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First, tell me about the Players Philanthropy Fund and how you got started in that?

Well, a colleague of mine, Seth McDonnell, and I launched PPF after my experiences as an athlete doing charitable giving. We launched a simple way for athletes to get connected and give back.

We are a foundation that uses our status to help others create their own charitable funds – we act basically as their back office so they don’t have to do that work or risk damage to their own brand. We have 148 accounts now, 65%  of which are athletes. It’s exciting for me as an entrepreneur who has invested and did well through those investments. I was able because of that to give back the right way, and I’m happy to help other people do the same through PPF.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Browns and Ravens Kicker Matt Stover”

First, can you let us know what you’ve been up to since you stopped playing football?

Since I’ve been done playing, the majority of my work feeding my family now has been in commercial real estate in Arizona and Utah. We’ve been spending our time between these two areas.

We need to bunker down now though. My kids are four and one – they are getting to be school age. So we need to settle on one area. I’ve also been involved in some start-up companies. Just trying to stay busy and active.

Was the post-NFL adjustment difficult for you?

I think it is a struggle, yes. It is difficult. For me, the challenge came with the fact my identity was as a football player and that association with that world. Being a part of a billion dollar business, doing interviews and having thousands of fans care about what you are doing – you get a sense of importance.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Former Ravens, Browns Linebacker Paul Kruger”

First, let me know what you’ve been doing since your time in the NFL?

Well right now I’m doing the pregame show for the Browns TV network, We do an hour-and-a-half live show from the field on gamedays and in the studio for away games.

I’ve also been a real estate broker in the Cleveland area for 16 years and love it. And, I’m affiliated with the JACK Casino here in Cleveland as well.

Was the post-NFL adjustment difficult?

It hasn’t been tough really. All NFL players should know you have to give it up eventually – it doesn’t last a lifetime. It’s not forever. The average playing time is four years – I played nine years and knew while I played that I wanted to jump into real estate when I was done. That and radio and TV.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Browns Cornerback Hanford Dixon”

First, can you let me know how you got started in this profession and why?

I knew I wanted to get into mental training and sports psychology since I was in high school. All my education after that was about that. I interned then with Kevin Elko, who worked on profiling some of the Steelers draft picks at the time.

What did you learn from him?

Just seeing someone do it in real life. I saw the process. He also did motivational speaking – group talks – and I was able to sit in on those as well. I learned how to understand what different teams look for – what personality characteristics were most important to them.

Continue reading “Exclusive with Aimee Kimball, Player Development Specialist for Steelers, Penguins”