What does it take to succeed in the NFL? And what happens when athletes face challenges that aren’t visible on the field? KO football players had the chance to explore these questions in a special conversation with Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and NFL sports agent and KO alumnus Ed Wasielewski, ’91, founder of EMG Sports. KO football coach Brandon Batory organized the session, which offered students a behind-the-scenes look at professional football, the importance of mental health, and the many career paths available in the sports industry.

Rodgers, a sixth-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, shared his journey to the NFL, emphasizing the hard work, perseverance, and discipline required to compete at the highest level. At 5 feet, 10 inches tall, Rodgers has built a professional career in a sport where size is often seen as an advantage. His story underscored the importance of believing in one’s abilities and putting in the work to achieve ambitious goals.

But some of his most valuable advice had little to do with football.

Rodgers spoke candidly about mental health, recovery, and recognizing when to ask for support. In a sport that often celebrates physical toughness, he challenged the notion that athletes must always appear strong or hide their struggles. He explained that mental and emotional well-being is just as essential as physical conditioning. He stressed that athletes need to prioritize sleep and eating right to maintain peak performance.  

For Batory, that message mattered especially to his players. Young athletes often feel pressure to project toughness, making it difficult to acknowledge vulnerability or speak openly about personal challenges. Hearing an NFL player address those issues reinforced that true strength includes knowing when to seek help and prioritizing one’s well-being.

The conversation also introduced students to the business side of professional sports through Wasielewski, whose connection to KO made the visit especially meaningful. A former KO basketball player who helped his team win a championship, Wasielewski went on to attend Villanova University before building a career as a sports attorney and NFL player agent. He founded EMG Sports in 2005 and has represented numerous professional athletes, including Rodgers.

Wasielewski shared insights into the responsibilities of a sports agent, from negotiating contracts to helping athletes navigate the complexities of their professional careers. His journey showed that a passion for athletics can lead to rewarding careers beyond professional play. Batory wanted his team to understand that while relatively few athletes reach the professional level, the sports industry offers a wide range of opportunities. Careers in athlete representation, law, management, and other fields let people stay connected to the games they love.

For the players, hearing directly from two individuals who have found success through different paths in professional football was both inspiring and eye-opening. There was plenty of give and take between the speakers and the players, who asked thoughtful questions about football  – the player and business side. “It was an incredible experience speaking with Ed and Isaiah,” said senior captain Justin Ocasio. “Hearing their stories about how hard work got them to where they are helped our team.”