “highest paid player” is good for the media, but leaves many players wanting regarding actual cash by the finality of their deals. Press is nice but cash is better, especially with risk associated with our line of work.

It’s only fair that a player sign a contract and expect the other side to honor that, right? What ever happened to “Show me the money?”

I’ll continue… consider guaranteed money in our current system. Fractions of a team’s cap can be exhausted or locked in by what’s known as “dead money” or a payout to a player because of the form of guarantee…

At the time of signing, thus limiting the amount teams are willing to guarantee. The “funding rule” gives management the flexibility to tell a player they are SOL.

This rule had more of a purpose in the past as their were issues with owners making payroll but with billionaires clamoring to be owners and the bids of media rights being north of two billion, is this rule still relevant?

With all that said, there are additional judgments to make regarding plenty of legal language in the CBA that works toward the detriment of players and in favor of multi-billionaire owners. If players want change, demand it.

I’ll keep going because I’m having so much fun.
Salary caps are one of several mechanisms that serve multi-BILLIONAIRE sports team owners to control and restrict the wages of millionaire players.

How the League has Convinced the Public Players Don’t Deserve Guaranteed Money was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Fellow NFL Players,

By now you’ve likely read the commissioner’s letter addressed to NFL executives and have seen reports about the league’s upcoming meetings. It occurs to me that any attempt to respond collectively as players is complicated by numerous challenges, and that our options for speaking with one voice are limited. This means we can either wait until we receive our respective marching orders, speak up individually, or find a way to collaborate and exercise our agency as the lifeblood of the league.

Over the past few years, I’ve thought a lot about how we might have a meaningful conversation together. I wish it were as simple as public perception would have you believe — that we all have each other’s cellphone numbers and hang out together on a regular basis. Since that’s not the case, I hope this letter reaches as many active players as possible, and serves as a catalyst to convene a conversation among those of us who are uncomfortable having important decisions made without us in the room.

Things have clearly gotten out of control. As a pragmatist, I will admit, I initially doubted the merits of Colin Kaepernick’s protest and questioned his strategy.

I was wrong.

There is now no doubt in my mind that what he did last season was a courageous, prophetic, self-sacrificial act that has captivated a nation and inspired a powerful movement.

If I had his cellphone number, I would tell him that.

As Kap’s message has now been distorted, co-opted and used to further divide us along the very racial lines he was highlighting, we as players have a responsibility to come together and respond collectively. But how can this happen practically?

The uncharted territory we’re dealing with requires us to innovate if we are to effectuate any meaningful change — if we are to look back at this moment with pride when our grandkids ask us one day how we responded to the circumstances we now face. This requires some sober self-reflection and a greater awareness of what is limiting our effectiveness.

Ours is a unique dynamic. The NFL Players Association, for better or worse, is limited in its capacity to “unify” our interests. Unlike a traditional labor union, the foundational nature of our relationship to each other is defined by fierce competition and learned opposition. The system is designed to keep us divided and to stifle our attempts to collaborate — we’re made to see each other as the enemy. Indeed the system celebrates when it puts us at odds with one another.

As a competitor who loves the game, I can appreciate this aspect of the league to a certain extent. But the current controversy is obviously about much more than football.

Currently, the will of the players who align with Kap’s message is being diluted. Rather than our collective voice prevailing in a way that spans the league, you are seeing individual teams respond separately to the protest in 32 different ways. It’s telling that these decisions are being made at the team level and not being driven by the interests of the players collectively. Some teams are standing and locking arms. Some are staying in the locker room. And some are now being banned from protesting altogether. While many of us can be grateful that our ownership groups don’t take direct orders from the President, we are also aware that the owners are much more united than we are as players.

Player protests have caused such a disturbance that the NFL has now chimed in and prioritized discussions on this topic for next week’s meetings.

Owners have the ability to quickly and efficiently communicate, collaborate and align their objectives to serve the broader interests of the shield. By and large, they are carrying out a strategy to this end, regardless of how it impacts us as players and regardless of how much it reflects our actual will. I don’t mean this to sound disparaging or suspicious of all NFL owners. Again, it’s just an observation of how the system is designed. It is, in many ways, what we all signed up for.

While I don’t have all the answers as to how to ensure we are not robbed of this moment, I am convinced that we will never make progress if we do not find a way to come together and take action that represents the will of the players. What we have is strength in numbers. But our strength is currently not being leveraged because we have no means of direct communication that is not — in some way, shape or form — controlled, monitored or manipulated by outside forces.

So here’s my idea: Let’s open up a line of communication just between us, and be ready to respond with one voice as players. Let’s transcend the “natural” divisions that have been defined by the league and sanitized by a fictional narrative of competition above all else.

Now, I can’t exactly put my phone number or email address in this letter for obvious reasons. But there’s another way to start moving things forward. I’m going to initially lean on Twitter, the preferred social tool of our day, and attempt to connect us with each other. If you follow me (@RussellOkung), I will follow back and DM you next steps for collaboration. From there, we can build out and discuss options for a better way to communicate with one another going forward.

Again, I don’t have all the answers, but I’m hoping to help facilitate some practical next steps by first addressing our limited ability to communicate.

I look forward to hearing from you on the President’s favorite medium. Until then, stay strong.

Much love,

RO

An Open Letter to All NFL Players: Let’s Get Organized was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The more I read about the controversy surrounding 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to not stand during the national anthem, and his efforts to shine a light on injustice in this country, the more I think about Tommie Smith and John Carlos.

In 1968, in the midst of heated racial tension, Smith and Carlos used their platforms to change the world. At the Summer Olympics that year, Smith earned a gold medal in the men’s 200-meter dash, while Carlos won a bronze, and during the medal ceremony the two engaged in a powerful demonstration. With the national anthem playing in the background, they displayed one of the most symbolic gestures in Olympics history: The two men each raised a fist, showing their commitment to the civil rights movement.

I’ve always wondered if, at the time, they believed that their showing of solidarity with Malcolm X, the Black Panther Party, and the recently assassinated Martin Luther King Jr., would even make a difference. But, as it turned out, a simple act on the world stage would surprise many, and show that change was needed.

The two competitors inspired millions around the globe and shed light on the oppression experienced by African-Americans in the United States. Their punishment, of course, would be severe. Soon after they took their stand, Smith and Carlos were expelled from the Olympics and made into public enemies. At home in the U.S., they received death threats. A moment of solidarity almost immediately became a swift burden. But when asked back then why he sacrificed the glory of the Games after earning a medal, John Carlos answered: “I can’t eat that. And the kids ’round my block can’t eat it. They can’t eat publicity, they can’t eat gold medals. All they want is an equal chance to be a human being.”

Think about that for a second.

Now, fast-forward to 2016. During his team’s preseason games, Colin Kaepernick has opted to remain seated during the pregame performance of the national anthem. After several recent shooting tragedies and a summer marked by growing racial tensions, Colin felt as though he had to do something. He explained that his actions represent an effort to protest the lack of inclusivity and equal opportunity for minorities, particularly African-Americans in the United States. However, while not his intention, many saw his action as anti-American and anti-military.

It’s important to recognize the distinction between our country’s symbols — such as the flag or the anthem — and the military, or our country as a whole. The flag is a powerful symbol of Americanism — a concept that includes freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom as a whole.

If you watch the entire interview, Colin was clear that it was not his intention to disrespect the military. His intent was to bring awareness to the injustices faced by regular people every day — people who are judged based on the color of their skin to be dangerous individuals unworthy of equal opportunity or the benefit of the doubt when crossing the street, walking into a store, or peacefully protesting senseless violence at the hands of police and others.

Colin’s goal was to use his platform to raise the visibility of issues that cannot and should not fall by the wayside as the media moves on to other news. He’s not the first athlete to speak up, and he won’t be the last. For those of us who have witnessed and lived injustice, struggled with racism, and experienced police brutality, we have an obligation and a responsibility to make our voices heard. In my case, it was always my dream to play professional football but ever since my dream came true, I’ve walked a tightrope between fans’ expectations of me on and off the field. Those expectations aren’t always harmonious when they collide with reality.

As we step on the field, our job is to play our best football and to help the team win. What we do as players beyond that commitment to our team and to our fans, is individual to each of us, and is part of what it means to be American and to feel comfortable expressing our views when, where and how we believe is best.

When challenged, Colin expressed that he did not regret his decision and that he plans to continue sitting through the anthem as a way to demonstrate the need not only to revive our national conversation on race relations, but also to encourage solutions that can bring about change.

In a modern sports world that is over-commercialized and numb, taking a stand in that way is far from common. It’s so rare that, in fact, it seems shocking. But it shouldn’t be. Smith and Carlos didn’t worry about protecting their endorsement deals or succumb to sponsorship offerings up on that podium in ’68. They felt an obligation to do what was right. So they took action, even though they knew there would be repercussions.

As a society, we so often want to see the arenas and fields solely as a place for play. But what many people miss is the transcendent power of sport. Athletics has always been a part of our political context and has played an important role in shaping the culture we are a part of. And that’s not just the case here in America; it’s been true around the globe. In the battle against apartheid, Nelson Mandela noted that sport, “has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” Sports can create hope where once there was only despair. And, in some cases, athletics can be more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.

When athletes recognize this and use their platform to spur change within society, fierce criticism is almost inevitable. But the 24-hour news spin cycle and divisive political power plays don’t help matters — we need to figure out how to address the important issues being raised together. Colin intended to elevate a conversation that must continue to be an active part of our dialogue in the country for all citizens, regardless of their race, background or personal history.

In his view, something’s gotta give.

Millions of people, from all walks of life, cried out when Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, the Dallas police officers and others were shot in cold blood. But what has changed? People get angry, make speeches and protest, but what laws are being modified? Who is changing police academy manuals? How are we putting actionable items at the forefront? How is anything really changing?

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have all the answers. But I do what I can, and I believe in what I do. Real courage requires taking action when conditions are not favorable. For me, sports have provided an opportunity to dig in on an issue that I feel strongly about — diversity and the tech sector. Through the GREATER Foundation, I’m actively working to build a pipeline of talented minority engineers. Black and Latino workers are dramatically underrepresented in Silicon Valley, and other tech centers around the world, and if opportunity is truly going to be equal for all, we need to create more on-ramps from a more diverse range of backgrounds to these hotbeds of economic activity.

That subject is something that’s important to me. And just as I have issues that I am passionate about, I believe other athletes have the right to advance issues that are personally important to them — be it Colin Kaepernick, Magic Johnson, Serena Williams or any number of others.

My challenge to athletes, and to anyone else who has a platform available to them, is to be passionate and creative in your thinking and approach. There are so many different ways to address injustice in this country. We can’t all try to solve these problems in the exact same way, and we should welcome a diversity of approaches.

I beg that we graduate beyond the thinking of our predecessors. They marched together and had frequent ways to move the needle, but in the modern, technological age, there are so many additional ways to go about trying to improve how our society functions. There are sustainable grassroots community programs that benefit immensely from athlete influence. In addition, we have social media acting as a direct medium to connect with fans and share our voices — we can use Twitter to call out injustice or correct inaccurate quotes, post photos to show our appreciation for getting the opportunity to do what we love every day, and more. Let’s take advantage of this technology and keep the momentum going.

If you’re not sure how to make a difference, look to what goes on around you — in meetings you attend or at the workplace or in the media. Refuse to be a part of anything that won’t move us as a people forward. Know that your platform, regardless if it’s as big as others, matters to our world.

Oh, and if you’re Colin Kaepernick, know that we see you, man. Thank you for reigniting the conversation and the movement for change.

We See You was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Just as Jackson touched a nerve in James a few weeks ago with his reference to James’ business partners as his “posse”, he struck a chord in me and other black professional athletes as well.

As African-American professional athletes, we are stigmatized every day. We get tagged with labels like “lazy” and “careless.” We are often the targets of business scams by con artists trying to make a quick buck.

Every time I walk into a business meeting, I know I must work to overcome these stereotypes and prove that I belong. There is a burden on me to prove my smarts and savvy that I’m certain only exists for athletes of color. After five minutes of conversation, I typically see expressions and body language change. They recognize my business acumen and realize I know what I’m talking about. Most of the time, by the end of the conversation, they’re seeking opportunities to collaborate.

Surely, I don’t think Phil Jackson is racist or even meant for his comments to be portrayed that way, but the language he used is indicative of the way white executives view black athletes who have become — or strive to become — businesspeople. When Phil Simms or Peyton Manning sit down in a board room, no one questions whether they will understand what is being discussed.

One way to break down this stereotype is for professional athletes of color to talk regularly about the men and women who support them off the field or court. So today, I am calling on professional athletes of color around the country to join me in sharing the stories of the men and women who support us off the field — our friends, family and business associates — but who are NOT members of any “posse.”

So let me tell you about Andrew McGee.

Andrew and I first met as teammates at Oklahoma State after both being highly recruited out of high school, he a cornerback and me an offensive lineman. We quickly became very good friends, mostly because of our commitment to academics and our engaging, thoughtful conversations off the field.

Andrew’s football career ended soon after he broke his neck while tackling a punt returner in the Bedlam Series. While I was devastated for Andrew, I knew his potential as a leader off the gridiron was just as great as his future as a football player.

Once I reached the NFL, I knew I wanted Andrew by my side. Since then, Andrew has remained my best friend. Andrew is my business partner. Andrew is my most trusted advisor. Andrew is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of our nonprofit, GREATER, where he works tirelessly to redefine education so that students of all backgrounds are equipped for the 21st century.

But Andrew is #NotMyPosse.

With the help of Andrew and others close to me, I have developed several esteemed contacts in the technology industry, connected with dedicated mentors, and built relationships based on sharing a common vision. I don’t know it all, but I do know a lot — enough to make investment decisions in people over products, and results over talk.

I’m not just trying to start another steakhouse chain. I’m not another black athlete trying to make millions on someone else’s pipe dream. And I don’t have a posse. I have business partners, friends, teammates, and a family just like everyone else.

A Business Partner, But #NotMyPosse was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

If there is one thing just about every single American can agree on, it is that we all cannot wait for this election to be over. In fact, a recent poll found that four out of five Americans wish it was over and nearly three-fourths said the election is causing stress. This disillusionment with our political system is creating crippling distrust in our political leaders and the mass media we rely on for information.

I think a similar disillusionment is permeating the sport of football, exhibited most pointedly in the much-discussed decline in television ratings. A regular dose of negative headlines about domestic violence, drug use, race relations, and concussions, combined with the perception of abusive and inconsistent use of league authority has created a similar sense of disillusionment regarding football that is so obvious in our political system.

Of course, football used to be a sanctuary for fans — a place where they could escape the anxieties of work and politics. But now, many of the same issues they face outside of football are becoming part of the sport’s daily narrative. With their sanctuary corrupted, frustration boils and disillusionment takes root.

Nothing demonstrates this frustration among fans more than their reactions on social media when players, coaches, or folks in sports media speak out about any of these pertinent issues, which is usually in the form of #StickToSports. Of course, nothing precludes an athlete or sports reporter from talking about these things. We would never tell someone else to #StickToNursing, #StickToTeaching, or #StickToPlumbing. Our opinions matter just like everyone else’s.

But I understand their frustration. They do not want us addressing these divisive issues because we are corrupting something that is sacred to them. Historically, football provided an escape from these issues, and now it is reflecting them.

Some may argue that this is a good thing; that we, as a society, must confront these ills head on instead of seeking refuge from them. As convenient as it is to avoid serious issues, it is healthier to talk about their existence and what needs to be done to solve them.

Luckily for all of us, the election will soon be over (or at least we can hope). Campaign commercials will no longer be blanketing the airwaves. Profane revelations and vitriolic accusations will no longer dominate headlines every day. And though anxiety over politics may still remain, it will not be as acute as it is today.

But the issues creating this disillusionment around football, however, are not going away on their own. The issue of concussions will remain. There will likely be more cases of domestic violence and drug use. Racial tension will not disappear.

For players, leading by example will be our contribution to the future of our sport, not by staying silent out of fear of backlash or retribution.

We must have open, public, and positive dialogues with each other about issues we find important. We should not expect to resolve all our problems, but we must address them and speak honestly about them. We need to instill the lessons from the locker room and the playing field — having each other’s back, no matter our differences or disagreements — in our daily lives and interactions. We need to build a sense of humility — if we win, we celebrate for a few hours and then get to work on preparing for the next game; if we lose, we don’t complain about the results or call the game rigged.

Or in other words, look at how are our political leaders have addressed the anxieties around the election (by flaming them), and do the opposite.

Anxiety over the Election Is Mirroring Anxiety over Football was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

As part of my upbringing, my mother believed it was crucially important to understand where I came from and develop a sense of connection to my “motherland.” Occasional trips to Nigeria introduced me to vibrant communities, helping to create memories of a place that was rich in so many ways.

Fast forward two decades and I am stunned by the dismantling of those memories. The country I had grown to love as a boy has eroded. Riddled with mass corruption and downtrodden infrastructure, Nigeria seems to have become the opposite of my childhood home — a place where there is no hope. A country I remember as being so full of potential and resources has been depriving itself of a promising future.

Shaken by this sad turn of events, I began focusing again on my ancestral home, determined to do something to help the country that I love turn around and reclaim that path of possibilities.

That’s when I found Andela — a company that revitalized my belief in what Nigeria and the African continent could be. Amidst continued discord, a new future is being built on the wings of technology and Andela is spurring and supporting the movement.

Andela actively creates possibility where there have only been problems. Africa is challenged by one of the fastest growing youth populations in the world; over the next 20 years, the continent will have more people joining the workforce than the rest of the world combined. Andela is facing this challenge head-on, turning socio-economic obstacles into opportunity by mobilizing and empowering the next generation with skills to drive innovation and global impact.

Specifically, Andela is developing a corps of world-class tech developers from across the African continent. These bright young minds are then connected with employers from around the world, carrying the traditions and creativity of a relatively untapped culture into the global fabric of our tech infrastructure.

Africa in general is becoming a stand-out location for the next tech startup boom. In 2014, more than $414 million in VC funding went to African tech startups. By 2018, that number is projected to climb to more than $600 million.

Andela is a big part of this rising wave. It received $14 million during its 2015 Series A funding and recently announced $24 million in Series B funding, which I’m proud to be a part of. In another nod to Andela’s promise and potential impact on the region, Series B was led by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. This is the first time CZI has ever led an investment.

Andela is a bridge. A bridge for today’s and tomorrow’s African talent to connect with the rest of the world in a positive, meaningful way. A bridge away from the damage and danger Nigeria and other African countries have experienced over the past few decades. It’s also a bridge for me to my past, present and future.

As an investor in Andela, I am no longer a passive watcher from afar. I am now an active part of the region’s turnaround story. A part of positive change, rather than the steady stream of bad news.

Today, I fully realize that having love for my ancestral country also involves investing in its future sustainability. I want to be a part of the solution to help solve problems in my family’s native land and I will.

Photo: Andela developer Adeleke Togun leading a discussion at Andela’s Lagos HQ.

Originally Posted by Andela on Medium

Investing in Childhood Dreams: Andela was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I spoke about the power of a changed mind. A few years ago while playing for the Seattle Seahawks, I was introduced to Fatigue Science. We had a new nemesis — we had to compete against each other to get the best sleep! At first, I just wanted to win, but through the process I learned I was restless for much of the night, getting only a few hours of deep sleep. Performing at the highest level requires more, especially to continually remain at the top.

Once oblivious to the power of sleep and the recovery it provided my body, I became obsessed with it. I had to win and I had to reach my sleep goal — at the highest level — just like every other goal I strove to meet each day. This focus, and increased performance opened a whole new world for me.

I wondered what else I had missed. I now knew the importance of sleep, but what else was as important as pushing through the most demanding workouts, two-a-days, and fueling properly? I looked around at my options and realized I was surrounded by technology that could measure anything I wanted it to. So I did what anyone with this new knowledge, known for pushing the limits would do, I ordered everything! I started tracking everything. I recorded my weight before and after workouts, my water intake, macros, and more.

And then, I made a concerted effort to recover. I set aside time for floating, physical therapy, massage therapy, and rest. Changing my mind led me to two Superbowls, one ring, and a storied free agent offseason that brought me to yet another Championship team, the Denver Broncos. The competitive edge means everything to our industry. That means we’re always looking for new ways to break through barriers and push our limits.

Now, I’m focused on innovation. I need to compete in a different way — there’s a wholeness to getting to your best. Give your best in everything in your life! On the field, this results in sequential success. In the world, this means getting to where you really want to be — where you dream of being. You can do it! The tools are all around us. It’s not just technology, it’s people. If you don’t know about something, reach out and ask for expertise. The worst that can happen is someone says no, so you keep working and keep asking, and the right door with open.

I know it’s not as easy for everyone, so I will continue to share my journey to find the best health and sports technology products and bring you along for the ride.

The real edge in this world is innovation. Keep moving, keep working, keep doing and being your best.

Drive + Innovation = A Changed Mind was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

While there I had the opportunity to visit several notable startups and investment firms, speaking with founders, investors and executives. I stopped by Greylock Partners, IVP, Jawbone, Uber, Redpoint Ventures and Juicero. While I’m no stranger to entrepreneurship or startup companies, two related themes stood out during my trip:

• You have to be able to adapt if you want to succeed
• You’re never done getting better

These lessons really resonated with me given that they apply on the football field as much as they do in business.

One company in particular, Jawbone, solidly embodies these two principles of success. Hosain Rahman, CEO of Jawbone, said the company culture is built on the belief that “you’re never really done.” The message is so engrained in their culture that employees wear t-shirts that read “underdog.” This mentality was core to the company early on because Hosain never wanted Jawbone or its employees to rest on its successes. As the underdog, you’re always fighting for a little more, an extra inch, the “big break.” This ethos is what drives a company and propels it to continued success and relevance.

Jawbone is also an excellent example of the need to adapt if you want to keep succeeding. The company started as a supplier to the U.S. government, then pivoted to be a wireless headset company, transformed again to become a leader in wireless portable speakers and now has its sights set on wearables with a strong focus on health and medical innovation. Hosain admitted that “pivots are difficult,” but it’s this willingness to change that lead Jawbone to remain relevant and continue growing.

These sentiments were echoed at the venture firms I visited — especially IVP. Somesh Dash, a general partner at IVP, mentioned that data, due diligence and research are key when determining which companies to invest in, but those measures need to be married to agility in order to be successful. The world is always changing, so companies — and their talent — need to be willing to change along with it if they want to stay relevant and have a chance at success. Case in point — the original football helmet was a good idea, but you don’t see any successful companies holding fast to producing leather helmets in 2016.

A willingness to change and the understanding that you’re never done improving are related themes. You often won’t have the motivation to follow through with the first if you don’t believe the second. The insatiable drive to be better, do something better and reach for higher heights is what motivates companies to pivot when need, just as it motivates athletes to train as hard as they do.

On the field, plays, lineups and strategies all change (often) and to be an effective player you need to be able, willing and comfortable with adapting quickly to those changes. If you don’t, your contribution to the team is undermined and the success of the team is at risk. And everybody knows, I don’t like to lose.

It’s a set of lessons I know well and actively work on every day of my football career. It’s also a set of lessons and skills I take with me into my ventures as a businessman and entrepreneur.

The risks you take and changes you make may not always work out, but cost of stasis is even greater. Ignoring opportunities to be agile and embrace change won’t lead to success — on the field or in business. While there’s no “secret to success,” this is a good place to start.

Lessons from Silicon Valley & the Football Field was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Last week I made my first trip to Boulder, CO to attend Techstars Demo Day. The team at TechStars has figured out a lot in the past 10 years about supporting the development and growth of new ideas, leaders and companies. Last week, the Boulder Theater (where Demo Day was held) was pulsing with this sense of excitement, support and anticipation for great things to come.

The theater was a hotbed of new ideas and enthusiasm around meeting new people and learning more from the latest class of Techstars startups. From new workplace innovations to streamlined tools for mortgage brokers, new ways to tap into the sharing economy and ways to research our ancestry, Demo Day showcased a number of disruptive technologies, proving that Colorado’s tech scene is every bit as vibrant as Silicon Valley’s.

One of my favorite experiences of the night was meeting the team behind MeetMindful — an interesting new dating platform that is about much more than just meeting people for drinks. MeetMindful is thinking beyond connecting (mindful) people — some 36 million and counting. In addition to being a dating platform, MeetMindful also provides a hub for its users to share information and exchange ideas. It’s a way to form deeper connections, better yourself and maybe find someone you share interests with and enjoy spending time with. It’s a healthier way to form bonds than swiping right.

I was also particularly interested to learn about the B Corp movement. Three Colorado venture capital firms are now the first in their industry to achieve B-Corp Certification — Foundry Group, Colorado Impact Fund, and Greenmont Capital. Certified B-Corps are for-profit companies that pledge to focus not only on their bottom line, but also on their environmental and community stewardship. There are more than 75 Certified B Corps in Colorado and over 1,700 in nearly 50 countries around the world, including well-known leaders New Belgium Brewing, Patagonia, Seventh Generation, Ben & Jerry’s, Kickstarter, Etsy, Warby Parker and Hootsuite. This certification proves that companies can be and are profitable while still being responsible to their communities and the world.

Overall it was a great night with plenty of amazing ideas and a good introduction to my new innovation network. I continue to believe everyone deserves their shot and the ability to think in new and creative ways about some of life’s problems both big and small. Organizations like Techstars and communities like Denver and Boulder make this big dreaming possible. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to pay attention and help where we can.

I learned a lot during the past year by taking a more entrepreneurial path in the NFL to secure my contract with the Denver Broncos as a self-represented free agent. And now look forward to connecting with entrepreneurs in Colorado and beyond. I can’t wait for the next Demo Day.

Getting Acquainted with the Colorado Entrepreneur Scene was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In the days, weeks, and months that followed, support for this endeavor has poured in. Criticism has as well. I have persevered through the negativity, working to educate myself about contract structures and processes, assessing my value, and fine-tuning my approach.

A few weeks ago, I posted a video on Facebook with the following statement:

“The days of the oblivious athlete are over. Long gone are the days of the traditional sports figure, now replaced by a sharper and smarter candidate. This process will be hard but memorable. I initially thought the decision to represent myself in upcoming contract negotiations was solely for me. To my surprise, a number of players reached out to me. They shared the same stories I have. They too, pondered the alternatives to agent representation yet remain undecided because of the uncertainty of their capacity to do so. I refuse to partake in such doubt…”

Over the past two weeks, I have visited with a handful of teams in-person. I met their front office staff, coaching staff, and several players. Everyone impressed me. Negotiating my own contract has required grit, patience, and expert counsel. Having these direct interactions showed me the kind of upstanding people leading these organizations, and it has made a notable impact on me.

Seattle has been my home for 6 years and I have loved every minute of being a Seahawk. This process has been challenging, humbling, and exhilarating. I’m proud to say I stuck with my initial promise: I bet on myself. I did the research, I educated myself, I sought the counsel of experts, and I questioned the answers. You can too. Even if you’re not a professional athlete, you can empower yourself through education, building relationships, and having confidence in your abilities to act.

Choosing to represent myself has led us to today, where I proudly announce I will be wearing orange and blue next season, in Denver. Go Broncos!

Chapter 2: Headed to Mile High was originally published in Revenge of the Jocks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.