Steve Davis Jr. is a former football athlete turned life coach and founder of Strive Higher After Sports. His journey is one of transformation—shifting from an identity rooted in sports to one that empowers others to discover who they truly are beyond the field. Through personal experience and a deep desire to serve, Steve helps former athletes navigate life after sports, rediscovering purpose, identity, and joy. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Steve as part of our He for She campaign—celebrating individuals like him who support empowerment, transformation, and mental well-being. His story resonates deeply with our global community of 5 million change-makers working toward a more inclusive, purpose-driven world.
How did Strive Higher After Sports begin? What inspired you to start this journey?
I played football growing up and had dreams of making it to the NFL. My identity was completely tied to being an athlete. But when it didn’t happen, I was lost. I didn’t know who I was beyond football. I struggled for a while until I began opening up to other athletes and realized many of them were experiencing the same thing. We all lacked direction and support after leaving the structure of sports. That’s what sparked my passion—to give back, support others in transition, and help them rediscover who they are. It started with just helping people find job opportunities, but it turned into something much bigger. I became a certified life coach to guide athletes through their journey of self-discovery and purpose.
Was there anyone who made a big difference in your journey?
Yes, a former player named Steve Crane had a huge impact on my life. At a low point—jobless and sleeping on a friend’s couch—he had a real conversation with me, not just about sports, but about life, finances, and purpose. That talk changed everything. He eventually offered me my first job out of college. I wasn’t even looking for it—it just came from being open and vulnerable. That experience showed me the power of building relationships and sharing stories. It motivated me to connect more deeply with others.
Tell us more about the kind of coaching you provide. Who do you typically work with?
I work with athletes at all levels—elite, collegiate, even high school—who are transitioning out of sports. I offer both one-on-one coaching and group coaching programs. My focus is on identity, helping them understand who they are at the core before diving into the next chapter of their lives. Too often, we jump into the next thing and latch our identity to it, which can be harmful in the long run. I help athletes reflect on what drives them—their “why”—and guide them to a place of purpose and fulfillment.
What has been your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing everything—starting a business while being a family man with two kids and working full-time. I initially felt like I had to do everything all at once, which was overwhelming. Over time, I learned to slow down and focus on daily wins. Celebrating small victories helped me stay engaged and consistent. That’s the approach I now live by—what can I do today that moves me forward?
What are some of your goals for 2025?
I’m focusing on expanding my reach through more speaking engagements and workshops. I recently worked with the NCAA and spoke to over 200 student-athletes. My goal is to get in front of more athletes while they’re still playing, so they can start thinking about life after sports before they retire. I also want to grow my coaching client base and build meaningful partnerships with organizations that align with my mission.
How do you define happiness today? Where does joy come from for you?
To me, joy is holistic. It’s about your health, your relationships, your passions, and the peace you feel within. I use a tool I created called the Joy Meters Dashboard—it helps you assess fulfillment in different areas of your life and reflect on what needs to shift. I also journal daily to track my proudest moments, which helps me stay grounded and celebrate progress. It’s not about perfection—it’s about being aligned with what matters most.
What are your thoughts on women empowerment—especially for women athletes transitioning out of sports?
I’m a huge supporter of women empowerment. Women in sports have so much to offer, and it’s great to see the world finally paying attention. Many of the women I’ve worked with have gone on to become powerful executives and leaders. They carry strong emotional intelligence and adaptability—skills that are invaluable in leadership. We need to continue creating space for women to shine, both in sports and beyond. I’ve learned so much from the women I’ve worked with, and I admire the resilience and perspective they bring.
“Celebrate your small wins. They’re not just steps forward—they’re proof that you’re growing into who you’re meant to be.”
Connect with Steve Davis Jr.:
You can connect with Steve on https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedav/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/shed_ave
Website – https://www.strivehigheraftersports.com/
Journal – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5Q83NFV
Want to be featured?
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