The media, oftentimes, paints a picture of lavish lifestyles, legal troubles, and injuries when covering professional sports. However, there are plenty of athletes that have had quiet, but very successful careers, while never losing focus on what really matters. Former NFL Linebacker Charlie “Pap” Anderson is one athlete that has survived the rigors of professional football to build a comfortable life for himself and his family. He credits his success to God, his strong, family support system, and solid business advice. Read on to learn how Charlie used his incredible work ethic to leap from inner city Jackson, MS, to the football powerhouse Ole Miss Rebels, to Monday Night Football!
There is a quiet dignity about 7-year NFL Veteran Charlie “Pap” Anderson. While his player stats can be found all over the internet, there is a humbleness about him that you can’t find on any search engine. He speaks with the insight of someone who hadn’t lived a charmed life. Rather he speaks as though he has simply done what has needed to be done. Within the first few moments of listening to “Pap,” you realize you are speaking to a throwback from a different time. He is not a celebrity athlete, but a gladiator on the grid iron.
The linebacker, born in Jackson, Mississippi, had an impressive football career. However, he was slightly uncomfortable when asked about his achievements. As I listed his accolades – having played for the NFL’s Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, and Kansas City Chiefs and having lettered all four years at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – he modestly brushed the praise off as God-given. He counts himself blessed to be among those who have played at the highest level of football with the most elite players in the world.
Although “Pap” was born to parents who battled substance abuse and faced challenges growing up as a poor Black youth, he doesn’t describe his situation as unique or himself as a victim. He grew up with kids who were going through the same things. Provine High School allowed him to find his tribe. “I focused on football because it was an outlet. It was my time to just focus on having fun and playing with my friends. The team was like my family,” mused Anderson. This gift of football would be his way out of a world that hadn’t dealt him the best start, and he was determined to make the most of his opportunity. He learned early in life that being focused on the things in his control was the only sure way to get results.
The team camaraderie of the sport gave him a sense of belonging. He was home. And he was really good at football. There is a joy underneath his cadence when he speaks about his early days on the field. “Pap” was never driven by ego or riches, but rather understood early on that he had found his vehicle. He played tight end and defensive end, but always felt as though he needed to gain weight. He feels this made him work harder and never allowed him to take anything for granted. Even though he describes himself as underweight compared to his peers, he could take a hit. He felt he HAD to be tougher than most. “My older cousin was a huge influence on my love of the game. He pushed me. I worked harder to be better and impress him.”
His college days with the Ole Miss Rebels were filled with squad victories, moral victories, and intense rivalries that motivated him to keep pressing forward. He began to believe that his dream of becoming a professional athlete could actually become reality. “Pap” would get the opportunity to live his dream in the 2004 NFL Draft. “It was one of my greatest moments in the NFL,“ Anderson shared. He knew he would be able to provide for his family and change his life forever. But, as the pressures of professional sports wore on, he would learn that playing professional football presented an entirely new set of challenges.
Over time, Anderson started to lose his zeal for the game. Now, don’t get me wrong, “Pap” has always loved football! Some of his best memories of playing were just being on the field. Running and feeling the wind against his face…being outdoors was always magical to him. But, it had begun to feel like a job. A job that judged very harshly with no second chances. Being cut or traded always loomed ahead for most football players. Likewise, the threat of a career-ending injury was ever present. “If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to just relax and enjoy the moment. Enjoy the game. I would remind myself to just love the game again,” said Anderson.
“Pap” is aware of the many athletes that experience financial hardship in retirement. He is fortunate to have made some good investments that have helped him avoid that result. He offered some sound business advice that could help rookies and other players young in their career: “Build your brand while you’re still actively playing. You will need it once you’re done.” Although he noted that it’s never too late to start something new, he thinks his personal transition would have been smoother had he established the ground work for his post-career prior to retiring. “I also wish I had empowered my family to make money instead of just giving it to them.” Anderson pondered. NBA legend Kobe Bryant shared similar sentiments earlier this year.
Thankfully, Anderson lives a modest lifestyle that allows him to comfortably care for his wife and children. “I’m not a big spender,” he shared. “I even drive the same car as I did at the beginning of my career. I’ve made some good choices.” Listening to him speak about his main priorities, his family and their future security, was refreshing. As an active player, “Pap” was in constant fear of being released and wanted to make sure he would make his earnings last. Many athletes don’t make adjustments for their future while they are still playing. Anderson’s fear drove him to save, live modestly, and ultimately plan for his future security.
Although he doesn’t have to worry about his financial future, he doesn’t take anything for granted. Anderson is currently partnering with close family members to start new businesses, with plans to cement a strong financial legacy for his extended family. Ironically, he and two of his brothers share Ole Miss as their alma mater, so the Rebel family network has been a great resource. He is also passionate about giving back to at-risk youth, youth whose stories mirror his own. Most importantly, after spending the majority of his life training, traveling, and playing football, “Pap” is focused on being the best father and husband he can be. We are excited to see what is in store for him and his family! Good luck, “Pap!”
By LaToya Baker of The Athlete’s NeXus
Connect with Charlie on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000450057856
Instagram: @thatdudechuck