Hard Hats & Helmets: A Retired NFL Player’s Pivot to Project Engineering

In this episode of Career Journals, we talk with a retired NFL player who made the shift from pro sports to leading construction projects as a Project Engineer. He shares what it’s really like to transition from the field to the job site, how the lessons from sports translate to leadership, and his vision for future real estate development.

If you’re curious about life after sports or exploring careers in construction and real estate, here’s a closer look at both parts of the journey.

Part 1: From the NFL to Life After Sports

Steps in This Career Path

1. High School and College Football
   Compete at the highest levels and get recruited to play college football.

2. NFL Draft and Professional Career
   Training, tryouts, and making it onto a team. This stage is highly competitive with demanding schedules and intense travel.

3. Building Transferable Skills
   Teamwork, discipline, leadership, and time management developed on the field can prepare athletes for future roles off the field.

4. Planning for Transition
   Many athletes take courses, pursue certifications, or network while playing to plan their next steps after retirement.

Why It Matters
Athletes often face big questions about identity and purpose after retiring. Leveraging the focus and grit built in sports can lead to success in entirely new fields, helping them reinvent themselves beyond the game.

Part 2: Building a Career in Construction and Real Estate

Steps in This Career Path

1. Education or Training
   Degrees in engineering, construction management, or related fields. Some transition through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or certifications.

2. Starting in the Field
   Entry-level roles often include site supervision, project coordination, or engineering assistant positions.

3. Project Engineer Role
   Overseeing daily operations on construction sites, managing schedules, budgets, and team communications.

4. Moving Into Real Estate
   Many expand into property development, buying and renovating properties, or managing investment projects.

Typical Job Titles Along the Way

Entry-Level

• Field Engineer

• Construction Coordinator

• Assistant Project Manager

Mid-Level

• Project Engineer

• Project Manager

• Site Superintendent

Senior-Level

• Construction Manager

• Real Estate Developer

• Director of Operations

Estimated Salary Range*

• Entry-Level: $55,000 to $75,000 per year

• Mid-Level: $75,000 to $150,000 per year

• Senior-Level: $150,000 to $300,000+ per year

*Real estate development income can vary greatly based on deals and investments.

Why Choose This Career?
Construction and real estate careers offer the chance to see projects come to life, lead teams, and solve practical challenges. For someone with leadership experience in sports, it can be a natural fit, combining planning, teamwork, and long-term vision.