Jerod Ward was the #1 high school basketball player in the country in 1994. As the top recruit, he could choose to play college ball anywhere and he chose The University of Michigan. Multiple knee surgeries kept him from achieving his NBA dream but he still had a solid four year career for the Wolverines helping them beat Duke three straight years, win the National Invitational Tournament and the Big Ten Tournament. Jerod then went on to have a long career playing professional basketball worldwide. Jerod now travels across the country as a professional speaker. He has even been on stage for a Tedx Talk presenting on the topic of EATing Adversity. Even though he is retired from playing basketball, Jerod still stays close to the game he loves as he works as a college basketball analyst with networks including ESPN, FOX Sports. Jerod lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife Tricia and daughter Violet.
In today’s episode, we discuss:- His decision to attend college and not turn pro out of high school
- What it was like being the best high school player in the nation
- The Lebron James vs. Michael Jordan debate
- Playing professional basketball for 14 years
- How we can overcome adversity we face in life
Drew Brees just became the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards when he surpassed Peyton Manning in a Monday Night Football game. Brees is surely destined for Canton, Ohio and the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he retires. However, it didn’t look that way when Brees was coming out of Purdue University and was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2001 NFL draft. He was considered too short to be a sure-fire NFL Quarterback. In fact, seven games into his first NFL season, he was unexpectedly thrust into action when the starter got hurt. Brees preceded to fumble the ball the first time he dropped back to pass. In 2006, he tore his rotator cuff and was no longer wanted by his team. New Orleans embraced him and welcomed him. He would reward the team (and city) with their first Super Bowl championship in 2009.
As a college basketball coach for nearly 20 years, I had many experiences that I was proud of. But, I also made my share of mistakes, especially early in my career. Now that I have left coaching to work with teams as a leadership trainer and consultant, I look back on my career and offer up five things that I wish I knew when I first started out in coaching.
Brittany Horschel is the wife of PGA Tour pro and 2014 Fed Ex Cup Playoff Champion 
Keith Grabowski is the Director of Football Operations for USA Football. As the sport’s national governing body and member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. 
“We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another.” (Toby Mac)