764 Embrace Your Struggle with Devon Still

Feb 27, 2019

Devin Still, a former NFL defensive lineman and childhood cancer advocate, shares his inspiring journey as a dad navigating his daughter Leah's battle with cancer. He emphasizes that vulnerability helps build community support and that embracing one's struggles can lead to strength. Devin discusses life lessons from football, balancing his NFL career with parenting, and the significance of viewing scars as symbols of survival. His mission revolves around spreading positivity and encouraging others to fight through their challenges.

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INSIGHT

Visualization Builds Resilience

Vivid visualization produced resilience through severe injuries and setbacks. Devon credits a strong mental image of the NFL dream for overcoming multiple career-threatening injuries.

ANECDOTE

The Isolation Of MIBG Treatment

Leah underwent MIBG radiation where she spent five days isolated in a plastic-covered room with no physical contact. Devin could only watch from a bench and FaceTime, unable to hug her during treatment.

ANECDOTE

Torn Between NFL And Fatherhood

Devon balanced NFL duties while watching Leah’s treatment over FaceTime and often broke down during meetings and film sessions. Team leaders noticed his absence and emotional moments, which signaled his career was at risk.

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IT'S OK TO NOT BE OK.
So often we feel like we have to mask what we are going through.
We hide our fears.
We cover our scars.
But the adversity you face makes you a stronger person.
You’re not the only one who is battling something. The more vulnerable you can be about what you’re up against, the more other people will be able to support you. It’s going to take a team effort.
Don’t let a weak moment become a weak mindset.
On today’s episode of The School of Greatness, I talk with a former NFL player who is now tackling childhood cancer: Devon Still.
Devon Still is a professional athlete, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and advocate for childhood cancer awareness. He is also a former Houston Texan’s defensive end, a former Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive tackle, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and a Penn State University All-American. Perhaps most importantly, he is Leah’s dad, helping her publicly “beat up cancer” and embarking on a pediatric cancer-fighting journey.
Devon shared that once he opened up about his daughter’s battle with cancer, the more love and connection he felt. He now wants everyone to be vulnerable about the storms they are facing.
He also knows the importance of having fun along the way.
So get ready to learn Devon’s lessons from the football field and life on Episode 764.
Some Questions I Ask:
What were the biggest lessons Joe Paterno taught you? (8:00)
How have you been able to reinvent yourself after football? (30:00)
What’s your mission moving forward? (33:00)
What’s your dream for your daughter in the next 15 years? (46:00)
In This Episode You Will Learn:
What it was like playing for Penn State during the Sandusky Trial (3:00)
The importance of visualizing your dreams (12:00)
About Devon’s daughter’s battle with cancer (14:00)
The biggest lesson Devon learned from football (23:00)
Why it’s important to be vulnerable (40:00)
How to appreciate the struggles life gives you (47:00)

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