Meet Brandon Stephens

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Stephens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, how do you define success?
Success: The Truth Nobody Wants to Hear

Success isn’t a highlight reel. It’s not a championship ring, a contract, or applause from the crowd.

Success is built in the moments nobody sees.

It’s not about talent—because talent alone won’t save you when life knocks you flat on your back. It’s not about how many times you win—because you’ll lose more times than you can count before you ever taste victory.

For me, success has never been about making it to the NFL. If it was, then the day I got cut, my story would have ended. But it didn’t.

Because success isn’t about arriving. It’s about enduring.

I was there. I fought for my spot, earned my reps, lined up with the best. And just when I thought I had made it, I lost it all in an instant.

Cut. Released. No second chances.

Three years. Three years of training alone—no contract, no team, no cameras. Just me and the grind. Every day. Rain, sleet, snow, injuries, setbacks, doubt—I kept going.

Why? Because success doesn’t care if you’re tired. It doesn’t care if you feel like quitting. It only cares if you show up.

I clawed my way back into the league. I got signed again. And then? Another injury. Another cut.

But here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear—success isn’t about what you achieve. It’s about what you survive.

The contract, the title, the fame—those things fade. What’s left is who you are when the lights go out, when the opportunities dry up, when the dream you built comes crashing down.

Success is not quitting when you have every excuse to stop.

For me, it’s not just about how far I can go—it’s about how many people I can bring with me. It’s about building the next generation of leaders.

Because of my parents, because of the people who believed in me, I’m still standing.

And this? This is only the beginning.

The Bigger Picture: Turning Pain Into Purpose

The contract, the status, the fame—that’s temporary. What’s left when it’s all stripped away?

That’s who you really are.

And that’s when I realized—I was never just meant to play in the league. I was meant to take everything I learned—the grind, the discipline, the mindset—and use it to build something bigger than me.

That’s why I created Imperium Elite Performance—to develop not just elite athletes, but elite mindsets. Because I know firsthand that talent alone isn’t enough. You need mental toughness, resilience, and discipline to truly succeed—on the field and in life.

That’s why I built The Bridge U Project—to give young athletes and professionals the blueprint for success beyond the game. Because when the lights fade and the crowd stops cheering, what’s left? Your character, your leadership, your ability to keep going.

And that’s why I’m a board member of the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation—because if we don’t invest in the next generation, we fail them before they even get their shot. We have to teach young leaders that their circumstances don’t define them—their response to those circumstances does.

Success Is Bigger Than Me

For me, success isn’t just about how far I go—it’s about how many people I bring with me.

It’s about building the next generation of leaders.

I’m here because of my parents. Because of the people who saw something in me. Because of the people who didn’t see something in me, but I proved them wrong anyway.

And now, it’s my turn to be that person for someone else.

Imperium Elite Performance, The Bridge U Project, and Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation—they aren’t just organizations. They’re movements. They’re about turning adversity into opportunity, setbacks into stepping stones, and potential into greatness.

Because success isn’t about what you achieve.

It’s about what you survive.

And this?

This is only the beginning..

What should our readers know about your business?
From the NFL to Empowering the Next Generation

In 2011, I was living my dream. After years of sacrifice, relentless training, and unwavering belief in myself, I earned a spot with the Detroit Lions. The NFL—the pinnacle of professional football. I had worked my entire life to get here.

I was competing alongside some of the greatest players in the game, standing shoulder to shoulder with Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, and Ndamukong Suh. The competition was fierce, but I thrived in that environment. I was proving that I belonged.

Then, on the last play of practice, just before we were set to face the Minnesota Vikings, everything changed.

One moment, I was in the best shape of my life. The next, I was injured. And in the NFL, there’s no grace period. No second chances.

I was released.

It was one of the toughest moments of my life. But instead of letting it define me, I made a choice—I wasn’t done yet.

The Fight Back
I healed. I trained harder. And I fought my way back onto the Lions’ roster. I finished the season strong and made it to the playoffs, proving I could compete at the highest level.

But when the season ended, I was released again.

At that point, I had options—teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Arena Football League (AFL) reached out, offering me opportunities. But I wasn’t interested in just playing football.

I wanted the NFL.

So, I did what most wouldn’t. For three years, I trained alone—no team, no contract, no guarantees. Rain. Sleet. Snow. Every single day, I pushed myself because I knew I had more to give.

Eventually, I realized I needed film to get back into the league. In 2014, I played two games in the Arena Football League just to get tape. Then, another injury. A dislocated shoulder.

I should’ve been crushed. But instead, I texted my parents:

“God is still good.”

I refused to give up.

The following year, I played six more games and sent my film out. That’s when I got the call from the Cleveland Browns.

Seventy guys showed up to compete.

I was the oldest one there.

They signed three of us.

I was one of them.

It was my second chance—my moment to prove that I was exactly where I belonged. But before I could even take the next step, I tore my hamstring.

And just like that, I was released again.

More Than Football
That moment forced me to ask myself a hard question: Who am I without the game?

For years, I thought success meant playing in the NFL. But what I learned through all those setbacks is that success isn’t about where you end up—it’s about what you overcome.

Football had prepared me for something greater.

The discipline, the leadership, the mental toughness—it wasn’t just about sports. It was about life.

I realized my purpose wasn’t just to play the game—it was to take everything I had learned and use it to empower others.

The Next Chapter: Building Future Leaders
Today, I’m using that same drive and determination to help others unlock their potential.

As the founder of The Bridge U Project and Imperium Fitness Coaching, I help people push past their limits and transform their lives. I stay connected to the game through my work with High Profile Athletes, surrounding myself with individuals committed to making a positive impact.

But the work that means the most?

Joining the Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation as a board member.

I know firsthand what it’s like to fight against the odds. I know what it means to have a dream that seems just out of reach. And I know how powerful mentorship, discipline, and financial literacy can be in shaping a successful future.

Through my work with the foundation, I’m committed to equipping young people with the tools, mindset, and resilience they need to rise above their circumstances—on and off the field.

Football was my training ground, but this?

This is my purpose.

I’m here to show the next generation that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about grit, perseverance, and the willingness to rise up no matter how many times life knocks you down.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about whether you can.

It’s about whether you will.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
🏆 Where to Train Like a Champion
📍 Memorial Park Running Trails & Fitness Center
When you’re chasing a dream, discipline is non-negotiable. Memorial Park’s trails and workout stations are where I go to push my limits. Whether it’s a long-distance run to clear my mind or an intense bodyweight workout, this place fuels the grind.

📍 O Athletik Gym
This isn’t just a gym—it’s a mental and physical proving ground. With elite-level training facilities, recovery rooms, and competitive energy everywhere, O Athletik is where athletes and hustlers sharpen their edge.

💡 Where to Build and Inspire
📍 The Ion Houston
If you’re serious about innovation, leadership, and business, The Ion is where ideas turn into reality. It’s a tech hub where entrepreneurs, community leaders, and change-makers connect to build the future. The conversations here aren’t about problems—they’re about solutions.

📍 The Bridge U Project HQ
My own space for coaching, mentorship, and pushing people beyond their limits. Whether it’s working with athletes, entrepreneurs, or young leaders, this is where transformation happens.

🏟️ Where to Feel the Energy
📍 NRG Stadium
Walking into NRG on game day? That energy is different. Whether you’re watching the Texans play or catching a high-energy event, this place reminds you that anything is possible when you put in the work.

📍 Toyota Center
The home of the Rockets, where hard work and perseverance take center stage. Watching a game here isn’t just entertainment—it’s a reminder of what it means to compete, adapt, and dominate.

🔥 Where to Reset and Recharge
📍 Lucille’s
Hard work demands fuel—and Lucille’s is soul food with purpose. Founded by Chris Williams, this spot is all about legacy, leadership, and community impact. Every meal comes with a story and a mission to give back.

📍 The Post HTX Rooftop
Sometimes, you just need a spot to think, plan, and visualize the next move. The Post’s rooftop gives you that 360° view of the city—a reminder that the sky really is the limit.

📖 Where to Grow and Learn
📍 The Wise Up to Rise Up Foundation Events
You already know—this is where the next generation of leaders are built. If you’re about empowering youth, pushing past limitations, and making an impact, this is where you need to be.

📍 African American Library at the Gregory School
History. Culture. Legacy. Knowing where you come from gives you the perspective and fuel to create where you’re going. This place is more than books—it’s a blueprint for success.

💯 Houston: More Than a City—A Training Ground for Greatness
Houston isn’t just where I live—it’s where I learn, build, grind, and give back. Every spot on this list represents a piece of my journey, a lesson in resilience, and a step toward something greater.

So the next time you’re in H-Town, don’t just visit—level up.

Where are you putting in the work? 💪🔥

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I credit much of my success to the unwavering love and support of my parents, Vince Stephens—a former NFL professional athlete, engineer, and Ivy League scholar—and Veronica Stephens, whose nurturing guidance, encouragement, and values shaped my character and fueled my passion for excellence and service.

My journey has been fueled by the lessons my parents instilled in me—discipline, perseverance, and a deep commitment to service. They taught me that success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about lifting others, creating opportunities, and leaving a lasting impact.

Because of them, I stand here today—not just as an athlete, but as a leader, a builder, and a champion for those chasing their dreams.

I also recognize Khristopher Fields, Founder of the Wise Up To Rise Up Foundation, who saw the vision in my brand and empowered me to scale it to a whole new level. He didn’t just support my vision—he elevated it. He recognized the potential in my mission before the world fully understood it, and through his leadership with the Wise Up To Rise Up Foundation, he provided the platform and resources to expand my impact, amplify my message, and empower even more lives.

With his guidance, I’ve been able to take everything I’ve learned—from my time in the NFL to my journey as a mentor and leader—and channel it into building the next generation of leaders.

And this is only the beginning.

Website: https://WISEUPTORISEUP.COM