In June of 2006, I was cut by the Oakland Raiders.
Football was my life for as long as I could remember, I thought.
I failed.
In July of 2006, after a month of wallowing in my own sorrow, I was placed at a tooling plant by a staffing agency to run a CNC machine. I made $9/hr.
In August of 2006, a month later, I was laid off.
I failed again.
In September of 2006, I started working at Staples. I made $7.45/hr.
In November of 2006, I picked up a second job working at a coating plant. I made $10.25/hr.
In January of 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers flew me to Pittsburgh to workout for them. I was told by assistant coaches that I had a great workout and made the team. The new head coach decided otherwise.
I failed again.
In April of 2008, I landed my first web design job. I made $14.50/hr.
Two months later, I was promoted and I made $28/hr.
In March of 2009, I was promoted again and moved into my former boss’ office.
In May of 2009, I created a social media network, called Knoyce. Within 3 months of launching the network, it had over 40,000 active users in over 109 different countries around the world.
In June of 2009, I was recognized as a successful young professional by the online publication: Metromode Media
In August of 2009, Knoyce died. I didn’t have the funding, resources or infrastructure to maintain such a monster.
I failed again.
In August of 2010, I created an online non-profit, called Keep Michigan Working, where I developed a website that would help Michigan citizens find jobs, job training and polish their resumes.
In July of 2012, Keep Michigan Working died for the same reasons Knoyce died.
I failed again.
In February of 2013, I landed my dream “job” as the Director of a Interactive Media at Campbell Marketing and Communications.
In January of 2015, I was named as one of the top 40 executives in Oakland County Elite’s 40 Under 40.
In May of 2017, I was the keynote speaker for my Alma Mater’s graduation ceremony.
It is now January of 2018 and I can say that I have failed more than I have succeeded in life, but the one thing I have never done was given up.
You are going to fail. It is going to hurt. Keep failing. When you are failing, that also means that you are trying!
I’m not done failing and neither are you, but we are also not done succeeding!
Cheers to 2018!
– Jacob
#FailForward
Jacob Brown’s journey from the rigorous NFL fields to international stages is nothing short of inspiring. Today, as a seasoned entrepreneur, riveting speaker, and acclaimed writer, he stands as a testament to the power of resilience. Beyond his athletic achievements, Jacob co-founded Varlo—a premier brand specializing in cycling and triathlon apparel.
A three-time TEDx speaker, Jacob was distinguished as one of the ’40 Under 40′ in 2015. His insights and stories have graced the pages of Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and Good Morning America. Notable institutions and brand—including Intel, Meta, UPS, Stellantis, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, and Central Michigan University—have been captivated by his talks.