Former Miami Dolphins tight end and free agent Julius Thomas announced his retirement by publishing an eloquent letter to his fans today. Mr. Thomas took the time to share with his fans about his goals as a man, not just as a wealthy athlete.
“I realized that while I may have reached my financial goals, my work as a man was just beginning,” Thomas wrote. “I learned that no matter what you have and no matter what other people see, happiness comes from your own definition of it. It became clear that I was living unaware of anything outside of my goal, which was to be the best football player I could be.
Mr. Thomas is planning on pursuing a doctorate in psychology so that he can help other people heal and better themselves.
“Studying therapy and becoming well trained in it so that I can help people heal from their emotional and mental pain.”
He also would like to learn more about brain trauma, neurobehavioral performance and learning the early warning markers of brain disease.
He is stepping away from the sport at the age of 30 years old, but with a plan for his life ahead of him. The tight end is played seven seasons in the NFL – four with the Denver Broncos, two with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and one for the Miami Dolphins (his most recent team).