Purpose Wins! OU Football’s John Locke’s Story

In this episode of Purpose NIL, Emmy Award-winning host James M. Rink sits down with University of Oklahoma tight end John Locke. Together, they explore how defining a personal purpose statement can fuel performance on the field and shape life beyond football. John shares his drafts of purpose statements, anchored in love, gratitude, passion, and inspiration. Their conversation reveals how purpose clarifies decisions, strengthens leadership, and builds a personal brand that inspires teammates, family, and future generations.

Takeaways

• Empower student athletes to define their life's purpose.
• NIL opportunities extend beyond college athletes to anyone with a personal brand.
• A purpose statement can help build a personal brand.
• John’s Core feelings include love, gratitude, passion, and inspiration.
• Action words are essential for defining purpose in life.
• Drafting a purpose statement requires reflection and revision.
• Living your purpose can inspire others, especially children.
• Purpose can guide actions in sports and personal life.
• A daily personal purpose plan can help navigate challenges.
• Purpose statements should be broad yet personal, encompassing all aspects of life.

Recorded on April 4, 2025

John Locke in Norman, OK

James M. Rink in Nashville, TN

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In this inspiring episode of Purpose NIL, hosts James M. Rink and John Locke take you behind the scenes

of spring football training at the University of Oklahoma. John opens up about the pressure and anticipation surrounding the OU Crimson Combine, revealing the high-stakes environment is shaping his mindset and purpose.

Together, they unpack what it means to live with intention—connecting core feelings, and actions to create a life that influences others. John shares the people he’s passionate about impacting-Children, Men, Leaders, and his Family-as he works toward crafting a powerful purpose statement.

Special guest Dr. Maribeth Kuzmeski (aka “Dr. K’), NIL social media expert from Oklahoma State University, joins the conversation to talk all things personal branding. She shares the story behind the creation of OSU’s Brand Squad, explains the biggest social media mistakes college athletes make, and offers practical, game-changing tips for turning online presence into NIL potential.

Plus, John reflects on his experience with the Purpose of You Transformational Assessment and how living with purpose has already elevated his joy, focus, and leadership. Stay tuned for the next episode, whereJohn drafts his personal purpose statement.

Takeaways

• John is excited yet nervous about the Crimson Combine.
• Spring football training is intense and demanding.
• Identifying core feelings helps in defining purpose.
• Gratefulness can be found in small moments during practice.
• John wants to inspire children to pursue their dreams.
• Men face unique pressures that require supportive influences.
• Silent leaders play a crucial role in team dynamics.
• Family influence is important for John's future aspirations.
• A personal purpose statement connects feelings, actions, and people.
• Living one's purpose attracts NIL opportunities and followers.
• Dr. K created Brand Squad to help athletes with NIL.

• Brand Squad has 150 members helping athletes with deals.
• Followers are crucial for business deals in NIL.
• Social Media Content should go beyond just on-field activities.
• Athletes should conduct a brand audit of their social media.
• Cleaning up past social media posts is essential.
• Social media should reflect the athlete's story.
• Engagement rates matter more than just follower counts.
• Businesses should consider the athlete's follower demographics.
• Consistent and interesting content is key to growing followers.

• Living your purpose can significantly enhance joy and happiness.
• Quality of life improves when you align with your purpose.
• Influencing others, especially children, is a vital aspect of John’s personal purpose.
• The Purpose of You assessment helps identify transformative questions.
• Personal growth is linked to understanding and living your purpose.
• Engagement in meaningful work elevates performance and satisfaction.
• Writing a purpose statement is a crucial step in self-discovery.
• Sharing experiences can inspire others on their purpose journey.
• The journey of purpose is ongoing and evolves over time.
• Community and support play a key role in personal transformation.

Recorded on March 28, 2025

John Locke, Norman, OK

Maribeth Kuzmeski, PhD., Stillwater, OK

James M. Rink, Nashville, TN

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Purpose NIL; OU Football’s John Locke: Purpose Beyond the Game

From Oklahoma’s football field to Wall Street ambitions, tight end John Locke opens up about the power of passion, family, and faith in shaping his purpose. Guided by host James M. Rink, this Purpose NIL journey reveals how core values fuel not only athletic victories but also a vision for leadership, finance, and a life lived with meaning.

Discover the story behind the athlete—and be inspired to define your own purpose. Watch now.

In this episode of Purpose NIL, host James M. Rink welcomes back John Locke, a football tight end from the University of Oklahoma, to discuss the journey of becoming NIL entrepreneurs for the greater good. Together, they explore how John’s core feelings, influenced by his parents, shape his passion for football and his future career in finance. A major highlight includes developing a personal purpose statement by connecting core feelings to actions and people, using the formula: feelings plus actions plus people equal purpose. John shares insights into how passion, inspire, grateful, and invest are ways he lives through football. His passion for winning and his commitment to security are discussed through his role as a tight end. They also touch on John's academic pursuits in economics and finance, framing his vision for a future in investment banking, and how his core feelings translate into this field. John shares his dreams, achievements, leadership roles, and how he's preparing for his summer internship. Through anecdotes, such as his impactful trip on Southwest Airlines, John connects personal stories to enhance his NIL brand. The conversation embraces the ever-growing importance of purpose, personal branding, and mental health awareness for student-athletes amidst a global climate of change and uncertainty. Join them in exploring the authentic journey of identifying core actions and feelings as John unveils pathways for his purpose-driven life, both on and off the field. Discover how to monetize your Purpose NIL.

Recorded on March 21, 2025

John Locke in San Antonio, TX

James M. Rink in Nashville, TN

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