Shane Simpson: Relearning How to Walk, Losing Football, and Finding Purpose in Christ

Welcome back to the Athlete Disciples Podcast.
Today I’m joined by Shane Simpson — a former 5-year professional football player who’s now an NIL / business agent and part of a luxury lifestyle concierge agency (jets, yachts, cars, suits, jewelry — the whole world).
Shane played at University of Virginia and Towson, put up 5,700+ yards and 24 touchdowns, earned multiple awards… but what stood out most in this conversation is what people don’t see: the injuries, the setbacks, and the mental + emotional toll behind the highlights — including relearning how to walk and becoming “hyper-independent” through pain.
We open with a Bible study on John 3:17:
God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
We talk about:
why so many people think faith is “judgment,” and what Jesus actually came to do
the athlete transition: losing structure, identity, and routine after sport
fear vs faith, delayed gratification, and letting God direct your path
how Shane is building relationships and serving athletes in the NIL era
community, healing, therapy, and learning emotional maturity beyond the “football version” of yourself
If you’re an athlete in transition — or you’re trying to rebuild identity and purpose with Christ at the center — this episode will hit.
Scripture: John 3:17
Theme: Salvation over condemnation + identity shift after sport
📍 Find Shane on Instagram: @shanesimpson31
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