JJ Birden played 9 years in the NFL as a Wide Receiver after a stand out career as a star track athlete at the University of Oregon, which is known as "Tracktown, USA". A 5'10", 157-pound wide receiver, JJ was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1988 NFL Draft and played nine seasons (Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Atlanta Falcons). To play nine years in a profession where the average players career last an average of 3.2 years is something special. Two of those nine years was with Hall of Fame Quarterback Joe Montana. He certainly was not the biggest, strongest, or fastest guy on the field, but he knew how to seize his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and maximize his success through dedication and hard work.

He is now a motivational speaker and representative for the health and nutrition company Isagenix. He is an engaging communicator and a leading expert at helping individuals seize their opportunities in life. In his presentations, JJ shares lessons from his experience as a small man in a big man's game. JJ's time in the NFL helped shape the message that he now delivers to audiences around the world. After seeing the successes and failures of others at the highest level, he developed a set of principles that others could follow to achieve greatness, no matter how they defined it or what they're pursuing.

JJ has also written a book entitled, "When Opportunity Knocks: 8 Surefire Ways to Take Advantage." He and his wife Raina have 8 kids, including 5 that are adopted.

In today's episode, we discuss:

• Catching footballs from Joe Montana
• Playing 9 years in the NFL
• Adopting 5 children
• Staying positive in any situation
• Whether this world-class sprinter ever got caught from behind

Website: www.jjbirden.com

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @JJBirden

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jjbirden

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JJBirdenOnline

Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/jjbirden

Instagram: @JJBirden

Click here to watch JJ's YouTube channel

Read JJ's Top-8 Takeaways from Playing with Joe Montana (.PDF)

Read JJ's book "When Opportunity Knocks: 8 Surefire Ways to Take Advantage"

Get more information about getting more healthy with Isagenix

Past "Success is a Choice" podcast episodes of interest . . .

• Todd Gongwer ("LEAD ... for God's Sake") - Episode 062
• Darrin Gray (All Pro Dads) - Episode 059
• Jason Romano (Sports Spectrum Radio) - Episode 045
• Shemy Schembechler (son of football coach Bo Schembechler) - Episode 042
• Keith Lipscomb (ESPN Sr. Fantasy Football Editor) - Episode 026
• Betsy Butterick (Communication Specialist) - Episode 013

Today's podcast is brought to you by audible – get a FREE audiobook download and 30-day free trial (new subscribers only) at www.audibletrial.com/SuccessIsAChoice. Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player. Our friends at audible are offering a free download of some of our past guests including Todd Gongwer, Kevin Harrington, Lolly Daskal, Bob Burg, Amy Morin, Michael Burt, Larry Winget, and Pat Williams. Take advantage of this great deal by visiting www.AudibleTrial.com/SuccessIsAChoice.