Meaningful Connections for Major Impact

For most Division I college football players, the dream is to play in the National Football League. However, only 1.6 percent of all college football players reach the professional ranks. After a four- or five-year playing career, most student-athletes must prepare for what’s to come after athletic competition.

In 2021, the Ball State University Alumni Association and the University’s football program partnered to form the True Cardinal Mentorship Program. The program pairs juniors and seniors on the Cardinals football team with a former player in Ball State’s extensive alumni network to build relationships, discuss experiences, and help set expectations for life after football.

“There’s going to be a finality to football, whether you enjoy a four-year career at Ball State or a 10-year career in the NFL,” said Colin Johnson, ’03, assistant football coach and a co-leader of the mentorship program. “We want this program to help student-athletes find clarity on the next stage in life for them once football is over.

“On top of the real-world experience that our student-athletes get in the classroom, we’re trying to build real relationships with people that have gone through the same experiences they’re going through now,” added Mr. Johnson, who enjoyed a decorated career as a team captain for the Cardinals.

Michelle Johnson, ’01 MA ’07—no relation to Colin Johnson—assists alumni in connecting with current football student-athletes in her role as senior director of athletic and affinity engagement. She said the student-athletes aren’t the only ones who get something out of the True Cardinal Mentorship Program.

“It has proven to be a great initiative to help football alums give back with their time,” Ms. Johnson said. “We seek ways for alumni to engage with us by giving of their time, talent, and treasure, but this is a way for some of them to truly feel they are giving back in a meaningful way.”