Success doesn’t make people immune to struggles. The fact that we all struggle emphasizes how similar we all are as people despite the different “classes” we are broken up into.
I recently got to sit down and have a conversation with Matt Wilhelm. Many people know him as an Ohio State or NFL player, but I know him as a friend. Matt is comparable to any normal guy, but most people choose not to classify him as one because of his extraordinary life experiences.
It was really refreshing to sit down and have him open up about how he’s “as messed up as all of us”. We had a really raw, honest conversation, diving into everyday struggles of a professional athlete, comparing himself to others, life after the NFL, and his journey of strengthening his relationship with God.
Interest vs Commitment
Years ago, driving home from a Buckeye game we got into a discussion of what we thought the difference in interest and commitment was. “It’s easy to be interested in something,” he said. “But commitment? That’s where the magic happens.”
He’s totally right.
It’s easy to get interested in your family, faith, or goals – but it doesn’t get you anywhere. Commitment is the vehicle that will though.
Saying it aloud seems simple, but commitment isn’t always a clear linear path. It’s a messy up-and-down journey. Matt likes comparing it to the stock market, some days you’re on the up and up and others you're stumbling, but you have to keep your eyes on the prize.
That’s the difference. Whether it’s your walk with God or working on your marriage, it’s never gonna be a clear and easy journey. You have to stay focused on your goal even when the road starts getting bumpy.
You have to decide if you’re just interested or if you’re truly committed.
Faith Beyond Religion
Throughout our conversation, our faith just kept popping up. Matt grew up catholic, but admitted to me that for a long time, he was just going through the motions. “I knew God, I knew Jesus, but I wasn’t really living it.”
It wasn’t until his wife started gently leading and inviting him to explore different churches and dive deeper into scripture – that things began to finally shift.
It really resonated with me how personal his journey with faith was. For me, it’s not about religion, it’s about a relationship with a God who wants what is best for you.
Matt talked about switching his mindset from getting prayer “right” to really understanding it and allowing it to be real. Integrating small, honest conversations with God like “keep my kids safe” or “guide me through this decision” is what transformed him to have a true connection that felt real and grounding with his creator.
The Trap of Comparison
Something that really resonated with me that Matt talked about was something he called the “comparison trap”.
In a world where we’re always bombarded by peoples highlight reels it can be super easy to think others have perfect lives, faith, and relationships.
But that’s just not real.
The comparison trap is an exhausting cycle that makes you feel like you’re lacking something everyone else isn’t. Here’s the truth though, “God doesn’t love anyone more because they go to church more than someone else, or have 50 bible verses memorized” Matt says. It isn’t about that, it’s about your relationship with God that really means something.
Comparison is the thief of joy and it has so many ripple effects. It’ll change how you see yourself, your family, work – everything. But “when you commit to your faith, every other part of your life starts to improve” Matt says. Your marriage gets stronger, parenting gets better, and you stop reacting to life and start living with intention.
Life After the NFL
For someone who spent years in the spotlight, walking away from it wasn’t easy. He described missing the locker room, and how it felt as though all his camaraderie, purpose, and competition in life was gone.
After spending a couple years feeling lost, trying to figure out what was next he realized something big. Life wasn’t about him anymore, but rather his kids, wife, and faith.
He said something next I really loved and resonated with “My life now is about being a pillar for my family. Showing up for them, serving them, and leading by example.”
That’s a purpose most people can relate to. Whether you’re a former NFL player or just someone trying to get through the week, it’s all about shifting your focus from me to we. Starting to live with purpose and not for perfection.
Purpose Not Perfection
It’s so easy to get hung up on trying to figure out why we’re here, but life isn’t about finding one grand purpose. Instead, it’s about living with purpose no matter what season you’re currently in.
For Matt his current season is about being a dad, husband, and community leader. For you, it could be something entirely different. The point is, our purpose evolves. It’s not a destination – it’s the way we show up for ourselves and the people around us everyday.
This chat with Matt reminded me we’re all on our own journeys, none of us have everything figured out. From navigating faith, family, or life after a big career change the path ahead is never perfect, and that’s okay. If you want to watch the whole conversation, you can find see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF3_Op9jHP4&t=2s
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, take a breath. No matter where you are on your journey you’re never alone. If you want advice, a community to talk to, or resources to help your progress, that’s what we’re here for. Check out and download the Freedomology app, and we’ll see you inside!
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