Joe Tafoya

I woke up from surgery in a groggy haze and immediately recognized the explosion of pain in my foot. The doctor wasted no time in telling me that I would never run, jump or pivot like I had in the past. After 6 months in a boot and 6 more in rehab, I finally accepted the reality. My career as an NFL defensive lineman was over. If that wasn't enough to end it for me, my phone stopped ringing and I was on my own. I sat on the couch scratching my head one day and thought "what the hell just happened?" The season was in full effect and thats when it got bad for me. I couldn't even watch the game I was so passionate about on TV anymore. After 22 years of playing football on every level, It was time to move on. I've been told that many people have a "boot" moment in their life. For some people it's easy to recover and get back into the game. For others it takes help. For me it was time to re-invent myself all together. Support at home from my wonderful wife and some amazing frinedships put me back on the road to success. Turns out that #LifeAfterFootball is better than I could have ever imagined that day on my couch. Im back in the game!!! CEO of a marketing company and sitting smack in the cross section of sports and technology. I have a chance to work with my former teammates on a new playing field. One that we control! Like I I said, it turns out #LifeAfterFootball is an amazing journey.