What’s up, everyone!

As the year winds down and the holidays are here, I want to start by wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

This break always creates space to reflect — not just on what changed this year, but on what those changes actually mean.

That’s exactly where this conversation with Jay Paterno landed.

We spent most of our time talking about NIL — not from a headline or hot-take perspective, but from the human side of it. NIL has created opportunity for athletes at a scale we’ve never seen before. But it’s also placed real responsibility on young people who are suddenly asked to think like business owners, brand builders, and decision-makers — often before they’re ready.

Jay shared why NIL isn’t just a financial shift, it’s a leadership one. Athletes now have leverage, options, and income — but without education, structure, and trust, those advantages can quickly turn into pressure and short-term thinking.

This episode isn’t about being pro- or anti-NIL. It’s about asking the harder question: Who is responsible for preparing athletes for this new reality? And what happens when money moves faster than wisdom?

🔥 Here’s What We Hit

🏗️ Programs Must Rebuild Trust in a New Era

The idea: NIL shifted power, but leadership still sets the tone.

Why it matters: Coaches and programs that focus only on transactions lose culture, continuity, and credibility.

Your Move: Evaluate where relationships have become transactional — and where trust needs to be rebuilt.

🧭 Education Matters More Than the Deal

The idea: Money arrives faster than wisdom.

Why it matters: Athletes are being asked to make financial and brand decisions before they’re prepared for the consequences.

Your Move: Identify one way you can mentor, educate, or support someone navigating opportunity faster than experience.

🏗️ Build Teams, Not Just Rosters

The idea: Talent alone doesn’t win — connection and cohesion do.

Why it matters: Whether it’s NIL, business incentives, or growth pressure, transactional relationships erode long‑term success.

Your Move: Look at your team and ask where relationships need strengthening before performance can improve.

🧠 Athletes Are Brands — Whether They’re Ready or Not

The idea: NIL forces athletes to think like entrepreneurs.

Why it matters: Without structure, brand decisions can impact long-term careers well beyond college.

Your Move: Encourage long-term thinking over short-term wins — in sports, business, and leadership.

🤝 Connect with Jay Paterno

• Website: jvpaterno.com

• X / Twitter: @jpaterno

• Instagram: @jvpaterno

• Books available via Jay’s site and major retailers

Jay continues to share insights on leadership, college football, NIL, and navigating high‑pressure environments with integrity.

So, What’s Next?

🎧 Listen to the full episode here

Leadership today is harder than ever — the rules are changing, pressure is louder, and loyalty feels fragile.

But as Jay reminds us, the fundamentals still matter: credibility, adaptability, trust, and values.

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s leading through change right now.

For more episodes that challenge the status quo and get you thinking, follow Right About Now on Instagram and YouTube.

Stay sharp, stay hungry, and let's reach that next level.

Cheers,
Ryan Alford
Host | Right About Now
CEO | The Radcast Network