The Fascinating NFL Afterlife of D'Brickashaw Ferguson - a podcast by The Football Girl

When former Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson retired two years ago at age 32 in the midst of a storied, injury-free career, the news was stunning for many. Was it because the Jets wanted him to take a pay cut? Or perhaps it was because Ferguson felt a ‘little betrayed’ after seeing the movie Concussion? Ferguson clears the air in this wide-ranging conversation.

He also speaks honestly about the unique transition from professional athlete to regular human, and his process of self-discovery.

As a player, Ferguson prided himself on being quiet and non-controversial. Here, he talks about his evolved mindset, the unique platform given to athletes, and the types of conversations he hopes to start with his new experiential blog, The Perspective.

Plus, his current health, his feelings about the trajectory of football and much more!

Also in this episode, Melissa reflects on the life and impact of Dwight Clark, plus breaks down all the antiqued elements of the 1982 NFC Championship. (A time out with :58 seconds left and third down? What was Bill Walsh thinking???)

THE RUNDOWN

4:26: Melissa remembers the greatness of Dwight Clark
8:30: Melissa on the anachronisms of the 1982 NFC Championship
13:30: D’BRICKASHAW FERGUSON JOINS
13:53: Why he retired in 2016
17:13: Whether CTE and seeing Concussion factored into his decision
19:22: Examining his post-NFL options and why he chose finance
22:48: On the mental transition from professional athlete to regular human
27:01: The varying layers of NFL players deciding to retire
30:53: On why he’s starting a new blog called The Perspective about his experiences
34:15: Why he was non-controversial as a player and why he’s done being quiet
37:30: The emotions of writing
39:15: How much football he watches
43:35: On the only surgery he’s ever had. He was 9.
48:14: Does he agree with Melissa’s notion that LT is the second-most important position in football

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