“Football may be what I’ve done, Family and relationships is who I am.” Richard Seymour NFL Hall of Famer
In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor sit down with Richard Seymour to explore his football journey from overcoming doubt as a young man to Super Bowl Champion to NFL Hall of Fame and now part of team Ownership with the Las Vegas Raiders. Known for his grit, humility, and leadership, Seymour opens up to the guys about the pivotal moments that shaped his life on and off the field, even the times he wanted to give up and what kept him going.
Reflecting on the honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame and why he chose his high school principal to introduce him, Richard shares his life-long gratitude for the people who poured into his journey, emphasizing the importance of relationships over personal accolades, something he's lived by his entire life.
As a key piece of the New England Patriots dynasty, Seymour talks about “The Patriot Way” something that has come into question in recent times as the sports world debates who was truly responsible for the culture of success. Seymour weighs in on the partnership between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick as he praises Brady’s competitive spirit and clutch performances while lauding Belichick’s unparalleled preparation and coaching philosophy. Seymour shares insights on the dynamic and how the organization’s culture of excellence influenced not just his career, but his life.
Seymour talks about being traded to the Oakland Raiders, admitting it was initially a bitter pill to swallow but ultimately a transformative experience. He recounts how he carried the same relentless mentality to Oakland, proving doubters wrong and leaving a lasting impact on the franchise and now forging an unique opportunity to be more than just a man who played thee game.
His transition from player to NFL minority owner was a dream realized through hard work and an unwavering belief in himself. Seymour discusses his role as a trailblazer for minority ownership in the league, crediting the late Al Davis and current Raiders owner Mark Davis for giving him the opportunity. He explains the challenges of being a minority owner and his intention to open doors for others to follow in his footsteps.
Seymour talks about the process of transitioning out of the game, shedding the “gladiator” mentality that defined his playing days and gritty approach to life. He discusses how family, faith, and relationships have become the core of his identity, emphasizing that while football was what he did, it’s not who he is.
The conversation turns deeply personal as Seymour talks about the influence of his parents, particularly his father, who taught him discipline, work ethic, and resilience and how it shaped his understanding of manhood and courage. Seymour also shares a humorous yet inspiring story about his first football tryout, where fear almost stopped him from stepping out of the car—a moment that underscores how far he’s come.
Identifying his biggest pivots, from conquering fear to embracing new challenges, Seymour shares his mantra of, “Almost is not good enough,” which has fueled his success as a player, father, a man of faith and now an NFL owner.
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