You may know Steve Young from the 15 seasons he played in the NFL or one of his many athletic accomplishments: Quarterback for the 49ers, MVP of Super Bowl XXIX, Football Hall of Famer and NFL record holder for his passing rate of 112.8. But on Episode 4 of the Now For Later Podcast, Steve opens up about the struggles he faced at the beginning of his playing career, battling intense separation anxiety that made any change difficult and thinking at times he wanted to quit. Steve shares powerful advice that helped him look beyond football and cope with the “death” of his playing career: always have a dream and a plan to get there so you’re preparing now for what’s to come later when change occurs. Steve and Eric talk mental health and how to find bravery within ourselves to face our insecurities and Steve stresses the importance of allowing yourself time to feel the loss when you end your sport and how to be able to move on to something new.

Steve’s story and advice applies to everyone. He exemplifies the meaning of ‘Now for Later’ and we welcome him to the show.

Timestamps:

[4:04] Growing up in Connecticut, playing sports and prioritizing fun with his friends
[6:42] The high burnout rate of youth sports today and ‘hero’ culture
[8:51] Dealing with separation anxiety and almost quitting college
[12:42] ‘We all deal with mental health and it’s nothing to be ashamed of’
[15:08] The Beginning of Steve’s NFL career: starting behind Joe Montana and proving himself
[19:00] Preparing Now For Later: getting a law degree & finding things outside of sports
[21:00] ‘The pain of sports ending is equivalent to a death,’ transitioning is hard
[26:40] ‘Whats your dream?’ Have many dreams and plans throughout life
[29:20] Forever Young Foundation & the importance of being an emotional athlete
[32:10] Rapid Fire

Connect with Steve:

Twitter: @SteveYoungQB
IG: @steveyoung
IG: @foreveryoungfoundation
foreveryoung.org

Connect with Eric & the Now For Later Pod

Now for Later Youtube (To See Full interviews!) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT5nOy3dNwvkAg7VVckuS_w
Now For Later Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nowforlaterpod/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
Now For Later TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nowforlaterpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Now For Later Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5gx8QTjHa38X3mcvjEDhOb?si=XvBDax5SQcikL4X_wRqsGQ&nd=1
Now For Later Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-for-later-with-eric-mika/id1695946718