Hey, it doesn’t matter where you start; it’s where you end up. That’s a big thing I take to heart.”
Eric Fisher at the 2013 NFL Combine

The 2013 NFL Draft provided many shockers and upsets to predictions and mock draft analyzers. One surprise came as the Kansas City Chiefs chose under the radar tackle Eric Fisher for their number one selection. Fisher played well at Central Michigan for four years, and is known for his mental game of football as well as his ferocious physical play. Mostly unnoticed in the Mid-American Conference, Fisher impressed scouts with his football confidence at this year’s Senior Bowl followed by an outstanding performance at the NFL combine.

Fisher’s mental toughness and continued focus on the ultimate goal of reaching the NFL never faltered as he basically rose from obscurity to the stage as the overall #1 pick of 2013. “It was almost surreal that phone call was happening,” said Fisher. “It was my goal all along, but I think it didn’t hit me until my phone rang.”

Central Michigan’s coaches love Eric Fisher’s football mind and tremendous work ethic. Former CMU head coach Butch Jones who recruited Fisher offered his insight into his player, “We knew he had unlimited potential. Here was an individual who was 240 pounds around the time of recruitment, but he had the frame to put weight on and the ability to hold it. He’s extremely tough mentally and physically. We thought he was a very gifted young man coming to us.”

Fisher also knew his mental preparation for football provided the ability to maintain focus on goals and improvement. This mental focus allowed for great success both in the weight room, and on the football field. His strength and conditioning coach, Rick Perry, explained how much he enjoyed working with Fisher when he said, “I feel fortunate to have been able to work with him. He came into the weight room every day with a purpose and the same discipline that he showed on the field.”

Now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Eric Fisher’s performance expectations have increased along with his rise on the draft board. Sports psychology for football knows that history proves many number one choices never find success in the NFL. High expectations and scrutiny follow the multi-million dollar contracts given to still impressionable young men. Often this mixture proves to be too much for the mental toughness of a player, and the football confidence deteriorates along with performance.

However, Fisher’s football mind maintains an incredible mental focus on the task at hand, and a willingness to contribute to his team in any role where he is needed. His background suggests his mindset will remain grounded on the mental preparation needed for the NFL, and hopefully ability to diminish outside negative distractors from his game.

Coach Andy Reid said this about the Chief’s selection of Fisher, “What you’re getting is a very athletic player, a great kid, a smart kid — engineering major. He can play any position along the line, and loves to play the game.When you have a chance to meet him tomorrow you’ll see that he is focused. You just get that sense that he’s with you. That’s what we felt when we worked him out. It was no nonsense, let’s get to work.”

Eric Fisher’s recent achievement proves the power of mental preparation and maintaining a positive focus plays in overall success. Congratulations to Eric Fisher on his hard work and best of luck on his new career in the NFL.