The Beginnings and the Challenges
As more than 250 former college football players approach draft day, and countless others prepare to sign as undrafted free agents, it’s crucial for them to recognize that this is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. The journey to the NFL is filled with excitement, promise, and the allure of achieving one’s dreams. However, it also comes with significant challenges that can either make or break a career. One player who learned this lesson the hard way is Dion Jordan, the third pick in the 2013 draft by the Miami Dolphins.
Jordan’s Early Struggles
Dion Jordan’s NFL career, which many had hoped would be a story of triumph, turned out to be a cautionary tale. In a candid interview with O.J. McDuffie and Seth Levit on The Fish Tank podcast, Jordan admitted that he was not prepared for the rigors of professional football. "I didn’t have my life in order," he said, reflecting on his early days with the Dolphins. Jordan’s life away from the game was out of balance, and this imbalance manifested in various ways. He struggled to understand the Dolphins’ complex NFL plays and playbook, and his off-field behavior did little to help his cause.
The Impact of Poor Choices
Jordan’s candid admission reveals the harsh reality that success in the NFL requires more than just physical talent. "When I left the facility, it didn’t help because I’m out partying," he confessed. "I’m enjoying the money that I have and I’m just putting myself behind the eight-ball." His lifestyle choices, including frequent partying and neglecting his rehabilitation, took a toll on his performance and health. "I’m hurt, you know. Sometimes I’m missing my rehabs, so that’s not helping," he added. These poor choices ultimately led to his suspension by the NFL multiple times, missing six games in 2014 and the entirety of the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
A Career in Transition
Despite the setbacks, Jordan persevered and managed to play in 63 regular-season games through 2020, starting five of them. He finished his NFL career with 13.5 sacks, a modest but respectable number considering the obstacles he faced. However, the most significant aspect of Jordan’s story is not his statistics, but his journey from a high-profile draft pick to a reflective and humble individual. "I watch these kids now and I realize what I was messing up," he said, referring to his current role as an assistant head coach at Eureka College in Illinois.
Lessons for the Next Generation
Jordan’s experiences serve as a powerful lesson for the next generation of players. No matter how successful or talented one is at the college level, the NFL is a different beast altogether. It demands a level of discipline, commitment, and effort that many players have never faced before. "Ain’t nobody else’s fault," Jordan emphasized, taking full responsibility for his mistakes. His transformation from a player who made poor choices to a coach who mentors others is a testament to the resilience and growth that can come from adversity.
A Path Forward
For the players on the brink of their NFL careers, Jordan’s story is a reminder that the road ahead will be challenging but not insurmountable. It requires a mindset of continuous learning, self-discipline, and a commitment to personal growth. The NFL offers opportunities for greatness, but it also demands the best from its players both on and off the field. By staying focused, maintaining a balanced life, and learning from the experiences of those who have walked this path before them, these young athletes can avoid the pitfalls that derailed Jordan’s career and achieve the success they dream of.
