“I was tired of not having something to accomplish. As professional athletes, every single day we walk into a gym, walk into a building, or step out on a football field, there's a purpose behind it; we have a goal or objective to achieve,” Hull revealed. “Once football ended, I had a huge void in my life: I wasn’t competing for anything, and I didn’t realize how much that part played in my life until football was taken away from me.”
Football was NFL Linebacker Josh Hull’s identity for 14 years, and like many NFL players, football was more than just a sport – it was a lifestyle. When Hull’s NFL career ended in 2014, he says he struggled with his identity and sense of purpose. “I didn’t know what to do with myself after my football career ended. I was angry. I was confused. I was frustrated. My emotions ran the entire gamut,” he said.
“ I was tired of not having something to accomplish. ”
Shortly after his release, Hull’s wife, Megan, discovered The Trust and encouraged Hull to enroll.
Hull took heed of his wife’s advice and immediately utilized The Trust’s Scholarship Award Benefit. The scholarship covered his tuition and fees so he could obtain his master’s degree in Business Administration from Penn State University.
“I had hoped going back to school would fill the void football left. It would provide [me with] certain milestones I had to achieve on a regular basis – and that’s exactly what happened,” Hull said. “Each week I had assignments I needed to complete and textbooks I needed to read. It put structure back into my life which was taken away when football was over.”
“ …[going back to school] put structure back into my life which was taken away when football was over. ”
Throughout the process of obtaining his business degree, Hull noticed many similarities between business and being a member of an NFL team.
“The focus, dedication and sacrifices that take place to make a professional football team are very similar to what it takes to start a business,” Hull said. “Although business is not football, the characteristics translate, and it almost feels like second nature because I have been doing this my entire life.”
Throughout the process of obtaining his business degree, Hull noticed many similarities between business and being a member of an NFL team.
“The focus, dedication and sacrifices that take place to make a professional football team are very similar to what it takes to start a business,” Hull said. “Although business is not football, the characteristics translate, and it almost feels like second nature because I have been doing this my entire life.”
Hull encourages all former players to take advantage of the benefits available through The Trust.
“The biggest thing is to use it. I think a lot of players are aware of it [The Trust] but aren’t ready to take the step to pick up the phone and speak with a Program Manager,” Hull said. “The Trust has basically drawn a roadmap for our future and all it takes is a phone call to get access to that playbook to help you along the way.”
“ I think a lot of players are aware of it [The Trust] but aren’t ready to take the step to pick up the phone and speak with a Program Manager. ”
The Trust is here to support you.
Ready to learn how?