Derek Price - The Cult of Rec Podcast, Episode 24

Listen On:

In episode 24 of the Cult of Recreationalism podcast, hosted by Sean Lake, the guest was none other than Derek Price—a man whose journey from NFL tight end to chiropractor, hospital CEO, and now founder of the Faction Foundation, is nothing short of extraordinary. This episode was a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

A Humble Start in the NFL

Derek Price’s NFL career is a story of grit and determination. Drafted by the Detroit Lions during the Barry Sanders era, Price describes himself as the "lucky to be there guy." Despite playing in an era when tight ends were more about blocking than catching, Price made his mark. His humility shines through in a story where he recalls going into a card shop after his first season, hoping to find a Derek Price rookie card. The shop owner, unaware of Price's NFL career, deflated his ego in a heartbeat. Yet, this moment only added to Price’s understanding of his place in the NFL—a world where, despite his contributions, he remained relatively unknown.

Reflecting on his time in the NFL, Price humorously notes, "People are like, 'I remember you from the NFL.' I'm like, dude, no, you don't. I appreciate you saying that, but Barry Sanders, that's cool, dude."

A Life Pivot: From NFL to Chiropractic Medicine

Derek Price's NFL career came to an abrupt end when he broke his neck, an injury that forced him to pivot dramatically. "It was a massive life pivot right there," Price recalls. With his football career over, he faced a choice: continue in the NFL in a non-playing capacity or pursue a new path. True to his character, Price chose the latter, enrolling in chiropractic school, a decision sparked by a spine surgeon who told him that regular chiropractic care could have prevented his injury. This moment ignited a curiosity that would define the next chapter of his life.

"I didn't know anything about chiropractic, but that conversation sparked my curiosity," Price explains. "When the NFL was over, I walked into a chiropractor's office and said, 'What do you do?' That started my journey."

Building a Legacy in Healthcare

Derek Price didn’t just settle into a career in chiropractic medicine—he revolutionized it. He eventually expanded his practice to include orthopedic clinics and pain management centers, creating a vertically integrated healthcare system. His success in the healthcare field led to a new challenge: becoming the CEO of hospitals. Despite having no prior experience in mental health or substance abuse treatment, Price took on the role, transforming struggling hospitals into thriving institutions.

One story that stands out is Price’s first day as a hospital CEO. He arrived in a three-piece suit, only to find that the hospital staff didn’t even know he was coming. With no IT support to get him logged into the system, Price grabbed a trash bag and started picking up cigarette butts in the parking lot. This simple act of leadership sent a powerful message to the staff.

"The next day, there were 25 people at my office door, all saying they were ready to follow me," Price recalls. "That’s the power of leadership by example."

The Birth of the Faction Foundation

In 2024, Derek Price founded the Faction Foundation, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential. After years of success in various fields, Price realized that his true passion was in helping others achieve their goals.

"My goal is to work with go-getters who are stuck in average," Price explains. "If you have the attitude and effort but aren't seeing the results, then you're stuck in average, and I can help you break through."

The Faction Foundation is not just about business success; it’s about holistic life improvement. Price works with clients from all walks of life, helping them achieve their personal and professional goals by providing the roadmap, the accountability, and the community they need to succeed.

A Final Word on Challenge and Growth

Derek Price’s story is a powerful reminder that life is a series of doors, each one leading to new challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s walking away from the NFL, becoming a chiropractor, or leading hospitals, Price has never shied away from the hard choices. His philosophy is simple: embrace the challenge, do the hard things, and you will grow.

As Sean Lake aptly summarized in the podcast, "Isn’t your life worth living at the highest level? If you're not challenging yourself, you're not growing."

For those looking to break free from the complacency of average, Derek Price and the Faction Foundation offer the guidance and support needed to achieve greatness. Whether you're a former athlete, a business leader, or someone simply looking to level up in life, the lessons from this episode are clear: face the challenge, embrace the discomfort, and watch yourself grow.