As with most things worth fighting for in life, it didn’t come easy. It wasn’t a straight line to the top and it wasn’t served on a silver platter. It was a series of events, a mixture of highs and lows, a lot of redirection, all while learning to recalibrate as I went. It took time, and it still takes a lot of daily hard work. I was fortunate enough to have amazing mentors who helped guide me. I had to learn how to be adaptable in a cut throat industry who’s competition is next to none. I’ve been higher up the ranks, only to have to start back over on the bottom, each teaching a lesson along the way. Each time, learning to make the most of where I was. My name is Carson Walch, and this is my story.

As he strives to bring the best version of himself to the team everyday, he also strives to help his team be their best. Thank you Carson, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your story. It is one one of perseverance and inspiration for all who have doubted their path, that nothing is out of reach with hard work and dedication.

Can you give a synopsis of your journey?

Growing up in Elgin, MN brought with it the perks of a small community. Aside from the overall friendly demeanor, and the opportunity to build lifelong friendships, I’m surrounded by genuine support. I grow up watching and idolizing my older brother. Many of my life choices, surrounding football and career, mirror my brother, Travis’ choices. This includes my choice to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at Winona State University. After completing my Bachelor’s, I’m offered a free education to pursue my Masters Degree if I help coach. This is my first glimpse into loving the game, outside of playing it.

At 23, I’m making $9,000 a year getting paid to coach at Dakota State University, while cleaning restrooms during the off season. Although there were various parts of different positions that were less then “ideal”, I made the best out of every situation, knowing it was a stepping stone. The funny thing is, I never pictured myself in the realm of pro ball. It wasn’t my intentional ultimate “end goal” when I was younger. After coaching at a few colleges, I had the opportunity to come back and coach at WSU, and I loved it. I was content with the thought of this being a long term possibility. I was able to work with young men, and be apart of a game that I love. It wasn’t until I was offered a position with the CFL (Canadian Football League) that I realized my career could become something far bigger then I imagined!

Who have been the 3 most influential people in your life?

First and foremost, my parents, Dave and Peggy, and I don’t say this lightly. Growing up, my friends would tell me how lucky I was to have amazing parents. When that’s just your life, sometimes it’s hard to see because you don’t know any different. As with many things in life, the older you get, the more you appreciate just how amazing they are. Growing up, they were always in the crowd, cheering us on. No matter what it is we’re pursuing, they’re always supporting, it really is the most valuable key ingredient in parenting. They are a driving force behind my determination, I love having my friends and family along for this ride with me.

My older brother, Travis. He was a natural, watching him perform gave me the drive to continually improve myself, constantly pushing to be better, especially in sports. He’s someone I’ve always strived to be more like.

Marc Trestman opened my eyes to a new world of offensive football. He offered me my first job opportunity in pro ball in CFL and asked me to follow him to the NFL, coaching the Bears. Not only was I able to learn his wisdom of the game, but also observing how he treated people, really made me strive to be better at what I do both professionally and personally. I’m truly grateful for his (and many others) guidance through the years.

What’s the greatest advice you’ve been given?

It’s 6 am in Chicago, we’re sitting in Marc’s office in Halas Hall (the birthplace of the NFL), watching the sun rise through the big windows in his office . Marc says to me “Don’t get bored with your surroundings”. It’s easy to get caught up in the monotony of the day to day routine. Even when you’re working in an industry such as this. But it’s important to remember how fortunate we are to have the lives we do, and to be privileged enough to pursue our dreams. I think his lesson for me that day was, take the time to stop and be thankful, even in the moments of monotony.

What have been some personal lows or struggles for you?

Professionally, it was being let go of by the Chicago Bears. Up until this point, I hadn’t realized the reality surrounding job security in this profession. As one can imagine, it was a huge hit to my ego. It isn’t as easy as one may think, to find another team to take you on. I had spent so much time continually climbing the ladder, only to have to be what felt like, starting back over. I went from working with the Chicago Bears, to using the following year volunteering my time helping at the University of Minnesota, hoping something would surface permanently, even if on a college level. This was a struggle, as well as an important lesson, that nothing is forever, and in this industry, it can change quickly.

You never forget getting fired. It’s easy to go into a tailspin thinking about what everyone did wrong, but I had to take a step back and take responsibility for the role I played, instead of blaming. I had to ask myself “what could I have done better, and how can I learn from this”? I had to shift my focus on doing my job to the best of my ability. Each day I leave the building knowing I did the best I could. Winning in this industry, keeps you employed, it’s the reality of it. It is also something that can never be taken away from you. You know, as a team, you worked hard to earn that.

What is the lesson that took you the longest to learn?

People always tell you, “work hard, keep going, be good to people and some day it’ll work out”. It’s hard to believe that while you’re working hard, feeling as if tangible results aren’t in sight. I heard that for a long time, but I didn’t always believe I was going to get a break. But the lesson is, treat people good, work hard, and despite your industry or trade, know it well, and good things will come your way.

How do you maintain a healthy balance of your work and personal life?

To be honest, there isn’t a balance while in-season. When the average day is 16 hours, it’s hard to fit much else in. I am fortunate enough to have family and friends that come to our home games. I love having someone in the stands when we’re at home, but that’s the reality of getting to see them while the season is in full swing. During the off season, I live a normal life, working Monday through Friday, having more flexibility. I also don’t have kids, so I’m not affected in the way others in this industry are regarding home/family life.

What is most important to you?

The 3 F’s, which for me are, family, football and freedom. Family is at the forefront of what I do. I’m the second of four children, followed by my younger siblings, Ryan and Lindsey. They really are the driving force behind my passion to continually better myself. I love that they’re on this ride with me, and that I can offer them experiences they may not have otherwise had. Making them proud is one of my primary reasons for doing what I do.

I am fortunate enough to wake up and do what I love. Not many can say that, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. Despite the long in-season hours, it doesn’t feel like work when you’re living your hobby everyday!

Freedom in the off season to travel is something I’ve always been passionate about. I have always had a love of being by water, and traveling both domestically and internationally.

In a world of instant gratification it can be hard not to compare our everyday lives to everyone else’s “highlight reels.” Have you gotten lost in the comparison game, or is it reality to think something substantial doesn’t have to be built?

It’s easy to think “that should be me” or tell yourself you should be places you aren’t ready to be. But there’s a necessary process to getting places, even if you can’t see it at the time. You have to take the steps and learn as you go.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

When I was younger, I played ball with an extreme love and passion for the game, and I wanted to do it better then anyone else. I was the relentless competitor, but with that, came appearing as a know-it-all. It wasn’t until my late 20’s, early 30’s, that I really started asking myself “how do you want to be remembered”? I want to be remembered for my humility and just being a good guy. My advice to my younger self is, have more humility.

What “words of wisdom” do you have for both adults and youth?

Perhaps it’s because I’m in this profession, but I think it all starts and ends with respect. I really do think respect of others, especially those trying to give you (or your kids) an opportunity for growth, deserve the courtesy and trust to do what they’re hired to do. With a massive epidemic of “everyone knows best”, it’s important to spend more time building each other up, rather then tearing each other down. Many of these coaches dedicate their time and energy to give youth the opportunity to grow, and hopefully have a positive experience. It is an opportunity for them to learn to advocate for themselves, have difficult conversations and learn how to improve, while receiving constructive feedback. It’s important that we’re teaching them as adults, that we can have differences in opinions while still respecting each other.

Another sliver of advice is, listen more then you speak. This can be hard to remember at a younger age, but those that are older then you, do know a lot, because they’ve seen alot. Ask questions and listen to them, they’re full of knowledge!

What is something that is important to remember during tough times?

As hard as it may be, it is staying as evenly keeled as possible. You can’t get too caught up in the wins/loses, everyone needs to know the environment they’re walking in to each day. It’s hard to perform at max capacity when you’re unsure of what your daily environment is. I am here to be a teacher. I want to help them master their craft, get contracts and build trust. We spend alot of time together, it’s important that we have trust and good rapport.

What are your personal goals from here? How can you feel more fulfilled?

My goal is to be the best Wide Receiver Coach in the NFL. I am 2 positions away from the possibility of being a Head Coach. There are 32 Head Coaches in the NFL, and there’s 8 billion people in the world. Although I don’t feel like I’ve fully arrived yet, I know I have a lot to prove every day to stay where I am, let alone advance in this industry, but I’m up for the challenge!

What is real success to you?

Serving others. This is still a work in progress for me. It can be hard to keep this at the forefront of your mind when you’re in a market this competitive, but it really is bigger then us. It’s important to be a team player outside of the focus being on service of self.

*If this resonates, please feel free to share!**

If you’re interested in scheduling a complimentary call with Amanda about Life Coaching sessions, visit www.crisisaverted.org