In the high-energy world of professional sports, careers are often short-lived. For many athletes, the question of “What’s next?” comes quickly and urgently. That was true for former New York Jets offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who after 10 successful seasons in the NFL, including three Pro Bowls, retired in 2016 facing the daunting challenge of redefining his future.
Initially exploring broadcasting, teaching, and even sustainability consulting, Ferguson struggled to find a vocation that matched the passion he felt for football. The answer came, unexpectedly, from his mother a nurse herself. She suggested he try nursing, emphasizing its wide variety of specialties and stable career opportunities. In 2024, Ferguson graduated from Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing in Philadelphia and is now a nurse at RWJBarnabas Health in New Jersey.
“I wanted something that gave me the same sense of urgency, teamwork, and purpose that I had in football,” Ferguson shared. “Nursing charges you up the same way you can’t be timid; you go all in.”
From the Field to the Hospital: The Parallels Between Football and Nursing
While football and nursing seem worlds apart, both demand quick decision-making under pressure. Former fullback Patrick Hill, now an inpatient psychiatric nurse at UCLA Medical Center, explains:
“Two minutes of CPR feels as intense as the two-minute warning in football. You’re laser-focused, working as a team, and every second matters.”
This is the kind of mental toughness that makes former athletes and nurses from diverse backgrounds thrive in fast-paced medical environments such as emergency departments, critical care, and intensive care units.
Why the Shift Matters for the Nursing Profession
The United States is facing a nationwide nursing shortage, with male nurses making up just 13% of the workforce according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This shortage opens doors not just for career changers like Ferguson but also for international nurses seeking visa sponsorship to work in the U.S.
At VisaMadeEZ, we’ve seen first-hand how healthcare organizations benefit from global healthcare talent acquisition. Recruiting nurses internationally can help fill critical staffing gaps especially in high-demand areas like emergency, critical care, and mental health nursing.
With male nurses still underrepresented, as noted by Dr. Jason Mott of the American Association for Men in Nursing, having role models such as high-profile athletes entering the profession can encourage more diverse candidates, including men from abroad, to pursue nursing careers in the U.S.
Athletes Turned Nurses Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Providers
Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is currently balancing his football career with nursing school, inspired by his mother’s care for his sister, who has congenital muscular dystrophy. Watching life-saving interventions at home left a lasting impression, motivating him to earn his nursing degree.
Similarly, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Chandler Brayboy pursued nursing after recognizing his grandfather’s Parkinson’s symptoms. His plan is to work in critical care an area well suited to individuals who can adapt quickly in intense situations.
These stories resonate with aspiring nurses worldwide, especially those considering nursing work visas and *international nurse recruitment programs.
Bridging the Gap With International Nurse Recruitment
Stories like Ferguson’s highlight how nursing attracts people from varied backgrounds athletes, second-career professionals, and international candidates alike. For healthcare organizations in the U.S., the expanding demand for qualified nurses makes hiring foreign nurses through visa sponsorship an essential strategy.
With VisaMadeEZ, the process is streamlined:
- Work visa assistance for healthcare professionals (including H-1B and EB-3 visas)
- Guidance on immigration law compliance for hospitals and clinics
- Recruitment connections to international nursing talent ready to relocate and serve in critical healthcare roles
Whether your organization needs emergency care nurses, psychiatric specialists, or ICU talent, international nurse recruitment ensures your facility remains staffed with dedicated, qualified caregivers.
Conclusion A Profession That Scores Big on Purpose
The transition from the NFL to the world of nursing might seem improbable, but the qualities that make an athlete successful resilience, focus, and teamwork are the same ones that make extraordinary nurses.
As U.S. hospitals navigate a nursing shortage, tapping into the global talent pool through international nurse visa sponsorship is more important than ever. At VisaMadeEZ, we help healthcare organizations bring in skilled, passionate nurses from around the world, ensuring that patients receive the care they deserve.
Whether it’s a former pro football player in New Jersey or a dedicated nurse arriving from abroad, the mission is the same: healing, helping, and making an impact.
