In this episode of Mitlin Money Mindset™, I have the privilege of talking with Denver Broncos’ defensive back #33, Alijah Holder. Born and raised in Oceanside, California, Alijah is a Stanford graduate. He has faced some challenges in making his way to the NFL, nonetheless, he has found a place in the Broncos lineup and intends on taking advantage of every opportunity he is given. Alijah has taken part in the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” program showcasing his charity of choice, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which as you know is one that’s near and dear to my heart. This year, he’s decided to auction off his game-used cleats with all proceeds going to AFSP. Join me as we learn more about who Alijah Holder is, it’ll be time well spent.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

  • Alijah’s path to the NFL [2:19]
  • Is the NFL as brutal as ESPN makes it out to be? [5:24]
  • What Alijah feels sports have provided mentally and physically? [7:28]
  • Is it harder to get into the NFL or is it harder to stay there? [9:45]
  • What kind of mindset do you need to stay positive and focused? [12:44]
  • The My Cause My Cleats program [14:39]
  • Outreach in regards to Alijah supporting AFSP [19:25]
  • The message Alijah wants to put out about maintaining mental health [21:15]
  • What Alijah did today that put him in the right mindset for success? [26:03]

From college to the pros, is it really that tough?

We see a lot of behind-the-scenes footage about the NFL on ESPN, and the like, but when I asked Alijah if it was really that tough this is what he had to say. “I can only compare my own experiences and the jump from college to the NFL was brutal. The competition is on a different level. It’s more elite. You’re facing guys who are the best in the world at their positions. They’re going to be the biggest, fastest, and strongest. It takes a different kind of toll on your body than it did in college because when you get up there and you try to tackle Derrick Henry— I haven’t done it yet— but I can tell you it’s different from tackling your typical running back in college. It’s just not the same. There is also the duration of the season, it’s much more lengthy, grueling, and grinding.”

So that’s a yes, Alijah?

Effort and attitude…keeping your focus on things you can control

As someone who was in and out of the lineup and on and off the roster at the beginning of his pro career— as many new players are— I asked Alijah how he kept a positive outlook in that uncertainty. He says that effort and attitude are his two main focuses and those always seem to steer him in the right direction. He also mentions that making small things the focal point helps— like the things he can control, such as his own improvement and reaching practice goals for the week. Sometimes you reach your goals and sometimes you don’t but you can not dwell on the future or the past. Just reflect and regroup, that’s what he claims has helped him succeed. To hear more on this young man’s awesome mindset, and you WANT to hear more, check out episode 14 of Mitlin Money Mindset™.

The non-profit Alijah supports with the shoes, or rather cleats, off his feet

In 2016 the NFL launched “My Cause My Cleats,” a campaign that allows players to represent a cause or non-profit that’s important to them on custom-designed cleats. The game issue cleats are then auctioned off to benefit the player’s organization of choice.

Alijah’s choice to support The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the thing that has connected us. In high school, his friend Carlie Wilson #carliewilsonforever, unfortunately, took her own life. Like you will hear from so many others who have lost someone in this way, myself included, Alijah says “Carlie was super outgoing, and bubbly, and you wouldn’t have expected this to happen,” so her suicide shook him and it’s her memory he chooses to honor through this program. I think it’s people like Alijah, professional athletes and others who are being looked at and looked up to that have been a force in helping drive down the stigma associated with mental illness. Thank you for that.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Alijah Holder

Alijah Holder is a second-year cornerback from Stanford University who saw action in 37 games (11 starts) over the course of five seasons with the Cardinal… Registered 132 tackles (86 solo), two interceptions (63 yds., 1 TD), 28 passes defended, and five forced fumbles during his career… Started 10-of-12 games played during his final collegiate campaign, finishing with 59 tackles (35 solo), 10 passes defended, and one forced fumble… Rebounded from injuries his junior and senior seasons to earn All-Pacific-12 Conference Honorable Mention recognition as a redshirt senior in 2018… Played 12 games between the 2016-17 seasons, compiling 36 tackles (23 solo), 10 passes defended, and four forced fumbles… Saw action in 13 games (1 start) as a redshirt freshman, notching 37 tackles (28 solo), one interception returned 31 yards for a touchdown, and eight passes defended… Attended Oceanside (Calif.) High School, where he was chosen All-California Interscholastic Federation while leading his team to a league title as a high school senior… Also lettered in basketball and track… Alijah Holder was born on Jan. 26, 1996.

Born and raised in Oceanside, CA

Stanford graduate c/o 2018

Denver Bronco defensive back #33

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset Show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest’s content linked on this site.

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