Frank D. Murphy is the founder and president of Mentoring With Purpose Charity Inc, a charity driven by a desire to impact the next generation that encompasses three programs: Athletes With Purpose, Frank D. Murphy Program (focusing on juvenile prisons), and Man Behind the Helmet Program (a stage play of his life story).
“We organize various campaigns, like sports camps, to get the young folks involved. Usually, we have around a hundred to 200 kids joining us. We’re pretty busy with lots of activities—seminars, conferences, and more. It’s all about making a positive impact and bringing people together,” Frank explains.
A lot of what he does in Mentoring With Purpose is inspired by Frank’s personal life story. He is a former NFL player who defied the odds and found purpose in the face of adversity. He was born and raised in the challenging environment of Jacksonville, Florida and his journey began with struggles and setbacks that could have defined his life. However, he emerged as a beacon of hope, resilience, and gratitude.
Frank’s early years were marked by challenges, including bullying and a misguided response that led him into a life of selling drugs and facing incarceration at just 15. In jail, a chance encounter with a coach opened the door to redemption through athletics. Frank seized the opportunity, excelling in football and academics.
Yet, his past continued to haunt him, leading to another arrest and a potential return to a destructive lifestyle. A janitor, an unlikely mentor, saw potential in him and guided him towards addressing his anger and reshaping his life. Eventually Frank was found not guilty, and turned his life around, becoming an all-American athlete in college.
“I met her, and she became my mentor. It was the first time I had ever had someone who guided me in life. We sat down at her place, and she pointed out what I was struggling with. She showed me how to manage my anger and made it clear that what I was going through wasn’t okay. She emphasized that it could harm others and myself. The person who helped me wasn’t famous or anything like that; she was a janitor, and she truly saved my life,” Frank recounts.
His NFL career, though filled with ups and downs, showcased his perseverance. Injuries and setbacks tested his mental toughness, but he remained steadfast. Playing for the Chicago Bears, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans in the NFL, as well as doing a stint in the CFL and the United Football League, Frank’s journey provided him with invaluable experiences.
With Mentoring With Purpose, Frank has also become a public speaker, who uses engagements as opportunities to inspire and provide hope in colleges, high schools, Fortune 500 companies, and churches.
Frank’s projects for the future include reaching wider audiences through his speaking engagements, creating more impactful products, and organizing conferences with a focus on athletes and faith-based mentorship. The goal is to instill a new sports culture that produces genuine role models for the next generation.
“It’s time for me to stand in front of thousands and millions of people, aiming to inspire and give hope. My main goal is to speak more and share answers to the questions many have been searching for. Additionally, my second goal is to create and put more products out there. I want to leave a lasting impact so that when I’m gone, people still have something valuable to hold onto,” Frank states.
Frank envisions financial freedom as a means to give more, create a lasting legacy beyond family, and inspire others to find hope in their journeys. His experiences, from facing the barrel of a gun to finding unexpected support in a foreign land, have shaped his perspective on the power of empathy and the human heart.
As Frank continues his mission to impact lives and build a legacy, he remains guided by gratitude, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the world. His story is a testament to the transformative power of second chances and the potential for every individual to rise above their circumstances.
Join Frank D. Murphy in his mission to inspire and impact lives! Attend his upcoming speaking engagements, support Mentoring With Purpose charity, and be part of creating a new sports culture focused on genuine role models. Click here to get involved and make a difference today!
