As an offensive lineman in the National Football League, Kelvin Beachum understands that strong egos can be barriers to teamwork, to implementing strategic game plans and ultimately to winning. So his message for the global development community is simple — “drop the egos.”
Whether on the football field fending off blitzing linebackers or in rural Honduras championing food and water security, the Jacksonville Jaguar and former Pittsburgh Steeler takes pride in staying humble and thinking strategically about his goals and how to achieve them.
At 6 feet, 3 inches and 303 pounds, Beachum is considered small for his position — one that requires blocking often bigger and taller defensive lineman and protecting his quarterback from hard hitting linebackers. But Beachum has earned his place on the field by studying his opponents, crafting game plans and holding his ground.
About the author
Jeff Tyson@jtyson21
Jeff is a former global development reporter for Devex. Based in Washington, D.C., he covers multilateral affairs, U.S. aid, and international development trends. He has worked with human rights organizations in both Senegal and the U.S., and prior to joining Devex worked as a production assistant at National Public Radio. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in international relations and French from the University of Rochester.
