Life after football was a very, very lonely place for me. When the final whistle blew on my NFL career, I found myself adrift, asking, “Who am I? What direction do I go?” But one thing remained constant—my love for my family. Balancing high-stakes adventures like climbing the Seven Summits with being a present, supportive father has been the most challenging and rewarding journey of my life.
The Call of Adventure and the Pull of Family
I’ve always been drawn to the mountains. There’s a peace and clarity in nature that I can’t find anywhere else. But with every peak I climb, there’s a part of me that stays grounded by my daughters, Claudette and Emilia. Especially with Emilia’s health challenges, the stakes are even higher.
Emilia was diagnosed with epilepsy at eight years old. Watching her battle through seizures has been heartbreaking. The helplessness I felt not being able to protect her all the time was a weight I carried with me. But it also fueled my determination to climb, not just for the sake of adventure but to raise awareness and support for epilepsy research.
Training for Two Worlds
Preparing for an expedition like Everest requires intense physical and mental preparation. My training involves long hours, grueling workouts, and pushing my body to its limits. But even as I train, I make sure to carve out time for my daughters. Whether it’s helping with homework, sharing a meal, or just being there to listen, I prioritise those moments.
The discipline I learned in the NFL has been crucial in managing this balance. It’s about creating a routine and sticking to it, even when it’s tough. Early morning workouts are followed by breakfast with my girls. Evening training sessions wrap up with bedtime stories. Every moment is a conscious choice to be present.
The Emotional Struggle
Leaving for a climb is never easy. There’s always a pang of guilt, a fear of missing out on important moments in my daughters’ lives. But I remind myself that my adventures are not just for me—they’re for them too. Every summit I reach is a testament to resilience and determination, lessons I hope to pass on to them.
Emilia’s battle with epilepsy has taught me about the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It’s also shown me the power of setting big goals and working tirelessly towards them. When I’m on a mountain, pushing through the death zone, it’s the thoughts of my daughters that keep me going. Their strength inspires me to keep climbing, one step at a time.
Balancing Two Worlds
Balancing high-stakes adventures with family life is about making every moment count. It’s about being present in the small moments and showing my daughters that it’s possible to pursue big dreams while staying grounded in love and family. It’s a delicate balance, and it requires constant effort and commitment.
The mountains give me clarity, but my daughters give me purpose. Every climb is a journey not just to the summit but towards becoming a better father. The adventures I embark on are not a way to escape but a way to connect, to show my daughters that with determination, resilience, and love, they can conquer any mountain in their lives.
Conclusion
Fatherhood and adventure might seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, but they are deeply intertwined in my life. The mountains have taught me resilience, but my daughters have taught me love. Balancing the two is my greatest challenge and my greatest joy. As I continue to climb, I do so with the knowledge that my true summit is always at home, with my family.
