We were lucky to catch up with Richard Yeargin III recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Richard , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

One of the biggest changes I would make is to create an education system that prioritizes holistic development over rote memorization or standardized test performance. Education should be about more than just academics; it should be about equipping students with critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt to a constantly changing world. I’d advocate for project-based learning and real-world applications that align with each student’s unique talents and interests.

This belief is what fuels my current project: building a school in Anderson County, South Carolina, specifically for underserved gifted learners. Our mission is to create a space where students are empowered to think outside the box, solve real-world problems, and develop a deep sense of purpose and identity. The goal is to foster courage, collaboration, and leadership—qualities that will not only help them excel in their careers but also live fulfilling lives.

Additionally, I’d push for stronger workforce readiness programs, particularly in STEM, entrepreneurship, and trades. Our system should recognize that success doesn’t look the same for everyone, and we need to honor multiple pathways to fulfillment.

Absolutely. One story that has shaped my perspective on education and life happened during my own time as a college football player at Clemson University. Football taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience, but there was one life-altering moment when I suffered a devastating car accident in 2017 that left me with a broken neck. That injury forced me to step away from football—the sport I thought defined my future.

That experience taught me something profound: we are more than our circumstances, titles, or achievements. I had to redefine my purpose beyond the football field, which led me to pursue academic excellence, leadership roles, and eventually, motivational speaking. If I hadn’t been given the tools to think critically and adapt, that moment could’ve derailed me completely.

This is why I believe the education system needs to nurture the whole person. Students must learn how to adapt to life’s uncertainties and pursue passions beyond what society often narrowly defines as success. My work now focuses on instilling those lessons in young people, because when education prioritizes adaptability and self-awareness, students are empowered to thrive regardless of the challenges they face.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Introducing Richard Yeargin III
My name is Richard Yeargin III, and I wear many hats, but they all align under one mission: to change lives one encounter at a time. I’m a husband, father, former collegiate athlete, two-time football national champion with Clemson University, and now a college professor, best-selling author, transformational keynote speaker, and PhD student. My journey has taken me from the football field to the classroom, and now into communities where I aim to make a lasting impact through education, mentorship, and empowerment.

How I Got Into My Field
My transition from football into education and leadership was driven by a life-altering event. In 2017, I was involved in a severe car accident that broke my neck and ended my football career. That moment forced me to redefine who I was outside of sports. Through faith, education, and mentorship, I realized my purpose wasn’t tied to a title or a role but to the impact I could have on others. I channeled that realization into earning a degree in Sports Communication, a master’s in Athletic Leadership, and now, my PhD.

Through these experiences, I developed a passion for helping others—particularly young people—realize their full potential and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose. This passion has grown into multiple endeavors, from speaking engagements to building after-school programs, authoring books, and now building a school for gifted underserved students in Anderson County, South Carolina.

What I Provide & Problems I Solve
I specialize in transformational speaking, educational consulting, and leadership development. Whether I’m working with educators, students, or corporate teams, my focus is on empowering people to unlock their potential, build confidence, and cultivate meaningful relationships.

Some of the problems I aim to solve include:

Helping educators create culturally relevant and inclusive learning environments that engage and inspire all students.
Equipping young people with the tools they need to excel in STEM, entrepreneurship, and life-readiness.
Coaching leaders on how to inspire, empower, and serve their teams effectively.
Additionally, my after-school programs focus on STEM learning and workforce readiness, while my book, The Man is Greater Than the Brand, inspires readers to prioritize their character and purpose over external achievements.

What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is my unique blend of experiences. My journey from the highs of championship football to the lows of a career-ending injury, and then to academic and entrepreneurial success, gives me a perspective that resonates with people from all walks of life. I don’t just speak about transformation—I’ve lived it. I’ve faced adversity head-on, and I use those experiences to inspire and equip others to do the same.

I also focus deeply on authenticity and purpose. My slogan, The Man is Greater Than the Brand, reflects my belief that who we are at our core matters more than any external success or accolade. This message guides everything I do, from my speaking engagements to the programs I develop and the relationships I build.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the legacy I’m building through education and empowerment. Whether it’s helping a student believe in their potential for the first time, guiding a leader to inspire their team, or working on the school I’m building in Anderson County for underserved gifted learners, every step of this journey is about creating a lasting, positive impact. I am also deeply proud of being a husband and a father, as my family remains the foundation of my drive and purpose.

What I Want You to Know About My Work
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that we all have the power to change lives—our own and others. Whether you’re a student, a leader, or someone searching for your purpose, my work is designed to meet you where you are and inspire you to move forward with courage and conviction.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s this: your character, your purpose, and your relationships will always matter more than any external measure of success. That’s the foundation of my brand, my work, and my life.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation has been built on authenticity, purpose-driven work, and delivering consistent results. By staying true to my core values—embodied in my slogan, The Man is Greater Than the Brand—I’ve earned trust through genuine storytelling, impactful programs, and strong relationships.

Sharing my journey, from football championships to overcoming adversity and creating educational programs, has allowed me to connect deeply with others. My focus on faith, family, and making a meaningful difference ensures my work resonates, inspires, and delivers value at every level.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Lead with empathy and purpose. Communicate clearly, celebrate wins, empower your team, and foster a positive, respectful culture. High morale comes from creating a sense of purpose and belonging. When people feel valued and supported, they’ll rise to any challenge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.richardyeargin.com
• Instagram: @Professoryearg
• Facebook: Richard D. Yeargin III
• Linkedin: Richard Yeargin III
• Youtube: Richard Yeargin III