Former Charger gives teens leadership lessons at event in La Jolla – San Diego Union-Tribune

The Bishop’s School’s Lucky Ducklings Club is a branch of The Bishop’s School’s Lucky Ducklings Club Lucky Duck Foundationa San Diego-based homeless nonprofit, hosted former San Diego Chargers running back Terrell Fletcher on Oct. 28 for its annual kick-off event that brought together Lucky Ducklings clubs from six high schools on the Bishops-La Jolla campus.

Fletcher, who became a motivational and leadership speaker after leaving the National Football League in 2002 after eight seasons with the Chargers, headlined the event as a “leadership expert.” He is executive director of the Blanchard Institute, an Escondido-based nonprofit that aims to “bring time-tested leadership models to people around the world,” according to his website.

The meeting featured pizza from Timmy’s Place, a pizzeria and print shop that employs homeless youth and was founded by the Lucky Duck Foundation.

“Each of you is a leader in your schools, your communities and San Diego,” Lucky Duck Foundation Executive Director Drew Moser told the crowd. “We hope that Terrell Fletcher can open your minds to all that it can mean to be a leader, so that you can all continue to succeed as leaders in your own communities.”

Fletcher, speaking via Zoom, gave a one-hour leadership workshop on the “importance of mindset and goal setting” for successful leaders.

Fletcher reflected on his life and journey with the Chargers, including a “time of growth and leadership” when he played football for the University of Wisconsin, where he was on scholarship and co-captained.

He discussed his career with the Chargers, including his leadership role as the team’s union representative and eventually as team captain.

“More than anything I’ve done in the NFL, I’m most proud of being a team captain,” he said.

Although he was “never the biggest, fastest or strongest,” his ability to influence others by “getting the best out of them” made him the choice for the role, he said.

He shared what he believes is the key to becoming a strong leader for himself and others in the community.

“Being an exceptional leader starts from within,” Fletcher said. “It’s all about your mindset and how you set your goals and approach the challenges to achieve those goals. The mentality will take you where you feel you belong. If you sell yourself out, you’ll never be anything more.”

He shared an anecdote about his first week of training camp with the Chargers after being drafted in April 1995. Star linebacker Junior Seau tackled Fletcher and said, “Welcome to the NFL, rookie.”

Afterward, Fletcher said, he felt like he was “never going to make it” in the NFL and that he “might just give up.”

“You see, it was my mindset that was holding me back from my potential,” Fletcher said. “Once I stopped thinking like that and told myself I belonged in the NFL with all the great players, including Junior Sio, I became a much better player. … To be a great person, player, student, leader or whatever, it starts with your mindset.”

Fletcher also discussed the importance of goal setting.

“Nothing happens by chance – someone always has a vision and sets goals,” he said. “One of the best things you can do for yourself, even if it seems simple, is simply to set goals. … All of our minds are wired to pursue our goals, so by setting goals, you’re on the path to achieving them and making a difference in your life and hopefully in other people’s lives as well.”

Brad LaDrido, a junior at Bishop’s and member of the Lucky Ducklings, called Fletcher’s workshop “very thoughtful, interesting and inspiring.” I think Fletcher and this event as a whole will help us all become better leaders as we strive to make a difference in society.”

Will Shay, senior program manager for the Lucky Duck Foundation, gave an overview of the Lucky Ducklings’ upcoming volunteer activities for the 2024-25 school year, including packing food and water on Saturday, November 23, the San Diego Unified School District’s sock drive during November and December , as well as participation in Giving Tuesday on December 3.