Omar Bolden was born for American football! He was a safety who played for Arizona State University, and in 2012 was drafted in the fourth round by the Denver Broncos. He holds two Broncos’ franchise records: Yds/KR: season (33.0 in 2014) and Yds/PR: season (24.6 in 2015). After four seasons in the NFL, Bolden retired, but has stayed in the fitness industry. Here’s what he had to say about his career, his life, and advice for other aspiring athletes.

Now that you are no longer with the NFL, what would you like to be doing?

My playing career ended four years ago, and although I’m in the fitness industry, I have a strong desire to do and be known for something else other than sports. If I were not a professional athlete, I’d be an actor with aspirations of having a #1 box office movie!

You certainly don’t dream small! Did you always want to be a professional athlete?

From the very first movement I picked up a basketball, I knew I wanted to become a pro athlete. My first sport was basketball. Michael Jordan, Deion Sanders, and Michael Johnson all inspired me to become an athlete.

So, football wasn’t your first love! Although with inspirational greats like Michael Jordan, who could resist. You clearly admire the NBA, but who was the toughest opponent you went up against in the NFL?

The toughest opponent I went up against was the New England Patriots. They are always a well-coached team that doesn’t panic and knows how to win the big games.

No one would argue with you there. Would you mind telling us a little about your own personal journey pursuing the NFL? Perhaps what has motivated you along the way?

My fitness journey started at thirteen when I began chasing the NFL. It’s absolutely imperative that guys on the football field take their approach to the gym and working out just as serious as they take their play on the gridiron.

I always wanted to be the best, strongest, and fastest, and that’s been my motivation forever! The fear of being mediocre is what keeps me going and keeps me inspired day to day.

Speaking of working out, do you have any tips on planning an effective workout?

The most important thing to remember when planning your workouts is knowing your purpose/intention for the day! We all have so much going on in our lives that we can’t afford to waste time in the gym because we don’t know what we want to do.

An easy way to stay in shape on your own when playing team sports is to be a “pro.” No one needs to tell Pros what to do because that’s their job. Approach your sport like a job until it becomes one.

That’s excellent advice! What about after your workout? Do you have a favorite routine?

My favorite post workout routine is a simple cool down, followed by some stretching, and a nice cold blended protein shake!

Do you have any advice for our readers who may also be pursuing their athletic goals and dreams?

The only advice that I have for anyone pursuing their athletic dreams would be to constantly believe in yourself even when others don’t, and never stop, never settle!

One phrase that has really helped me over the years is “things in motion, stay in motion.” As long as I’m moving in the right circles, around the right people with the right energy, good things will continue to happen for me and for those around me.