By Lisa Zimmerman, Player Engagement Insider
The NFL is entering its 96th season. Over the decades, thousands of players have worn an NFL uniform. But, for most of that history there was no unified or official way for former players to connect with each other, or maintain ties to the league. Then in 2013 the Legends Community was born and in just three short years, its impact has been immeasurable.
Serving the Legends Community, which now has more than 4000 members, are transition coordinators and transition coaches who work with individual former players and help them navigate everything from severe struggles with the transition process to making business connections to helping provide information about the variety of resources available to all former NFL players.
Leonard Wheeler is a former NFL cornerback serves as a both a transition coordinator and coach and spoke recently about the impact he’s seen the Legends Community make.
“It’s really been priceless,” he said. “Creating this program has literally saved lives. We’ve seen families saved. We’ve seen individuals create and generate hope again. It’s been a support system. The Legends Community continues to lift people’s hopes and dreams.”
Many players struggle with leaving the league, whether by choice or not and the departure leaves some not knowing how to take the next steps in their lives. The Legends Community provides that bridge.
Donovin Darius, a 10-year NFL veteran safety, who also serves as a coordinator and coach, explained the process and influence of the coaches. “We are an umbrella to get guys connected to the resources and benefits that are out there. You’re equipping former players with tools for where they are right now.
You’re caring; you’re listening to them and finding out how you serve them. [I tell them] ‘I don’t want anything from you. I want to be able to serve you and support you.’ That releases a burden and opens them up to be able to receive that camaraderie and assistance.”
Former quarterback Chad Pennington, like Darius and Wheeler, is both a coordinator and a coach, and discussed some of what they hope to impress on their peers, including the importance of not cutting ties and realizing that not being wanted professionally shouldn’t affect your overall self-esteem.
“I remember not being wanted,” Pennington said. “But, what I tried to keep focusing on was that my being released was out of my hands. Control the things I could. This is the situation I’ve been presented.
And, he added, “The NFL has given me the skills to be successful.”
Darius summed up the overall goals and contribution of the community.
“Everybody goes through transition and it looks different for everybody, but it can be a lot better if you have someone to walk through it with you.”
Lisa Zimmerman is a long-time NFL writer and reporter. She was the Jets correspondent for CBSSports.com, SportsNet New York’s TheJetsBlog.com and Sirius NFL Radio. She has also written for NFL.com.