Exclusive Interview With Former NFL Defensive End David Bass Jr.

David Bass Jr. didn’t follow the “glamorous” path to the NFL.

Sure, Bass set the all-time record for career starts (50) and sacks (40.5) at Missouri Western State University, and was even a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award (given to the best offensive or defensive lineman in Division II football).

But even with those accolades, Bass lasted until the 7th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, being selected with the 233rd overall pick that year by the Oakland Raiders. And as fate would have it, he wouldn’t even end up making the roster of the team that drafted him. Still, not one to let such setbacks prematurely end his dream of playing professional football, Bass signed with the Chicago Bears only days later, and that move would kick start an NFL career that lasted three seasons.

Having retired in 2018, Bass granted an exclusive interview to HomeBleachers.com, and provided tremendous insight into the life of an NFL player after his playing days are behind him.

“Where do I start on advice to draftees? I’ve experienced so much during my time in the league this answer could go on forever,” said Bass. “So, to narrow it down to a couple things they would be: One, Never forget why you play this game! Please don’t forget your WHY because times will get tough and adversity will hit. Through it all never lose confidence or yourself value during all the challenges you’ll face with uncertainties in this craziness in the league. If you’re not mentally prepared you can easily fold. So, remember why you started playing this game and why you continue too in your back pocket as a constant reminder to fight harder than ever when times are tougher than ever. “

“Two, truly fall in love with the journey! Practice, Games, Offseason training, Diet, Prehab & Rehab, and Studying because every little thing helps. The NFL is very competitive and in order to be great everything has to be accounted for.”

Now on the other side of his playing days, Bass went on to talk about his current work with the TRUST organization, run by the council of current NFL players.

“The TRUST is an organization through the NFLPA that is strictly for the players by the players that provide resources for the retired and help assist with our benefits while transitioning out,” Bass said.

Like virtually everyone else in the world, Bass’ life has been affected by the current COVID-19 crisis. We asked about both how some of the football camps that Bass has previously run, and his personal life have been affected by the pandemic.

“I’ve done camps ever summer for the past couple years but this year is still up in the air with the COVID-19,” Bass said.

“With all the uncertainty of an end in sight, it’s hard to predict whether or not we will provide one. Safety and health is far more important than getting out having a camp.”

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic I’ve been doing what really what I’ve doing the past few months: laying low and enjoying time with my family,” Bass continued. “Since retirement late last year, I’ve been enjoying small things such as sleeping in and waking up to my wife and daughter. Being able to play all throughout the day and go to the local ice cream shop every other day with my baby girl. Plus, the new addition to the family in my son has made it a lot easier to stay home and enjoy family.”

In his final parting thoughts with HomeBleachers, Bass provided us with some insight into his future career aspirations, and how his previous career helped shape his approach to fulfilling those aspirations.

“I’m always setting goals and still have dreams and aspirations to do so much more than just make it to the NFL,” said Bass. “So, however that means in reaching them through business ventures with a corporation or stepping out as an entrepreneur it’ll be done. Things are currently in the works but can’t say too much at this time.”