NFL player Freddie Stevenson talks about his new sports documentary “Trials to Triumph,” which is based on his best-selling book of the same name.
‘Trials to Triumph’ film
The film was directed by Dan Ratner, Greg Romano, and Misa Garcia. It is based on Stevenson’s bestselling memoir “Trials To Triumph.”
On his new film, he said, “It was an interesting process. It was dope, a lot different from writing the book. Just putting together a documentary film is really interesting. This is something I can see myself doing again.”
“I love how this film showed my parents and the struggles they had growing up, and their sacrifices behind-the-scenes. Just hearing my parents share their story was just the best part,” he said about his favorite part of the filmmaking process.
“As people, we are always taught to be tough. So just to be able to feel vulnerable is a release for people, and they find peace in that. I think this is going to help a lot of people out with that,” he said.
“Right now, I am just enjoying this moment,” Stevenson said. “This film documents how I went from coming to the bottom, rising to the top, and falling back down only needing to reinvent myself. Now, I am just going to enjoy the moment and see where that goes.”
Through the process, Stevenson noted that he didn’t watch any of his special guests doing their interviews. “I wanted to watch the film, and get the full experience of their stories,” Stevenson said.
“I knew that everyone was going to tell stories in full details that I did not know about. Watching these stories and learning different things about each person was impactful on me as well,” the NFL alum added.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, Stevenson remarked, “After I was cut from the NFL, that really helped me figure out who I was. Prior to that, my identity was wrapped up into being an athlete.” That hindered me in finding my true purpose in life. I am happy that everything went the way it did.”
Maurice Benard’s MB ‘State of Mind’ podcast
Stevenson opened up about how appearing on Maurice Benard’s “State of Mind” podcast on mental health has played a vital role in his life, especially in regard to the commercial success of his book. “At that time, I was promoting my book, and it is crazy how my book became a bestseller a few weeks after I went on his podcast,” Stevenson said.
“My grandma always used to watch ‘General Hospital’ growing up, so it was a full-circle moment for me, and I told Maurice that I would love to have him in my film, and he was all for it. Maurice is a great person, he is just so genuine,” Stevenson added.
Stevenson is at peace
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Stevenson said, “I’m At Peace.” “My second daughter will be born later this month,” he shared. “Looking back at the darkness I was in a few years ago, and seeing where I am now is a blessing.”
Success
Stevenson defined the word success as “living out of his purpose each and every day.” “Knowing that this movie is impacting lives is a success for me,” he said.
“My film is so important because it can help inspire other people to find a purpose and get out of a dark place,” Stevenson concluded.
Stevenson’s inspirational book “Trials to Triumph” is available on Amazon by clicking here.
To learn more about NFL player Freddie Stevenson, follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
Read More: ‘Trials To Triumph,’ starring Freddie Stevenson, is an inspirational new sports documentary.
