Episode 134: AQ Shipley: Wisdom From NFL Veteran, Super Bowl Champion, Coach, & Family Man

Today Brad speaks with 12-year NFL veteran and 2020 Super Bowl Champion A. Q. Shipley. The former Penn State All American and father of three also spent time coaching in Tampa Bay as the offensive assistant for the Buccaneers.

A. Q. talks about his journey from Penn State to the NFL to winning the Super Bowl to, finally, becoming a coach. He attributes much of his decision to his time playing center, which he refers to as the “brains of the operation”. He also explains how he managed to stay fit and healthy throughout his athletic career.

Other contributors to A. Q.’s successful 12-year NFL career (and now coaching career) include his belief that well-rounded fitness, integrity, accountability, mentorship, and cultivating a strong culture are key to standing apart as a professional athlete.

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Topics Discussed: 

• [02:41] Why A. Q. decided to be a coach and his thoughts on playing center

• [06:16] How A. Q. stayed healthy throughout his career

• [12:50] Why accountability is everything in the NFL

• [17:10] From Penn State to the NFL

• [21:11] Becoming a well-rounded athlete over specializing in just one sport

• [26:02] A. Q.’s coaching style

• [30:16] The importance of position flexibility among the offensive line

• [36:39] Playing for Joe Paterno

• [40:04] Why A. Q. moved to Arizona

• [43:26] Finding a mentor

• [46:59] The importance of culture in team sports

• [55:05] Allowing culture to evolve

• [58:43] Winning the Super Bowl

• [01:03:39] What’s next for A. Q.

Connect with AQ Shipley

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aqshipley/

• Twitter - https://twitter.com/aqshipley

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• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzB4R_DHPVV1SPh7RUfR5jg

Key Quotes by AQ Shipley:

• I was never the biggest. I was never the strongest. I was never the fastest. The ticket was right here, in my mind.

• Accountability is everything in the NFL.

• The odds of you specializing in one sport and actually making it is slim to none. Why not become the most well-rounded person?