July 23, 2025
Following retirement, the previous NFL participant devoted himself to a brand new undertaking with the same sport plan in thoughts. He put all the pieces he had into opening a college in his birthplace, so youngsters of all ages can succeed.
Most individuals know Robert Golden from his seven seasons within the NFL, first with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, however if you happen to ask Golden what he desires to be identified for, he doesn’t at all times speak about soccer. As an alternative, he lights up when discussing his hometown of Fresno, California, the town the place he grew up, and the place he’s set his sights at present.
Following retirement, the previous NFL participant devoted himself to a brand new undertaking with the same sport plan in thoughts. He put all the pieces he had into opening a college in his birthplace, so youngsters of all ages can succeed.
“I at all times knew soccer was one thing I did. It was by no means who I used to be,” Golden stated. “In some unspecified time in the future, I felt like there was one thing larger ready for me.”
That subsequent chapter became Golden Constitution Academy, a public TK-8 faculty in Fresno. The college focuses on instructing management, science, and environmental schooling to all kinds of scholars.
What makes it completely different precisely? Right here, college students be taught by hands-on experiences that permit them work together with nature. Golden has partnered with native areas just like the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to create what’s being dubbed the primary Environmental Stewardship Zoo Faculty within the nation.
“For me, it was by no means about simply opening a college,” he stated. “I wished to create one thing lasting that provides youngsters in my group alternatives I didn’t at all times have rising up.”
Golden’s journey hasn’t been easy crusing 24/7, one thing he speaks overtly about, such because the psychological adjustment that got here after leaving the NFL. At first, in post-retirement, he struggled with despair and felt not sure about what was to come back subsequent, however he credit his religion and the hard-working mindset soccer instilled in him to assist push him ahead, despite struggles.
“Soccer taught me put together, adapt, and maintain shifting it doesn’t matter what,” Golden stated. “That’s the identical power I deliver to operating a college and operating a enterprise.”
As for his recommendation to any athletes left navigating life after sports activities, he’s trustworthy and direct. Golden believes the important thing to post-athletic success is de facto understanding your self outdoors the sport and a willingness to start out contemporary.
“It’s important to create your individual playbook,” he stated. “Life is just not going to place you within the sport if you happen to don’t know what play you might be operating.”
He additionally reminds athletes to not chase cash and, as an alternative, to give attention to their function. It’s a stronghold perception that guided him to go away behind knowledgeable soccer profession to then give attention to schooling and group work in his hometown and the broader space.
At Golden Constitution Academy, college students come from neighborhoods that don’t at all times have entry to the identical sources seen at different colleges. Golden desires his college students to obtain a well-rounded schooling, not solely in math and science but in addition in management and duty.
“I inform them, be GOLDEN. Give respect. Be obligated. Love studying. Present dedication. Elevate others. By no means stop,” he stated.
That guideline isn’t just one thing written on a motivational poster; it’s how Golden approaches his personal life and management, whether or not it includes elevating over $26 million to fund the college or mentoring youngsters one-on-one.
Trying again, Golden stated he wouldn’t change something, even the onerous components, as they’ve helped inform his selections at the moment. He believes the troublesome moments are what form you and assist you to understand the wins, large and small.
“In the event you by no means face powerful instances, how are you going to actually admire the nice ones?” he questioned.
For Golden, his wins look completely different now. They’re much less touchdown-oriented. As an alternative, they’re targeted on the following era of scholars and possibly potential NFL athletes. In serving to a scholar uncover one thing new or serving to somebody notice their very own potential, Golden is cementing his personal legacy.
To be taught extra about Golden Constitution Academy and Robert Golden’s work, go to goldencharteracademy.org.
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