The Pivot Portal: The Story of Jamaine Cook
Athletes Who Made the Leap
‘Hi , My name is Jamaine Cook and I am a Former NFL football player from Cleveland, Ohio.’
What initially led you to play football at Youngstown State University (YSU), and how did your college experience shape your future career?
Youngstown was one of the few offers I had, and it was an hour from home, so not too far where my family could come and see me play. Youngstown is a small gritty city that thrives on it’s blue collar culture, and that really defines me as a professional. A kid, from a tougher city, with a dream and the goal of living a meaning family oriented life.
During your time at YSU, what was the most significant lesson you learned both on and off the field?
Hard work pays off. In 2023, I was inducted into the athletic hall of fame, making all of those extra hours I put into lifting, practicing and studying worth it. Sometimes our rewards don’t come until years down the road. “Stay the course, and trust the process.”
YSU is known for its strong football program. How did the culture at YSU prepare you for the NFL?
Playing division 1AA you develop a chip on your shoulder. And I took that chip to the NFL.
What advice would you give to current college athletes about balancing academics and sports?
Sports will end some day, make sure you are thoughtful about the rest of your life, but at the same time enjoy college and soak up the experience. College is setting you up for the rest of your life.
From YSU to The NFL
How did you prepare for the transition from college football to the professional level with the Cleveland Browns?
I trained at a facility called ignition down in Cincinnati, Ohio, twice a day on a rigorous meal plan and schedule.
What was the biggest adjustment you faced going from college football to the NFL?
The NFL is a business and there is no loyalty to the athletes like there is in college football.
How did you handle the uncertainty and competitiveness that comes with being in the NFL, especially after your time with the Browns?
Have a plan B, i.e., a college degree to fall back on and pivot should things not work out.
What role did mentors or coaches play in guiding you through the professional football landscape?
Honestly, when you make it to the next level, you’re kind of on your own. No one that I’d known closely had made it to the NFL, so I had to navigate through the landscape leaning on my own wisdom and intellect.
LIFE AFTER THE NFL
What inspired you to pursue an MBA at the University of Chicago, and how did it help guide your next career steps?
Long-term, I wanted to work in finance, specifically, Private Equity. The only path was for me to pursue a top tier MBA. Very similar to making it to the pros, going to a top tier university makes it much easier.
How did your experience in the NFL and the connections you made prepare you for your roles in private equity at firms like BlackLine, KPMG, and now RCP Advisors?
Professional sports helps you develop another level of resilience that others don’t naturally have. As far as connections, the NFL is a great conversation starter when having business conversations or meeting new people professionally.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in redefining yourself outside of being an athlete, and how did you overcome it?
Letting go of the sport and the image. You can overcome this by finding a new passion and creating new dreams / goals.
Many former athletes, including yourself, have transitioned into finance after their sports careers. Why do you think so many athletes are drawn to finance compared to other career fields? How did your own experience in sports prepare you for the financial industry, and what unique skills do you think athletes bring to this sector?
Athletes like competition and compensation. Finance provides that and many of the softer skills are very transferable.
What advice do you have for athletes facing the reality of transitioning from sports to another career, especially those unsure of their next steps?
The Sport you play does not define your identity or who you are, it’s an activity that you’ve been a part of. Don’t be afraid to explore other interests and aspirations.