Episode 01: Life After Pro Football: Dealing With Disrespect & Sports Trauma

Click link to take the ROUTES Index 18 question Survey for scoring into my new coaching system

Welcome to Running Routes Podcast, hosted by former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver and professional football player Allen DeGraffenreid. This show is for former athletes, high achievers, executives, and anyone who feels they have lost momentum, hit a plateau, or need a better roadmap for what comes next.

In Episode 1, Allen shares the personal experiences that inspired the podcast, from navigating disrespect after his football career to confronting the impact that college and professional sports can have on an athlete’s identity, mental health, career transition, and relationships. He also introduces the ROUTES Framework, a practical system for evaluating the patterns shaping your life and creating a path forward.

In this episode

• Allen’s journey from Ohio State football to the NFL, CFL, and World League of American Football
• Why life after sports can be difficult, even for high-performing athletes
• The pressure of identity, status, career setbacks, and starting over
• How former athletes can navigate the transition from competition to everyday life
• The hidden impact of athletic experiences, vulnerability, and unresolved challenges
• Why high achievers sometimes feel off track, stuck, or disconnected from their potential
• The ROUTES Framework for building a stronger life:
• Relationships
• Occupation
• Upkeep, including physical and mental well-being
• Training
• Enterprise
• Spirit

Every Tuesday, Running Routes features conversations with former collegiate and professional athletes, coaches, and leaders about their biggest moments, the reality behind the scenes, and what it takes to transition into life after sports. On Fridays, Alan shares shorter, practical episodes built around the ROUTES Framework to help you assess your life, strengthen your habits, and start moving forward with intention.

If you are a former athlete, corporate leader, entrepreneur, or high achiever who knows you are capable of more, this podcast is for you.

Take the ROUTES Index in the link below to identify the areas of your life that may need attention and begin creating a clearer path toward the life you want.

https://allendegraffenreids7f7de.myclickfunnels.com/optin--c374d

Subscribe to Running Routes Podcast for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

#RunningRoutesPodcast #LifeAfterSports #FormerAthletes #AthleteTransition #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #HighAchievers #OhioStateFootball #NFL #Leadership #CareerTransition #SelfImprovement #Motivation #PersonalGrowth #Podcast