How Do High Achievers Transition Careers? The Story of NFL Legend Steve Young

Challenges of Transitioning from Football00:00

Transitioning from football is difficult, even for those very successful at it. People who played in high school dream of playing in college, but athletes age out—it's a young man's game, even Tom Brady at 45. The day after retirement, worldwide recognition is gone: "Now what?"

Transition requires treating the end like a death—mourn it, go through all steps of mourning, bury it, and refer to it like a grave site. Otherwise, you carry it around and never transition; transitioning means actually moving on.

Roger Staubach's Advice01:01

Roger Staubach had the most successful NFL transition: started Staubach Company, a hugely successful real estate business. Steve Young asked him for tips near career end. > Roger said, "Run." When asked "Run where?" he replied, "Just run away." The game never leaves you, but you need to leave it.

Steve wants to write a book about transition because everyone constantly transitions, mostly forced. An authentic, vulnerable way to transition, bury, and mourn allows waking up realizing: "I was great at something and now I'm not even good at anything else. But I'm going to learn and grow."

Steve Young's Transition Process02:30

Steve started building a business while still playing, running away from football even before it ended—fear-based, running fast to get clear. Partnered with Rich (from Morgan Stanley banker), Warren, Larry, and Jim Herman. In late 90s technology boom, Rich said they needed a CEO, left Morgan Stanley to become one. They've been together since, with great mentors and examples like Roger Staubach—didn't have to do it alone.