JJ Outlaw: The Journey from NFL Player to NBA Coach, Turning the Cavs into Title Contenders, and Learning the Art of Coaching from Bernie and J.B. Bickerstaff

JJ Outlaw’s father, John,  followed an unconventional path in pro sports, playing in the NFL before coaching in the NBA. Two decades later, his son followed in John’s footsteps. JJ was equally adept as a baller and a football player, but decided to focus on the latter when he went to Villanova. During his four-year career with the Wildcats, JJ was a three-time All-Atlantic 10 selection and ranked fifth in school history in receptions and ninth in receiving yards. As a senior in 2005, he led the Atlantic 10 in receptions per game, ranked third in all-purpose yards, and was sixth in the league in receiving yards per game.

JJ’s stellar college career earned him a roster spot with the Philadelphia Eagles. When his football career ended, he became Director of Basketball Operations for Marist University, where he spent two seasons before being recruited by LA Lakers head coach Mike Brown as the team’s video coordinator. JJ soon worked his way into the role of Player Development Coach with the Lakers, and went on to serve as assistant coach of the Memphis Grizzlies for two years (which included a brief stint as head coach). In August 2019, the Cleveland Cavaliers hired JJ to be their assistant coach. 

In this episode, JJ shares: 

• How only one other person understands his unconventional career path: his fatherWhy being around NBA players and coaches inspired him to shoot for the stars
• What was the hardest thing about going from a pro football player to an entry-level college basketball role
• Who mentored him on his NBA coaching journey
• Why he feels blessed every single day

Keep up with JJ via his Instagram feed.