Johnny Townsend Talks Nirvana, NFL, and His Off the Field Endeavors
NFL punter Johnny Townsend is a true “renaissance man.” From sprinting down the field on fake punts, to philanthropic initiatives, to a Harvard business degree, Townsend does it all.
Nirvana’s CEO, David Vanderveen, had the pleasure of hosting the all-time leading punter in SEC and University of Florida history, two-time first team All-American, 5th round NFL Draft pick, and Nirvana athlete affiliate and investor on his podcast, Kickasspirational.
Townsend begins the discussion addressing his excitement for being a part of the Nirvana team as an athlete investor and affiliate (along with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend). He mentions that they were first drawn to Nirvana because of the benefits it provides them (as professional athletes) as a truly functional beverage with proven results, and a great taste. He goes on to discuss the benefits of HMB for NFL players, needing recovery, hydration, and muscle performance throughout a grueling six to seven-month season and off-season training.
Townsend then talks through his journey on the football field, going from a high school quarterback to a record setting career at the University of Florida as a punter, and ultimately being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 5th round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Townsend discusses some highlights of his NFL career and the uniqueness of being a punter, a finesse position within a physical game, and how he developed a passion for mastering the intricacies of the position.
Townsend then dives into the work he is doing off the field and the focus he has for life after football. He mentions the platform and network that the NFL provides and the importance of taking advantage of this for a smooth transition for the day the game ends. Unfortunately, he says, many players struggle with this transition. He notes his passion for philanthropy and the work he is doing with his foundation, the Johnny Townsend Foundation, which helps the pediatric patients at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. The foundation raises money for facility renovations and other initiatives that directly benefit the mental health of the patients they are supporting.
At the end of the discussion, Townsend flips the interview on Vanderveen. Townsend inquires on how Vanderveen developed a passion for entrepreneurship, and learns more about the journey that has led him to many successful opportunities and investments and ultimately, to becoming the CEO of Nirvana.
