NFL Legend Chris Johnson on Life After Football, Real Estate, and Travel

Jan 7, 2025

Chris Johnson, a former NFL running back known for his record-breaking 2,000-yard season, opens up about life after football. He delves into the challenges of transitioning to real estate and hospitality, sharing how his athletic mindset aids in business. Chris talks about the joys of fatherhood, navigating media attention, and the importance of resilience when facing life's hurdles. He also emphasizes the value of family experiences through vacation rentals, offering insights on simplifying investments and the transformative power of travel.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

From Football Fields to Family Life

03:49 • 5min

The Interconnection of Athletics, Life, and Overcoming Challenges

08:38 • 3min

Resilience Beyond the Field

11:31 • 12min

The Value of Shared Family Experiences Through Vacation Rentals

23:05 • 2min

Navigating Investments and Life Lessons

25:04 • 8min

Reflections on Life and Pursuing Excellence

32:48 • 2min

What can an NFL star teach us about chasing dreams, overcoming challenges, and creating a life you love?

Chris Johnson, also known as CJ2K, is a former NFL running back who made history as a first-round draft pick and one of only eight players to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. This achievement earned him the NFL rushing title and Offensive Player of the Year award in 2009. After a remarkable 10-season football career, Chris transitioned into hospitality and real estate, creating vacation properties that offer unforgettable experiences for travelers.

In this episode, Chris Johnson reflects on his NFL career, the life lessons he's carried into his post-football ventures, and how simplifying his priorities helped him transition into hospitality and real estate.

Chris shares an honest look at his life on and off the field. He talks about the sacrifices and joys of being a professional athlete, the mental strategies that kept him motivated through tough times, and the challenges of pivoting to a completely different industry after retirement. You'll hear about his travels, why he chose real estate as his next chapter, and how he applies lessons from football to life and business.

How do you stay motivated to pursue your dreams, even after setbacks? I'd love to hear about your experience, and I hope you'll share it by sending me an audio message.

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Tune In To Learn:

The lessons he's learned from fatherhood and family life
The mindset Chris used to overcome challenges and excel as an NFL player
How he used media scrutiny as fuel for personal and professional growth
What it's like transitioning from professional sports to entrepreneurship
Why Chris believes simplifying your focus is key to finding clarity and success
The connection between football and running a successful business
Chris's approach to creating meaningful experiences for guests in his properties
And so much more

Resources:

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Listen to Smash and Dash on Spotify and Apple
Chris Johnson's vacation properties: one and two

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