John Urschel, former NFL player for the Baltimore Ravens, now spends his time immersed in academia as a mathematics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His journey from football to mathematics was not an easy decision, as it involved a balancing act between his passions for both sports and academia. Urschel’s career in football was successful, but it was clear that his love for math was something he couldn’t abandon.
After playing for the Ravens in his rookie season and being part of a playoff run, Urschel found himself feeling incomplete. Despite the excitement of professional football, something was missing. It was the intellectual challenge and camaraderie of discussing mathematics with others that he missed the most. This longing led him to transition back into academia, earning his PhD from MIT while still playing football professionally for a couple of years. Eventually, Urschel retired from the NFL and fully committed to a life of teaching and research. Since 2023, he has been a professor at MIT, focusing on linear algebra, matrix computations, and the connectivity properties of networks.
Urschel is not just a professor but also an advocate for increasing diversity in mathematics. As one of the few Black mathematicians, he understands the challenges that students from underrepresented backgrounds face in the field. He works with programs like √mathroots, which is designed to broaden the talent pool for the mathematical community, especially targeting high school students. He is also deeply concerned with the uneven quality of math education in the United States, noting that children from lower-quality educational backgrounds struggle to catch up later in life.
Though he no longer participates in the NFL, Urschel’s experiences as a football player have shaped his current views. His time in the NFL not only taught him about the sport but also about the importance of proper management, both on and off the field. Urschel has observed how analytics have transformed the game, making it more exciting and strategic. He sees how modern football is becoming increasingly data-driven, and he finds it fascinating how the sport is evolving in ways that he believes improve the overall experience for players and fans alike.
However, Urschel no longer follows football closely. He no longer has time for it, given his busy academic career. He even misses some of his other former hobbies, like chess, although he hopes to return to it in the future when his professional and personal life allow more free time. Urschel admires Magnus Carlsen, the world-renowned chess grandmaster, for his unique personality and skill, and he hopes to achieve a high rating in the game himself one day.
While he reflects on his past, Urschel is cautious about the future of both academia and professional sports. He is concerned about the potential challenges faced by universities, particularly in light of political pressures and fluctuating government funding. As someone deeply invested in the future of education and research, he finds it critical to support initiatives that advance knowledge, especially in the sciences.
Despite leaving the NFL, Urschel remains connected to the sport, recognizing its value but also its inherent risks. His experience in the league taught him that while football can bring immense rewards, it is also a dangerous sport that demands respect and caution. He encourages anyone involved in football to be mindful of the physical toll the sport can take, particularly in terms of concussions, and to prioritize their health and well-being.
Now, with a new career at MIT and a growing family, John Urschel has carved out a fulfilling life focused on his academic passion, but his experiences in football continue to shape his views and decisions. His transition from NFL player to mathematician demonstrates the importance of following one’s passion and finding fulfillment, no matter how unconventional the path may be.
