Transition to Greatness

“Sometimes, God brings times of transition to create transformation.” – Lynn Cowell

At some point, all athletes, especially those who perform at the collegiate and professional level, must decide to pursue other life endeavors. This pivotal moment of the athlete's career is called transition. 

Transition is hard, and the difficulties experienced during the transition are usually unspoken because it is a vulnerable and humbling time. It is a moment where an athlete's identity and everything they knew about themselves as an “athlete” can go up in flames-forcing them to soul search and figure out who they are without their respective sport. A sport that, more than likely, they have committed years to develop.

Transition can lead to a state of confusion or depression. Therefore,  the athlete's faith and determination must remain at the forefront as they navigate this unknown territory.

JK Jay was a highly recruited offensive lineman who was offered scholarships to multiple division 1 schools as early as a freshman in high school. 

As a Greenville, South Carolina native, his lifelong dream was to play for the Clemson University Tigers. At 18 years old, on the cusp of living out this dream to play on the collegiate level, JK’s football career was unexpectedly shattered by an injury. JK was forced to transition from football and discover who he was without the game. 

During his time of transition, he could have easily given up on himself. Yet, instead, he learned how to rebuild his confidence, focus on his many other strengths, and reprogram his mind to see himself beyond his role in football. 

Fast forward almost 10 years later, at the 2021 PAW Journey Symposium, JK sits alongside his fellow Clemson Football brothers as a successful businessman, Co-Founder, and President of  @lyonjay_holdings, a devoted husband, and phenomenal father-ready to pour into this younger generation of elite Clemson Tigers. 

Thank you, JK, for being a role model to other athletes who may experience an unexpected twist to their career and serve as a blueprint to athletes that face transition unexpectedly. 

Thank you, JK, for demonstrating how those same characteristics made you successful in football- persistence, determination, strength, consistency, emotional intelligence, and grit. Made you equally, if not more successful, as a businessman. 

Thank you, JK, for your courage and how you show other athletes and people, for that matter, that they pivot with faith and a relentless spirit to succeed. They can accomplish anything.

Video created by @CarlyMGough