News Summary
Brandon Meriweather, the former NFL safety, is making waves in the business sector of Orlando, Florida. After a successful football career, he shifted focus to entrepreneurship, founding restaurant ventures and a rental property company. Beyond his business pursuits, Meriweather is dedicated to philanthropy through his 31 Ways Foundation, helping children and families in need. He continues to engage with the community and reflect on his NFL experiences, showcasing an inspiring journey from sports to meaningful impact.
Orlando’s Own Brandon Meriweather: From NFL Star to Business Mogul
In the sunny city of Orlando, Florida, former NFL safety Brandon Meriweather is swapping his football helmet for a business hat as he embraces life after the NFL. Now 41 years old, Meriweather is not just sitting back and reminiscing about his days on the field. Instead, he’s making waves in the business world while giving back to the community he loves.
A Flavorful Journey into Business
After hanging up his cleats, Meriweather didn’t take long to jump into the business realm. He dived headfirst into several ventures in nearby Apopka, Florida. This is where he cultivated his passion for food, owning a series of restaurants. His standout creation was a chicken spot named “Wingz Wingzz Wingzzz”, a fun play on words that surely caught the attention of locals craving delicious wings. In addition to that venture, he started a food delivery service, making it easier for folks to enjoy tasty meals at home.
Despite moving to Orlando and selling off his restaurants, Meriweather has kept one lucrative enterprise close to his heart: his rental property company. It goes without saying that transitioning from football to business, especially in real estate, is no small feat. But it seems his aunt, who encouraged him to invest in property, knew a thing or two about how to set up for success. And success he’s found! With every new business opportunity, he is focused on raising his kids and dreaming about all the places he wants to travel, further expanding his horizons.
Giving Back: The 31 Ways Foundation
On the charitable side, Meriweather wears his heart on his sleeve with his 31 Ways Foundation. This organization is all about helping children and families who are facing tough times—whether it’s poverty, homelessness, low literacy, or dealing with serious illnesses. This month, the foundation is holding its third annual celebrity golf event in Orlando, which brings the community together for a fantastic cause.
And it doesn’t stop there! Later this August, the foundation is firing up a friendly rivalry with the upcoming “Catholics vs. Convicts Charity Golf Tournament.” This exciting event will feature legendary players from the Notre Dame and Miami camps, sure to draw in golf lovers and sports fans alike!
A Pro’s Perspective
Reflecting on his NFL journey, Meriweather was drafted by the New England Patriots as the 24th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Following a quiet rookie season, he made a name for himself with back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances in 2009 and 2010. However, the road was not always smooth. He faced challenges, like being cut by the Patriots due to concerns about his practice habits. After his tenure there, he continued to play for the Chicago Bears, spent three seasons with Washington, and wrapped up his career with a short stint with the New York Giants.
Known for his hard-hitting playstyle, he also experienced suspensions due to illegal hits on players, which became a hot topic in the media. Now, when he tunes into NFL games, it’s not just for kicks; he critiques the plays and offers feedback on the performances of his former teammates—a habit that keeps him deeply connected to the game.
Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
Through all these ups and downs on the field and in business, Meriweather acknowledges that his NFL journey taught him invaluable lessons about teamwork, hard work, and the ability to adapt. His college education in criminology didn’t necessarily prepare him for business, but the discipline and punctuality he learned in the NFL are serving him well in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Meriweather emphasizes the importance of being ready for life after football—a reality that many players fail to anticipate. His story is inspiring, exemplifying how one can transition from professional sports to a meaningful life filled with business, philanthropy, and family. As he continues his journey in Orlando, the sky’s the limit for Brandon Meriweather, who is eagerly exploring new opportunities while making a significant impact in the community.
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Additional Resources
- MassLive
- ESPN
- Orlando Sentinel
- Boston Herald
- Taunton Gazette
- Wikipedia: Brandon Meriweather
- Google Search: Brandon Meriweather
- Google Scholar: Brandon Meriweather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brandon Meriweather
- Google News: Brandon Meriweather
