Overcoming Obstacles On and Off the Field with NFL Player Bronson Kaufusi

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Welcome back to The Daily Mastermind! I’m your host, George Wright III, here with your daily dose of inspiration, motivation, and education. Today, I’m joined by a special guest, Bronson Kaufusi. How are you doing, man?

I’m doing great! Thanks for having me.

I’m really glad we connected through some mutual friends. For those who don’t know, Bronson is an NFL player, mindset coach, and investor. He was an All-American high school athlete, went to BYU, and got drafted into the NFL in 2016. You’ve played for the Ravens, Jets, and Packers, and now you’re transitioning into a career in investing and business. We’ve got so much to unpack today, so thanks again for being here.

Yeah, I’m excited to share my story and some cool experiences.

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Bronson’s Early Life and Football Journey

Let’s start with your background. People love that “American Dream” story—growing up, high school, and chasing your dream of making it to the NFL. Take us back to the beginning and tell us a little about your journey.

Sure! My dad moved here from Tonga when he was nine years old. He grew up playing rugby, but his high school football coaches saw him playing rugby with his brothers and told him he should try football. He started playing and kicked off the whole football world for my family.

So it became a family legacy?

Yeah, exactly. From him on, over 20 of my first cousins, uncles, and aunties have played college football. My dad set the tone. He played in college, made it to the NFL, and became a coach. I grew up around the game, inspired by his players and by being part of that environment.

Did you realize early on that football could become a career?

Not at first. It wasn’t until high school that it hit me—football could pay for college. That was all I thought about at the time. But then in college, I realized I could get drafted into the NFL. Every level opened my eyes to new possibilities.

If your dad was a coach, did you grow up with a really disciplined structure? Was it like, “No shortcuts, earn everything?”

Absolutely. My dad was all about earning it. In fact, when I was being recruited as a tight end, he was a defensive line coach and didn’t offer me a scholarship. He wanted me to earn everything. When he became my coach in college, it was even tougher. I had to go harder every day—there was no favoritism.

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High School and College Football Experience

It sounds like you thrived on that challenge.

Yeah, I loved the challenge of pushing myself every day. Whether it was football or anything else, I wanted to get the most out of every day. That mindset carried me through high school, college, and beyond.

A lot of successful people say their routines and discipline almost become automatic. Do you think that was true for you?

For sure. I was so conditioned to success principles and daily rituals that it felt natural. But people don’t always realize the structure and discipline behind it—it’s a lot of hard work that just looks effortless from the outside.

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Draft Night and NFL Challenges

You get drafted into the NFL by the Baltimore Ravens—such a huge milestone—but then you break your ankle during your rookie year. That had to be devastating.

Draft night is the high of highs. You get the call, “This is the Baltimore Ravens, we’re drafting you right now.” It’s surreal—your family is ecstatic, and you feel on top of the world. But fast forward 100 days, and I’m lying on the ground with a dislocated ankle and a spiral fracture in my leg.

How did that happen?

It was during a scrimmage. I was locked up on the end, and a linebacker went airborne, hitting my legs while I was planted. I heard everything go, and I knew immediately my season was over.

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Mindset Training and Overcoming Injury

How did you start to recover mentally?

Fortunately, I’d been doing mindset training in college with my coach, Craig Manning. I had conditioned my subconscious to find the positive in every situation. I used to write down three things that went well each day, and that practice changed my outlook.

Do you think that preconditioning made the difference?

Oh, 100%. If I hadn’t been training my mindset before I needed it, it would have been so much harder to recover. Instead, I focused on what I could do to get better.

What other practices helped you stay positive?

Journaling was huge for me. I’d write down what I wanted to work on and what I did well. It helped me shift from being overly critical to focusing on the positives.

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Discovering New Opportunities

You eventually transitioned into business and investing. How did that shift happen?

It started when I was with the Jets. I noticed my teammate, Brandon Copeland, always talking on his phone. I asked him, “What are you doing?” He told me he was running his businesses—flipping houses and more. It opened my eyes to the idea that I could do more too.

So that was a lightbulb moment?

Yeah, it made me realize that the ceiling I thought existed was invisible. There was so much more I could do beyond football. That’s when I started exploring real estate investing.

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Transitioning to Business and Real Estate

Was it intimidating to dive into something new like real estate?

Definitely. I was nervous, especially with my first deal. But I leaned into my strengths—building relationships and asking questions. I surrounded myself with people who knew more than me and stayed humble.

It sounds like humility played a big role.

Absolutely. Successful people are usually willing to share their knowledge if you’re willing to ask. Being teachable opens so many doors.

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Launching the Young Athlete Society

Now you’re launching the Young Athlete Society. What’s the vision behind it?

I want to help young athletes with mindset training and create an ecosystem that includes parents and coaches. Sports teach so many lessons—discipline, resilience, teamwork—that can be applied to life beyond the field.

Why focus on young athletes?

Looking back, I wished I’d had more access to mentors when I was in high school. I want to be that resource for kids—to help them train their minds before they need it, just like I did.

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Final Thoughts

This has been such an inspiring conversation. Where can people follow you?

They can find me on Instagram and Twitter at @BKafusi90.

We’ll link that in the show notes. Thanks for sharing your story and insights. I love your message about conditioning your mind before challenges hit—it’s such a powerful takeaway.

Thanks for having me! I hope people remember to never give up. When times get tough, that’s when you need to put fuel on the fire. Stay present, and keep pushing forward.

Great advice. Thanks again, Bronson! To everyone listening, remember: It’s never too late to start creating the life you were meant to live. Stay tuned for more episodes of The Daily Mastermind!

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About Bronson Kaufusi:

🏈 NFL Player | Helping Pro athletes & Family Offices w/ Real Estate
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Dual sport athlete at BYU in football and basketball. Graduated in Statistics-Analytics. Drafted to the Ravens in 2016. Played in the NFL until 2022. Played both tight end and defensive end and was also with the Packers & Jets.

Currently advising multiple pro athletes in the NBA/NFL/MLB with all things outside of their sport in business, real estate, proper family office structure and venture.

Helping Harris Investment Group grow through meaningful relationships with a focus on multi family value add real estate & gas stations/truck stops.

Helping others succeed is what life is all about.

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Guest Resources:

Website: https://connectnil.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronsonkaufusi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bkaufusi90/ https://www.instagram.com/youngathletesociety/

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About George Wright III:

George Wright is a Proven, Successful Entrepreneur- and he knows how to inspire entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals to achieve Massive Results. With more than 20 years of Executive Management experience and 25 years of Direct Marketing and Sales experience, George is responsible for starting and building several successful multimillion-dollar companies. He started at a very young age to network and build his experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a driven and well-known entrepreneur. George built a multi-million-dollar seminar business, promoting some of the biggest stars and brands in the world. He has accelerated the success and cash flow in each of his ventures through his network of resources and results driven strategies. George is now dedicated to teaching and sharing his Prosperity Principles and Strategies to every Driven and Passionate Entrepreneur he meets. His mission is to Empower Entrepreneurs Globally to create Massive Change and LIVE their Ultimate Destiny.

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