"Give yourself two years."

Coach Kent's words echoed in my mind as I sat in the passenger seat of his car, my neck aching from the rigors of the game. The North Carolina cold seeped through the windows, but it was nothing compared to the chill I felt when contemplating life after the NFL.

"Look, bud," Coach continued, his voice gentle but firm. "You've been playing football for so long, and you're used to high performance. But I want you to know that what you're doing now is not your entire life. It's a part of it, but not all of it. You've accumulated wealth, but now it's time to focus on you."

I nodded, rolling my neck back and forth, trying to ease the tension that had settled in my muscles. Eleven years in the NFL had taken its toll, both physically and emotionally. The game was a rollercoaster, never allowing me to feel settled or grounded. I hadn't felt truly at peace since I was 17, before I left for college to play football.

"Take two years," Coach Kent advised. "No big decisions, no new endeavors. Take care of your body, mind, and soul. Give yourself time to get into the habit of knowing who you are."

His words struck a chord deep within me. I thought about my family – my baby boy at home and another child on the way. I had an entire life ahead of me, and it was time to start living it on my own terms. I felt guilty for even considering this.

As we pulled up to the local gym for my pool recovery session, I turned to Coach and blurted out, "When the season is all said and done, I'm going to do a fast." As so was the tradition in my family to undertake such a journey at difficult junctions in life, and I knew it was what I needed.

And so, I embarked on a two-year journey of self-discovery. I deleted apps, blocked numbers, prayed earlier, looked my spouse in the eyes more, started eating healthier, and allowed myself to cry. I journaled, reflecting on my experiences and emotions. For the first time, I could feel everything – the insecurity of newborns entering the world and the joy of children learning martial arts.

Those two years of waiting and fasting transformed me. It was exactly what I had been seeking. My spirit now urges me to become the person I've always wanted to be, yet in some ways, the person I've always been.

After completing my most recent fasting sessions, I felt compelled to write this follow-up. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have been on this journey with me. I am deeply touched by the messages I've received from individuals who have also embarked on their own fasting journeys. Knowing that you will find transformation through this practice fills me with immense joy. I celebrate your growth with you.

As I move forward, I will undoubtedly continue to share more about my experiences and insights. However, I wanted to take a moment to inform you that my primary focus in the coming weeks will be on bringing a project to life that both exhilarates and terrifies me. This undertaking will require me to step out of my comfort zone and face my fears head-on.

After an intense period of refeeding, I found myself at a new beginning, ready to start fresh. My body, revitalized and energized, yearned for movement, longing to be pushed to its limits. It was then that I crossed paths with a coach who introduced me to the captivating world of Capoeira, an art with roots tracing back to Central Africa. Eager to explore this newfound passion, my coach and I arranged a session. As I stepped into the training space, an undeniable energy surged through my body. The rhythmic pounding of the drums resonated deep within my soul, awakening a primal connection to the art form. The energy was tangible—as if I was on the football field again.

As we began to move, the spirit of Capoeira enveloped me. The fluid, acrobatic movements, playful exchanges with my partner, and pulsating rhythm of the music created an almost mystical atmosphere. Each kick, dodge, and spin felt like a sacred dance, a celebration of the human body and God given potential. The combination of physical exertion, mental focus, and spiritual connection felt familiar. It was as if the essence unlocked hidden aspects of my being.

Looking back on that initial encounter with Capoeira, I realize that it marked the beginning of a profound personal journey, connecting me to my own roots.

It’s amazing how, in life, sometimes we need to be reminded of who we are.

Forward,

RO