Former Texas Longhorn Tashard Choice provides Dallas Cowboys’ Jaydon Blue with a blueprint for success, offering valuable mentorship and guidance.
In the world of professional football, success is not just measured by physical ability or talent on the field. It also takes discipline, knowledge, and a mental toughness that allows a player to navigate the rigorous demands of the sport. For young players, the transition from college to the NFL can be daunting, and the learning curve is steep. However, some veterans choose to mentor the next generation of athletes, imparting wisdom learned through years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. One such mentor is former Texas Longhorn Tashard Choice, who has taken Dallas Cowboys rookie Jaydon Blue under his wing, providing him with invaluable guidance to help him succeed in the NFL.
The Beginning of a Mentorship
Tashard Choice, who played running back for the University of Texas from 2005 to 2007 before a successful stint in the NFL, has always been passionate about football, but perhaps even more so about the development of the next generation of players. After his playing career ended, Choice made the transition into coaching and mentoring, a role that gave him the opportunity to work closely with players at various stages of their careers.
Jaydon Blue, an undrafted rookie running back for the Dallas Cowboys, found himself in a challenging position, facing the typical pressures of trying to make an NFL roster. Although he had enjoyed a successful college career at the University of Texas and had the raw talent to compete at the highest level, Blue needed guidance on how to thrive in the complex world of professional football. This is where Choice entered the picture.
Having played alongside Blue’s mentors in Texas and knowing the challenges faced by young running backs trying to break into the NFL, Choice felt a personal connection to Blue and his journey. Their relationship quickly grew, and Choice took it upon himself to offer mentorship, offering insights not just into the X’s and O’s of the game, but also into the mental and emotional aspects of a professional football career.
The Blueprint for Success
- Understanding the Mentality of an NFL Player
One of the first lessons Tashard Choice instills in Jaydon Blue is the importance of mindset. Success in the NFL requires much more than physical talent. The mental aspect of the game is often what separates the good from the great. Choice, who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team during his NFL career, knows firsthand how crucial it is to have a strong mental foundation.
For Blue, this means developing a growth mindset, where every mistake becomes an opportunity for learning rather than a setback. It’s about staying positive and resilient when things don’t go as planned. Choice emphasizes the importance of not getting discouraged by early failures or challenges. “You have to stay focused and understand that the NFL is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a journey, and you will have setbacks, but how you respond to them is what matters most,” Choice tells Blue.
Blue has acknowledged the value of this advice, understanding that the NFL is a ruthless and competitive environment. However, Choice reminds him that self-belief and persistence are essential traits for overcoming adversity. According to Choice, it’s crucial to stay mentally sharp and not let the pressures of the game or external expectations get to you.
- Work Ethic and Consistency
Another fundamental aspect of Choice’s mentorship is the importance of work ethic and consistency. When it comes to professional football, talent alone is not enough to guarantee success. Consistent performance, a strong work ethic, and dedication to getting better every day are what ultimately separate the stars from the benchwarmers.
During his own career, Choice was known for his hard work, determination, and ability to grind out yardage, often exceeding expectations despite not being the biggest or fastest player on the field. His experience and journey taught him that consistently putting in the effort—both in practice and in preparation—is key to making a name for yourself in the NFL.
“Every day you step onto the field, you have to give 100 percent,” Choice advises Blue. “It’s not just about the big plays, it’s about the little details, the fundamentals, and constantly improving your craft.”
For Blue, who is competing in a crowded running back room with the Dallas Cowboys, it’s vital that he shows up every day with the same level of commitment, regardless of whether he’s getting the starting reps or not. Choice emphasizes that by doing the little things well, Blue will earn the trust and respect of his coaches and teammates.
- Being a Student of the Game
Understanding the game on a deeper level is another principle that Choice imparts to Blue. Football intelligence is just as important as physical ability. The ability to read defenses, understand schemes, and anticipate what’s going to happen next on the field is a valuable skill that can’t be overlooked.
Choice often shares his own experiences of watching film and studying opposing defenses in preparation for games. As a player, he found that the more time he spent learning and understanding the game, the better he could anticipate what the opposition was going to do. He encourages Blue to invest time off the field to study game film, learn about opposing teams, and understand the nuances of playcalling and execution.
“A lot of players focus on their physical gifts, but the game slows down when you know what to expect,” Choice explains. “The more you study the game, the more you can stay one step ahead of everyone else.”
For Blue, this lesson is essential as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NFL. The ability to diagnose plays before they unfold and make split-second decisions is a hallmark of elite players, and it’s something Blue has begun to appreciate more and more through Choice’s guidance.
- Embracing Leadership and Responsibility
As Blue’s mentorship relationship with Choice has grown, the importance of leadership has become a focal point in their conversations. While it’s easy to get caught up in personal goals and statistics, Choice stresses that being a leader—both on and off the field—is what truly makes a player special.
“Great players elevate the people around them,” Choice says. “It’s not just about you, it’s about the team. Leadership means being consistent, setting an example, and bringing energy every day.”
Blue, who is now officially part of the Cowboys organization, is beginning to realize the significance of this. He’s learning to take responsibility for his actions, not just for his performance on the field but also in his interactions with his teammates, coaches, and staff. Blue’s willingness to lead by example—whether through his work ethic, attitude, or how he conducts himself in the locker room—will be a defining factor in his ability to carve out a long-term career in the NFL.
- Handling the Pressures of Professional Football
The NFL, more than any other sport, is a high-pressure environment. Players are constantly under the microscope, and expectations from fans, media, and teammates are immense. Choice’s mentorship also focuses on how to handle the pressures that come with being a professional athlete.
“Being in the NFL can be overwhelming at times,” Choice admits. “You’ll be under a lot of scrutiny, but you have to learn to block out the noise. Focus on the process, focus on getting better, and let everything else take care of itself.”
Blue’s transition to the NFL has not been without challenges, and he has faced the pressure of making the roster as an undrafted player. However, Choice has helped him to focus on what’s important and to maintain perspective in the face of adversity. He has encouraged Blue to take things one day at a time and to embrace the process of growth, rather than focusing solely on the outcome.
The Impact of Tashard Choice’s Mentorship
Tashard Choice’s influence on Jaydon Blue has been profound. Through his mentorship, Blue has gained a deeper understanding of the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of playing in the NFL. The lessons he has learned from Choice will help shape his future as a professional football player.
As Blue continues to grow and develop under Choice’s guidance, there is little doubt that he will carry the lessons he’s learned with him for the rest of his career. The mentorship that Choice has provided offers Blue a blueprint for success, helping him not only to succeed in the NFL but also to build a foundation for long-term achievement.
In an era where athletes often focus solely on their physical abilities, the guidance of a seasoned veteran like Choice stands as a reminder that success in the NFL is about much more than just raw talent. It’s about mindset, work ethic, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the game. With Tashard Choice’s mentorship, Jaydon Blue is well on his way to becoming not just a great player, but a true professional.
