Sports Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How NFL Pro Myles Garrett Of The Cleveland Browns Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Maria Angelova
People feel like professional athletes never have any doubt, or fail, but it happens to everyone. We are all human, we go through the same trials, hard times, lows in our lives and we all have to bounce back. We all face these challenges and how you handle those things is what defines you and makes you who you are.
Asa part of our series about sports stars who are making a social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Myles Garrett.
Myles Garrett is a Cleveland Browns defensive end and has been voted as the №16 player in the NFL on the “Top 100 Players of 2021” rankings. Myles is originally from Arlington, Texas and played for Texas A&M before being signed to the National Football League (NFL). As he continues his career on the field, Myles is looking to use his platform to make a difference off the field as well.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you share with us the “backstory” that led you to your career path in professional sports?
Igrew up in Arlington, Texas which is the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Football is king in Texas but basketball was actually my first love growing up. My high school coach told me if I wanted to play basketball, I’d have to play football. I was about 6’2 200 pounds playing receiver, but a few of our defensive linemen went down so I got moved to defensive end and receiver. I started to realize that I actually enjoyed being down in the trenches, so I gave up running routes. After the season, I had to make the tough decision between pursuing football or basketball. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that football would be the best move for me to take care of my family, and the rest is history.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Don’t try to emulate my success, be as successful as you can be. I’m not trying to be Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, or anyone else but myself because I can only be as good as my mindset and my body will allow. Push yourself as hard as you can and test your limits to reach your maximum potential but you will only find that limit by being yourself.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
My Gran. She was my earliest memory and probably the sweetest person I’ll ever know. She taught me the more human side of myself, the Myles outside of sports, and really molded who I am today.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about what it is like being a professional sports player?
People feel like professional athletes never have any doubt, or fail, but it happens to everyone. We are all human, we go through the same trials, hard times, lows in our lives and we all have to bounce back. We all face these challenges and how you handle those things is what defines you and makes you who you are.
Ok super. Let’s now move to the main part of our discussion. How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you are working on right now?
Right now I’m excited to focus on my partnership with SafetyNest by Branch. One in eight drivers on the road is uninsured. Those drivers are just one accident away from potential financial ruin. SafetyNest, which is a nonprofit created and funded by Branch Insurance, is looking to eliminate the uninsurance problem that predominantly impacts low-income communities by helping those who are un- and underinsured get the coverage they need. I really felt drawn to work with SafetyNest and Branch Insurance because both are based in Ohio and because of our shared interest in giving back to the community. Working to decrease the number of un- and underinsured drivers will help so many people get the protection they deserve and keep our communities safer.
What methods are you using to most effectively share your cause with the world?
Being a part of the NFL has allowed me to build a following on social media, but it goes deeper than just sharing a post on Twitter or Instagram about the cause. I am fully immersing myself in this issue which silently affects the community around me. Later this year, I’m leading a winter coat drive to distribute to local Cleveland kids, as well as presenting checks to those who are un- and underinsured and need SafetyNest’s help. Through these opportunities, I hope to drive significant awareness to the uninsurance problem in Ohio, Texas, and nationwide, and start creating real solutions for those who have been caught in this vicious cycle.
Can you share with us the story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
Though being from Texas, I really have found a love for Ohio. The state, the city of Cleveland, all of it. I really want to make Ohio a better place to live and by raising awareness of the effects of un- and underinsured driving. In fact, Ohio’s uninsured driver rate is above the national average affecting over 900,000 drivers statewide, so this issue really hits close to home. When you’re barely making ends meet you may have to choose between putting food on the table or paying for insurance, and the pandemic has likely only made this worse. It’s a gamble that I don’t want any family to have to make because, in the event of an accident, people can suffer huge financial losses. Insurance is meant to have your back when things go wrong and everyone deserves to take part in that protection.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
My organization, Waterboys, is a clean water initiative that provides clean water by building wells for communities in Tanzania (and other African countries) that don’t have any drinking water. I remember visiting a school, watching one of the students demonstrate how the well works, and seeing the pure joy on her face after taking the first sip of water. It was really powerful to see how grateful the community is just to have clean water to drink, and the fact that I got to be a part of that changed my life.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I would make some kind of regulation that encourages people to get off of their devices for a certain amount of time for the day and interact with other people. I feel like most people are out of touch nowadays because they are just looking at screens all day. People are so occupied staying in their bubble that they aren’t taking time to ask how they can help each other. There’s a lot of good we can do in the world, we just choose not.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
In short, “Life loves the liver of it”. Experiences can serve as life’s teacher, and in the ability to learn more, might present the opportunity to enjoy what’s truly special about living — through all of the ups and downs.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Politics, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them!
Keanu Reeves or Stevie Wonder.
How can our readers follow you online?
Twitter (@Flash_Garrett), Instagram @flash_garrett
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher, and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness, and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at [email protected]. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
