Miami Dolphins Business Combine WRItTEN by Spencer Paysinger

Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, I came from a family that believed in hard work and sports. Was I poor? I wouldn't have known, unless someone from the outside world told me. Not having hot water for a few days or experiencing a drive-by was all part of growing up for me. Sports reigned supreme in my neighborhood though, if you could run fast, jump high, or catch anything you were somewhat safeguarded from gangs. But sports weren't a failsafe, often players didn't reach their potential or let their ego sideline their careers.

Although I've had success playing the sport I love, I never wanted to end up a negative statistic post NFL. Early on in my career I sought out internships, job shadowing experiences, and meetings with people in different fields. I didn't know what I wanted to do after football but for an undrafted linebacker trying to make it in the NFL, life after the NFL was always one play away.

Enter the Miami Dolphins Business Combine. Kaleb Thornhill, the Dolphins Director of Player Engagement, had spent the last few months curating an extensive player learning experience headed by Mr. Stephen Ross. Players spend the week broken up between three sectors: Related, RSE Ventures, and Blink Fitness. Speaking to CEO's, COO's, and Presidents about their companies. This is where I find myself early Monday morning, listening to plans for Hudson Yards overseen by Mr. Ross.

I chose to take on RSE Ventures, being interested in brand building and business development, what better way to learn than to hear from people like Matt Higgins, Co-Founder and CEO of RSE Ventures or Gary Vaynerchuk, Founder and CEO of VaynerMedia. This was my time to immerse myself in curiosity, where I can gain insight from companies I knew nothing about. Established people like Charlie Stillitano spoke on the business of soccer while Jen Ross and Christina Ros Blankfein, young owners of BeMixed, told us how they used creative ways to get people to try their products. Peering into these companies while receiving first hand advice has given me the tools to take my own ideas through a rigorous vetting process.

Perhaps the biggest lesson from this eclectic group was their common denominator, resiliency.

The power of self realization, techniques to break down business plans and different ways to build a formidable brand were just a few things I picked up by midweek. Yet, the more I listened the more I could not shake the disconnect I had with many of the speakers. Often, Presidents and CEO's mentioned they attended business school and/or received financial backing from family or friends to start their venture. Opportunities like this favor the upper and middle class, but it was refreshing to meet Jessie Derris, owner of Derris & Company, and Maverick Carter, CEO of Springhill Ent. and UNINTERRUPTED. Two people with humble upbringings that had to hustle for what was simply inherited by others. Perhaps the biggest lesson from this eclectic group was their common denominator, resiliency. It didn't matter where they came from, they all had a vision on where they wanted to go.

My notebook has 32 pages of notes, front and back. Each page bursting with quotes, lessons, and strategies all positioned to give advice with my ventures outside of football.

Athletes are often told they have a great set of skills that transfer into business. Being hard workers that are communicative and goal oriented are great assets but the reality is most athletes are too busy being athletes and often miss out on exercising these traits outside of sports. Team owners, take the blueprint Mr. Ross has laid out for the DBC and help dispel the stereotypes plaguing your athletes. These notions are far from dead, but experiences like the DBC is what deals a sizable blow to the idea that the common athlete doesn't seek knowledge outside of sports.

My notebook has 32 pages of notes, front and back. Each page bursting with quotes, lessons, and strategies all positioned to give advice with my ventures outside of football. Going into my 7th year playing in the NFL, I don't know where I will end up, or if I've already played my last down. Still, I find comfort in knowing that by taking Mr. Ross up on this opportunity to learn, I am investing in my future sooner, rather than later.

Spencer Paysinger, Cut + Pays

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