Donovan McNabb still bleeds Eagles-green, but he’s all about Arizona being home-sweet-home.
“You can't shovel sunshine,” says the former NFL quarterback.
In 2013, the Eagles retired McNabb's no. 5 jersey when he was inducted to their Hall of Fame. However, the 6-time pro-bowler traded Philly for the Valley.
“We’ve lived here over 20 years.”
Ever since hanging up his jersey, Donovan dedicates his time to giving back. We scored an exclusive one-on-one with the NFL superstar on life post playing pro.
Tell us about your company, 5 Sports Performance, and how it helps young aspiring QBs.
Everyone wants to play quarterback and be in the limelight, but can they handle the tough times and self-reflect on their game? We try to prepare them from a mental standpoint first before the physical aspect. I talk to them during training- different coverages and fronts- and teach them how to handle certain situations. Sure, we do the fundamentals and footsteps, but we focus on navigating being critical of themselves, taking accountability, and digesting constructive criticism.
When your kid is 7 or 8, you think they’re a star because they can throw the ball. But at 10 or 11, when the pads come on, it all changes.
Your son plays football at Brophy, and you coach your daughter’s softball team. As a dad, what does it mean to you to pay it forward to youth?
It brings me joy helping kids gain confidence, and instilling in them work ethic, passion, and determination.
Describe your involvement in the QB Legacy.
We're quarterback trainers from all around the country that unit with the same mentality and model of trying to take young men and build them into winners.
What makes a good QB?
Preparation, confidence, and being a team player.
You and your wife run the Caris Sports Foundation giving kids the opportunity to participate in organized sports by helping with financial obstacles. You’re embarking on the Foundation’s November 16th fundraising 5-year anniversary, “Cocktails and Sneakers.” What does this mean to you?
Dues, fees and travel… it all adds up, and those are the things that really hurt a lot of families. We help fund that. People reach out presenting their situations and we strive to provide support.
“Cocktails and Sneakers” is so fun obviously with sneaker fashion these days.
But Crocs with socks… not allowed?
Correct. We talked about this during our photoshoot. It’s not cool (haha).
Agree full-heartedly (LOL).
What parental advice do you encourage with your kids?
My dad always instilled in me to write five goals down and look at them every day. I teach my kids to do the same (when they want to listen).
Did you always dream of playing in the NFL?
I didn't. I wanted to be a basketball player. It was my first passion and still is.
Football was something I took on in 7th grade. At first, my mom wouldn’t let me play, but I won the hard bargain.
What’s your most cherished memory from the NFL?
One was my very first touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins… the other was making it to the Super Bowl.
And after your touchdowns, you’d always point to the sky…
Yes, I always tapped my chest twice for my late grandmother and grandfather and looked up. My grandfather always taught me to work hard.
If you could tell your young NFL self one thing now, what would it be?
Enjoy the moment, because when it's over, it's over.
What’s NFL Sunday like at your house?
I have four TVs going and my kids are running around. We often order wings and pizza.
Why do you love living in the Valley?
In February and March, I'm in flip -flops, shorts, and maybe a hoodie… when I look at the East Coast forecast, it's a high of 30.
What do you want from Santa?
Space (haha). Really, to stay healthy, blessed, and continue to touch the lives around us.
carissportsfoundation.org