Ep 70 - J.J. Birden - Former KC Chief and NFL Pro Turned Motivational Keynote Speaker

J.J's BIO
A Small Man in a Big Man’s Game
To appreciate the Hero’s Journey that is JJ Birden’s life, you
must first know a few important facts:
 Less than 6% of high school seniors go on to play college
 football
 Of the 150,000 draft-eligible college football players, only
 253 (less than 1%) are selected in the NFL draft
 The average NFL career is less than 2 years
 The average NFL player is 6’2, 245 lbs.
The odds of making it to the NFL are staggering. The odds of
staying in the NFL are even more amazing. The odds of doing
both are the most astronomical of all when you’re undersized and play one of the sport’s most
physical positions. Good thing JJ Birden never cared about the odds of success.
Despite being the #1 high school wide receiver in Oregon, JJ didn’t receive a single D1
scholarship offer. He was fast enough for sure, but at 5’9 and 133 lbs., JJ was just too small to
play with the big boys. At least that’s what the naysayers thought; JJ knew he was good
enough, and he set his mind to achieving the impossible. All he needed was an opportunity, no
matter how small, even if it meant making his own.
After receiving a scholarship to the University of Oregon for track & field, JJ earned a walk-on
spot with the football team his sophomore year. He was at the bottom of the depth chart and
nowhere near seeing actual playing time on the field, but his coaches and teammates didn’t
know how hard he was willing to work. It didn’t take long for them to find out: JJ became a
starter the next season, his junior year.
But like all long-shot stories and underdog tales, JJ’s trials were just beginning. The remainder
of his college career was plagued with injuries and unimpressive stats. Still, JJ’s speed and
toughness were enough to earn him an invite to the NFL Combine, a yearly gathering of the top
300 college prospects in the nation. Unsurprising to his teammates, coaches, and fans, JJ
dominated the Combine. His performance earned him the 216th pick in the 8th round of the 1988
NFL Draft. That’s when the going got really tough. 
A series of injuries and failed physicals culminated in one of the darkest moments in JJ’s early
career, and one of the hardest weeks imaginable for anyone: JJ was rejected by 4 NFL teams in
5 days. He could have walked away from the game and given up hope in spite of what seemed
like insurmountable odds, but JJ didn’t even flinch. Instead, he did what he’s always done when
faced with adversity—he found a way to win.
JJ would go on to play 9 seasons in the NFL (remember, the average career is less than a
quarter of that) despite never being the biggest, strongest or most physical guy on the field.
What kept JJ on the field for almost a decade wasn’t just how he played the game but rather
how he approached every day like it was game day. JJ was willing to put in the work and do
whatever it took to improve.
Now a motivational speaker and performance coach, JJ shares lessons from his life that help
audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and professions realize the most important thing about
success—it is never given, but always earned. JJ’s inspiring keynote presentations outline the
principles and strategies that helped an undersized wide receiver overcome spectacular odds;
the same principles and strategies that can help anyone perform at the highest levels in all
walks of life.
JJ is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, husband and father. He has
been married to his college sweetheart, Raina, for 30 years and has 8 children (3 biological and
5 adopted nieces and nephews). He and his family reside in the Phoenix area.
JJ Birden is an engaging communicator, passionate presenter, and a leading authority on
helping individuals seize their opportunities in life. Request more information to speak with JJ
and to learn how he can tailor his motivational keynote presentations to empower your group to
achieve greatness.

JJ Birden | Inspiring Your Team To Success | jjbirden.com | 888 584-4177 | info@jjbirden.com