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