What does it take to go from growing up in the projects of San Bernardino, California, to playing in the NFL—and what happens when the game ends?
In this episode of The Unstoppable CEO Podcast, Dr. Paul Reed sits down with longtime friend, former Washington State University football standout, NFL player, author, and mentor Chris Hayes for a powerful conversation about discipline, faith, identity, fatherhood, and the mindset required to navigate life's biggest transitions.
Paul has known Chris since he was 18 years old, when their paths crossed at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.
What began as a shared experience on the football field has developed into a lifelong friendship grounded in faith, family, and the lessons learned through competition.
But Chris's journey began long before college football.
Growing up in the projects of San Bernardino, California, Chris faced an environment that could have taken his life in a very different direction.
An opportunity to attend Washington State changed that trajectory.
Chris recalls the culture shock of leaving Southern California for Pullman, the coaches who challenged him, and the experiences that helped transform him from a young athlete into a man with a deeper understanding of discipline, responsibility, and purpose.
As an undersized linebacker competing alongside exceptional athletes, Chris understood that talent alone wouldn't get him onto the field.
He needed a different mindset.
"I don't care what position I had to play. Just put me on the field."
That determination helped carry him beyond Washington State and into professional football.
But decades later, Chris's definition of success has changed.
Greatness evolves as you evolve.
One of the most powerful moments in the conversation comes when Chris explains why he no longer believes greatness has one fixed definition.
"I believe that greatness evolves as you evolve."
As a young athlete, greatness meant competing, earning opportunities, and reaching the NFL.
Today, it means something much deeper.
Being a husband.
Raising children who understand commitment.
Watching those children grow into adults and build families of their own.
Living with faith, intention, and purpose.
And using the lessons of his own journey to help others navigate theirs.
Chris and Paul explore why the same principles that helped them succeed as collegiate athletes remain relevant in business, leadership, parenting, and everyday life.
It's all mental.
Throughout the episode, Chris returns to one central belief:
The most important battles are often the ones happening inside your own mind.
You can train your body.
You can develop technical skills.
You can prepare for competition.
But when you're exhausted, discouraged, distracted, or facing uncertainty, your ability to manage your thoughts becomes critical.
Chris shares why he prioritizes daily walks, prayer, reflection, self-coaching, and intentional thinking.
He also discusses his interest in Stoic philosophy and the importance of maintaining inner calm when the world around you feels chaotic.
His perspective is simple:
You cannot control everything happening around you.
But you can work on how you respond to it.
And that ability becomes especially important when life demands more from you than you thought you could give.
Raising children who understand commitment
As a former NFL player, Chris understood both the opportunities and the sacrifices associated with professional football.
When his sons expressed interest in playing, he didn't simply encourage them to follow in his footsteps.
He challenged them to explain why they wanted to play.
In fact, he required each of them to write about their commitment before moving forward.
He wanted them to understand that pursuing something difficult requires more than excitement about the potential reward.
It requires knowing who you are, understanding the sacrifices involved, and being willing to do the work.
That lesson applies just as powerfully to entrepreneurship, leadership, and building a meaningful life.
In this episode, you'll discover:
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How Chris went from growing up in San Bernardino to playing football at Washington State and reaching the NFL
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Why his experience in Pullman became a defining chapter in his life
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The coaches and mentors who helped shape his character and mindset
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Why discipline connects success in athletics, business, family, and faith
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How Chris's definition of greatness has evolved over time
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Why he refused to let his children feel obligated to follow his football career
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The importance of understanding your identity before committing to a difficult goal
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How daily walks, reflection, prayer, and self-coaching help Chris manage his mindset
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Why controlling your internal response matters more than trying to control everything around you
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How Stoic philosophy and Christian faith influence his approach to life
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Why maintaining inner peace requires intentional effort
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How the lessons of football continue to shape his approach to fatherhood and leadership
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The role of faith and spiritual foundations in navigating life's transitions
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Chris's plans for his forthcoming book, Your Next Position
Know Your Position. Prepare for Your Next Position.
Chris also shares the evolution of his writing.
His first book, published in 2007, explored his journey through football and the transition beyond the game.
Now, he's developing a new book, Your Next Position, which revisits the principles that shaped his athletic career and examines how those same foundations continue to guide him decades later.
The message is relevant to anyone navigating a new season of life.
Your career may change.
Your responsibilities may change.
Your definition of success may change.
But the principles that ground you—faith, discipline, family, and purpose—can continue to guide you through every transition.
Chris's personal mantra captures that philosophy:
"Have fun being great."
This conversation is about far more than football.
It's about understanding who you are, embracing the lessons of your journey, and recognizing that greatness isn't a destination you reach once.
It's something you continue to redefine and pursue throughout your life.
Join Dr. Paul Reed and Chris Hayes for a conversation about faith, resilience, mental discipline, family, and the power of building a foundation that lasts beyond the game.
Engage. Equip. Empower.
Make today better than yesterday.
