Retired NFL and CFL player Stevie Baggs Jr. was known to rock some bodies on the field, but now he is showing his authority on the television screens appearing as one of the stars in Tyler Perry’s latest show, Ruthless, and on the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai.
From his biggest lessons from his playing days, to transitioning into acting and trying some karate, Stevie exclusively told us all… plus his picks for this year’s Super Bowl!
1. What were the biggest lessons you took away from playing and your time in the NFL and CFL?
I’ve always said that in the first part of my life as a young man that football was my greatest teacher… I learned my worth outside of the game… I also learned about business and how cut throat the real world is… The greatest lesson my football career taught me was to stop looking without and to look with-IN… Looking within has given me so much more peace.
2. What big differences between the two leagues and countries did you find?
I found that there were more similarities than differences. Of course we pronounce certain things differently but overall the policies and the way of life are the same IMHO… I found that it was interesting that in Canada at least when I was there that they didn’t serve GMO genetically modified Organisms aka GMO fruits and vegetables… Although racism and crime is very present in Canada I think that it doesn’t seem as powerful because there’s less population… In all I loved my experience in Canada and it opened my world to a new way of thinking!!!
3. Who was your favorite teammate?
To be honest I don’t have a favorite teammate but I will say that the best football player that I’ve ever played with was Ed Reed… The way he approached the game and his ability as an athlete and a thinker is what set him apart.
4. You have kept busy during your post-playing days. You now act and are the author of two books. Was the transition easy?
The transition wasn’t easy for me. It was depressing and sometimes dark, but we are all born in darkness before we come to the light… I wouldn’t trade my life’s journey for anyone else’s. I’m thankful and all of the ups and downs have helped me be the man that I am today, the actor, author, speaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist and much more.
5. How was it working with such a great cast on Netflix’s Cobra Kai?
Anytime you can work on any set it’s an honor but to have the opportunity to meet the folks from the cast and for everyone to be so gracious was an honor.. I personally connected with William Zabka. He was 100 aka real.
6. Do you know any karate?
I tried taekwondo as a child but I most certainly don’t know karate although one of my favorite actors/martial artist is of course Bruce Lee.
7. What advice would you give to other young athletes wanting to make it into the NFL or CFL?
I’d suggest to them that they can achieve anything but I’d also say to have diversity in their approach… Meaning that there’s a difference between doing hard work and heart work… As long as you love what you do it’s rewarding… I believe in chasing purpose and not paper.
8. What advice would you give to current players and what they should start planning for after their on-field careers?
I tell players to use the NFL shield while they’re playing to start their next career… People always want to be connected to you when you’re in the league and the best time to cement/show your value-is when you’re active not when you’re done playing the game… There’s a saying in football that you’re only as good as your last play (good or bad)
9. Do you ever miss playing?
I only miss the camaraderie, the connection with fans/community, and making plays… I don’t miss the long hours of film study and prep nor do I miss the two a day practices and I most certainly don’t miss the concussions and injuries.
10. Who do you think will be playing in this year’s big game? Do you have an overall favorite team?
My two favorite teams to watch in today’s game are the Chiefs and my old team the Ravens… If I had to pick one I’d say the Chiefs because the offensive weaponry that they have is truly unmatched in order for them to lose is for them to beat themselves… So I guess it’s go Chiefs!!!
11. What else is coming up for you in 2021?
As a thought leader and inspirational speaker I’m excited about my coaching courses that I’m releasing… I’m a part of a new TV series coming out on amazon prime called The Underground Railroad. We are revamping our after school program with my non-profit to a virtual platform so I’m very happy about the new changes this year!!!
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