What happens when a promising football career ends but the passion for the game remains alive? For many former players, the answer lies not on the field, but in the world of video games. The journey from college athlete to video game developer might sound unconventional, but it’s creating exciting new opportunities for former NFL and Florida Gators players.
In Gainesville, the question looming after the final whistle of a college football player’s last game is always: what’s next? For many, the answer is uncertain. But companies like EA Tiburon, the creators of beloved titles such as Madden NFL and EA College Football, provide an unexpected new path. These games aren’t just about sports—they’re a training ground for the next generation of product developers and game designers.
Take Larry Richart, a former Gators quarterback. Just four months after his final college game against the then-No. 18 Syracuse at the Orange Bowl in Miami, a simple advertisement in the student newspaper introduced him to a quality assurance tester position at EA Sports. Richart often credits luck for getting his foot in the door, but what truly propelled his career at EA was his dedication and deep understanding of football, especially the intricate details of coach Steve Spurrier’s “Run ‘N’ Gun” offense. This technical playbook knowledge turned out to be a secret weapon off the field.
“Playing under Coach Spurrier was invaluable,” Richart reflects. “Even 30 years later, I still draw from what I learned from him.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: the college football landscape Richart knew has radically evolved. The explosion of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal means video game developers must constantly update rosters and player details, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern college football in real-time.
Creating a football video game is a complex balancing act. Developers have to juggle countless details to build an experience that feels authentic yet enjoyable—transforming a grueling three-hour actual football game into a captivating 45-minute virtual adventure. "That’s the magic behind game development," Madden’s Production Director Clint Oldenburg explains. "Players love Madden because it feels so real, and yet it’s crafted to be fun."
Oldenburg, a former NFL offensive lineman himself, has walked the path from pro athlete to developer. After playing for five NFL teams, he transitioned into the gaming industry just three months after his last game by taking a design internship at EA. But the shift wasn’t seamless. Unlike athletes who focus on the physical game, game developers must master the exhaustive rulebooks of both college and NFL football. Plus, professional players follow tightly controlled schedules, whereas Oldenburg suddenly had to manage his own time, a daunting challenge after 14 years.
Yet his football career shaped his leadership at EA. “A good offensive lineman is selfless,” Oldenburg says. “You only hear from people if you mess up. At EA, I lead by helping others succeed, clearing their path so our games improve.”
This shift from the gridiron to game design is further strengthened through partnerships between EA Sports and football institutions. The Florida Gators recently sent athletes like running back Ja’Kobi Jackson and defensive end Kofi Asare to EA’s Orlando headquarters under the GatorMade program, designed to prepare players for careers beyond football.
During their two-day crash course, Jackson tried on a motion capture suit to reenact game-day celebrations, merging his athletic talents with technological innovation. Asare, passionate about FIFA and Madden, was visibly thrilled by the experience, describing himself like a wide-eyed kid in a candy store as he explored the cutting-edge facility.
“Everyone there was so friendly,” Asare shared. “I even played a game myself and was totally hyped up the whole time. It made me imagine a future working in that kind of environment.”
The GatorMade participants also pitched ideas for a training simulator game, aiming to help users learn football skills that translate to gameplay. Christian McLeod, production director for EA Sports College Football, praised their creativity in an email, highlighting their thoughtful project and insightful questions for developers.
“It was a wonderful collaboration,” McLeod wrote. “They exceeded expectations, and our team learned a lot from their fresh perspectives.”
So here’s the part most people miss: for the more than 98% of college football players who never make it to the NFL, hanging up the cleats doesn't mean saying goodbye to the sport. The growing pipeline from former players to video game professionals offers meaningful ways to stay deeply connected to football, just in a different arena.
But what do you think? Are video games a genuine new frontier for athletes, or just a backup plan? Could this shift change the way we value football experience? Share your thoughts below—let’s get the conversation started!
