When they’re not using their athletic powers on the field, NFL players, like today’s guest, are finding ways to serve as superheroes for their communities. This week, we are joined by Michael Thomas, a fellow Stanford graduate and one of the NFL Player Association’s most active players, both on and off the field, having played with the San Francisco 49ers, the Miami Dolphins, the New York Giants, the Houston Texans, and the Cincinnati Bengals over the course of his decade-long career. Throughout his time with the NFL, Mike has always been an active community member, creating the Big Plays for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, being named NFLPA Community MVP in both 2015 and 2016 for his youth mentorship initiatives, and hosting ‘Camp Mike T’ to expose kids to unique opportunities for financial literacy and college prep programs. He also formed part in the NFLPA’s 2018 and 2019 Externship classes, during which he worked closely with Representative Sheila Jackson Lee to learn more about the political process on Capitol Hill. Tuning in, you’ll gain some insight into the journey behind Mike’s many accomplishments and find out how he learned to use his own social justice activism to turn his protest into policy. We also touch on how he struggled academically before he learned to ask for help, the challenges he had to overcome in order to realize his dream of playing in the NFL, and the importance of having faith in yourself, as well as how he earned his reputation as one of the best Special Teams players in the NFL, plus so much more! Today’s episode is No Straight Path’s version of an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary with Mike Thomas, jam-packed with valuable lessons that you can apply in your own life. Be sure not to miss it (and stay tuned for Part 2)!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Michael Thomas on LinkedIn
Michael Thomas on Twitter
Michael Thomas
Aldine Sports Association
Camp Mike T
Cincinnati Bengals
Ashley Menzies Babatunde
Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram