Today we have the honor of interviewing Ted Rath, a long time performance executive in the NFL. He is now the author of a new book called Beyond comfort.

Ted Rath is an American football coach who was the Vice President of Player Performance for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He has coached on the professional level since 2009. He also previously worked for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and LA Rams.

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📝Show Notes: Through this interview, we touched on his background, his new book, and the biggest takeaways. He also touched on some of his best anecdotes throughout his career. He also provided his advice to anyone looking to start a career in the world of sports performance.

You can read the full transcript of the podcast interview with Ted located at the top of this blog post.

Here are the quotes from the interview with Ted:

Q1. Tell me about your background.

"I grew up in a really small town in Michigan, right on the Ohio border. It was the kind of place where everyone knows everybody. I graduated with just around 80 people in my class, and that close-knit environment shaped a lot of who I am. I met my wife there—we were high school sweethearts. When I got into high school sports, I really started training—lifting, running, doing all kinds of things, even if they weren’t always the 'right' things. But what stuck with me was how much I loved the process: the grit, the hard work, and the sense of accomplishment that came with it. That’s when I realized how much I enjoyed pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, which is a big theme in my book."
"That passion eventually led me to become a college athlete. I was fortunate to play Division I football at the University of Toledo. I started as a safety and later moved to linebacker after gaining 35 pounds my freshman year—mostly good weight! The freedom to eat, strength train, and learn how to do things the right way was eye-opening for me. After my playing career ended, I knew I wanted to pursue a path in performance. I became a strength and conditioning coach, starting as a graduate assistant. After just one year, I got promoted and, at 25, made it to the NFL. Over the last 16 years, I’ve held various roles in the league, working my way up to a vice president level. It’s been a wild ride, but one rooted in my love for the process and the people I get to work with."

Q2. Why did you decide to write your book?

"Honestly, people had been encouraging me to write a book for years. Over almost two decades in the NFL, I’ve gained so much knowledge and had the opportunity to meet incredible people—players, coaches, owners, and leaders. I felt almost guilty keeping all those experiences and lessons to myself. Writing the book was a way to share that journey and, hopefully, inspire others. I’ve always wanted to give back to the communities and industries I’ve been a part of, and this felt like the right way to do it."
"When I finally had the time to focus on it, I said, 'Okay, I’m going to sit down, put pen to paper, and make this happen.' And I’ll tell you, it was a transformative experience. Spending time alone with my thoughts brought me clarity and helped me better articulate my values and beliefs. Writing this book wasn’t just about sharing lessons with others—it also became a personal journey of reflection and growth. It reminded me of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, which is one of the central themes of the book."

Q3. What are the biggest takeaways from your book?

"One of the core messages of the book is about building sustainable habits, or what I call ‘daily deposits.’ We’re all a collection of the choices we’ve made up until this point. The habits we develop today will determine our future legacy. If I adopt poor habits, I won’t leave a meaningful legacy. But if I push myself, embrace growth, and continually step outside my comfort zone, I can create something impactful—not just for myself but for my family, my kids, and everyone I have the privilege to influence."
"Another big takeaway is about leadership and humility. For instance, I share a story about Sean McVay, the youngest head coach in NFL history, who demonstrated incredible humility during a practice. In the middle of a heated argument with a coach, Sean stopped practice, brought the team together, and admitted his mistake. He said, ‘I failed you guys in that moment. I’m not good enough as a head coach if I let my emotions dictate my actions, and I need to be better.’ That level of accountability and urgency to improve is something I think we can all apply in our lives—whether in sports, business, or personal growth."

Q4. Who needs to read your book?

"This book is for anyone, regardless of their industry or background, who’s looking to become a better, more productive version of themselves. It’s especially valuable for people in leadership roles or those aspiring to lead one day. While I pull from my experiences in sports, the lessons are universal. Whether you’re in a startup, sales, or the tech sector, there are so many parallels between building a winning culture in the NFL and succeeding in those fields."
"I’ve spent time speaking with businesses and startups, and I’ve found that things like culture, connection, and creating buy-in are as critical in those environments as they are in professional sports. If you’re someone who wants to develop sustainable habits, foster a growth mindset, or build a strong culture—whether for yourself, your team, or your company—this book is for you."

Q5. What advice would you give to anyone looking to start a career in the world of sports performance?

"First, you’ve got to work your butt off. There’s no substitute for hard work, especially when you’re just starting out. Remove your ego and realize that you have so much to learn. Even after all these years, I know I still have more to learn, and that humility has been crucial to my growth. Be willing to do whatever it takes—no task is too small when you’re chasing your dream."
"Also, bang down every door you can. Don’t be afraid to hear ‘no’—it’s part of the process. Cold emails, phone calls, handwritten notes—try everything. The worst thing that can happen is someone doesn’t respond or says no. Who cares? Move on to the next opportunity. It’s about adopting a fail-forward mentality. Keep pushing, keep learning, and eventually, you’ll find that one ‘yes’ that opens the door to your career. Persistence and resilience are your greatest allies."

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