By John Ingoldsby | Engagement Insider
The legendary LaDainian Tomlinson lit up NFL defenses for years, and now he is attacking his NEXT career with the same intensity that made him a surefire Hall of Famer.
Best of all, the former San Diego Chargers and New York Jets running back is sharing the secrets of his success in how he has transitioned successfully from on-field feats to off-field achievement.
On June 13 & 14 in San Diego, “LT” will participate in the “Player to Business Symposium” hosted by Ascending Athletes that is specifically developed for professional football players, who will learn about business ownership, franchising, and employment opportunities & training.
With Tomlinson’s “Touching Lives Foundation” already well-established, he will impart his wisdom on what can make the second career as fulfilling as the first one in football.
“I really tried to learn as much as I could from as many different people as possible, and I never stopped learning,” LT recalled about preparing for life while he was still playing. “I became very involved with my foundation and more and more involved with my endorsements and off-field activities.”
But that wasn’t the only way the former Texas Christian University (TCU) star was learning.
“I consulted frequently with my financial advisors and made sure to ask a lot of questions. After learning as much as I could about a wide variety of opportunities, I really weighed options based on what was best for me and my family, and areas where I thought I could excel.”
After excelling throughout his life and as evidenced by his foundation, LT has become a believer in giving back to his NFL brethren through his work with organizations like Ascending Athletes.
“It can be easy to get overwhelmed by all the different possibilities that await a player after he retires. I was fortunate during my time as a player to learn a lot from guys who had gone before me to learn what I needed to do, and what I needed to not do, to give myself a chance to be successful after football. I know how important that advice was to me. Now that I am a few years into that second career, I want to lend that same support to other guys who are still looking to make that transition.”
And exactly what type of direct advice does he advocate for players preparing for life after football?
“Once again, I would advise guys to learn as much as you can about any possible opportunities. Do not be afraid to ask questions, even the tough ones! Do not assume anything. This is your life and your future, and you owe it to yourself and your family to thoroughly prepare yourself for new opportunities.”
An opportunity just like the June symposium, where there will also be a Touching Lives Foundation Dinner Party mixed in with the two days of entrepreneurship training and career interviews intended to ease the transition from the gridiron to the game of life.