🏅 Interview with Reggie Calhoun Jr. Creator of Navigator SystemTM️

Hey there,

In today’s expert interview we are thrilled to feature Reggie Calhoun Jr., a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to empowering athletes to take control of their careers and build legacies that extend well beyond their playing days. With a unique background as an athlete, soldier, and business leader, Reggie has developed the Navigator System™️—a comprehensive framework designed to help athletes cultivate their brands, forge meaningful connections with the business world, and secure sustainable success.

Join us as we explore Reggie's insights on the current state of NIL, the importance of strategic brand development, and how athletes can navigate this evolving landscape to create lasting influence. 

Whether you're an athlete seeking guidance or a business looking to partner with emerging leaders, Reggie's expertise offers valuable perspectives.

Let’s get into it! 

— Cole, Justin and Collin

Your Navigator System™️ emphasizes long-term success over quick wins. How do you convince athletes and their families to prioritize sustainable brand building over immediate financial gains in the NIL landscape?

Great Question, you’ve done your research! My Navigator System™️ is a guiding system. A process on management and operations, it  isn’t about chasing quick wins , it’s about creating something that lasts, something that keeps growing. I tell athletes and their families, it's not just about grabbing money right now. It's about setting yourself up for success in the long run, and that’s where my pillars come in: Own, Leverage, Vision, Lead, Grow.

First, you’ve gotta Own your brand. NIL is cool, but if you’re just out there taking quick deals, you’re missing the point. You need to own your story, own your brand, and control how the world sees you. That’s where the foundation starts. If you don’t own it, someone else will.

Next, it’s all about Leverage. It’s tempting to take the first check that comes your way, but the real power comes when you learn to leverage your brand for bigger, longer-term opportunities. Quick money? That’ll come and go. But aligning with the right people and building relationships that last? That’s where your real value lies.

Now, Vision is the key. Without vision, you're just taking deals for the sake of it, and that’s not going to build you a future. You have to think beyond today. What do you want your life to look like after sports? What kind of legacy do you want to leave? NIL is just one piece of the puzzle, and we work on showing athletes how to fit that piece into the bigger picture for long-term success.

Lead is huge. You don’t just want to be an athlete who gets deals handed to them. You want to be someone who leads their brand, who sets the tone, and who drives the conversation. That’s the mindset we instill in our athletes, how to lead their career, their community, and their future with intention.

Lastly, Grow. Growth isn’t just about getting bigger deals, it’s about becoming a true business. It’s about evolving, learning, and adapting to ensure that you’re not just getting by, but thriving long-term, no matter what happens in the game.

So, when I talk to athletes and their families, I show them that focusing on quick wins might feel good now, but building a solid foundation for the future is where the real success is. It’s about playing the long game, not just for today, but for everything that’s ahead.

As someone who's been an athlete, a soldier, and now an entrepreneur, how do these diverse experiences shape your approach to NIL and athlete development?

All of those experiences being an athlete, a soldier, and now an entrepreneur have shaped the way I approach NIL and athlete development in a big way.

As an athlete, I understand the grind, the dedication, and the sacrifice it takes to get to the top. I know what it's like to put in the work, to face the pressure, and to push through the challenges. But what I also know is that as athletes, we're often trained to focus solely on the game — we don’t always think about the next phase of life or how to control our own brand and legacy. That’s why in my approach to NIL, I’m all about helping athletes see beyond the field and giving them the tools to manage their careers like real businesses.

Now, as a soldier, I learned discipline, structure, and the importance of mission. In the military, you’ve got to follow through, work as a team, and have a clear sense of purpose. That’s something I carry into my work with athletes. NIL isn't just about making money — it's about having a clear strategy, a mission, and a plan to execute it. You don’t just jump in blindly, you stay focused, and you adjust when necessary. That soldier mentality helps me keep athletes on track and thinking long-term.

And then, being an entrepreneur brings everything full circle. It taught me that real success isn’t handed to you, you’ve got to build it, you've got to pivot when things don’t go as planned, and you’ve got to have a vision for what you want to create. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned how to scale businesses, develop systems, and build partnerships. All of that ties directly into helping athletes create sustainable brands through NIL. It's not just about the first deal; it’s about making sure they have the right foundation to build something bigger, something that lasts.

So, when I combine all those pieces, athlete, soldier, entrepreneur,  it’s all about mindset and strategy. It’s about teaching athletes how to be disciplined, strategic, and entrepreneurial in everything they do, both on and off the field. That’s how we make sure they build real legacies, not just quick wins.

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What are the most common misconceptions you encounter about NIL among athletes, businesses, and schools, and how does your system address these?

Honestly!??, the misconceptions around NIL; let me tell you, there are a lot of them. I see it all the time with athletes, businesses, and schools, and it’s important we get past the noise of the industry. But that’s where my system comes in, to clear things up and provide a roadmap for real success.

First, with athletes, one of the biggest misconceptions is that NIL is all about quick money. Athletes think that just by signing with a brand or getting a deal, they’ll immediately be rolling in cash. The reality? NIL is a long game. It’s about building your brand, forming lasting relationships, and positioning yourself for future opportunities. That’s where my system — particularly the Own and Leverage pillars; comes in. We focus on helping athletes understand that true value doesn’t come from just signing any deal. It comes from owning your brand, knowing how to leverage it, and creating opportunities that bring consistent, sustainable growth.

Next, businesses often think NIL is just a marketing tool, where they can throw money at athletes for some quick exposure. But the problem is that many businesses don’t understand the value in building a true partnership with athletes. They treat it like a one-time campaign instead of a long-term investment. My system helps businesses see that NIL is more than just advertising; it's about creating real relationships with athletes who align with their brand values. Vision and Lead are key here — businesses need to have a long-term vision for their NIL partnerships, and they need to lead with authenticity, not just sales pitches.

Then, when it comes to schools, a lot of them still think NIL is just about keeping athletes happy with the biggest paycheck. But what schools don’t always realize is that they have a role in supporting the overall brand development of their athletes. Schools have a unique opportunity to create an ecosystem where athletes can thrive — not just in their sport, but as entrepreneurs and future leaders. My system addresses this by showing schools how to create a framework where NIL works in conjunction with academic success, athletic development, and overall brand building. It’s about a holistic approach, where schools are helping athletes grow into well-rounded individuals, not just signing a bunch of endorsement deals.

So, my system — with its focus on Own, Leverage, Vision, Lead, and Grow — really helps clear up those misconceptions. It teaches athletes to think beyond the immediate dollar signs, businesses to see NIL as a long-term investment, and schools to focus on the bigger picture: athlete development, brand growth, and sustainability. We’re shifting the mindset from quick wins to lasting success.

Can you share a success story of an athlete who has used your Navigator System™️ to build a lasting brand and secure post-athletic career opportunities?

I’ve been working with athletes and their transitions for over a decade, long before NIL had a name or any buzz around it. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of success stories, but the one that hits closest to home is about my very first athlete, Eryon Jefferson. It’s one of those stories that reminds me why I started and why I keep doing this work.

I met Eryon right out of high school. He was young, hungry, and ready to figure out what was next. He took a chance on my program, and after a year, we had a conversation that changed both our lives. He told me he didn’t want to play football anymore. Now, that’s a big moment for any athlete, and I knew it wasn’t just about giving up the sport — it was about redefining his identity and figuring out his next move. So, we sat down and mapped it all out. What did he really want to do? What was his vision for his life after football?

Fast forward to today, and Eryon has built an incredible, sustainable business and brand. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in the game — I’m talking fashion, music, liquor, event production, music tours, you name it. He’s out here providing multimedia services, producing activations, and creating experiences for major brands and entertainers. And here’s the kicker: he’s also the creative mastermind behind all of my content and imagery online. Every visual you’ve seen from me? That’s Eryon.

What’s even more special is the journey we’ve been on together. We’ve traveled the world doing work we’re passionate about, building brands, and helping others tell their stories. It all started with football, but what it’s grown into is so much bigger than either of us could’ve imagined back then.

I love sharing Eryon’s story because it’s not just about his success — it’s about the process. It’s about taking that leap, trusting the system, and putting in the work to create something meaningful. For me, his journey is a reminder of why I do what I do: helping athletes see the bigger picture, guiding them through their transitions, and showing them that their potential goes far beyond the game. That first success is what lit the fire for me to keep building this system and helping others navigate their own paths.

How do you see the NIL landscape evolving in the next few years, and how is your approach preparing athletes for these future changes?

The NIL landscape is still young, and I see it evolving in a way where it’s less about the hype and more about structure and sustainability. Right now, a lot of people are chasing deals and quick wins, but the next few years will separate the ones who have a plan from the ones who don’t. Schools, athletes, and even brands are going to demand more professionalism, accountability, and real ROI from these partnerships.

For athletes, I think the shift will focus on building more than a brand — it’s going to be about creating businesses, leveraging technology, and connecting with audiences in deeper, more authentic ways. NIL isn’t just about sports; it’s about being a personality, a leader, and, ultimately, a business owner. Athletes who understand this now will be ahead of the curve when NIL evolves into something bigger than it is today.

That’s where my approach comes in. My system is built on pillars that don’t just work for NIL today but are designed to grow with it. Own, Leverage, Vision, Lead, and Grow — these aren’t just buzzwords. They’re tools that teach athletes how to take control of their careers, see the bigger picture, and adapt to the changes that are coming.

For example, athletes who understand the importance of owning their story and brand won’t be caught off guard when the market demands more authenticity. Those who learn to leverage their opportunities won’t just rely on one-off deals but will turn partnerships into long-term collaborations. And having vision is crucial because NIL is about more than just now — it’s about positioning yourself for what comes next, whether that’s entrepreneurship, leadership roles, or even opportunities outside of sports altogether.

As NIL continues to evolve, so will the expectations. Athletes who lead with purpose and show real growth will stand out. My job is to make sure they’re prepared for that — not just for today’s game but for the next play, the next season, and their life beyond sports. The landscape might change, but the principles of success? Those don’t. And that’s what my system is built to deliver.