From Nfl Gridiron to Children's Author: Brandin Bryant's 'Can I Pet That Dog?' Revealed

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For decades, the standard post-NFL path followed a predictable script: high school coaching, sports broadcasting, local car dealerships, or commercial real estate. Those paths remain active, but a growing cohort of athletes is charting a different course through children's publishing. Former NFL tight end Martellus Bennett launched his own multimedia production house, and Academy Award winner Matthew A. Cherry parlayed his football background into acclaimed storytelling with Hair Love.

This movement stems from a changing understanding of personal brand and community impact. Athletes recognize the authority they command with children. When an imposing former defensive tackle explains that you must ask before petting a dog, children pay attention. The message lands with distinctive weight.

Publishing picture books also allows athletes to control their intellectual property. The self-publishing and independent imprint landscapes have matured significantly over the past five years. Athletes no longer wait for legacy publishing houses in New York to validate their concepts. They retain ownership, license auxiliary rights, organize community readings, and bring stories straight to school districts and public television audiences.