Inside a Glory Days Grill in Burke, Virginia, high school students and recent graduates recently sat shoulder-to-shoulder with NFL and University of Tennessee football players for an unforgettable conversation about success on and off the field.
The event, _Playbook for Success: Exploring Purpose, Practice & Potential_, helped student athletes see that while football might be America’s favorite sport, many other victories often happen far from stadium lights.
Attending the event were former football players Dan Williams, Chris Bolton, Daryl Vereen, Elliott Berry, Evan Berry, Eric Berry, Robert Kimble, Terrance Parks, and Vladimir Richard.
Top row: Eric Berry, Dan Williams, Terrance Parks. Middle row: Elliott Berry. Bottom row: Daryl Vereen, Chris Bolton, Vladimir Richard, Evan Berry
Graphic courtesy of College Promise
The professional athletes opened the conversation by sharing their personal journeys, reminding students that talent alone isn’t enough. Many were first-generation college students or grew up in foster care, facing steep educational gaps and communities that didn’t always value breaking through hardship. Their stories resonated deeply, showing that past struggles need not define the future — discipline, focus, humility, and courage do. Their past didn't define them; rather, each player forged a life rich with purpose and mission. Their ongoing connections are a reminder that men need both community and friendship.
Their message was clear: success on the field demands the same skills required for thriving in school, business, and life. It takes discipline, focus, humility, and the courage to keep going when the path isn’t easy. Because life isn't meant to be easy — it’s meant to be lived in, actively. That message is empowering and places the responsibility squarely on the protagonist: ourselves.
While football brought them fame, many of the panelists described college as the true starting point for their broader successes. They explained how important it is to use every resource available, such as tutoring, counseling, networking, and career planning. College, they noted, offers countless opportunities, and those who make the most of these services often set themselves up for long-term success.
A striking theme throughout the event was how sports and life are both a game and a business. Athletes urged students to see themselves as personal brands, with every decision impacting their reputation and future opportunities.
“Sports is a business, ” former NFL player, Eric Berry advised. This business-minded approach applies equally off the field. Whether launching a career, starting a business, or navigating social media, being mindful of one’s personal brand is an important lesson that extends far beyond professional sports.
The players described how juggling practices, games, travel, and recovery taught them the value of time management. They realized that sticking to routines was key to handling everything efficiently. Routines were often the difference between achieving goals and letting distractions win.
They encouraged students to be intentional about their schedules, to plan for rest as much as hustle, and to treat time like the valuable asset it is.
Numerous athletes talked about prioritizing health, both physically and mentally. They reminded students that even elite athletes have limits, and that caring for one’s body and mind is critical for long-term success. Equally important was humility and the understanding that true growth often comes from recognizing where you fall short and putting in the work to improve. They emphasized that natural talent alone is rarely enough to carry someone to the top. Rather, consistent effort, discipline, and a willingness to learn from mistakes were what ultimately set high achievers apart.
“What helped me the most wasn’t just games — it was realizing I had to grow in other areas, too. Learning how to manage stress, build relationships, and plan for the future gave me a foundation I still rely on,” reflected Dan Williams, former NFL player and founder of the [Playbook for Success Foundation](https://theplaybook.org/).
The afternoon at Glory Days Grill was a reminder that, while sports may be measured in wins and losses, true success is defined by how we grow, who we help, and the resilience we bring to every challenge. For the students and recent graduates who attended, Playbook for Success offered a blueprint for building purpose, practice, and potential in every chapter of life.