Purpose NIL; OU Football’s John Locke: Purpose Beyond the Game

From Oklahoma’s football field to Wall Street ambitions, tight end John Locke opens up about the power of passion, family, and faith in shaping his purpose. Guided by host James M. Rink, this Purpose NIL journey reveals how core values fuel not only athletic victories but also a vision for leadership, finance, and a life lived with meaning.

Discover the story behind the athlete—and be inspired to define your own purpose. Watch now.

In this episode of Purpose NIL, host James M. Rink welcomes back John Locke, a football tight end from the University of Oklahoma, to discuss the journey of becoming NIL entrepreneurs for the greater good. Together, they explore how John’s core feelings, influenced by his parents, shape his passion for football and his future career in finance. A major highlight includes developing a personal purpose statement by connecting core feelings to actions and people, using the formula: feelings plus actions plus people equal purpose. John shares insights into how passion, inspire, grateful, and invest are ways he lives through football. His passion for winning and his commitment to security are discussed through his role as a tight end. They also touch on John's academic pursuits in economics and finance, framing his vision for a future in investment banking, and how his core feelings translate into this field. John shares his dreams, achievements, leadership roles, and how he's preparing for his summer internship. Through anecdotes, such as his impactful trip on Southwest Airlines, John connects personal stories to enhance his NIL brand. The conversation embraces the ever-growing importance of purpose, personal branding, and mental health awareness for student-athletes amidst a global climate of change and uncertainty. Join them in exploring the authentic journey of identifying core actions and feelings as John unveils pathways for his purpose-driven life, both on and off the field. Discover how to monetize your Purpose NIL.

Recorded on March 21, 2025

John Locke in San Antonio, TX

James M. Rink in Nashville, TN

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