Daron K. Roberts, J.D.

Daron K. Roberts, J.D. Daron K. Roberts, J.D. is an influencer

474 Keynotes | Top 10 Business Leadership Speakers of 2024 | #1 LinkedIn Top Voice in Sports | Status Quo Combatant | Stay In The Deep End

Austin, Texas, United States
66K followers 500+ connections

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About

My sole mission is to help humans wage war against their status quo.

I am a word trafficker. I spend my days crafting keynotes and writing stories.

During my third year at Harvard Law School, I realized I wanted to become a football coach so I wrote a letter to every team in the NFL.

My direct mail campaign to 32 NFL teams yielded a 99.0325% failure rate. 31 teams rejected me.

I was $250,000 in debt.

No job offer.

Two months before graduation.

And I finally got the call.

That plunge into the Deep End led to seven years coaching in the NFL and college.

Today, I serve as founding director of the Center for Sports Leadership & Innovation (CSLi) at the University of Texas.

CSLI is the first university-based institute dedicated to developing leadership and character curricula for high school and collegiate athletes.

I also teach one of UT's most popular courses - Gameplan for Winning at Life. This course is a deep dive into vulnerability, empathy, grit, failure management and rejection immunity.

How May I Add Value to Your Journey?

Speaking - Each year I deliver over 50 talks worldwide to Fortune 500 companies, school districts and professional sports teams. Former clients include Coca-Cola, New York Giants, Amazon, Google, Facebook and Chik-fil-A.

Coaching - Each year I take ten clients on a 6-month journey. Using my I³ approach, we will delve into the worlds of introspection, iteration and influence.

Consulting - I work with venture capital and private equity groups on the sourcing, valuation and vetting process associated with sports startups.

Let's take the plunge.

Stay In The Deep End.

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Articles by Daron K.

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Experience

  • Deep End Ventures Graphic

    Chief Dive Instructor

    Deep End Ventures

    - Present 9 years 7 months

    Austin, Texas, United States

    As Chief Dive Instructor, Roberts guides both individuals and teams into the Deep End of their leadership journey.

    A Harvard Law grad turned NFL coach, Roberts leverages two decades of management expertise into his keynotes and coaching sessions.

    He has advised startups, boards of director, and C-Suite executives as they execute mission critical management blueprints.

  • Monetize Your Message Graphic

    Co-Founder

    Monetize Your Message

    - Present 2 years 7 months

    Austin, Texas, United States

  • Saddle Capital Graphic

    Board Member

    Saddle Capital

    - Present 3 years 1 month

    Houston, Texas, United States

    Saddle Capital is focused on acquiring a Texas-based service company and holding it for the long haul.

    We believe Texas legacies should not be sacrificed for short-term financial gain.

    Saddle Capital aspires to build the communities and employees of any business we invest in.

    That’s why we don’t sell our investments, and instead are permanent homes for businesses we acquire. Too often business owners are faced with the “gut and flip” model, as is so common in private…

    Saddle Capital is focused on acquiring a Texas-based service company and holding it for the long haul.

    We believe Texas legacies should not be sacrificed for short-term financial gain.

    Saddle Capital aspires to build the communities and employees of any business we invest in.

    That’s why we don’t sell our investments, and instead are permanent homes for businesses we acquire. Too often business owners are faced with the “gut and flip” model, as is so common in private equity, where businesses are left in disarray.

    Saddle Capital is not a private equity group - we work full-time at the company we aim to acquire.

    We leverage our background to implement sales best-practices, spend disciplines and a boost in man-power. We care for your people and rely on existing management and/or operating partners for their sector-specific expertise.

  • Center for Sports Leadership & Innovation (UT-Austin) Graphic

    Founding Director

    Center for Sports Leadership & Innovation (UT-Austin)

    - 8 years 7 months

    The University of Texas

    As founding director of the Center for Sports Leadership & Innovation (CSLi), Roberts manages the fundraising, budgeting and strategic management of CSLi.

  • The University of Texas at Austin Graphic

    Lecturer in the Humanities

    The University of Texas at Austin

    - 8 years 11 months

    Austin, Texas Area

    - Teach upper-division honors seminars including: "Leadership Strategy in Sports", "Weaponry of Words: The Power of Speechwriting" and "Rejection Immunity"
    - Examine the leadership dilemmas facing sports practitioners in the areas of analytics, finance, innovation, strategy development and compensation

    Sample Course Description:

    In February of 2014, Michael Sam, a former outside linebacker for the University of Missouri and SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, announced that he…

    - Teach upper-division honors seminars including: "Leadership Strategy in Sports", "Weaponry of Words: The Power of Speechwriting" and "Rejection Immunity"
    - Examine the leadership dilemmas facing sports practitioners in the areas of analytics, finance, innovation, strategy development and compensation

    Sample Course Description:

    In February of 2014, Michael Sam, a former outside linebacker for the University of Missouri and SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, announced that he was gay. The announcement did not come as a surprise to his former teammates – Sam had shared his sexual orientation during a fall practice session the previous year – but the news sent shockwaves through the news media. His declaration was met with both scorn and praise. With the NFL Draft nearly four months away, would Sam become the first openly gay player in the NFL?

    His courage attracted international media attention and drew the support of First Lady Michelle Obama via Twitter: “You’re an inspiration to all of us, @MikeSamFootball. We couldn’t be prouder of your courage both on and off the field.” But some NFL players, including Jonathan Vilma, voiced uneasiness about Sam’s reception in the locker-room. “I think he [Sam] would not be accepted as much as we think he would be accepted,” Vilma cautioned.

    The Sam Saga underscores the extent to which sports reflect ideological divides in our culture. In this course, we will frame our discussion of contemporary issues in sports through a historical lens that examines the introduction of athletic contests into American society. Next, we will use this backdrop to wade through complex social, economic and cultural issues including: compensation of college athletes, use of analytics to inform decision-making, minority representation among players and managers, introduction of openly gay athletes and the health implications of player safety.

  • Texas McCombs School of Business Graphic

    Lecturer

    Texas McCombs School of Business

    - 1 year

    Austin, Texas, United States

    - Develop curricula related to disruptive innovation in sports technology for management majors

    - Host an array of guest speakers ranging from venture capitalists to startup founders

    - Oversee competitive sports tech startup competition between McCombs upperclassmen/women

  • AMASS Graphic

    Co-Founder

    AMASS

    - 1 year 3 months

    Austin, Texas, United States

    Amass provides access to vetted, exclusive deals in alternative investments across real estate, venture capital and crypto.

    We make these deals available to accredited and non accredited Black investors.

  • MIDAS Education Graphic

    Advisory Board Member

    MIDAS Education

    - 4 years 4 months

  • SXSW Graphic

    Advisory Board Member

    SXSW

    - 6 years 8 months

    Austin, Texas Area

    As an advisory board member, I help to select SXSW panel proposals that explore the future of competition from a cultural, philosophical, and technological perspective. Topics include how esports challenge our traditional understanding of competitive athletes, big data’s role in revolutionizing various areas within the sports industry, and reimagining the state of fan engagement.

  • CEO & Founder

    4th and 1

    - 12 years 11 months

    Created nonprofit that provides free SAT prep, life skills workshops and football training to at-risk youth in Michigan and Texas.

  • Notley Graphic

    Partner

    Notley

    - 1 year 6 months

    Austin, Texas, United States

  • Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Graphic

    Advisory Board Member

    Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

    - 4 years 2 months

  • Harvard Law School Graphic

    Alumni in Residence

    Harvard Law School

    - 1 month

    Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

    Mentored matriculating Harvard Law students in career development and strategic pivoting

  • Presidential Leadership Scholars Graphic

    Inaugural Class Member

    Presidential Leadership Scholars

    - 6 months

    Presidential Leadership Scholars serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.

  • ESPN Graphic

    Guest Analyst (Longhorn Network)

    ESPN

    - 8 months

    Austin, Texas Area

    Analyzed developments surrounding the University of Texas football program for the "Longhorn Extra" segment

  • Cleveland Browns Graphic

    Defensive Quality Control Coach

    Cleveland Browns

    - 1 year 1 month

    Berea, OH

  • West Virginia University

    West Virginia University

    1 year 3 months

    • West Virginia University Graphic

      Adjunct Professor

      West Virginia University

      - 5 months

      Morgantown, WV

      Roberts crafted a curriculum for LDR:382: The Speech as a Leadership Tool. The course surveyed great speeches ranging from world history and featured nine students.

    • West Virginia University Graphic

      Co-Special Teams Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach

      West Virginia University

      - 1 year

      During the 2011 season, Roberts coached a receivers unit that experienced a breakout season under his direction. WVU finished 6th nationally in passing offense, 13th in scoring offense and 15th in total offense. Before Roberts’ arrival, the Mountaineers ranked 67th in passing offense in 2010, 78th in scoring offense, and 67th in total offense.

      The Mountaineers set the school record for most passing yards in a season 4,500 yards. Outside receiver, Stedman Bailey, set the school record…

      During the 2011 season, Roberts coached a receivers unit that experienced a breakout season under his direction. WVU finished 6th nationally in passing offense, 13th in scoring offense and 15th in total offense. Before Roberts’ arrival, the Mountaineers ranked 67th in passing offense in 2010, 78th in scoring offense, and 67th in total offense.

      The Mountaineers set the school record for most passing yards in a season 4,500 yards. Outside receiver, Stedman Bailey, set the school record for most receiving yards in a season (1,269) and set the record for most 100-yard receiving performances in a season (7) and most consecutive 100-yard receiving performances (5).

      In his first season as co-special teams coordinator, Roberts had a successful debut as the Mountaineers finished 20th nationally in punt returns and 26th in kickoff returns. The year marked a significant improvement from a 2010 campaign in which the Mountaineers finished 58th in punt returns and 108th in kickoff returns.

      One of Roberts’ top pupils, Tavon Austin, finished 1st nationally in all-purpose yards (2,574), 6th in punt returns (268) and 20th in kickoff returns (938). He earned 1st Team honors on the CBSSports.com and Phil Steele all-American teams as an all-purpose player.

  • Detroit Lions Graphic

    Assistant Secondary Coach

    Detroit Lions

    - 2 years 3 months

    As the assistant secondary coach with the Detroit Lions, Roberts took over co-leadership of the secondary after the Lions posted the worst record in NFL history (0-16). During his two years with the team, the secondary in particular and the defense in general made vast gains. The year prior to Roberts’ arrival, the Lions finished 27th in passing yards, and was last in total yards, interceptions and scoring defense. In 2010, Roberts’ last year with the organization, the defense finished 16th…

    As the assistant secondary coach with the Detroit Lions, Roberts took over co-leadership of the secondary after the Lions posted the worst record in NFL history (0-16). During his two years with the team, the secondary in particular and the defense in general made vast gains. The year prior to Roberts’ arrival, the Lions finished 27th in passing yards, and was last in total yards, interceptions and scoring defense. In 2010, Roberts’ last year with the organization, the defense finished 16th in passing yards, 21st in total yards and 19th in scoring defense. In that same year, the secondary unit accounted for 14 interceptions, nearly quadruple the unit’s production in 2008.

  • Kansas City Chiefs Graphic

    Defensive Assistant Coach

    Kansas City Chiefs

    - 1 year 7 months

    Roberts started his coaching career as a training camp intern with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2007 season. After a season of volunteering for the defensive and special teams units, Head Coach Herm Edwards elevated him to defensive quality control assistant in 2008. During that time, Roberts was responsible for opponent breakdowns and assisting with the defensive secondary.

  • United States Senate Graphic

    U.S. Senate Aide to Governmental Affairs Committee

    United States Senate

    - 1 year

Education

Volunteer Experience

  • Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Graphic

    Independent Board Member

    Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

    - Present 5 years 4 months

    Education

    The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation exists to bring better to the world through investment in exceptional high school students who are dedicated to leadership, service, and action that positively affects others. $70,000,000 total awarded in scholarships since 1989.

  • NFL Alumni Association Graphic

    Member

    NFL Alumni Association

    - Present 5 years 4 months

    Economic Empowerment

Skills

Publications

  • Microwins: Go Small, Build Momentum, and Tackle the Goals that Actually Matter in Life

    Wiley

    Microwins: Go Small, Build Momentum, and Tackle the Goals that Actually Matter in Life, by Daron K. Roberts, a former NFL coach turned leadership advisor and author, presents an invigorating approach to achieving your most ambitious goals through the accumulation of small victories. Daron shares his insights on harnessing the power of Microwins―modest, manageable successes that collectively pave the way to significant triumphs.

    In the book, you'll:

    Learn how small victories can…

    Microwins: Go Small, Build Momentum, and Tackle the Goals that Actually Matter in Life, by Daron K. Roberts, a former NFL coach turned leadership advisor and author, presents an invigorating approach to achieving your most ambitious goals through the accumulation of small victories. Daron shares his insights on harnessing the power of Microwins―modest, manageable successes that collectively pave the way to significant triumphs.

    In the book, you'll:

    Learn how small victories can lead to monumental success, transforming how you approach your goals in life and work.

    Unlock the secrets to sustained growth and fulfillment in your personal and professional life with practical, actionable strategies.

    Break free from the myths and mindsets that limit your potential and redefine your path to achieving your biggest dreams.

    Roberts expertly guides readers through the process of identifying and accumulating these Microwins, offering a practical playbook for sustained satisfaction, fulfillment, and happiness in various aspects of life. From professional growth to personal health and relationships, this book demonstrates how to achieve long-term goals with bite-sized successes.

    This insightful guide also tackles the psychological barriers that often hinder progress, providing readers with strategies to enhance self-talk and focus on achievable steps towards their ultimate goals. It's a must-read for managers, executives, professionals, athletes, and anyone looking to unlock their true potential. Transform your life, one small win at a time.

    See publication

  • A Kids Book About Empathy

    A Kids Co.

    This is a book about empathy. Feelings aren’t always easy, especially when they are other people’s. This book teaches kids (and grownups) how to feel “with” someone, and not just for them.

    See publication

  • Call An Audible

    Greenleaf Publishing

    Amazon Best seller in Mentoring & Coaching

    In the summer of 2006, author Daron K. Roberts was just one year away from earning a law degree from his dream school: Harvard. But that summer, in the throes of a clerkship at a Texas law firm, Roberts had a revelation - he wanted something different. Very different. Daron Roberts wanted to be an NFL football coach.

    After making the transition from Harvard Law student to NFL newbie, Roberts worked as a coach for the Kansas City Chiefs…

    Amazon Best seller in Mentoring & Coaching

    In the summer of 2006, author Daron K. Roberts was just one year away from earning a law degree from his dream school: Harvard. But that summer, in the throes of a clerkship at a Texas law firm, Roberts had a revelation - he wanted something different. Very different. Daron Roberts wanted to be an NFL football coach.

    After making the transition from Harvard Law student to NFL newbie, Roberts worked as a coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, West Virginia Mountaineers, and the Cleveland Browns. But he’s not forgotten how hard it was to take that first step in a new direction. In Call an Audible, Roberts shares his inspiring journey and reveals his playbook to help guide your next transition.

    See publication

Courses

  • Disruptive Innovation in Sports

    29515

  • Gameplan for Winning at Life

    87310

  • Leadership Strategy in Sports

    30294

Projects

  • Secondary Summit

    Secondary Summit is a football clinic that convenes the best defensive minds from the National Football League, college and high school ranks for an intensive day of instruction and strategy development.

    See project

  • 4th and 1, Inc.

    4th and 1 is a free football camp for high school students from underrepresented groups held in Mt. Pleasant, Texas and East Lansing, Michigan. It is the only football camp in North America to balance sports training with SAT/ACT prep and diagnostics, professional development, creative workshops, and life skills classes. Our mission is to propel our student-athletes through high school and college by providing them with individualized athletic, academic, and professional skills development.

    See project

Honors & Awards

  • Silver Spurs Centennial Teaching Award

    Silver Spurs and College of Liberal Arts

    In recognition of exemplary performance and commitment to teaching

  • Distinguished University Lecturer

    University of Texas

    Named as one of the School of Undergraduate Studies' distinguished lecturers

  • Presidential Leadership Scholar

    Presidential Leadership Scholars Program

    The Presidential Leadership Scholars program – a joint venture between Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush – tabbed Roberts as a Presidential Leadership Scholar for 2015. He was one of 60 members in the inaugural class.

    The Presidential Leadership Scholars program was developed to increase social good in communities large and small through leadership development, with the belief that a certain kind of leadership is necessary to solve the many complex challenges of society…

    The Presidential Leadership Scholars program – a joint venture between Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush – tabbed Roberts as a Presidential Leadership Scholar for 2015. He was one of 60 members in the inaugural class.

    The Presidential Leadership Scholars program was developed to increase social good in communities large and small through leadership development, with the belief that a certain kind of leadership is necessary to solve the many complex challenges of society.

    The program draws upon the resources of the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. The executive-style program takes scholars to each participating presidential center to study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership. Scholars learn from the former presidents, key administration officials, and leading academics. They further hone their leadership abilities through interactions with mentors, a vibrant network of peers, and others who can help them make a greater impact in their communities.

  • Young Global Leader

    World Economic Forum

    One of 214 leaders, under the age of 40, chosen from 66 countries for their contributions in the private and public sectors.

  • Harvard Kennedy School - 75 Most Fascinating Alumni

    Harvard Kennedy School

    In commemoration of the Kennedy School's 75th Anniversary, 75 alumni were chosen for their extraordinary stories.

  • Outstanding Young Texas Ex

    University of Texas

    Initiated in 1980, the Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award recognizes four Texas Exes under the age of 40 who have made significant achievements in their careers and service to the University. Awards are presented in Austin on the day of UT spring commencement.

  • Most Outstanding Student of The University of Texas

    The University of Texas

    This award is given to two seniors at the University of Texas who exemplify leadership, scholarship, character and service

  • Student Body President

    University of Texas at Austin

    Elected to serve as student body president of the country's largest university.

Languages

  • Spanish

    -

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