What does it take to go from NAIA football to the NFL — and then turn those experiences into a career helping the next generation of college athletes?
On Episode 478 of The Gametime Guru, Shane Larson sits down with Mike Miller, Director of Athlete Development at Baylor University, to talk about his unconventional football journey, the changing landscape of college athletics, NIL, networking, character, identity and preparing student-athletes for life beyond sports.
Mike's path was anything but traditional.
He went from high school football in Colorado to the Division II level, then junior college at Santa Monica College, before eventually playing at Taylor University at the NAIA level. From there, he earned an opportunity in the NFL and spent time with the Indianapolis Colts.
That journey gave Mike firsthand experience with recruiting, transfers, junior college football, professional football, identity, uncertainty and career transition — lessons he now brings into his work with student-athletes at Baylor.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Mike's path from Division II to JUCO to NAIA football
- How he eventually earned an opportunity in the NFL
- The realities of junior college football
- The mental and emotional side of NFL training camp
- Lessons learned from veterans with the Indianapolis Colts
- Why gratitude became a major part of his athletic journey
- What athlete development looks like at Baylor University
- Helping student-athletes navigate transition and identity
- Financial literacy, leadership and career readiness
- NIL and the changing college athletics landscape
- The importance of networking and relationships
- Why character is built through everyday habits
- Preparing athletes for life after their playing career ends
One of the biggest themes of the conversation is transition.
Mike explains that athlete development is about much more than athletic performance. His work includes helping student-athletes with financial literacy, communication, leadership development, career readiness, life skills, relationships and NIL.
With college athletes now navigating NIL opportunities, social media, revenue sharing, personal branding, academics and competition, Mike believes the right systems and support can make a major difference.
We also dive into the importance of networking.
Mike shares a powerful perspective: it is not simply what you know or even who you know — it is who knows you and who can vouch for you.
That idea connects directly to character.
Showing up early. Being prepared. Communicating well. Building relationships. Developing good habits. Carrying yourself in a way that people are willing to recommend you when an opportunity arrives.
Mike also talks about gratitude and why athletes should appreciate the opportunity to compete while they have it. His experiences in NFL training camp helped shape the way he now teaches athletes to approach their careers and eventual transition away from sports.
If you are a student-athlete, parent, coach, athletic administrator, NIL professional, sports business professional or former athlete, this conversation offers valuable perspective on how to develop beyond the game.
Mike Miller's story is a reminder that there is no single path to success.
Division II → Junior College → NAIA → NFL → Baylor University.
Now he is using that experience to help develop the next generation.
Subscribe to The Gametime Guru for weekly conversations with athletes, coaches and sports professionals from around the world.
What time is it? GAMETIME.
