In Part Two of DeArrius Howard’s interview, he spends a great deal of time discussing the importance of a professional athlete’s need to say NO – NO to their families, NO to their friends, and NO to themselves. Many young athletes that come into newfound wealth are not prepared to say NO to those who have given them so much. However, veteran and retired athletes alike have long commented on the need to stay focused on long-term financial security and independence for everyone. “First, if they truly have your best interest at heart, they will understand.” Wise words, D! Read Part Two here!

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All athletes encounter countless opportunities to learn life lessons over their respective sports journeys. While many struggle from poor decisions, a select few use those same experiences to adjust and create their game plan for success. De’Arrius Howard, former Arkansas Razorback, is one athlete that gained incredible wisdom from his childhood and adult sports experiences. Many who know him comment on his smile, his maturity, and his poise. What’s most impressive is the way he approached the game of football, his leadership, and his legacy. Because Howard had such great insight and advice to share, we have divided his interview into two parts. Read Part One to learn about his journey from SEC football to the pros to Corporate America!

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Most young athletes dream of playing professional sports, but don’t put a lot of thought into how they will get there. Sure, talent and academics are important, but they somehow believe that someone along the way will just plug in the missing pieces. For Eastern Arkansas basketball standout Daniel Bandy, his holes were plugged with misinformation. Nonetheless, a professional sports journey is not an easy feat, and Bandy’s commitment to succeed drove him to navigate a very unorthodox route to the next level. Read on to learn how Bandy uses the twists and turns of his career to minister to other young athletes!

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Professional athletes play the game for one purpose – TO WIN. And Murray State alum’s Marcus Brown has done that many, many times over his 15-year sports career. The Euro-League basketball legend has achieved a level of success that most young athletes dream of, being touted as one of the top U.S. players to EVER play abroad. He has earned multiple championships, MVP accolades, All-Star nominations, and Hall of Fame inductions. The relentless pursuit of greatness displayed by the 1996 2^nd round NBA Draft pick is a trait he hopes to pass on to future basketball players. Brown shares wisdom and advice with our readers to help the next generation of hoopsters succeed and “pay it forward.”

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There are many roads that can lead to an NFL contract. Collegiate athletes can be drafted by NFL teams, or they can travel the more uncertain road of an undrafted free agent. For former Henderson State standout Antonio Leak, the adrenaline rush of signing his NFL contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent was all the same. Although he experienced many of the issues that most NFL players fear every day of their careers, such as injuries and waivers, Leak conquered them to succeed in the game that matters most – LIFE. Keep reading to learn how his professional team helped him navigate the obstacles he faced and transition smoothly into the NEXT Quarter of his career!

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