Mikayla welcomes Devontae Ford to The Talk by Elevation for a powerful conversation on life after athletics, the impact of NIL deals, and building a personal brand beyond the track.

In the premiere episode of The Talk by Elevation, host Mikayla sits down with Devontae Ford, a former D1 hurdler from Texas Tech, to explore the journey from college athletics to life beyond the track. Ford’s story is one of perseverance, personal growth, and the power of staying true to yourself, both online and off.

An Accidental Beginning

Devontae’s entry into track and field wasn’t part of some lifelong plan. In fact, his hurdling career began with a spontaneous bet in a high school hallway. He told his coach he could hurdle like the best guy on the team, and the rest is history. That unplanned start turned into a collegiate career that took him from Illinois to Texas Tech, where he made his mark as a serious competitor.

Setbacks and Comebacks

But the road wasn’t without setbacks. Just before his final indoor season, Ford tore his hamstring, a devastating injury that tested him mentally as much as it did physically. Despite the pain and frustration of rehab, he returned stronger than ever, delivering a personal best at conference championships. That moment, overcoming adversity and proving his resilience, remains one of his most treasured memories as an athlete.

From NIL to a New Career Path

Now, with his college career behind him, Devontae is turning his focus to content creation and social media strategy, two areas where he’s already been building experience thanks to NIL deals. For him, NIL wasn’t just a way to make money; it was a training ground. He credits these early brand partnerships with teaching him the skills he now brings to job interviews, freelance projects, and future creative opportunities. According to Devontae, his NIL work gave him the edge that helps him stand out today.

The Power of Authenticity

A major theme of the conversation is authenticity. Devontae emphasizes that people don’t want perfection, they want real. From sharing struggles during injury recovery to showing behind-the-scenes life as a student-athlete, he believes transparency is the key to building trust and community online. His advice to anyone trying to grow a brand? Be honest. Be yourself. And don’t be afraid to show the messy parts of the journey.

Life After Sport: Redefining Success

As for life after sport, Devontae is embracing it head-on. Unlike many athletes who face identity crises once their competitive careers end, he feels grounded and excited for the future. Whether it’s working behind the scenes managing content or being in front of the camera inspiring others, Devontae’s next chapter is all about using his voice, creativity, and experience to make a lasting impact.

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