Conversations with Steven Van Tiflin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Van Tiflin

Hi Steven, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up playing sports in Michigan as the youngest of 3 in an athletic family. I had the privilege of seeing my older siblings live life years before I did, and I joke that I often learned from them what gets a person praised, and also reprimanded. Having an observant eye from a young age, led me to see what was possible in the future. Back by my belief in Jesus, I liked to challenge the status quo. I left the Great Lakes State to pursue playing football at a major school – The University of Georgia. No promises, no scholarships, but an opportunity to try out for the team. My only relationship with the football program was with the secretary at the time Ms. McDaniel, who helped me be sure I submitted all information necessary to try out. Long story short, I made the team. Life as a walk-on for a division-one football program in the SEC teaches you to be disciplined, resilient, and selfless. But looking back, all the hard days, shortcomings, and victories provide a lesson I carry with me like those I learned from my family. Now, I take those lessons into the film industry, where I walked on to set as a background football player, and found my way over the last 3 years to say words well enough to have a steady list of credits. Who knew a midwestern kid with bean fields for neighbors could graduate from a top school and hedge his way into the arts, I say it’s only by grace.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has certainly not been a smooth road. Going into my second year of school, my parents divorced, and naturally, the tremors found their way to my life in Athens. Times got much harder for me day to day, mainly losing financial support to cover out-of-state tuition. I did the best I could, talking to whoever might help, and knocking on doors to see what opportunities were left for me. Outside of my dorm, I had no place to live and was considered homeless. If it weren’t for extra granola bars and protein shakes from the football facility, I wouldn’t have been able to sustain the energy. Weeks away from dropping out of UGA with options consisting of transferring to a smaller school, working several jobs, or the military, I was connected to a friend, now brother, at another school who overcame a similar situation and helped me stay in school.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as an actor based in Atlanta, Ga. Starting, I was in several football-based feature films including The Underdoggs, National Champions, The Senior, and American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. I’ve had the privilege to break away from the athletic mold and lead an independent action movie called False Flag. I also have been a motion capture athlete for EA Sports for Madden 24, Madden 25, CFB 25 and more! I appreciate the synchronicity between football in film. Watching and critiquing my acting performances is no different than watching my tape from the football field. I repeat was worked, and am honest about what doesn’t – it keeps me focused on improving and helps me avoid complacency. I’m happy to have a clear understanding of what a successful performance looks and feels like.

When the strike hit, I found an opportunity to put my business degree to use. I started a remodeling company out of a hobby that my dad and I shared growing up. My company, First Team Decks & Remodeling, services metro Atlanta and we hire other creative tradesmen who have a passion for working with a creative team.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I like to bake! I have abnormally large sweet tooth and finding healthy treats to back is the best of both worlds.

Contact Info:

• IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12713582/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenvantiflin/

Image Credits
Military Picture: Zac Popik