Jonathan Casillas defied the percentages all through his nine-year NFL profession. From going undrafted out of Wisconsin to changing into a two-time Tremendous Bowl champion with the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, Casillas’s journey exemplifies perseverance and management. The previous linebacker, of Puerto Rican and African-American descent, made his mark not simply on the sphere – the place he recorded a career-high 96 tackles with the New York Giants in 2016 – but in addition by way of his dedication to youth improvement and neighborhood service. Now a media character and basis chief, Casillas shares his insights on management, preparation, and private progress on this unique interview with Rolling Out’s CEO to CEO sequence.
[Editor’s note: This is a truncated transcription of a longer video interview. Please see the video for the extended version. Some errors may occur.]
You’re making a distinction by way of your basis and altering the lives of youth. Why is it necessary so that you can encourage our neighborhood regardless of your success?
Soccer was nice – 9 years within the NFL, a few Tremendous Bowls as an undrafted participant. However that’s not my life’s function. The NFL platform helped elevate me to my true calling: serving to folks and giving again. I do know I’m blessed, so I’m at all times making an attempt to be a blessing to any individual else. These youngsters are our future – future soccer gamers, engineers, pioneers, astronauts. After I speak to youngsters from areas like the place I got here from, I allow them to know that with a plan and constant work, they’ll accomplish something. I’m residing proof of that.
What have been the important thing instruments you used to maintain a profitable nine-year NFL profession?
First, being the place you’re alleged to be – bodily and mentally. Within the NFL, we are saying “Be the place your ft are.” Once you’re on that area training, it’s a must to be locked in, not worrying about anything. Second, preparation is every little thing. I realized that from Drew Brees and Tom Brady. Watching these two legends put together – it was second to none. I realized from actually two of the perfect gamers in any sport do it day in and day trip. Third, coping with adversity. It’s not if it’s coming – it’s when. You want that robust pores and skin to deal with every little thing from play politics to accidents.
How did you preserve focus regardless of life’s distractions and temptations?
I stored the primary factor the primary factor. Some guys can do podcasts whereas taking part in, however have a look at their efficiency. I selected my time cautiously. Being undrafted, each single 12 months I used to be preventing for my roster spot. The NFL stands for “not for lengthy.” Positive, I grew to become a captain and was by no means lower, however I by no means put myself in conditions the place I’d miss soccer due to off-field distractions – whether or not it was drug testing, golf equipment, something. Soccer needed to come first.
What did being a staff captain educate you about management?
It was deeply humbling. The fellows voted me captain although I wasn’t the perfect participant and didn’t take advantage of cash. That speaks to character. By my later years with the Giants, I’d absorbed every little thing from the veterans I’d performed with. I grew to become that bridge between gamers and coaches – somebody who might talk advanced methods but in addition break them down merely. You’ve received to be somebody gamers can flip to for solutions but in addition rely on in robust conditions. Being captain for my hometown staff, the Giants – that topped even the Tremendous Bowl rings. It wasn’t about efficiency; it was about representing one thing larger than myself.
As CEO of your future now, what drives you every day?
I like new challenges. The media facet is completely different, particularly while you’re speaking a couple of struggling staff just like the Giants dropping 30-7 to the Buccaneers. However I like analyzing the sport and staying related to soccer. At 37, seven years post-retirement, it’s a must to reinvent your self. I’m constructing my model as a Giants ambassador whereas exploring new alternatives. Soccer taught me to embrace challenges – that is simply the following chapter.
What recommendation would you give to younger folks about management and entrepreneurship?
First, grasp following earlier than main. As a rookie, I watched Drew Brees command a staff assembly – that confirmed me an entire completely different degree of management. Examine how nice leaders put together and deal with adversity. Second, acknowledge alternatives all over the place. Talking on panels, networking, even listening to others – these moments can unlock new chapters in your life. Success isn’t a vacation spot; it’s a journey. By preparation and willpower, you’ll obtain issues past your creativeness. I’ve seen desires evolve into realities I by no means anticipated. That’s the fantastic thing about staying centered and ready – you create alternatives you couldn’t even envision.