E09: Undeniable: Rennie Curran’s Story of Resilience, Faith, and Success On and Off the Field

Kris Benson and Alec Ogletree welcome former NFL linebacker Rennie Curran this week. After a standout college career at the University of Georgia where he led the SEC in tackles, Rennie's NFL journey was anything but easy as he faced constant doubts about his size and struggled to stick with teams. However, through it all, he found the motivation to focus on his transition during his playing career and set himself up for success beyond the game.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

[00:38] - Leading the SEC in tackling his junior year at UGA

[10:07] - Training with former NFL players to earn a starting role at UGA 

[11:58] - Overcoming doubt by becoming undeniable

[13:23] - Operating in faith, not circumstances

[24:47] - Handling finances as an athlete

[30:28] - Carrying the weight of being the “first generation” to make it big

[34:50] - Financial management and saying no to requests

[47:00] - Finding yourself in times of transition

 

Episode Highlights:

[11:58] Overcoming Doubt by Becoming Undeniable

Rennie details the constant doubts he faced about his size throughout his career and how he was continually told he was "too short" to play linebacker. However, he found motivation in proving people wrong and leaving it all on the field whenever he stepped onto the field. While people questioned the coaches' decision to offer him a role due to his size, Rennie made himself "undeniable" through his elite effort and production on the field. His relentless work ethic and refusal to be deterred by doubts allowed him to earn significant playing time and go on to have an All-American career at UGA.

[13:23] Operating in Faith, Not Circumstances

Rennie explains that operating in faith meant performing at the level of his vision and goals, not where his current situation may be. By operating according to his vision and ambitions rather than letting doubts or circumstances discourage him, he was always prepared to seize opportunities when they arose. His relentless work ethic and belief in himself despite obstacles set him up for great success despite constant questions about his physical tools. 

[17:09] Harnessing Athletic Resilience for Entrepreneurial Success

• • Reflecting on his athletic past, Rennie acknowledges the ingrained traits of dedication, discipline, and delayed gratification that have shaped him. His sports career didn't always yield immediate rewards, yet it fostered resilience and perseverance that he now channels into his entrepreneurial journey. He advocates for athletes to pinpoint their key strengths from their sporting days and integrate them into their present endeavors, a practice that aids in preserving their core identity post their athletic careers. Rennie's transition from an athlete to an entrepreneur underscores the profound understanding that the fruits of hard work, albeit unexpected at times, hold immense value.

• [47:00] Finding Yourself in Times of Transition

• Rennie equates life-altering events like losing a business or going through a divorce to being a 'free agent'. These periods of uncertainty and transition, he suggests, are opportunities for self-discovery and growth. Drawing from his own experiences, he advocates for resilience and adaptability, using challenges as catalysts for introspection and reinvention. 
• Resources Mentioned:

www.renniecurran.com