MAVERICK Moves.
Move Differently. Lead Differently.
Embed Discipline, Inspire Leadership, and Prepare for Careers.
"Where there's a will, there's a way" is Eric Swann's daily mantra. When Attention Deficit Disorder and test anxiety caused him to lose 99 full-ride collegiate scholarship offers, he did not give up his dream of playing in the NFL. He asserted that — by the Constitution of the United States — he had a right to work at the age of 18. The NFL thought no one would draft him. They were wrong.
Eric's bold, unconventional moves resulted in him being the overall sixth pick in the First Round of the NFL Draft — far ahead of many household-name NFL greats. He was drafted by the Arizona (then Phoenix) Cardinals, enjoyed a 10-year career despite being purposefully targeted for injury for "not paying his dues," and was named to two Pro Bowls by his peers.
By sharing the life lessons that allowed Eric to break down barriers and enjoy success, he inspires youth to overcome their own challenges. He shows them how to embed discipline, inspire leadership, and prepare for careers — enabling them to thrive in a rapidly changing social and economic landscape.
Because ADD made it difficult for Eric to concentrate, he adopted acronyms to jog his memory. The MAVERICK Moves curriculum follows the same approach — eight chapters spelling M-A-V-E-R-I-C-K. In Title I schools and community centers, MAVERICK Moves is funded through grants and private donations, and blends evidence-based content, trauma-informed delivery, and Eric's personal experiences. The program is facilitated by Eric or someone directly trained by him, and can be expanded or contracted to fit available delivery time.
Bring MAVERICK Moves to your school.
We work with Title I schools and community centers across the country. Tell us about your program and we will be in touch within two business days.