From NFL Tight End to Faith-Driven Leader: Joel Dreessen’s Story of Resilience

In this compelling episode of the Builder’s View podcast, host Jeff Zimmerman is joined by guest co-host and former NFL player Mitch Unrein to sit down with another football standout: Joel Dreessen. A Colorado native and former NFL tight end, Joel opens up about his journey from the fields of Colorado State University to the national spotlight of the NFL—playing for teams like the New York Jets, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos.

But this conversation goes far beyond stats and game days.

Life in the NFL—and After It

Joel shares the unfiltered truth about the mental conditioning required to compete at the highest level, revealing the personal disciplines and mindset shifts that shaped his path. He talks candidly about the weight of fame, the pressure to perform, and the transition athletes face when stepping off the field for good.

Faith as a Foundation

One of the most powerful themes of the episode is Joel’s deep-rooted faith. He describes how his relationship with Jesus Christ became a source of strength and clarity throughout his football career and into retirement. Faith, he says, wasn’t just a part of his journey—it was the anchor that guided every major decision.

Family, Identity & What Comes Next

As Joel steps into life after football, he reflects on the importance of family, identity, and purpose beyond athletic achievement. The episode explores how he’s redefining success and channeling the same focus he brought to football into personal growth and impact-driven work.

This is the first installment of a two-part conversation—stay tuned for more in Part 2 as Joel continues to unpack his evolution as a leader, husband, and man of faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. Discipline and Mental Toughness: How Joel stayed grounded and focused in the high-pressure world of professional sports.

2. Faith Over Fame: Why Joel credits his relationship with Christ as the cornerstone of his success and peace of mind.

3. Life After the League: What it takes to transition from pro sports to a purpose-driven life beyond the field.

4. The Power of Identity: Joel’s thoughts on separating who you are from what you do—and why it matters.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, seeking personal growth, or curious about the intersection of faith and high performance.

👉 Listen now and subscribe to Builder’s View for more stories like Joel Dreessen’s.