Beyond the Game: Coaching Young Athletes for Life

Pre-Zero Sports Talk

In this powerful Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast episode, host Sid Bensalah sat down with Greg Walls, a former NFL cornerback and P.E. Sports and Recreation founder. Greg has dedicated his life to coaching athletes for success in both sports and life, and this conversation dives deep into leadership, accountability, and the challenges young athletes face today.

Greg shares his journey from playing in the NFL to becoming a coach and mentor, offering no-nonsense advice on holding athletes to high standards while nurturing their growth. A key takeaway is Greg’s philosophy on listening as a skill—how true coaching isn’t just about telling athletes what to do but getting them to understand and act on what’s needed to succeed. He also reflects on his leadership inspirations, most notably his late father, whom he admires as the ultimate role model.

We also touch on the lighter side of Greg’s personality as he shares his unexpected love for the sport of curling and his passion for the Red-Hot Chili Peppers, showing how multi-faceted he is as both a coach and a person.

Throughout the episode, Greg’s sincerity and passion shine through, whether discussing fighting for every inch in sports and life or addressing the tough issues of head injuries and CTE. He also speaks candidly about the unique pressures young athletes face today, particularly the judgment and scrutiny from social media.
Key Topics:

• Greg's journey from NFL player to coach
• Developing responsibility and accountability in young athletes
• The importance of listening in coaching
• Leadership lessons from his father
• Addressing athlete safety and CTE
• Overcoming social media pressures and other challenges faced by young athletes
• Greg’s love for curling and alternative rock (Red Hot Chili Peppers!)

Tune in to hear Greg’s incredible insights on coaching athletes for success on and off the field!

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