Brian Rolle

"I talked to my wife and let her know what I was feeling. She was actually shocked because of how devoted I was to the game my whole life," Rolle revealed. "When it came down to actually making the decision to walk away, it was pretty simple."

Even though the decision came fairly easy for Brian, he turned to his peers for advice when searching for clarity in what his next steps should look like.

"I spoke to my older brother a lot about it – he played college football and has been my mentor. A good friend of mine who I played with, Barry Jackson, also was a huge source of support," Rolle continued. "We are very similar. He knows the devotion it takes, the hard work we put into the game, etc. I remember him telling me to make sure I am done because once I walk away it’s harder to get back into it."

After hearing about The Trust from former teammate Akwasi Owusu-Ansah at the gym, Brian knew he could reach out for help and direction.

"Throughout my football career, I always knew I was going to be something more," Rolle described. Football was something I did, but it wasn't who I was. I remember emailing my Program Manager, Miritte, and she was so welcoming. I was looking for someone to give me their thoughts and insight on what players before me had done. She was such a great help."

Rolle applied the same devotion and hard work he had toward football to his new goals. A week before Owusu-Ansah told Rolle about The Trust and the Scholarship Award Benefit, Brian had met with an admissions advisor at Franklin University. After getting enrolled in The Trust, he applied and was awarded the scholarship. Rolle graduated with his Master's in Business Administration in September 2018. He is now completing a leadership development program for marine cadets through APi and is only the second civilian to do so.

"When I talk to people about going back to school they often say, 'But it takes time.' I always say back, 'The longer you wait, the harder it is.' Hear out what the people at The Trust have to say," Rolle emphasized. "Listen to the testimonials of other players who have been through it and may have even been reluctant at first. It's life-changing."

"It's been a pleasure working with Brian," raved Miritte, Rolle's Program Manager. "I appreciate how motivated he was to complete his MBA, and I know he will inspire others to continue their education. Brian is a leader, and I look forward to seeing his future accomplishments off the field."

As a beneficiary of what The Trust can do for a former player, Rolle hopes others will take advantage.

"The Trust is a family, and the community we are a part of is tight-knit. The second word in its name is really the best way to explain it," Rolle said. "Players should reap the benefits of what it has to offer. The Trust has allowed me to gain confidence as a professional and helped me become a more effective leader in society."