Part 7/9:
Middlecoff also weighed in on the cultural pressures athletes face today, particularly regarding the connection between performance and brand development. He pointed out that while an emerging college star can create a significant brand for himself, that trajectory can drastically change with underwhelming performances in the NFL. He emphasized that success in branding often correlates with on-field greatness, citing legendary players whose brands are built on their championship legacies.
The conversation also explored the repercussions of the recent drafts, where players like Shador Sanders, who might be seen as having bright futures, faced undue pressures that do not align with their potential or playing styles.