Some NFL players are learning to chase their interests beyond football – USA TODAY

SportsPulse: NFL reporter Jori Epstein connected with Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb on USA TODAY's virtual radio row. USA TODAY

Football, Chase Winovich says, is the fuel source itself.

The Patriots defensive end takes seriously the time and commitment his NFL career requires. But if football fuels opportunities on and off the field, consider Winovich a proponent of a balanced diet.

I honestly think its healthier, he told USA TODAY Sports by phone of his decision to launch a production company during his playing career. My youth, energy and passion (can) funnel toward something thats kind of flexing a different part of my brain that I believe football doesnt capture.

Im more motivated to play football, more inspired from a general life sense.

The NFL Players Associationdelivered a concurrent message Tuesday in the organization'sthird annual #AthleteAnd workshop. Ninety-eight professional athletes representing leagues including the NFL, WNBA, MLS and NWSL gathered virtually for professional development, networking and perspective on how to chase their passions beyond sports even before the end of their athletic careers are in sight.

Institutional support of off-field development isnt always a given, nine-year NFL safety Michael Thomas said.

I remember very early on, a GM definitely had a conversation like, As soon as you start thinking about anything out of football, youre already out of the game, Thomas told USA TODAY Sports by phone. Im like, Bro, Ive got all type of other passions I want to do.

Chase Winovich has played two seasons for the Patriots after being a third-round draft choice in 2019 out of Michigan.(Photo: Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports)

The #AthleteAnd workshop aimed to encourage diverse exploration. Athletes heard from Saints linebacker Demario Davis; WNBPApresident and WNBA All-Star Nneka Ogwumike; and TV producer and former NFL linebacker Spencer Paysinger on how best to balance their professions and passions.

NFL brothers Sam and Emmanuel Acho, each a published authorandphilanthropist, discussed how players could use their platforms for good. Speed dating-like workshops featured tips on building a LinkedIn presence, maximizing public speaking opportunitiesand strategizing brand growth.

How best to ensure social media accounts are active and fun to follow? How best to attract endorsement deals that meshwith athletes interests and hobbies? Winovich listened closely as he considered how to incorporate the advicetoward House 17, the production company he co-founded.

He now dabbles in creative oversight and business development, both starring in and creating content. A catchy reminder from Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence resonated: If you chase engagement, you gain followers. But if you chase followers, you lose engagement.

Maybe its because it has the name chase, he joked. But I thought that was pretty profound and relatively simplistic. For whatever reason, that stuck with what I currently have going on.

Athletes exchanged contact information and connected on LinkedIn to compare interests and pool networks. Thomas thought abouthis Capitol Hill externships with Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, his youth football camp that has expanded to included SAT prep and financial literacy courses. Addsocial justice and entrepreneurial endeavors, and he believes his off-field vision is really all starting to come together. How did other athletes find that clarity, he wondered?

Other athletes who see beyond the sport they play what are they up to? Thomas said. Let me see the interest they have because I might have an interest they have or passions we can align and connect.

Really just to connect with a bunch of other athletes. I love the fact that WNBA was included as well.

Each player in the virtual #AthleteAnd room had anon-field or on-court resume. Thomas has played in 97 NFL games, amassing 313 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. Winovich is coming off his second season in New England, a campaign that featured 5.5 sacks and 48 tackles. But thats the athlete in them, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith reiterated. How about the And?

When we look at our opportunity now to be authentic, I think we now know we should never have a job where we listen to someone say, Just shut up and dribble, Smith said. Or listen to someone who says we should just be confined to a world where we are just someone whos engaged in sports.

Thats not who we are thats what we do.

Winovich said he hears from people who think his pursuits cant coexist, but he disagrees. He sees skeptics as part of an often-toxic social media landscape that he wants to change. His goal for his production company: Reimagine content soit stems from a place of love and respect rather than fear.

These are the things Ive thought about that help me cope with thinking differently and thinking outside the box, Winovich said. Ive always felt like my whole life Ive been shoved and poked and prodded into that box, whereas our gifts are different. What we can contribute to humanity makes us special.

Follow USA TODAY Sports Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein.

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Some NFL players are learning to chase their interests beyond football - USA TODAY