14 years ago, I was working in a CNC machine shop, making 1,000-1,500 ball bearings a day.
I made $9/hr.
Only a month prior, I was running routes during practice on the Oakland Raiders football field along side Randy Moss.
Life can change in the blink of an eye.
I remember staring at the block of steel, wondering how I went from an NFL football player to a temp CNC machine operator – all within weeks.
I was humbled.
Fast forward 12 years and I went from making ball bearings for vehicles, to managing a team for one of the largest automotive manufacturers, designing the infotainment and UI for autonomous vehicles.
Everything comes full circle.
Humble yourself or you will be humbled.
#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.