Walter Mendenhall: From NFL Dreams to Empowering Chicago’s Youth

The Athlete Mindset

Walter Mendenhall’s life has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Walter was exposed to the realities of life in both urban and suburban settings. Moving from Chicago to Skokie at a young age, he experienced firsthand the disparities between different communities. This exposure to various walks of life helped him understand that, at their core, people share similar desires and aspirations, regardless of their background.

Walter’s early love for sports, particularly basketball, was fueled by the influence of his older relatives and the excitement of the Jordan era in the 90s. However, as he realized that his growth in height wasn’t keeping up with his ambitions on the basketball court, he turned his focus to football. His natural athleticism and dedication paid off, and by his senior year of high school, Walter had become the number one running back in Illinois, earning multiple scholarship offers.

But life wasn’t always straightforward. Walter’s journey through football, which opened many doors, also brought significant challenges. At the end of his sophomore year, his mother made a bold decision to leave her accounting job and pursue ministry, moving back to the South Side of Chicago. Faced with the choice of returning to the city or staying in the suburbs, Walter and his brother were taken in by their Little League coach, who provided a stable home environment that was vastly different from what they had known. This experience not only gave Walter a new perspective on life but also instilled in him a desire to offer similar opportunities to others.

Walter’s football career continued to evolve, eventually leading him to the University of Illinois. However, his path was far from smooth. He faced the harsh realities of college football’s business and politics, which tested his resolve and brought him to a low point where he even contemplated taking his own life. In a moment of desperation, Walter called out to God, and the peace he found in that moment changed his outlook on life. He realized that his purpose was greater than just playing football, and this newfound perspective guided his future decisions.

Although Walter made it to the NFL, playing for several teams, he learned that the professional sports world was more about business than passion. Despite his accomplishments on the field, he found that the joy he had once felt in playing the game was overshadowed by the pressures and uncertainties of the industry. This realization led Walter to shift his focus from personal success to making a lasting impact on others.

After leaving the NFL, Walter discovered his true calling: working with young men who, like him, needed guidance and support. He became a teacher and later founded the Male Mogul Initiative, a program dedicated to helping young men develop their talents and skills while providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Through this initiative, Walter has touched the lives of thousands, creating jobs and opportunities in communities that need them most.

Walter’s story is a powerful reminder that life is not just about what happens to us, but how we respond to it. As he often tells the young men he mentors, “Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it.” This mindset, combined with his unwavering commitment to helping others, has enabled Walter to turn his challenges into opportunities and inspire those around him to do the same.

Walter Mendenhall’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of giving back, and the impact one person can have when they dedicate themselves to lifting up others. His journey from the football field to community leader is one that continues to inspire and uplift, proving that true success is measured not by personal accolades, but by the positive influence we have on the lives of others.