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What does it truly mean to support your children unconditionally in their athletic journeys and life paths? Former Pittsburgh Pirate and UC Davis Hall of Famer Rich Watts opens up about his philosophy of fatherhood that has guided his two Division I athlete children through both triumphs and challenges.
Rich takes us deep into his family story, sharing how his own upbringing by a tough-as-nails former college football player father and dedicated mother created the blueprint for his parenting approach. The parallels between his childhood sports experiences and watching his own children navigate their athletic careers reveal timeless truths about resilience, support, and knowing when to step back. "You never quit anything," Rich recalls as a fundamental rule from his youth – a value that would later help him guide his son through the challenging transition from high school sports to a junior college path during COVID and eventually to a national championship.
The conversation explores the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics with transfer portals and NIL deals, offering both cautionary perspectives and nuanced insights from someone who has experienced these systems from multiple angles. Rich thoughtfully examines how these developments affect not just the business of college sports, but the fundamental character-building aspects these institutions have traditionally provided.
What truly sets this episode apart is Rich's vulnerable reflection on what matters most in the parent-child relationship. "If you have to push your kid, then your kid doesn't love it enough," he observes, challenging listeners to reconsider how they support their children's passions. His stories of catching footballs with his son echo his own father's dedication, creating a generational thread of showing up rather than merely telling.
Whether you're raising athletes or simply seeking to be more present in your children's lives, Rich's perspective offers both practical wisdom and emotional resonance that will transform how you think about your role as a parent, mentor, and guide.

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