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01.27.12 Coy Wire – Ninja Prankster, with a Purpose
Posted under: Feature Post 2, Lifestyle Posted by:

In the latest issue of Ne[x]t Magazine, we sat down with Coy Wire. The former Stanford Cardinal and NFL pro talks about his football career, being a leader and overcoming obstacles.

 

i[x]: In high school, you were an excellent student and a great two sport athlete playing both football and wrestling and ended up going to college at Stanford, one of the top academic institutions in the country.  Can you tell us how you were able to balance time between participating in sports in high school and college while also maintaining good grades? 
CW: The immature mind hops from one thing to another. The ability to be completely focused on the task at hand has been one of my greatest traits. When I do something, “all or nothing” is usually my method. Focus is key, Daniel-San *Mr. Miyagi voice*

 

i[x]: Can you tell us what lead you to your decision to move all the way across the country from PA to Cal to play college football at Stanford?
CW: Education. My main aim was to play pro football, but I knew that I was only one injury away from having that dream shattered. I knew that whenever my playing days were over, more than the trophies, championships and accolades, the diploma that I would hold in my hand would be my most prized possession. I’m a nerdy jock.

 

i[x]: While at Stanford, you started off as a running back then ended up your career as linebacker. Can you tell us what it was like to be the starting running back one year and the next year you’re asked to move to an entirely different position? Was it difficult to transition and how did you feel about being asked to switch positions?
CW: The only constant in life is change, so we need to be like a chameleon and adapt to any circumstance. Through every transitional period in my life, I’ve tried to maintain an open mind and go with the flow. To resist change is destructive.

 

i[x]: After your senior year at Stanford, you were drafted in the 3rd round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Tell us what the feeling was like when you heard your name get called out at the draft.
CW: It was literally a dream come true…a dream I had been dreaming since I was 7 years old.  Surreal…One of my most precious memories is running through the tunnel on opening day my rookie year. I had never been to an NFL game, so the first one I saw in person was one in which I was playing!

 

i[x]: Before joining the Falcons in 2008, you had to overcome a career-threatening neck injury you suffered with the Bills. Can you talk a little about overcoming that adversity and going on to continue your NFL career?
CW: That injury not only gave me a titanium plate and four screws in my neck, it gave me a valuable life lesson:  We are all more powerful than we know. If you face adversity with the right state of mind, you will become a victor through that situation and not a victim. They say that the strongest steel is burned in the hottest coals. We will all be put through the fire, and at some point, we will all get burned. It may burn badly too! But like that steel, we will be refined, strengthened, and hardened because of the experience. We need to be thankful for our struggles because they make us unique…there’s no one in the world like you.

 

i[x]: As a member of the Falcons, you were named special teams captain in 2008. Tell us what it was like being a leader on an NFL team and any advice you may have about being a leader.
CW: I wasn’t a leader in the NFL for 9 years because I was the biggest, fastest, strongest or the superstar player. I did so by being a superstar teammate, friend and example. There are three musts for one to be a RESPECTED leader: 1. Be the hardest worker you know 2. Have integrity 3. Demonstrate good morals.  If you have these traits, people will respect and follow you whether you think you’re a leader or not.

 

i[x]: On your website, coywire.com, you are proclaimed as a “Ninja Prankster” and have videos of you pranking teammates. Tell us a little about “Pranks with a Purpose” and why you enjoy pranks.
CW: I’ve always been a bit of a “Ninja Prankster.” I love to smile and laugh with people, so naturally I have a plethora of masks with which to scare my friends and family.  I started capturing my pranks on video so that I could enjoy them later in life, but then I realized that everyone could enjoy them now.  So, I decided to gather sponsors who would donate to the charity of my “victims’” choice every time the prank was viewed on YouTube. “Pranks with a Purpose” was born.  What’s that behind you?

 

i[x]: What is your best prank story?
CW: Ha ha! The best one has always been the last one! You can see some of the videos on my website, so you tell me which one is best!

 

i[x]: Now that you aren’t playing football, what fills up your time?
CW: I decided to write a book. Then, I wrote the book.  It’s called “Change Your Mind: 10 Methods to Achieve Your Wildest Dreams.” Along with writing, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing inspirational speaking and doing 1-on-1 sessions with my MindTraining clients…Think: Jedi mind training with a twist. 

 

i[x]: i[x] is a program designed to teach Gen Y about being financially responsible. Why do you feel it’s important for our readers to make smart financial decisions? Any advice or financial habits you’d like to share?
CW: One thing that’s always stuck with me when it comes to money: I’m not concerned about the return ON my money, I’m concerned about the return OF my money.

 

i[x]: One pillar of the i[x] mission is to give back to the local community. Are there any charities or organizations you are involved with?
CW:  Aside from helping various charities through Pranks with a Purpose, I have always had an affinity for Make A Wish. 

 

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