Chalk Talk Episode #9: NFL Pro and Life Literacy Coach Brandon Copeland Wants Us All to Start Normalizing Conversations Around Money and Meet New People. Here’s Why.

I know we typically dive into the wide world of sports from a business and technology perspective on Chalk Talk. But, today, we want to focus in on the life of a professional athlete both on and off the field and, specifically, how athletes' lives aren't that much different from yours or mine.

Early last year, pro football player Brandon Copeland sat down with our colleague, Senior Director of External Communications, Therese Van Ryne, to talk about some of the lessons he's learned since joining the NFL. You can check it out here if you missed it:

Beyond the Basics: NFL Pro Brandon Copeland Talks About What It Takes to Be a Winner, On and Off the Field

But one thing they didn't discuss was the adversity that athletes face in their careers and lives. It's easy for us to be envious of our favorite athletes, but just because they've "made it" doesn't mean they always have it easy. Nor does it mean they don't understand or appreciate the struggles that other people have. Most athletes are very young when they go pro - either still in or right out of school. They may not have a lot of life experience or certain life skills. They have to figure things out like the rest of us.

That's why we invited Brandon onto Chalk Talk today. As my co-host Hale Hentges points out, Brandon's famous. He's successful. But he also works really hard to achieve and maintain financial freedom, overcome physical health issues, protect his mental health, and be of service to others. Hale was spot on when he said that no matter who you are or what you do, there is something you can learn from him.

So, grab your earbuds (or better yet, your friends, family or co-workers) and turn the volume up on this episode. You're going to want to hear what Brandon has to say.