By JOHN INGOLDSBY
Engagement Insider
ASHBURN, VA August 15, 2014 – Cliff Russell learned a lot about his body when he played through injuries in the NFL, and now he is passing along his expertise to others.
While lasting in the league for eight years despite debilitating knee and neck injuries, the now-healthy former wide receiver used the knowledge he gained through both training and rehabilitation to open his own company.
And as the Founder and President of Ripped Performance (www.rippedperformance.com) in Ashburn, VA, Russell brings a background that is second to none to those he trains.
“I was a journeyman and played for the Washington Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos between 2001 and 2008,” he recalls. “I also faced adversity with injuries, and that inspired me to learn more about the body and how to train, so I educated myself about the body and its physiology and then got the appropriate trainer certifications.”
But he didn’t wait for his football career to end to begin his business, he got involved while still playing.
“I started training a handful of athletes in 2005 when I was injured and between teams, and by 2008 I had established a clientele,” Russell noted. “At that time, I also did an internship with a sports performance company and learned so much that I then started working out of my home training athletes of all ages, including collegians and professionals, where I like to help them transition when their time comes.”
Transition is an inevitable ending for all athletes, and one Russell remembers all too well.
“When I was facing neck surgery for a fourth time in 2008, I knew it was time that I pursued Plan B,” he said. “I was already doing training, and knew by then that I had a passion for teaching people how to face adversity and inspire them to be better today than they were yesterday by being above average, which is our mantra since we want to see them be all they should be in life.”
Something that Russell can relate to since he has been overachieving for quite a while.
“I have a graduate degree in sociology from the University of Utah, where I was a team captain and even became the fastest player in school history with a 4.28 40,” he exclaimed.
Quite the calling card to land a look from the League that is always seeking the right stuff, which Russell displayed both on and off the field.
That helped ease his transition as he built his training clientele, and now six years later he has three employees serving approximately 50 clients at their facility.
“One of the unique tools that we have is an online show that I shot with components of training, exercising, motivation, and nutrition,” said Russell, who also has expanded into other areas as well.
“I also have a partnership with a local hospital where we focus on health with area schools by teaching them proper techniques, as well as an alliance with local churches to promote health and faith together,” he stated. “Additionally, we work with a non-profit and hold a football camp every year to help kids prepare for football and life, and be a champion at both. It’s a highlight for us every summer.”
Just one of many highlights that Russell realizes in his life today, simply different types than he delivered on the football field.