OL Brian Folkerts: Passion for Mental Preparation Compels to Greater Performance

Brian Folkerts, OL, shares with Pro Mindset host Craig Domann his professional football journey that includes stints with four NFL teams, the Arena League, AAF and XFL. He is currently the starting center for the XFL St. Louis Battlehawks.

Brian talks about his secrets to success and his passion for the game. He believes the commitment to his preparation is what helps him bridge the gap between playing left tackle at D-2 Washburn University to playing center in the NFL. He credits NFL offensive line coach John Matsko as pushing, challenging and coaching him to making it in the NFL.

Craig and Brian discuss the mindset that allows players with lesser athletic ability to be successful in pro football. Players that depend only on their athletic ability are limited by such but players who utilize their athleticism and add mental preparation can achieve more. Brian likes the mottos “passion for preparation” and “winning the game is your mind before the game” and contributed to his success.

He recalls his first season with the Carolina Panthers when he had to buys donuts for the other offensive linemen, change the coffee filters, and decorate the OL room on holidays as some of the fun and brotherhood he has enjoyed while playing pro football. He has been successful flipping houses and investing in real estate, however, he is still playing pro football because he loves the brotherhood and locker room camaraderie.