Introducing: Next Play Project

Where Passion Meets Lasting Purpose

A few months ago I celebrated my birthday and with another year comes another year of reflection. With reflection comes creativity and deep thinking. One of the ways that God has positioned me in life is to be around athletics and be able to understand the culture from youth sports to elite levels of competition.

A common theme that I have seen in this culture is the problem with purpose and how not only do athletes think of themselves but how do coaches and parents think of their athletes.

As I’ve written over the past few weeks, sports have a lot of issues. The way we think, talk, and do sports has real implications. However, I prefer not to look at sports through the paradigm of a critical lens that always looks at the negative side of sports. I come from the lens of sports being a societal good and a microcosm of the world around us. And while there are many problems in our world, there are redeeming qualities that should be championed.

That’s where this new project comes in. Introducing the “Next Play Project.” As you know, previously this blog and podcast that I did was called the Overtime Project. The name change represents more of what I want to accomplish. I still want to help people understand that there is a life beyond sport but even more so, I want to share the purpose behind the sports that we love.

What changes will there be? As for this newsletter, not much. I will still write about the things that you all love and the reason why so many of you follow me. Topics such as sports, identity, and culture. Recently, my research, writing, and speaking engagements have all been surrounded by the concept of athletic identity. Those conversations are much needed and will continue.

Other changes to the brand will be things that I offer. As I stated before, athletic identity is a pervasive topic that affects athletes, parents, and coaches. I want to be part of the solution in helping others with their life beyond sport. Here are some things that I have been working on and am offering:

• Speaking enagagements

• One-on-one or group consulting

• Online courses

• Workbooks and assessments

I have been meticulously planning out what to offer athletes, parents, and coaches to help them navigate tough topics such as what is athletic identity, how can I prepare well for life after sports, and what was the purpose of my playing sports.

If you are interested in learning more about what this project is all about, you can check out this free micro book that I am offering here. It is “pay what you think it’s worth” but if you would like it for free the opportunity is there- All I ask is that you share what I’m doing with at least one other person.

A list of other offerings will be available soon for you all to check out as well. Since you all have been so supportive of me since day one, I am offering a special discount for the next week just as a thank you.

Please spread the word! You can check out more on my website here. The official launch will be in the new year. The goal is to help the next generation of athletes, parents, and coaches redeem sports and find purpose beyond their uniform so they can flourish in life outside of sports.

Let’s talk more! I would love to hear any feedback or genuine excitement you have towards this new venture.