Catching Up with Former Player Rep: Domonique Foxworth
We sat down and caught up with former NFLPA President and Player Rep, Domonique Foxworth. Domonique spent his 7-year professional football career playing cornerback for the Broncos, Falcons, and Ravens. We discussed his experience as a Player Rep, what advice he has for those transitioning from the game, and what his post-football career looks like.
How has the journey been for you while being a Player Rep?
Being a Player Rep was probably the most meaningful thing in my career because I was getting more involved and had to make sacrifices. Personally, being a player rep was more meaningful than anything else I have ever done professionally because I was able to represent more than just myself and that means a lot more to me the older I get.
How has being a player rep impacted you personally & professionally?
I think when you're playing football out there, it’s not always a playing thing - meaning you should be more active in trying to get involved in more things occurring off the field. I do 100% think that being a player rep will give you the experience/qualities that are needed when it’s time to transition into another profession. While being a player rep, I want others to know that this is real work and that you have obligations while being a part of the union.
What are you most proud of during your time as a Player Rep or president?
How we handled the passing of Gene Upshaw. It was a surprise occurrence, and he was probably the most successful and powerful Executive Director in sports. He passed so suddenly, and the responsibility fell to us on the Executive Committee at the time to move forward and I think we did a good job of that.
What is your current career now? What is your favorite part about your job & why?
Currently, I am in sports media, where I am writing and doing commentary as well. I like that I am doing sports writing even though it's not about the sport I played. But I do enjoy that I’m contributing to other sports. I really like diving into more of the important issues that are occurring around the world rather than sports, such as racial issues. Being able to veer away and talk about these situations that occur off the field is what makes a big difference now.
Do you have any advice for those trying to figure out their next career step or even debating retirement?
Based on me and my friends, I had already known what I was going to do career-wise after the league, but the game is still so much of your magnificent lifestyle it’s not always going to be easy. I have seen so many players struggle with the transition. I think the top three biggest things are: be gentler with yourself, be yourself through the entire process, and don't be afraid to reach out for help from the people around you.
What is the biggest lesson you took away from football? And how do you apply it to your current career?
I think the biggest lesson I took away from football is the importance of the people around you. You are always going to need people by your side throughout the journey to rely on. I think you must surround yourself with good people with good intentions that you can trust while understanding that everything is in your control.
What is that one piece of advice you wish you had known during your transition that you know now?
It would be that you don't have to run away from your strengths and advantages. This is specific to me because I really wanted to prove myself away from the support I received. There was always some insecurity there for me in that sense.
