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Gold and Black Illustrated, Vol 26, Digital 2

Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.

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12 GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED Akin Ayodele was on cam- pus the weekend of Sept. 19, both as part of Purdue's celebration of its 2000 Rose Bowl team and to accept an ac- ademic award on campus. We caught up with the former Boiler- maker and retired NFL linebacker during a stop on his busy schedule. Q. How do you view the NFL expe- rience? How much do you miss it? Ayodele: "My whole career I couldn't have written up a better script. I was one of those guys who always gave every- thing I had, in that I have absolutely no regrets. We all have goals that we want to reach, and I would say I reached most of my goals. And from a talent standpoint, I maximized whatever little talent I had already. So I'm completely fulfilled with my time, tenure in the NFL." Q. What was your experience like on campus? Ayodele: "It was really cool, I think it was a big deal. I received the Emerging Voice Award for the Liberal Arts depart- ment. Ninety percent of my accolades are not sports-related, so I felt like that's a pretty big deal that they recog- nized me for that. Two other recipients that are in their field are top notch, so to be part of that was pretty cool." Q. What is going to keep you busy over the next period of time? Ayodele: "My foundation (Dreambuilders), and I also do speaking tours. Right before I ended my career I went back and got my (MBA) from George Washington University. I focus a lot of my time now in several different investments where I'm very actively involved. I'm part of a (ven- ture capital) group and we deal with a lot of startups. Understanding that world has been fun for me and something new. I always knew while I was playing that I would probably go into the business world, but what it looked like I couldn't tell you at that time. Now, I'm starting to shape what it does look like. To have that opportunity has been a blessing." Q: What's your advice to college students today? Ayodele: "Whatever they want going forward, to not be afraid to take that step. Use whatever fear you have to your ad- vantage. They're young enough that whatever mistakes they make they can recover from." — As told to Alan Karpick Boiler Index Tom Campbell This winter on your computer or mobile device Special guests, analysis and more Gold and Black LIVE featuring the staff of GoldandBlack.com Interactive live video-stream sports talk show — ask questions, chat with other fans! For schedule visit the college page on WLFI.com. 2 P.M. FRIDAYS Trent Johnson, Agent

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