Let’s Guide One Another

Jan. 1, 1970

Dear Fellow Former Players & Friends,

Several years ago, I reflected upon the NFL Draft, then taking place in Chicago. Hearing the names of several former players’ sons this past weekend in the 2018 NFL Draft, I was reminded of a feeling I had a few years back. One that I expressed in this very space.

After digging through the archives, I found this gem and wanted to share it again as, often is the case, good advice seems relevant even as time passes.

I hope you enjoy…

Don’t you just love spring time? So far, the season is off to a great start here in Washington, DC. Flowers are in bloom with beautiful variations of yellow, pink and white. The grass is a rich green and the sky a bold blue. A new season awaits our ambitions.

No one felt this more than the young men who were lucky enough to hear their names called at the NFL Draft in Chicago. As I was watching, I couldn’t help reminiscing about my own personal football journey. The highs. The lows. The victories and the challenges. And if I knew then what I know now, oh, how much I would have done differently.

But there is a bit of beauty in the ebbs and flows of my past. I now have the opportunity to put those first hand lessons to good use as I help guide my own children on their journeys.

And I’m not alone in this mindset. Several former players heard their sons’ names called this weekend during the Draft. What a wonderful opportunity we have to guide our sons first hand through the game and beyond. Furthermore, what a wonderful realization for both generations of these players, father and son alike, this past weekend.

We all know how much time and effort goes into playing and then transitioning to a life after football. Let’s make sure we are doing enough to guide each other to the resources that can make the decision process on a number of things a bit easier.

Like a father guides his son, let’s guide one another. Take action and connect to the resources at yourpaf.com for clarity when it comes to improving the quality of your life. Your opportunities await.

I can’t get over how time flies, but I promise it gets better. Enjoy each and every moment!

Andre Collins

Executive Director
Professional Athletes Foundation
NFL Player 1990-1999

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