By Troy Vincent
NFL Player Engagement
“I am most proud of the success my wife Nicole and I have had as parents. I regard my role as a father as an absolute honor. Forget all the positions I’ve played on the field – being a father puts me in the most important position ever. I love being there to guide, teach, and inspire our seven children. A father has a profound effect on the life of a child. I look at my own children and see them as our gift to the future.” ~ Damien Woody, two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl Champion
ESPN broadcast analyst and former NY Jet Damien Woody has always been very clear about his priorities both on and off-the-field. When it comes to what is important to him, there is no hesitation. As much as the former offensive lineman and defensive end loves the game of football and saw great success during his 12-year professional playing experience, Damien always has been clear: his heart has only one home, and that is with his wife and children.
“Everything starts at home and when it comes to providing your children with what they need to grow up to be good people, it starts early. As parents, we realize the responsibility lies with the two of us,” shares Damien, whose children range in age from 13 years old to just three months.
Damien understands that being a husband and a dad are the two most important jobs he has. Damien is sure that his solid and loving relationship with his high school sweetheart and wife, Nicole, provided the critical foundation he needed to succeed in the competitive and often grueling days of playing football.
“My wife wasn’t just supportive of what I was doing on the field, she was right there in it; a part of it. She knows the game and me so well, that she was clearly the best strategist I could ever have by my side,” tells Damien, “Her instincts are amazing. Not only did I listen to her but I took her advice to heart and followed it. She is my best friend.”
“When you are a team,” adds Damien, “it feels as though there isn’t anything you can’t do or achieve. My wife and I are lucky to have such a special kind of relationship. I think that is why we are so in-sync as parents and such a cohesive family.”
Damien, while playing, had his eyes focused on a broadcasting career. He approached this new career with the same intensity, perseverance, and enthusiasm that he brought to the gridiron.
“I first figured out what I needed to make the transition. Fueled with the same competitive juices that flowed through me in my NFL playing days, I attacked the job just like I did when I was playing the game of football” Damien reveals. “I analyzed what it took to be a great broadcaster and did an honest assessment of what I could bring to it.”
“As a former player, I believed I could offer greater in-depth knowledge of the game which makes the game experience much more meaningful to the listeners and fans. I am committed to giving fans the extra nugget they crave,” Damien adds, “These days, I have a new kind of relationship with football fans and I look forward to building on it.”
Damien is one of many examples of an athlete who is a loving husband, a caring dad, and an individual who was also focused on what his post-playing experience would become. I want to personally thank Damien for being a wonderful example to our past, present, and future athletes.