From Super Bowl 50 Champion to the Treatment Table: Pressure, Identity, & Injury Recovery with David Bruton

In this episode, Jess sits down with Super Bowl 50 champion and former Denver Broncos safety David Bruton, now a physical therapist and owner of Between the Lines PT, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes of elite performance, injury, and transition out of sport. David shares openly about his journey from Notre Dame to the NFL, becoming a young father, getting cut, dealing with concussions, and ultimately choosing to walk away from football for his long-term health and his kids.They dive into how David handled the pressure of “your job is on the line in four hours,” the mindset shift that turned him into a difference-maker on special teams, and how he’s now using that same experience to support injured athletes in the clinic every day.In this conversation, they explore:What it actually feels like to play under intense performance pressure in the NFLHow failure, film study, and missed opportunities shaped David’s mental gameNavigating identity beyond “just an athlete” and finding a new purpose after sportThe emotional side of injury, from grief and coping to fear of re-injuryWhy confidence, self-talk, and giving yourself grace can speed up the rehab processHow PT and mental performance can work together to help athletes return stronger, physically and mentallyIf you’re an athlete, parent, or coach supporting someone through injury or big transitions in sport, this episode is packed with real, honest insight and encouragement that you are more than your stats, your jersey, or your season.Get in touch with David Bruton and Between the Lines:https://[email protected]