Former QB, Don McPherson, on Aspirational Masculinity

How to foster a broader understanding of being male that includes empathy, vulnerability, and emotional honesty.

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At the heart of every great sports story is an unrelenting strive for excellence. Winning is only one outcome in the process; the manifestation of countless and invaluable lessons learned and applied along the way. This is why athletes and sports inspire us and are called upon by every sector of our society, from corporate board rooms to social justice movements; to instill a determination imbued with the hopeful exuberance of youthful dreams, unleashing the part of the human spirit that boldly aspires towards excellence.

For nearly a half century I have lived in that spirit. As a young boy, I was inspired by great athletes — not just from afar as a fan but also by a deep understanding of what was required to reach that greatness; the life encompassing attention to detail, indispensable hard work and most importantly, the humble positivity that filled me with the belief that I am not only capable of excellence but am worthy of it.

When I retired from professional football, I found myself using the platform of sports in the most unlikely of places; at the heart of the work to…