This is the All Pro Dad podcast, where in each episode, dads of all ages dive into just one question. Today, we ask “How should dads behave in the bleachers?”

NFL veteran and ESPN football analyst Dan Orlovsky has triplet boys and one daughter. He asked one of his sons what he could do better as a sports parent. The answer? “Get out of the way.” Too often, we get so involved in our kids’ activities that it hurts their growth. Dan sat down with Ted Lowe and Bobby Lewis to discuss how to blend sports and parents, how to properly motivate kids, and the joy of seeing them succeed.

Dan played professional football for over a decade in the NFL for the Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans. He is he’s a thoughtful observer of all things sports and can be seen on multiple ESPN shows sharing his football knowledge. Dan has been married to his wife, Tiffany, for 15 years and spends much of his time trying to teach his four kids some life lessons he learned as a pro athlete.

Youth activities, particularly sports, are great teaching tools for kids. They stress the importance of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. One thing Dan stressed in our conversation is the importance of keeping those activities in perspective, warning that for him, while growing up, sports became the “god” in his house.

In Episode 12 of the All Pro Dad podcast, How Do We Help Our Kids Realistically Believe in Themselves?, we shared some sobering stats. Less than 2% of kids will wind up like Dan, drawing a paycheck from a pro sports team. But as many as 40% of dads in the stands think their kid will “make it,” according to a Harris Poll.

To guard against over-parenting, over-coaching, or making activities stressful for his kids, Dan tries to say one simple truth after games: “I don’t care how you did. I care how you did it.”

Enjoy this conversation with Dan Orlovsky, and see the links below for some of the writing he’s done in the past for All Pro Dad. 

Today’s Pro Move: Encourage your kids. Cheer for your kids. Help them be their best. But keep things in perspective during their activities.