Eddie George might be best known as a legendary NFL running back, but his legacy reaches far beyond the gridiron. In our latest episode of Circle Back, Eddie sits down with NEC CEO Sam Davidson to dive deep into the forces that shaped him into a multi-talented leader—an entrepreneur, an actor, a coach, and a mentor.
How Entrepreneurial Roots Shaped Eddie’s Journey
From a young age, Eddie’s mother instilled an entrepreneurial drive that’s powered his journey through landscape architecture, wealth management, and the NFL, all the way to his current role as head coach of Tennessee State University’s football team.
Growing up in Philadelphia, Eddie watched his mother balance her day job with a variety of side businesses, showing him firsthand the grit it takes to pursue something bigger. Reflecting on his own transition from NFL stardom to a range of post-football ventures, Eddie shares how his faith, focus, and pursuit of “God-sized dreams” helped him tackle these changes with courage.
Eddie’s Push for Athlete Financial Literacy
Throughout the episode, Eddie emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for athletes, a passion born from his own experiences managing newfound wealth. As the founder of a wealth management business, he now aims to educate others about the tools they need to secure their financial futures and set a strong foundation for life after sports.
Mentorship’s Role in Success
But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Eddie explains how mentors, from coaches to business partners, have guided him at every step. He offers invaluable insights into the power of surrounding yourself with supportive, knowledgeable individuals who see the potential for greatness in you, sometimes before you even recognize it in yourself.
Today, as a coach at TSU, Eddie teaches his players the importance of grit, discipline, and hard work—qualities he learned through his own winding journey. “If your dream doesn’t make you laugh at how big it is,” Eddie says, “then it’s not big enough.” In a world that often celebrates quick wins, Eddie’s philosophy underscores the value of long-term vision and a relentless commitment to growth.
Listen In
Listen to this inspiring episode of Circle Back as Eddie George challenges us all to pursue our biggest dreams with guts and heart. Catch the full conversation at ec.co/circleback.
