Former NFL Athletes Say Having Fun is Key to Success

We can propose that quality coaching, 10,000 hours of repetitions and fast twitch fibers will get your kid to the professional level.

Those are contributing factors, but they are not the most important factor contributing to his or her long-term athletic success.

Rather, the key is simply love of the game and enjoying every moment regardless of the circumstances.

Love of the game and fun must be factored in to every training and competitive experience. 

That passion becomes the driving force, the gasoline behind ever task, challenge, victory and defeat ahead.

In 2008, we talked with 12 NFL stars working for youth football camps across the United States. Each had played more than 3 years in the NFL and some as many as 9 or 10 years.

Across the board and without bias, they said the most important factor in their success was they LOVED playing the game.

Their recommendation as the most important contribution a parent can provide a child?  “Making it fun.”

As kids, these NFL players and youth camp heroes jumped at the chance to practice, play and organize pick-up games in the backyard.

“It was the most fun thing to do…ever,” said former Chicago Bear Youth Camp Hero Kris Haines.

“I loved playing the game as a kid,” said former Green Bay Packer Youth Camp Hero Johnnie Gray.

NFL players New York Giants Youth Football Camps and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps say the same thing.

Their parents did not track them for professional success. 

Instead, they were “in the moment” and made sure that each day’s experience was as rewarding and educational as possible

Never underestimate the “fun” factor in your child’s athletic experience. 

It is absolutely necessary in order to fuel the engine for success.