Athletes Die Twice: R.K. Russell on Mental Health

Sponsors

Momentous - Get 20% off your purchase at livemomentous.com when you enter code PLAYBOOK20

Mateina - Go to drinkmateina.com/PLAYBOOK for a discount on any purchase.

Summary

In this conversation, R.K. Russell shares his journey as a former NFL player, discussing the emotional complexities of being an athlete, the challenges of transitioning from sports, and the importance of embracing one's identity. He reflects on his experiences in college football, the pressures of the NFL draft, and the profound impact of sports culture on personal growth and mental health. Russell emphasizes the need for empathy towards athletes facing scrutiny and the significance of community and support in navigating their careers. He concludes with a heartfelt message about the significance of love in our lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation

03:11 R.K. Russell's Perspective on Football and Athletes

05:59 R.K. Russell's Journey into Football

09:03 Transitioning from High School to College Football

12:03 Realizing Potential for Professional Football

14:57 The Mindset Shift with NFL Scouts

18:05 Advice to Young Athletes

21:06 The Impact of Mike Alstott's Words

23:53 The Emotional Weight of Transitioning from Sports

27:04 Draft Day Experience and Its Complexities

30:39 Transitioning from College to Professional Football

34:45 The Importance of Recovery in Professional Sports

38:28 Navigating Life After Football

45:51 Activism and Advocacy in Sports

49:24 The Power of Storytelling and Personal Growth

55:20 Empathy as a Superpower

56:32 Personal Development and Self-Care

57:21 Finding Balance in Life and Nature

Relevant Links & Contact

https://rkrelentless.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rkrelentless/

The Yards Between Us - R.K. Russell

Huddle Men’s Journal

Atomic Habits - James Clear

Follow The Next Playbook 

www.TheNextPlaybook.com

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Podcast | Blog