The Competitor’s Blueprint
As you can imagine, in the NFL, the competition is incredibly stiff. Walking into practice, you quickly notice that every linebacker is the same size, strength, speed, and intelligence. They all have that undeniable swagger, and the defense’s quarterbacks possess the team-leading bravado needed to counter an exceptional offense. Think of guys like Myles Jack and Paul Posluszny—athletes who perform at a high level every time they step on the field.
So, how do you compete with players like that? More importantly, how do you separate yourself from the endless line of talented individuals waiting for their chance, each with eerily similar characteristics?
Nobody wants to be the guy sitting on the bench. I never did, and I worked relentlessly to avoid that fate. However, when I arrived in the NFL, I quickly realized how hard it was to improve when you’re just watching from the sidelines. My entire career had depended on getting active reps, but now I had to rely on personal preparation and mental repetitions to grow and develop.
Is Hard Work Enough?
Everyone is on the same training regimen, so is hard work really the separator? To even make the team, you must meet certain prerequisites—hard work being one of them. While hard work is essential, it’s not enough to stand out. There are only so many hours in the day; you can’t spend all of them doing extra hip thrusters or running gassers, especially after hours of intense practice. Overworking can quickly lead to diminishing returns.
In my NFL career, my biggest mistake was believing that simply working harder would result in greater success. This approach might work for some, but my problem wasn’t the amount of work—it was finding balance. My entire life in sports depended on pushing my body beyond its limits, but learning to manage that fine line between effort and recovery was my biggest challenge.
The Real Difference: Direction and Knowledge
Hard work wasn’t my issue; it was the lack of direction toward my goals and the absence of a blueprint from someone who had been through it. Simply put, the amount of work doesn’t always equate to achieving the results you want. Instead, it’s about working smarter. Watching game or practice film, for instance, helps recover your legs while sharpening your mind. It’s about aligning your efforts with actionable steps that give you a real advantage.
At the highest level, even with access to team doctors, nutritionists, and coaches, I didn’t always know what I needed to do to improve. After my concussion in 2018, I was a mental, physical, and emotional wreck. I was desperate to heal, but all I was told was to sit in a room and wait. I needed guidance, not just isolated rest. Had I known the right steps, success would’ve been far more likely.
Similarly, a player seeking more playing time doesn’t necessarily need more hours on the field or in the gym. What they need is the knowledge of what they’re missing and how to get there. Players who know exactly what to do are more likely to succeed than those who only think they know.
The Right Blueprint for Success
“For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.” – Proverbs 1:32 (NIV)
When I finally received the proper help from someone who understood my struggles and could guide me on what to focus on, I began to heal. That’s when I started to see real success.
Brooks Ellis Coaching (BEC) provides that blueprint for success. Our coaches have been through the fire and know what it’s like to deal with incomplete coaching, lack of playing time, and unsatisfactory performance. Given the right blueprint, your performance can skyrocket. Instead of wasting energy swimming upstream, you learn to flow seamlessly down the river on the path of optimal resistance.
The blueprint we provide at BEC works because it worked for me. It helped me recover from a severe concussion that derailed my career, personal life, and sense of purpose. It taught me the power of addressing the whole person, not just the visible aspects of athletic performance.
How We Do It
At BEC, our coaches—former Razorbacks trained and guided by the BEC Framework—personalize every coaching session. We ensure that athletes leave each session feeling energized, encouraged, and excited to return. Our program offers comprehensive training options that expand an athlete’s full range of tools for success, with convenient class options tailored to fit busy schedules.
Our goal is to develop athletes into resilient leaders and playmakers capable of changing the world. We are building champions here at BEC, and we want YOUR athlete to be a part of it.
Join Us Today
Don’t let another season go by wondering what more you could be doing. Sign up for a free consultation to learn more about our group or private training programs and how we can help your athlete achieve their performance goals. Our programs provide comprehensive, risk-free solutions that include nutrition coaching, strength and conditioning, position skill training, fine-tuned skill clinics, and competitive football camps.
At Brooks Ellis Coaching, we provide it all—so you don’t have to wonder if there’s something more you could be doing. Let’s build something great, together.
