Nick Schlekeway: How the Former Defensive End Rebuilt His Life After Boise State Football

Boise State football fans, this one goes way beyond the highlights.

I've followed Nick Schlekeway since his days at Eagle High School, and in this episode he shares the full story: winning at every level, playing for Boise State, and being part of the unforgettable Fiesta Bowl vs. Oklahoma, including what it felt like inside that game that changed college football forever.

But the heart of this conversation is what happened after football ended.

Nick opens up about the identity crisis many athletes face, the emotional toll of losing the sport that shaped them, and how dark that transition can get when the cheers stop. We also talk about the reality of concussions in contact sports, how they impacted him, and what athletes and parents should understand when competing at a high level.

Today, Nick has taken the same "never quit" mindset from football and built a thriving business and team in Idaho, and his lessons on leadership, culture, and resilience apply to anyone chasing big goals.

In this episode, we cover:

• Eagle High football and the leaders who shaped Nick early
• Boise State's rise and the behind-the-scenes of the Fiesta Bowl run
• The mental battle of life after sports, identity, purpose, rebuilding
• Concussions and what athletes and parents need to know
• How Nick transitioned into entrepreneurship and built a winning culture

If you're a Boise State fan, love athlete stories, or want real insight into the grind beyond the game, follow the show and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

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If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA