From NFL to Entrepreneurship: The Inspiring Journey of Rick Elmore

From NFL to Entrepreneurship: The Inspiring Journey of Rick Elmore

Former NFL player, Rick Elmore found himself facing a turning point in his life when he decided to transition from the world of sports to the world of entrepreneurship. 

In a recent episode of The Inspectations Podcast Rick Elmore sat down with host Justin Starbird to discuss the inspiring story of how he went from being a professional athlete to becoming a successful entrepreneur, overcoming challenges and learning invaluable lessons along the way.

The Journey of a Professional Athlete

Rick Elmore's journey as a professional athlete began when he excelled in football during his college years. He was a standout player, and his talent led him to be drafted into the National Football League.

However, as with many professional athletes, Rick's career in the NFL was not without its challenges. Injuries and fierce competition made the path to success a difficult one, but Rick's resilience and determination kept him going.

The Decision to Transition

After several years of playing in the NFL, Rick Elmore faced a life-changing decision.

He realized that his passion for sports was slowly shifting towards a new passion – entrepreneurship.

As he hung up his football boots, he embarked on a whole new adventure, leaving behind the familiar world of sports for the unpredictable realm of business.

Building Simply Noted

Rick's entrepreneurial journey took off when he co-founded Simply Noted, a company that specializes in automated handwritten notes. The idea stemmed from the desire to bring a personal touch back to the digital world. Simply Noted's handwriting robots replicate human handwriting to create authentic, personalized notes for various businesses.

Challenges of Starting a Business

Transitioning from an NFL player to a business owner presented a unique set of challenges.

Rick faced the daunting task of learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship from scratch. The uncertainty, sleepless nights, and constant doubts were very real. However, his experience as an athlete taught him the value of perseverance and the importance of never giving up.

The Importance of People

Throughout his journey, Rick recognized the critical role of people in both sports and business.

Surrounding himself with a dedicated team allowed him to build a supportive and motivated workforce. The value of teamwork and collaboration, skills he acquired from his sports career, proved to be instrumental in shaping the culture of Simply Noted.

Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Rick Elmore's journey as an entrepreneur has taught him invaluable lessons.

He realized that entrepreneurship requires dedication, discipline, and hard work.

There are no shortcuts, and success comes from facing challenges head-on and continuously seeking solutions. He also emphasizes the need to surround oneself with positive influences and discard negative voices, recognizing the impact of mental health in this high-stakes environment.



Rick Elmore's transition from a professional athlete to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of one's passions. His journey is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, athletes, and anyone facing a major life change.

From NFL to entrepreneurship, Rick's story showcases the importance of never settling, always seeking growth, and finding the strength to overcome obstacles. As Rick continues to impact lives with his technology and ambitions, he reminds us that the true measure of success lies not only in personal achievements but also in the positive impact we make on others along the way.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these insights from Rick and be sure to listen to Rick and Justin’s entire conversation on The Inspectations Podcast powered by The Aebli Group today!