Episode 38: Rob Vaka | Athlete Mentor – Helping NFL Players Tackle Life After Football

Episode 38: Rob Vaka | Athlete Mentor – Helping NFL Players Tackle Life After Football

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Rich Take On Sports

Show Notes:

  • Rich Spotlight: Rob Vaka
    • Grew up in New Jersey with 2 brothers and played all sports and gravitated towards soccer
    • Playing soccer led to playing football as a kicker and had aspirations of kicking in college
    • Interested in University of Florida however due to recruiting violations in the mid ’80’s the Gators were placed on probation
    • Dad played college football in Ohio and Rob visited Ohio and fell in love with Wittenburg University
    • Rob went on to play all 4 years at Wittenberg University and set several kicking records
    • NFL aspirations were short-lived as his feels today that his mindset at that time wasn’t ready to compete at that level
    • Moved into business with Mobile and eventually was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 31 in 1999
    • After beating cancer, his perspective of positivity was only enhanced and now focuses on significance vs. success
    • Views himself as a mentor to professional athletes and connector for career opportunities after their playing days are finished while focusing on giving back
    • Words of Wisdom from Rob Vaka: “The Golden Rule… do unto others as you’d want done unto you.”

Social Media:

To Follow Rich Take On Sports on Twitter: @richtakesports

To Follow Rob Vaka on Twitter:  @RobVaka

To Follow Rob Vaka on Instagram:  @robvaka

To Learn More About Brink of Midnight Podcast:  Brink of Midnight

To Learn More About 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry:  4:8 Principle

To Learn More About Tim Jennings’ Elite Sports Academy:  Elite Sports Academy

Feature Image Photo Credit: Ray of Hope Foundation

About the author, Richmond Weaver

Richmond, a graduate of Clemson University has been involved with sports for most of his life and developed a passion for basketball and sports at an early age. He currently lives in Greenville, SC with his wife Karen, founder of Upstate Esthetics and their three kids.

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