Episode 007 – Permission to Say “No”: Colt McCoy’s Surprising Youth Sports Philosophy
NFL veteran Colt McCoy joins Travis Patterson for a real, refreshing talk about youth sports, parenting, and priorities. From skipping tackle football until 7th grade to coaching his own kids today, Colt shares why early sports specialization may be doing more harm than good—and what really builds successful athletes (and humans). Plus, they unpack the NIL mess and why summer shouldn’t just be about tournaments and travel ball.
Episode Summary:
In this candid and compelling episode of Driving Change, host Travis Patterson sits down with longtime friend and former NFL quarterback Colt McCoy for a real conversation that every parent navigating youth sports needs to hear. Colt reflects on his 14-season NFL career and shares an honest look at how that experience shaped his approach to parenting, coaching, and what matters most. From waiting until 7th grade to play tackle football to intentionally not putting his own kids in organized sports during his playing years, Colt offers a refreshing perspective on how to build healthy, grounded kids in today’s youth sports culture. They talk burnout, over-scheduling, and the silent pressure many families face to specialize too early. Colt also breaks down a powerful locker room survey he once did among pro athletes that revealed something surprising about when they decided to fully commit to their sport. The conversation also turns to the world of college athletics and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, unpacking how this new reality is trickling down into youth sports and reshaping family dynamics, priorities, and expectations. Whether you’re a sports parent, coach, or just someone who wants to raise strong, self-aware kids, this episode will challenge, encourage, and leave you thinking differently about competition, childhood, and time well spent.