Quarterback Dads: The New Pageant Moms

As parents, our intentions are often pure—rooted in love and support—but sometimes, our actions end up doing more harm than good. Thursday night served as a powerful reminder of that. One takeaway? Nepotism doesn’t guarantee success. If anything, we learned that the NFL values more than just what happens between the lines on Sunday. There's a whole different playbook at work when it comes to off-field perception—especially during the draft process.

We’re living in an era where everything is being filmed, shared, scrutinized, and judged. And it’s not just about the athlete anymore—it’s about the people around them, too. Increasingly, college and NFL coaches alike evaluate families just as much as they do the players. What does that mean? If a coach senses the parents or inner circle will be a distraction or a problem, they often move on to the next recruit.

So parents, take note: you’re on display just as much as your child. Your words, your attitude, your social media presence—it all matters. Because the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and when the tree is making noise, teams pay attention. Case in point? Deion’s son, Shedeur. He’s a solid player, but not a once-in-a-generation talent like his father. Add in a string of rough interviews and the perception of entitlement, and suddenly he’s not a top pick—he’s a fifth-rounder.

As this new week begins, take a moment to reflect. Are you helping or hurting your child’s future by how you’re showing up for them—on and off the field (or pitch ;).

From the Founder, Brian Mazza 4/28