Seattle Seahawks’ defensive end Michael Bennett is a world-class athlete, but his goal is to be an even better father.
When Gregg Bell from The News Tribune asked Bennett why he skips organized team activities (OTA’s), also known as off season training sessions in late April and early May, Bennett explained that his role as a dad is much more important than his role on the Seahawks.
“I like to be a parent,” said Bennett, who has a wife, Pele, and three daughters under the age of 9.
“I’ve got daughters. I’m a coach. I’m a teacher at the school. I do things in the community. I try to balance my football life with my actual reality. So, to find that great balance as a human being. I think it’s important as athletes to find that.
“I think a lot of times athletes have a problem when they retire because they build an identity around sports. Then when the sport is gone you are lost. So along this way you’ve got to transition yourself to be able to life in civilization. So find different things you can be a part of. Find out who you are.
“That’s why I do that I do. I mean, I train harder than anyone in the NFL. So I’m not worried about being in shape or being the best player I can be. What I am worried about is how good of a parent I can be, and how much better a husband I can be.”
There’s a ‘playbook’ every parent can take a page from.
