MeetJJ Birden

Keynote speaker
Bestselling author
Former NFL wide receiver

MY STORY

A small man
In a Big Man’s Game

To understand the journey that shaped me and the lessons I now teach, you need to know a few key facts.

6% Less than 6% of high school seniors go on to play college football.

1% Less than 1% of the 150,000 draft-eligible college players get drafted.

2 The average NFL career is only 2 years.

245 The average NFL player is 6'2" and 245 lbs.

Wonderful Years I played at 5'10" and 157 lbs.

35+

Years No one under 160 lbs has played longer in the NFL.

"The odds of making it to the NFL are staggering. The odds of staying there? Even tougher." Staggering NFL Odds

But I never cared about the odds

Despite being the #1 high school wide receiver in Oregon, I didn’t receive a single Division I scholarship offer. I had the speed, but at 5’9”, 133 pounds, most believed I was too small to compete at the next level.

But I believed otherwise. I trusted my ability. And I stayed ready.

That belief carried me through every obstacle. I didn’t wait for an opportunity. I prepared for it. And when the door finally opened, I made sure I was the one running through it.

MY MISSION

Why I Do This Work

I know what it’s like to be counted out, and what it takes to rise anyway. I’ve experienced how powerful it is when someone gives you the right tools and believes in your potential.

And I believe in yours.

If you're ready to give your team the edge that lasts long after the applause, I'd be honored to be part of the journey.