The Challenge Focusing On Health Under High Pressure Athletes Using Influence To Give Back
2025 RAM HEMI
HURRICANE!
How Athletes Use Their Platforms To Give Back
We all love an underdog story. As we see them overcome adversity and become the best in their respective fields, following that rise to glory can feel rewarding to fans, too. However, as athletes become superstars, it can feel like they don't care much about where they started. Fortunately, plenty of athletes like LeBron James have managed to use their platform to give back to their respective communities.
The Power of Athlete Platforms
When athletes reach a certain level of stardom, they have incredible influence over their fans and the environment surrounding their respective sports. Their mistakes or bad decisions reflect poorly on other athletes, and their successes can also bring the sport and its participants into a
more positive light. With all of this power comes the responsibility to do right by their community, which most athletes take for granted.
A Closer Look LeBron’s Foundation
Unlike most NBA players who focus on growing their personal brand, LeBron James has always been about the community. Growing up in a subsidized neighborhood in Akron, Ohio, LeBron was always proud of his heritage. To give back to his community, he started the LeBron James Family Foundation.
It's no secret that LeBron had to go through a lot when trying to make it big and saw basketball as his only escape. With support from his family, friends, and influential
figures, he achieved everything he wanted and much more.
The LeBron James Family Foundation focuses on creating that social safety net that made him successful. The foundation built a school for underprivileged children in his neighborhood that offers quality education with various sports programs. While these programs encourage students to participate in various sports, he also wants to focus on the message that there isn't a single route to success, and it's more about carving your unique path.
The Effect of Athletic Philanthropy
Athletic philanthropy efforts like the LeBron James Foundation have a ripple effect that expands far beyond the communities they help. In fact, it can also inspire athletes from various sports to give back to their
community. Another excellent example of a philanthropic athlete is J.J. Watts, who has been at the forefront of rebuilding efforts in Houston following Hurricane Harvey. He's also been dedicated to building better sports programs in his hometown of Milwaukee. These programs aren't just more inclusive but also focused on introducing kids to the joys of engaging in sports, even if they need the means for it.
Breaking the Cycle of Struggle
While everyone loves an underdog story, anyone who's the protagonist would never want someone else to go through a similar experience. By giving back to their communities, they help break the cycle of struggle that so many great minds fall into and never get out of.
Article By Premier Players
NFL great J.J. Watt and his Justin J. Watt Foundation providing relief to Hurricane Harvey victims.
College football, or any sport, would not excite millions of people every year if it wasn't for the fans. Yet, when deciding the best college football player in the nation, the fans were left out of the selection process until we launched our award in 2010.
The Premier Player of College Football Trophy is an award presented to the athlete the fans vote as the best player in NCAA college football. The Premier Players Sports Foundation releases a poll at the beginning of the college football season with 20 of the best players for fans to follow. The foundation will add up to five more great-performing players to the poll in mid-October while deleting nonperformers from the poll. Fans then have until the last conference championship game to cast their vote for deciding The Premier Player of College Football.
"Fans are such a big part of the games, so we wanted to come up with an award that they can be a big part of, too," said Carnell Moore, founder of Premier Players and the Premier Players Sports Foundation. "All the athletes in our polls are Premier Players, but we let the fans decide who gets the 19-lb trophy."
The foundation also operates fan polls for NCAA baseball, basketball (M & W), hockey (M & W), and softball. There is also a poll for fans to select The Premier Player of Pro Football.
The sports foundation uses the polls as fundraisers to help orphaned, foster, special needs, and at-risk youth participate in community sports leagues via sponsorships and proper equipment. Through its network of athletes, the foundation will also help kids and players with life management and business skills to better serve communities.
Now, listed in alphabetical order, are our Top 20 candidates for the 2024 Premier Player of College Football Award:
Carson Beck
Carson Beck, the quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, is known for his impressive arm strength, accuracy, and football intelligence. His ability to read defenses and make quick, smart decisions on the field has been crucial to Georgia’s success. Beck’s poise under pressure allows him to lead his team with confidence, making him a reliable and effective playmaker. His connection with receivers and command of the offense showcase his growth as a leader, making him a key asset in Georgia's pursuit of championship. Click Here To Vote
Luther Burden III
Luther Burden III, a wide receiver for the Missouri Tigers, is a dynamic playmaker with exceptional speed, agility, and route defenders and make explosive plays after the catch sets him apart as one of the most electrifying receivers in college football. Burden's reliable hands and knack for finding the end zone make him a constant threat in the passing game. His versatility allows him to excel in various roles on the field, whether stretching the defense deep or making crucial plays in tight coverage. Click Here To Vote
Deion Burks
Deion Burks, a wide receiver for the Oklahoma Sooners, is known for his exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability. His quick acceleration and sharp route-running skills allow him to create separation from defenders, making him a reliable target in the passing game. Burks' ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays after the catch adds a dynamic element to Oklahoma's offense. His strong hands and ability to make difficult catches in traffic further enhance his reputation as a clutch performer with the potential to change the course of a game at any moment. Click Here To Vote
Abdule Carter
Abdul Carter, a defensive end for the Penn State Nittany Lions, is a standout player known for his exceptional athleticism, power, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. His explosive first step and ability to bend around the edge make him a constant threat in pass-rushing situations. Carter's versatility allows him to disrupt both the run and the pass, making him a key component of Penn State's defense. His high motor and tenacity on the field ensure that he is always around the ball, often making game-changing plays. Click Here To Vote
Barrett Carter
Barrett Carter, a linebacker for the Clemson Tigers, is a versatile and dynamic defensive playmaker known for his speed, instincts, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His quickness allows him to cover ground rapidly, whether he's shutting down the run, dropping back into coverage, or blitzing the quarterback. Carter's football IQ and natural athleticism enable him to read plays effectively and react with precision, making him a disruptive force on the field. His ability to play both inside and outside linebacker adds flexibility to Clemson's defense, making him a key contributor to the Tigers' success. Click Here To Vote
Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers has the potential to lead the Texas Longhorns back to the College Football Playoff – and win it! As one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, Ewers possesses the arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ needed to excel at the highest level. His ability to make precise throws under pressure and read defenses effectively gives Texas a dynamic edge in the passing game. With a strong supporting cast, including a solid offensive line and talented playmakers, Ewers can capitalize on his strengths to drive Texas deep to the playoffs. However, winning the CFP will require not only Ewers' individual brilliance but also a cohesive team effort, consistent execution, and resilience against tough competition. Click Here To Vote
Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel is a veteran quarterback with experience at the Universities of Central Florida and Oklahoma. He significantly elevates the Oregon Ducks with his experience, leadership, and dynamic playmaking abilities. His precise passing, quick decision-making, and ability to extend plays with his mobility make him a versatile offensive weapon. His dual-threat capability will force defenses to account for both his arm and legs, creating opportunities for big plays and making the Ducks' offense more unpredictable and difficult to defend. Overall, Gabriel's presence as a seasoned QB enhances Oregon's chances of success in every game. Click Here To Vote
Ashton Gillotte, a defensive lineman for the Louisville Cardinals, has consistently demonstrated his impact on the field with his strong performances. Known for his quick burst off the line and persistent motor, Gillotte has been a disruptive force in both the pass rush and run defense. Over past seasons, he has shown a knack for getting into the backfield, accumulating tackles for loss and sacks that have been crucial in key moments for Louisville's defense. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and his consistent effort on every down have made him a standout player on the Cardinals' defensive front, contributing significantly to the team's defensive success. Click Here To Vote
SPOTLIGHT
How One Athlete Maintains Healthy Relations IN THE
From the outside looking in, fans usually think that star athletes have everything that they need. However, plenty of star athletes have come out about the struggles of managing their personal relationships with business meetings, practice, and guest appearances in movies and TV shows tugging at their schedules. Steph Curry is one of the few stars who has excelled in their respective sports and relationships.
The Demands of a Sports Career
A high-profile sports career can certainly have its perks, like visiting different countries and meeting other major celebrities. However, athletes also have to manage multiple commitments with team members, coaches, managers, and their families. Their flights out to different states or countries is usually when they have to stay away from their families.
One of the most demanding aspect of being
a sports star is how the fans react. If the star cost their team the game or found themselves in hot water outside their sport, news outlets and social media instantly lit up with people scrutinizing them. This consistent stress of maintaining a good reputation can sometimes bleed out onto their personal relationships, as their friends and loved ones take the brunt of that frustration.
Key Strategies for Your Relationships
Despite the many challenges that star athletes can face during their careers, some, like Steph Curry, have managed to make things work. Three main strategies have helped him maintain healthy relationships with his work:
Communication
Steph values thorough and honest communication with his wife and children.
He makes time to talk to them every day, even if it's just a text telling them what he's been up to.
Prioritization
Another reason Steph has masterfully managed his relationships is that he has his priorities figured out. Even when he's traveling, practicing, or attending award shows, he makes sure to always make time for his family and spend time with them as much as he can.
Support System
When you're a celebrity, everyone's your friend. Steph understood early in his career that he needed to focus on creating a small circle of trusted friends and family. So, even when things were tough, he had people in
his life that he could talk to.
Lessons for Athletes & Non-Athletes
Even if you're not a star athlete, your work or other commitments may keep you from the people you love. But you don't have to be as good at basketball as Steph Curry to have deep and fulfilling relationships with those you love. Things work out as long as you're putting in the effort, like talking to them every day or spending as much time as you can with them.
Steph Curry put it best himself: "I think what we've learned most about each other is that as busy as you are and as much as we have going on career-wise, it doesn't happen without the support of each other."
Article By Premier Players
Ollie Gordon II
Ollie Gordon II, the running back for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, is special because of his powerful running style, agility, and versatility. He combines size and strength to break tackles and gain tough yards, while his quickness and vision allow him to find and exploit holes in the defense. Gordon's ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds an extra dimension to his game, making him a dual-threat who can contribute to both the running and passing games. His work ethic, balance, and ability to make explosive plays have quickly made him a standout player in Oklahoma State's offense. Click Here To Vote
Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter is a highly versatile and talented player for the Colorado Buffaloes, excelling as both a wide receiver and cornerback. Known for his elite athleticism, Hunter is a rare two-way player who impacts the game on both sides of the ball. As a wide receiver, he possesses excellent route-running skills, reliable hands, and the ability to make big plays in crucial moments. On defense, as a cornerback, Hunter is equally impressive with his speed, coverage ability, and instinct for making game-changing plays, such as interceptions and pass breakups. His ability to contribute at a high level in both roles makes him one of the most dynamic and exciting players in college football. Click Here To Vote
Will Johnson
Will Johnson is a standout defensive back for the Michigan Wolverines, known for his exceptional coverage skills, athleticism, and football intelligence. As a cornerback, Johnson has quickly made a name for himself with his ability to lock down opposing receivers, using his speed, agility, and physicality to stay with them step for step. His instincts and ball-hawking ability make him a constant threat to disrupt passing plays, whether through interceptions or pass breakups. Johnson's versatility allows him to excel in various coverage schemes, making him a key component of Michigan's defense. Click Here To Vote
Quinshon Judkins
Quinshon Judkins, a standout running back for the Ole Miss Rebels last season, is now a workhorse for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Known for his powerful running style, quickness, and ability to break tackles, Judkins has quickly become one of the top running backs in the country. He combines strength with agility, making him difficult to bring down, and his vision on the field allows him to find and exploit gaps in the defense. Judkins was a key player in Ole Miss' offense, and he’ll be a key player in the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. Click Here To Vote
Jalen Milroe
Jalen Milroe, the quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, stands out for his exceptional dual-threat ability, combining a powerful arm with dynamic athleticism. His explosive speed and agility make him a constant threat in the open field, capable of turning broken plays into big gains with his legs. Milroe's strong arm allows him to make deep throws and fit the ball into tight windows, while his poise under pressure enables him to make smart decisions even in high-stakes situations. His versatility and playmaking ability give Alabama's offense a unique edge, making him one of the most exciting and unpredictable QB in college football. Click Here To Vote
Benjamin Morrison
Benjamin Morrison, a cornerback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, is a standout defensive back known for his exceptional coverage skills, quick reflexes, and football intellect. His ability to read the quarterback and anticipate routes makes him a formidable presence in the secondary, often disrupting passing plays with timely interceptions or pass breakups. Morrison's speed and agility allow him to stay tight on receivers, while his physicality enables him to compete aggressively at the point of attack. His disciplined play and knack for making big plays in crucial moments have solidified his reputation as one of the top cornerbacks in college football. Click Here To Vote
Walter Nolen
Walter Nolen, a dominant defensive lineman at Texas A&M last season, has brought his talents to the Mississippi Rebels. He is renowned for his exceptional blend of size, strength, and athleticism, making him a disruptive force in the trenches. His ability to overpower offensive linemen and collapse the pocket has established him as a premier interior defender. Nolen's quickness off the snap and instinctive play recognition allow him to consistently make plays behind the line of scrimmage, whether stopping the run or pressuring the quarterback. His ruthless work ethic and natural talent make him one of the most promising defensive linemen in college football. Click Here To Vote
Patrick Payton
Patrick Payton, a defensive lineman for the Florida State Seminoles, is a rising star known for his impressive combination of size, strength, and quickness. His ability to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt plays in the backfield makes him a key asset in FSU's defense. Payton's agility and powerful hands allow him to shed blockers effectively, while his relentless pursuit of the ball carrier showcases his high motor and determination. His versatility on the line and knack for making big plays in critical moments highlight his potential as one of the standout defenders in college football. Click Here To Vote
James Pearce Jr.
James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher for the Tennessee Volunteers, is a formidable force on the defensive line, known for his exceptional speed, power, and relentless motor. His ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and disrupt opposing quarterbacks makes him a constant threat in the backfield. Pearce's technique and agility allow him to maneuver around offensive linemen with ease, creating opportunities for sacks and tackles for loss. His high football intelligence and relentless work ethic make him a standout player on Tennessee's defense, capable of turning the tide of a game with his impactful plays. Click Here To Vote
Harold Perkins Jr.
Harold Perkins Jr., a linebacker for the LSU Tigers, is a standout defensive player known for his explosive athleticism, instinctive play, and relentless pursuit of the ball. His speed and agility allow him to cover ground quickly, whether rushing the passer, dropping back in coverage, or tracking down ball carriers. Perkins' versatility and ability to make game-changing plays in key moments make him a crucial component of LSU's defense. His football IQ and natural leadership on the field further enhance his reputation as one of the most promising linebackers in college football. Click Here To Vote
Cameron Rising
Cameron Rising, the quarterback for the Utah Utes, is a resilient and savvy player known for his strong leadership and clutch performances. He possesses a solid arm and excellent decision-making skills, allowing him to manage the game effectively and deliver accurate passes under pressure. Rising's mobility adds an extra dimension to his game, enabling him to extend plays and pick up crucial yards on the ground when needed. His calm demeanor and ability to rally his team in critical moments make him a standout leader and a key factor in Utah's offensive success. Click Here To Vote
Cam Ward
Miami Quarterback Cam Ward spent the previous two seasons at Washington State, starting all 25 games and throwing for nearly 7,000 yards, while accounting for 61 touchdowns. He is a dual-threat talent known for his strong arm, quick release, and ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. His mobility allows him to extend plays and escape pressure, making him a constant threat to defenses. If Ward picks up where he left off at Washington State, the Hurricanes will be in the College Football Playoffs and his name called for many awards. Click Here To Vote
Beck Seeks To Lead The Dogs To CFP Champs
Carson Beck and the Georgia Bulldogs are in a prime position to make a serious run for the College Football Playoffs Championship. As the starting quarterback for one of the most storied programs in college football, Beck carries the weight of immense expectations on his shoulders. Yet, his performance throughout his career suggests that he is more than capable of leading Georgia to the pinnacle of college football.
Carson Beck's Growth and Leadership
Beck’s journey to becoming Georgia’s starting quarterback has been marked by patience, hard work, and steady improvement. Coming into the 2023 season, Beck was relatively untested as a starter, but his potential was evident to those who had watched him develop. His
arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ have been his calling cards, but it’s his leadership on the field that will truly set him apart this season.
As last season progressed, Beck demonstrated an ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. He has shown composure under duress, an essential trait for any quarterback leading a team with championship aspirations. His ability to make quick decisions and execute the game plan has allowed the Bulldogs to navigate the tough SEC schedule, securing crucial victories against top-ranked opponents. His connection with his receivers has grown stronger with each game, and his command of the offense has turned Georgia into one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the nation.
Georgia's Complete Team
While Beck’s leadership is critical, it is the overall strength of the Georgia Bulldogs that makes them legitimate contenders for the national title.
Georgia’s defense has long been a hallmark of the program, known for its physicality, depth, and ability to stifle even the most prolific offenses. This season is no different. The Bulldogs’ defensive unit, led by a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, has consistently shut down opponents, forcing turnovers and making game-changing plays. This defensive prowess gives Georgia a significant edge in close games where the margin for error is slim.
Offensively, Georgia has been just as impressive. The Bulldogs boast a balanced attack, with a strong running game complementing Beck’s passing abilities. This dual-threat offense keeps defenses on their heels, allowing Georgia to control the tempo of games and wear down their opponents.
The offensive line has provided Beck with the protection he needs to make plays, while the receiving corps has stepped up, making big plays when it counts. This balance makes Georgia difficult to defend and gives them the versatility to adapt to different defensive schemes they may encounter.
The Road to the Championship
Winning a College Football Playoff Championship is never an easy task, and the road ahead for Georgia will be challenging. The competition in the playoffs is fierce, with teams like Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State also eyeing the national title. These teams bring their own strengths and will pose significant challenges to the Bulldogs.
However, Georgia’s experience in big games, combined with their talent on both sides of the ball, positions them well to compete against any opponent.
Key to Georgia’s chances will be their ability to stay healthy and maintain their focus throughout the playoff run. Injuries can derail even the best teams, so depth and conditioning will be crucial. Additionally, the mental toughness of the team will be tested in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. Beck’s leadership will be pivotal here; his ability to keep the team composed and focused on the task at hand could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Article by Premier Players
Malaki Starks, a defensive back for Georgia, adds versatility in coverage and his ability to read the game make him a key asset in Georgia's secondary, consistently shutting down opposing receivers and making critical defensive plays.
Athletes Now Managing Wealth Beyond Sports
You've seen the story play out many times. A Star athlete reach the peak of their popularity and become one of the richest people in their respective fields. But over time, they lost their fortunes when they retired because they didn't make smarter financial decisions. It happened to Mike Tyson and Diego Maradona, but it didn't happen to Rob Gronkowski, and it's worth looking at why that's the case.
Financial Challenges that Athletes Face
Despite the incredibly lucrative deals that many athletes make throughout their careers, several challenges that they can face could threaten their finances. Along with making much riskier financial decisions or lavishly spending their money on all sorts of luxuries, they're also likely to take on an entourage. It is also possible that their managers or other
individuals of power are likely to be siphoning money off them, which is what happened to Mike Tyson.
Rob Gronkowski's Approach to Saving
Unlike his compatriots, who spend their money on lavish vacations or parties, Rob Gronkowski focused more on living a much simpler life. Along with making sure that he spent his money only where necessary, he also focused on making more sound investments. In this instance, he was able to walk off the field with as much as $50 million to his name and plenty of investments that allowed him to take an early retirement from the NFL.
He was quick to understand that "living comfortably" was about more than just how much money you make. Instead, it's about
how you spend your money. So, throughout his career, he was careful about how he spent money earned through endorsements and focused more on his net income.
Key Financial Strategies for Success
Gronkowski is an excellent example of someone who appears to live a flashy life of spending millions but realizes that being seen spending outrageous amounts of money just isn't worth it. Here's a look at his most essential strategies for saving money and building a financial plan for long-term success.
Saving and Budgeting
Most people focus on earning more money to live a more comfortable life. But as most of these high-profile athletes have shown, there's no real end to how much money you can earn. And no matter how much you earn, you'll eventually run out if you're not careful with budgeting your wealth. So, even if you're making more or less money than Gronkowski, you must be cautious about how you budget and save money.
Investing Wisely
Rising inflation means that the money you save today will be worth less with every passing year. So even if you save millions by the time you retire, it will be worth less when you start saving up. So, you need to make smart investments that could offer a return on what you put into it. Investing doesn't just offer you a hedge against inflation, but this could translate to a higher net income by the time you decide to throw in the towel.
Seeking Professional Advice
Another important thing that most people
overlook is the advice of professional money managers, who can help you better manage your funds. Shaq has been very vocal about how he surrounded himself with people who are much smarter than he is, which has allowed him to earn millions every year despite not stepping foot on a basketball court for over a decade.
Developing the Millionaire Mindset
Key financial strategies such as saving, budgeting, making sound investments, and consulting with professionals help you save more money and develop a success-oriented mindset. So, by taking notes from successful athletes, you can better prepare yourself for retirement.
Article By Premier Players
Save Thousands When Buying a Home
Receive up to 5 percent of the first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000) in assistance.
Verify Your Hometown Heroes Eligibility
How Athletes Prioritize Mental Well-Being In A
Stressful
Environment
People often look up to athletes for their incredible physical prowess and ability to perform in a high-pressure environment. However, not many people know about the toll that this type of environment can take on their emotional and mental well-being. Few people even considered it before Simone Biles, the Gold Medalist Gymnast, started speaking up about it.
The Mental Challenges Athletes Face
For athletes, the pressure to perform is even months before they face their fans. It looms over them during practice as they inch closer to the day of the big event. But even with a healthy support system, athletes can struggle with performance anxiety, the fear of failure, and the expectations that their fans have of them. These factors can compound if you represent your country in the Olympics like Simone Biles.
Even though the Tokyo 2020 Olympics wasn't her first time performing on the big stage, she struggled and had to drop out of the competition. Biles has been open about how much that affected her mentally and how the Paris Olympics were her redemption tour.
Breaking the Mental Health Stigma
Mental health has long been seen as a form of weakness in sports, as athletes who talk about it could risk getting benched. In fact, athletes regularly mention that stigma is one of the biggest obstacles to them getting help for
Biles at the 2024 Olympics in Paris
their mental health, especially in more malecentered sports like football.
However, despite the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health in sports, athletes like Simone Biles and Tom Brady have been vocal. They have talked about their struggles with mental health on various occasions, and Tom Brady has even worked with services like Better Help to spread awareness for mental health services.
Strategies for Managing Mental Health
Mindfulness and Meditation: This is one of the most common ways that many athletes manage stress and their mental health when things start to get stressful in their careers. Anxiety about the event days or even weeks in advance can send people spiraling, which is where mindfulness can really help. It helps athletes focus on the present and gives them a few minutes of dedicated meditation that can
Simone
greatly improve their overall well-being.
Therapy and Consultation: Following her incredible performance at the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles was quick to mention that she attributes her success to therapy. According to Biles, the star athlete has been attending weekly therapy sessions religiously since most days, she didn't feel like going to the gym. When given the chance to talk to a professional therapist about what was on her mind, she felt a little lighter and could head back to practice.
Regular Exercise: While it might be strange to hear that athletes exercise on top of their practice, that's because they're not just working out to get better at their respective sport. Many athletes work out regularly to introduce discipline in their lives while helping them produce steady levels of
dopamine to improve their overall mental health.
Mental Health Is Vital For Everyone
Athletes aren't the only people who need to pay special attention to their mental health. Even if you're not prepping to win a gold medal in the Olympics, focusing on mindfulness and going to therapy can still help you muster the motivation to power through your day. You could also take a page from Simone Biles, as their focus on improving their mental health got them closer to achieving their dreams.
As one of the most decorated Olympians in history put it, "It's okay not to be okay. It's okay to say, 'I need help.' It's okay to ask for help.“
Article By Premier Players
NFL Legend Tom Brady has partnered with online therapy service, BetterHelp.
Benefiting Kids In Foster Care
