Season 1 Episode 2: Beyond the Game: NFL Agent Craig Domann on Identity, Forgiveness & Finding Purpose

In this episode of The Dark Work Podcast, host Anthony Trucks interviews NFL agent Craig Domann, who shares his journey from sidelined athlete to “dream guide” for pro football players. They discuss overcoming setbacks, the importance of self-honesty, and Craig’s “Pro Mindset” philosophy—performing at your best by rewriting your story and embracing personal growth. The conversation explores mental resilience, the power of forgiveness, and separating self-worth from external success. Through candid stories and practical advice, Craig and Anthony inspire listeners to do the “dark work” required for transformation and lasting fulfillment.

 

•        Craig Domann’s journey from college athlete to NFL agent and "dream guide."
•        The impact of injuries on Craig's athletic career and subsequent career shifts.
•      The development of the "Pro Mindset" philosophy focused on personal growth and performance.
•    The importance of authenticity, self-honesty, and overcoming internal obstacles.
•    The role of fatherhood in shaping Craig's personal growth and perspective.
•    The significance of forgiveness and letting go of past grievances for personal freedom.
•    The distinction between self-worth and net worth, emphasizing intrinsic value over external measures of success.
•        The challenges athletes face in transitioning to life after sports and finding new purpose.
•    The necessity of embracing difficult experiences to build resilience and mental toughness.
•       The concept of "dark work" as essential for personal transformation and achieving success

 

·      TIME STAMPS

Introduction & Episode Overview (00:00:00)

Host introduces Craig Domann, outlines episode themes: humanity, NFL agent life, personal growth, Pro Mindset, plant medicine.

 

Craig’s Background & Family Success (00:03:12)

Craig shares his 30-year career as a “dream guide” for NFL players, and reflects on his children’s athletic achievements.

 

Parenting, Pride, and Athlete Challenges (00:04:16)

Discussion about the challenges and pride of parenting athletes, and the hard choices kids make in sports.

 

Pinch-Me Moments & Athlete Vulnerability (00:06:18)

Craig describes surreal moments working with high-profile athletes and the emotional rollercoaster of their careers.

 

Craig’s Career Path: From Player to Agent (00:08:34)

Craig recounts his journey from college football, through corporate accounting, to law school, and becoming an NFL agent.

 

Overcoming Skepticism & Embracing Variety (00:10:41)

Craig discusses skepticism he faced, his love for variety, and the excitement of working with athletes.

 

Learning from Clients & Passing Wisdom (00:12:32)

Craig explains how he learned from athletes’ experiences and passed that wisdom to future clients and his kids.

 

Catalyst for Change: Family & Self-Reflection (00:14:08)

Craig describes a turning point when his sons challenged him to live his own advice before teaching others.

 

Defining Pro Mindset (00:15:34)

Craig introduces the “Pro Mindset” concept: performing at your best, rewriting your story, and maintaining high standards.

 

Personal Transformation & Facing Denial (00:17:11)

Craig admits to being in denial about his own shortcomings and describes the struggle to regain willpower and authenticity.

 

Self-Reflection & Accountability (00:19:07)

Advice on reflecting on personal failures, taking responsibility, and identifying patterns of self-sabotage.

 

Plant Medicine Ceremony & Identity Shift (00:20:39)

Craig shares his transformative plant medicine experience, intentions, and the resulting shift in identity and purpose.

 

Integrating Change: Breathwork & Cold Plunges (00:24:13)

Craig details his post-ceremony practices—breathwork and cold plunges—to build mental resilience and discipline.

 

Benefits of Doing Hard Things (00:28:20)

Craig explains how embracing hard things improved his relationships, discipline, and ability to handle difficult conversations.

 

Dark Moments & Professional Setbacks (00:30:02)

Craig recounts painful professional setbacks, including being fired by a client, and the impact on his self-worth and family.

 

Self-Worth vs. Net Worth & Letting Go (00:39:00)

Craig discusses separating self-worth from net worth, practicing forgiveness, and cutting loose the “parachute” of the past.

 

Finding Purpose After Football (00:40:03)

Craig explains how he helps athletes transition after football by finding the intersection of passion, skill, and calling.

 

The Importance of Singular Focus (00:42:12)

Craig emphasizes the need for athletes to focus solely on their sport, postponing “Plan B” until after their career.

 

Craig 2.0: Mindset Shifts in Daily Life (00:43:49)

Craig describes how his new mindset has improved his approach to daily challenges, relationships, and business.

 

Overcoming Self-Sabotage & Internal Fears (00:45:42)

Craig highlights the importance of conquering internal fears and doubts to avoid self-sabotage and achieve success.

 

Promise & Purpose: Loving Yourself (00:48:02)

Craig reflects on self-love, accepting imperfection, and pursuing dreams as part of his purpose.

 

The Power of Respect, Love, and Hard Work (00:50:15)

Discussion on how doing hard things builds self-respect and love, which translates into greater life fulfillment.

 

Closing Thoughts & How to Connect (00:52:15)

Host summarizes key lessons, encourages listeners to reflect, and shares how to connect with Craig and Pro Mindset.

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Guest Contacts Information

·        www.DarkWorkAssessment.com

·        https://craigdomann.com/

·        https://www.instagram.com/craigdomann?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MTQ3Y3h5d2RqaHpzMg==

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Craig Domann, NFL agent, dream guide, personal growth, Pro Mindset, athlete mentorship, career transition, college football, concussions, corporate accounting, law school, sports industry, fatherhood, self-reflection, motivation, willpower, authenticity, self-honesty, personal transformation, breathwork, meditation, cold plunging, mental toughness, resilience, identity, self-worth, net worth, forgiveness, emotional challenges, personal development, dark work, overcoming obstacles, mindset shift, self-assessment, accountability, purpose, personal story, compassion, vulnerability, high-stakes industry, sports careers, life after football, coaching, accountability, personal narrative, growth mindset, spiritual awakening, relationship dynamics, success, integrity, self-respect, community support, transformation journey, mental frameworks, ownership of story, courage, commitment.