Kyle had a life-long dream of playing in the NFL, which he accomplished during the 2015-2016 football season with the New Orleans Saints. However, after being released by the Saints, he was on a mission to return to the NFL. Through video he started documenting his quest to get back on the field, but through the process discovered his passion for filmmaking. Thus, Shifting Gears was born, which highlighted his transition into the next phase of his life; filmmaking, giving back to the community, and coaching. Kyle recently released Shifting Gears II, which embodies truth and reveals the mask that he wore while trying to transition from football to a successful and influential director and producer. He founded Chasing Greatness Productions in 2016 and began honing his craft while working with and learning from some of the most respected and well-renowned brands in the world. Now, exclusively focused on his production company, Kyle is looking to help others through his passion for filmmaking. I had the opportunity to talk with him about his passion and learn more about his journey.
FLM: Prior to making Shifting Gears I, you were out of the NFL and attempting make a comeback. Describe your mentality through that entire process.
KP: Immediately after getting released from the Saints and recovering from the concussion, my mentality was geared mostly toward getting back to the top of my game – staying competitive and optimistic. Especially after getting released the 2nd year and being back home in Chicago, I wasn’t getting any calls or help from my agent so I just started working out and trying to stay in shape for any opportunities. I started substitute teaching to fill my time and to make some money. I had my camera at the time, mostly for the use of elevating my training videos for those who had eyes on me to get me back into the league. My mentality was fully committed to return to football the first year after getting released. The second time around, 50% was committed to film and 50% to football.
FLM: The percentages of most people playing a professional sport are very small, but their career journey and challenges may be similar to yours. Explain how your story can resonate with them.
KP: I think my story can resonate with every athlete, but especially those who have a lot of attention coming out of high school. It seemed an entire nation of people were waiting and watching for me to fulfill some superstar athlete prophecy, all of who watched it get taken away from me with all my injuries. Exposure is more different now though, where kids have Instagram and social media highlighting, but also distracting them. Whether they succeed or not, there’s a lot of judgement in sport that can be difficult to carry. I hope to maybe help that kid coming out of high school and college that has a lot of pressure to measure up to insane expectations and alleviate that pressure from them as well as their parents. I also hope to inspire athletes whose professional careers didn’t necessarily last as long as they’d hope, who are looking to cultivate and transition into a different career passion.
FLM: At some point an athlete has to be honest with themselves when it comes to walking away from the game. When did you truly realize that it was time to move on and pursue something else?