“My first year in the National Football League I saw players that I thought were better than me have bad practices or get hurt and then get cut. I saw them taken completely off guard trying to figure out what to do next with their life. I didn’t want that to be me.”

“Being recognized for this award is a blessing because of the hard work that I put in to become the player I am today. It’s truly a blessing.”

"It's a brand. It's a lifestyle. That lifestyle is why I am here today and I am able to articulate that and give back to the next because of my experiences."

“Sometimes people see what you’re supposed to do before you do.”

"The thing I've learned about the business is really focusing on the people you've got, giving them all your energy and it will naturally grow that way."

"I love cooking and I want to share it with as many people as possible." 

“Start connecting the next part of your life that doesn’t consist of football, we have to make sure that we are using the four years of college to turn the next four years of our life into success. Network as much you can, intern as much as you can, get as much education as you can, communicate as much as you can, and ask as many questions as you can.”

"I wanted to put something in place so now moving forward, athletes have a book they can read, a class they could take, or a course they could go to that will actually help them transition into life after sports."

"Sports has been a wonderful teaching tool.”

“Indiana University is a great business school and they understand the rigors of the NFL.”

"I run my companies based on how the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots run things. Those are two people who have a tradition of consistent winning and being able to handle adversity and adapt." 

By Aaron Tyson The transition from an elite athletic figure to one's life beyond sports can present its challenges. Many are welcomed into professional athletics with open arms and a traveling fan base that can be traced back as far as sixth-grade. The drafted players are instantly identified as icons and hometown heroes — or better yet celebrities in today’s digital world. Even those who are undrafted are celebrated, having reached a level of playing competition that only a small percentage…

Written by: Aaron Randolph Images: Jeremy Stewart Former NFL running back Jeremy Stewart has taken his talents from the football field to the classroom. Stewart played in the National Football League for four years and is now enrolled as a full-time graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business majoring in Finance. Jeremy Stewart exceeded in football at the high school, collegiate, and professional level. Stewart had been playing since he was eight years old.…