Most athletes who get projected as first-round picks expect to hear their name called on draft day. Jared Pinkney was different — he went undrafted and turned it into opportunity. At Vanderbilt University, Jared was a second-team All-SEC tight end projected as a first-round NFL Draft pick by ESPN analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper. When draft day came and went without his name being called, Jared signed with the Atlanta Falcons and embarked on a journey that would take him to five NFL teams. Through practice squads, roster cuts, and constant uncertainty, Jared fought for every opportunity — eventually making his NFL debut as a starter for the Detroit Lions in 2022. His NFL career included stints with the Falcons, Titans, Lions, Rams, and Bears before transitioning to his current role as an Independent Financial Professional. Today, Jared applies the same discipline, focus, and teamwork that defined his football career to helping individuals, families, and entrepreneurs build financial security. He specializes in debt management, wealth accumulation, risk protection, and intelligent planning, with a commitment to diversity, accessibility, and empowerment in financial services. In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Jared shares: The biggest lie culture sold athletes about money and financial securityWhat it taught him to go undrafted and fight for every opportunityHow to apply athletic discipline to building lasting wealthWhy diversity and accessibility matter in financial servicesWhat current athletes need to know about preparing for life beyond the gameThis isn't just about football or finance — it's about resilience, reinvention, and building something that lasts. This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Connect with Jared Pinkney: LinkedIn Jared Pinkney Support the show CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leader Follow us on social media and join the conversation BOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard. New episodes drop every Monday. Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.
