Winston Venable

Boise

 

It is hard for me to put into words the amount of pride and passion I have for the Boise Community and Boise State University.  

 

Family

 

When I was in high school I started to dream of playing “ big time college football.” I wanted this for me, but I had extra motivation and drive because of the people I most looked up to… My Dad, a former 12 year MLB player and my brother, at the time a two sport athlete at Princeton. They really set the bar high for the family standards… and I took pride in wanting to do my part for the family. To put my stamp on our family name. I said that, but I did not realize what It took to walk in their shoes… to play college sports… to become a Professional.  

 

Maturity

 

I was not on the right track to accomplish what my brother had laid forth. I wasn’t in the right environment. I wasn’t surrounding myself with the right people. With the example in front of me, I made the best decision of my life to leave friends and family in California and attend a preparatory school in Oakdale Connecticut… St. Thomas More. 

 

This is where I learned about sacrifice… I learned about what it takes to put yourself in the best position to succeed in life which in return will help you succeed in the world of athletics. I learned what discipline, structure, and what hard work really meant. I was challenged. I developed habits which were necessary for me to take the next step and keep working toward my goal of playing “big time college football,” and becoming a Professional. 

 

My Road

 

My goal did not happen right away… After being injured my senior year of high school I did not get recruited as I thought. Although injured I had a few scholarship offers to attend university but the schools did not feel right as I attended the visits. This was not the dream, the stadiums were not the vision I had, they were not the right fit. My dream was but the road was not as planned - I had to adjust.  

 

I chose the road less traveled and decided to attend Glendale community college in Arizona. Those who played well there and had good academics, moved on more successfully to the university of their choosing, those who didn’t. Didn’t. 

 

This first taste of college wasn’t the dream, but it felt right for me and that was what mattered.  I knew I had one choice and it was clear - Ball Out - on the field and off! Go Time. 

 

After 2 years of football at Glendale community college and a grueling recruiting process I was ready to go. The dream was alive - I had received the scholarship offer I wanted. Boise State University.

 

Boise State University 

 

It truly was the best time of my life. 

 

I was a mid year junior college transfer, and the players took me in - they allowed me to be me. They knew I was there because I earned, and my road was not straight, but these teammates and coaches were supportive and really encouraged me to do it my way and took me in for who I was allowing me to lead. I stood tall to the challenge became the vocal leader,  the energetic and enthusiastic leader I saw they needed. They took notice, and that’s why I was there.  

 

The city of Boise was no different, they took me in as the players and coaches did. When you play hard for the Broncos the Boise takes care of you… When you play with passion, they respond with passion and when you show them love, they respond with love.  

 

Boise’s got your back and they appreciate their Broncos!

 

Win or lose, they have the greatest fan base that I experienced, and one of the best football programs in the county. The city and the team puts on your back a tremendous amount of accountability and ownership and that’s what being a Bronco was all about. 

 

I truly feel so lucky to have found a team and a city with a history, a foundation, and a culture of winning!

 

Go Boise! Go Broncos!

 

PRO

 

My first dream now accomplished… time for what’s next. Through a successful two seasons at Boise State I began to feel that I could do this, I could go Pro - and the possibility to advance my career and play professional football. 

 

Though while the NFL Draft came and my name was not called, I persevered and was awarded an opportunity to sign with the Chicago Bears as an Undrafted Free Agent. During camp, I leaned on my strengths of high effort and physicality and made the 53 man roster to begin my professional career as a Bear. 

 

I performed well and contributed to the Bears 2011 season earning a role as a core special teams player and role linebacker along side Brian Urlacher. While my services lasted one season in the NFL I found my niche in the Canadian Football League. My 6 years in the CFL suited my body type and style of play and the Montreal Alouettes defense was built on those qualities - where I earned accolades as a CFL All- Star.

 

Coming Home

 

I knew there was only one place I wanted to start my young adult life. One place I felt the most connected to, respected, and one place I felt the most appreciated. There wasn’t even a thought… Boise/BSU. Home and where my dreams became reality. I am grateful. 

 

Purpose

 

My purpose in life is very clear to me to help those as I was helped - to positively impact and influence young athletes, young dreamers. The choice to come back and coach was simple and the opportunity presented itself, and over 5 years as a Bronco coach I had 4 different titles from intern to Assistant Coach… I got to take care of our boys! 

 

Today

 

I became a leader of the Broncos in 2008.  

I am a leader of the Broncos in 2024. 

I am a brother, a teammate, a coach, and proudly a resident of Boise.

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VSGPRO

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I started VSGPRO because today’s athletes have more complexity and responsibility than at any other time in sports, as opportunities and financial compensation are growing rapidly and begin earlier.

 

This is a new era for athletes and requires a new era of representation that supports this professional mindset.