S2E7: Being a Better Teammate to Yourself with Luke Lachey

Luke Lachey knows setbacks can define or refine you. As a standout tight end at the University of Iowa, he had high expectations going into the 2023 season. But just three games in, he suffered a devastating ankle injury that sidelined him for months. Instead of giving in to frustration, Luke used the time to grow as a leader, invest in his mindset, and prepare for the NFL Draft with fresh perspective.

In this episode of Living Undeterred, Jeff Johnston talks with Luke about how he rebuilt himself mentally and physically, the mentors who shaped his leadership style, and why positive self-talk is one of the most important tools in his playbook.

Watch the full episode here:

Q: You went through a major injury last season. What did that experience teach you?

Luke: I dislocated my right ankle and cracked both my fibula and tibia. It was a serious injury, and the hardest part was knowing I’d miss the rest of the season. At first, it was tough—football has always been a huge part of my life. But I realized I could still lead even if I wasn’t on the field. I didn’t want to be what John Gordon calls an “energy vampire.” I wanted to lift people up instead of dragging them down. That perspective gave me patience, gratitude, and a different way to support my teammates.

Q: Iowa is known for building a strong culture. What did you learn about team dynamics during your time there?

Luke: Iowa doesn’t always recruit the biggest stars, but we develop players who buy into the system. You see walk-ons and lower-star recruits become NFL players. That comes down to culture, belief, and trust in the process. When adversity hits, you have to eliminate negativity while still pulling everyone in the same direction.

Q: Were there specific leaders you looked up to in the locker room?

Luke: Absolutely. Guys like Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell, and Tyler Winterbottom really shaped me. Sam and I sat next to each other in meetings—we’d go over film, correct mistakes, and push each other. Jack was the definition of consistency. Every single day he showed up and did things the right way. Watching them taught me that leadership isn’t about speeches—it’s about how you carry yourself.

Q: What role does self-talk play for you in high-pressure moments?

Luke: Positive self-talk is huge for me. I remember a moment in 2022 against Michigan State—I was on the sideline telling myself, “You’ve got this.” The next play, I scored. That wasn’t an accident. The way you talk to yourself matters. If you let the negatives creep in, it can spiral. But if you feed yourself positivity, you give yourself the best shot to succeed.

Q: And when things don’t go right?

Luke: Everybody makes mistakes. Even the best—Mark Andrews drops passes, kickers miss field goals. You can’t dwell on it. I tell myself, “Go win the next one.” You reset, move on, and focus on the next opportunity. That’s how you build resilience.

Q: With the NFL Draft process coming up, how are you keeping perspective?

Luke: It’s easy to get caught up in the stress—workouts, interviews, evaluations. But I keep reminding myself: this is the dream. This is what I always wanted as a kid. If I’m not enjoying it now, when will I? So I’m trying to savor the process, stay grounded, and be grateful for where I am.

Q: Do you have a go-to way of resetting when life feels overwhelming?

Luke: Honestly, I’ll just call my girlfriend. Talking things out helps me process what I’m feeling. It reminds me I don’t have to carry everything alone. Sometimes just naming what’s going on inside your head is enough to reset and keep moving forward.

Q: What’s the best part of football for you—and what will you miss most someday?

Luke: It’s the relationships. The hours in the weight room, the practices, the grind—you’re suffering together, working toward the same goal. That creates a bond you can’t replicate. Funny enough, I’ll even miss the feeling of being sore after a hard practice, because it means you’re pushing yourself with your brothers.

Q: You’ve been intentional about connecting with fans. Why is that important to you?

Luke: Because I’ve been on the other side. Growing up, I’d rush the field at Ohio State games just to get a high-five. Those little moments stay with you forever. So when kids or fans ask for autographs or even just a thumbs-up, I try to give them that same energy. It matters.

Q: If you had one piece of mental wellness advice for young athletes, what would it be?

Luke: Be a better teammate to yourself. Spread positivity outward, but don’t forget to give it inward, too. Positive self-talk goes a long way. And give yourself grace—you don’t have to be perfect to make progress.

Q: What’s on your reading list right now?

Luke: The Power of Positive Leadership by John Gordon and The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. Both remind me to filter out outside noise and stay focused on what really matters.

Q: Have you thought about what life after football might look like?

Luke: Definitely. I studied enterprise leadership, and I’d love to pursue entrepreneurship after football. I’ve also been inspired by mentors like Jordan Montgomery who do leadership coaching and speaking. Football is what I do, but it’s not all I am.

Q: Your dad played in the NFL—how has his journey influenced yours?

Luke: My dad’s career wasn’t about hype; it was about hard work. He played a different position than me, which actually helped me form my own identity. But the standard he set—the way he worked, the way he carried himself—that’s still a big motivator for me.

Rapid-Fire:

• Favorite sports movie: Remember the Titans
• Other sports you enjoy: Track & field; golf for fun
• Childhood favorite NFL team: Washington, because that’s where my dad played

Closing Thoughts

Luke Lachey’s story is about more than football. It’s about the mindset shifts that turn setbacks into growth, the leaders who model consistency, and the daily practice of talking to yourself with kindness. Whether you’re an athlete, a student, or just navigating life’s ups and downs, Luke’s message is simple but powerful: stay positive, trust the process, and be your own best teammate.

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