During our recent episode of the Balls Deep podcast, we had the opportunity to speak with former NFL All-Pro Brad Hopkins. During his 13-year career as an offensive lineman in the NFL, Brad saw it all. Our focus, however, is not in the touchdowns, tackles, and the glamor of the football life, but rather in the relentless and rigorous process of developing and nurturing the mind and body required to perform at such elite levels. Here are some of his secrets to success in life, fitness and business:
From Tight End to Tackle: An Accidental Journey
Like many, Brad’s story is unique and not what people typically expect. He grew up loving basketball, and only played football for fun. However, with the scholarship offers pouring in for football, he and his dad began to take it more seriously. Getting a scholarship as a football player, especially at the University of Illinois, opened a new world for him.
His transformation started with him as a tight end, but he “ate his way” into playing as an offensive tackle. That required him to dramatically transform his mental and physical toughness.
The Mental is Just as Important as the Physical
At first glance, football might seem to be all physical. While physicality is obviously important, football also has a mental aspect and a very big one at that.
“Mental is to physical as four is to one,” was a quote from one of Brad’s coaches that many athletes live by. He explained knowing the playbook, understanding positioning, and preparing mentally for violent collisions is what separates good players from great ones.
Success comes through preparation, repetition, and learning from teammates who have already mastered the game. The aspects of repetition and mental focus of football are similar to health and are some of the most important secrets to success overall. It’s not one workout or one day of clean eating, but rather the consistency, even when it’s boring.
The Hidden Cost of Weight: Strength vs. Stamina
Brad reached 346 pounds at his heaviest. Weighing that much comes with a heavy price, and in this case, the price was Brad’s energy. That much weight can drain energy out of a player until they’re left with little to no stamina.
“I probably could’ve done without 40 of those pounds," he said. “It made me tired. I wasn’t in the shape I needed to be in.”
As time passed, he aged and gained wisdom; he began understanding the importance of shedding excess weight so that he could both maintain and improve his endurance, allowing him to play as hard in the 4th quarter as the 1st. Improving fitness, eating habits, and sleep also gave him noteworthy strong results.
This is something that Dr. Pazona strives to instill in his patients. The necessity of sleep and recovery alongside eating well, especially in the later stages of life. Sleep and recovery are just as important as working out.
Modern Athletes, Modern Science
Today’s players have access to a plethora of modern conveniences such as: nutritionists, data tracking, recovery science, and year-round training schedules. But in Brad’s day, it was the old school way. “Back in the day, once the season ended, you didn’t see your teammates until training camp.”
Now? NFL athletes are training year-round with personalized nutrition plans and wearable tech tracking every heartbeat. Guys like LeBron and Russell Wilson spend millions on recovery. But Brad learned it all the hard way, by grinding through it.
All of us could learn from this. You don’t need a million-dollar team to succeed. If you can track your metrics, get your sleep, lift properly, and eat nutritious foods, you’ll have several secrets to success for a small fraction of the professional athlete price tag.
Accountability is the Secret Weapon
Brad’s thoughts on accountability may well be the most striking part of our conversation. In football, if he missed a block, someone got hurt. That taught him to show up, not just for himself, but for others.
“Now, I work out with a guy in his 70s. He checks in on me. If I’m not there, he calls me out.”
Accountability like this is incredibly valuable. It can be found in the gym, in life, and in health. We are far more inclined to be there for other people than we are for ourselves.
Final Thoughts: What You Didn’t See on Sundays
Watching Brad play on TV, you saw a huge, incredibly powerful man doing his job. What you don’t see is the many early lifts, countless extra reps, the monotonous meal prep, stretching, or adhering to strict sleep and recovery schedules.
And that’s really the point.
No matter if you’re aiming to shed some pounds, increase muscle mass, or just strive for a healthier lifestyle, it’s the mundane things you do repeatedly that build results.
You don't need to be an NFL player to start acting like one. Measure results. Get a partner for accountability. Consider sleep a responsibility you need to fulfill. Lastly, remember, the game is mental as much as it is physical.
This NFL All-Pro’s secrets to success in life, fitness, and business can be applied to your own life and your fitness journey. Are you trying to lose weight but struggling? Learn more about the weight loss services offered at Pazona MD!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
