Shane and Brock Vereen are two former NFL players who took to the virtual world after they retired from the NFL.
After Shane's departure from the league in 2018, he recalls being "ready" to retire.
"Football was the most meaningful job and I knew once I stepped away, I would miss it but I was ready to move on," Shane said.
“ Football was the most meaningful job and I knew once I stepped away I would miss it, but I was ready to move on.- Shane Vereen ”
For his brother, Brock, the feelings about retirement weren't mutual. When it came time to make the decision to retire, he remembers feeling panicked — but took solace in the fact that he could use this opportunity to explore all of his other interests.
"That panic turns into excitement very quickly and you don't look back after that," Brock said.
“ That panic turns into excitement very quickly and you don't look back after that. - Brock Vereen ”
Shortly after their retirement, the two brothers partnered with founder and CEO of ESTV, Eric Yoon, to be a part of the Esports television network's broadcast team.
ESTV's broadcast team consists of former CNN senior correspondent and NFL Network on-air talent director, Marc Watts, former Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green, and now, Shane and Brock Vereen. The four cover gaming tournaments worldwide and follow the gaming lifestyles of Esports pros.
Brock's decision to collaborate with ESTV was partly because it encompassed one of his favorite pastimes: video games. Brock remembers constantly playing and talking about video games Shane during their childhood.
"The opportunity to expand upon that as an adult definitely feels like a pinch me moment," Brock added.
“ The opportunity to expand upon that as an adult definitely feels like a pinch me moment. - Brock Vereen ”
Shane told The Trust that he's always considered a career in the gaming world. He was an avid gamer and saw firsthand how rapid the industry was growing.
Green was introduced to ESTV in August of 2018, and like Shane, saw much promise in the gaming industry. By January of 2019, Green was fully onboard and eager to launch his new career. Shortly after, Shane and Brock came onboard.
"All three of them are pioneering visionaries who saw this movement before the movement was even what it is today," Watts said.
The Vereen's and Green turned in their cleats for controllers and are excited for the growth of the gaming industry and the role they are playing in it.
“ We are looking forward to continuing to bring new original content similar to what ESPN brings to traditional sports. - Ahman Green ”
The Trust is here to support you.
Ready to learn how?
Mack Brown shows how his love of the game helped him find his passion in a career.
Kenneth Coffey discusses how football became his goal and vehicle to success.