Daily Inspiration: Meet Reggie Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reggie Thomas.

Reggie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I played college football at Furman University from 2012–2015, then chased the next level. I had a short Arena Football run from 2017–2018 and was still trying to reach the NFL. When that didn’t work out, I hit a crossroads. My whole identity had been football, and for the first time I had to ask, “Who am I if I’m not playing anymore?”

At first I wanted nothing to do with the game. I tried personal training for a while, and it was cool, but I knew deep down it wasn’t my purpose. One morning I woke up with this desire to coach. I started looking for high school jobs, found Boiling Springs was looking for a DB coach, applied, and here I am—now finishing my sixth year coaching there.

Route Breakers started as something small for my guys at school. I just wanted to build better defensive backs—teach technique, give them real development, hold them to a standard. But it’s turned into more than just DB work. Route Breakers is a movement now.

On the field, “Route Breakers” means we’re locking up routes, winning 1-on-1s…being playmakers. Off the field, it’s about breaking the route you’re on if it’s taking you somewhere you don’t want to end up. I had to break a lot of routes growing up—cycles, habits, expectations—and I’m still doing it every day. I want these kids to have a bridge that will lead them to success in life.

My goal is to help the next generation develop mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—not just as athletes, but as people. Anyone can be a Route Breaker. Find your purpose. Break the route.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not a smooth road. When you’re building from the ground up, most of the bumps come from simply not knowing. Over the years, I’ve learned more by walking through the fire than reading about it. Experience is life’s best teacher, and it’s taught me this: if God allows it, tomorrow will come, and that means another chance to be better than I was today.

There were real financial hardships in this journey. I began football training in September 2019, after I decided to leave my job as a personal trainer at Planet Fitness. It was a struggle trying to find the balance of investing in gear, website, merch samples, travel, and training costs while the brand was still finding its audience. Some months I questioned if the money going out made sense compared to what was coming in. I’ve also wrestled with doubt: slow growth, videos that didn’t perform, and moments where I wondered if I should pause altogether. Add in burnout from coaching football on the high school level, filming, editing, posting, etc— at times I definitely felt stretched thin.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I’m an Assistant Athletic Performance Coach at Boiling Springs High School in Boiling Springs, SC. I also coach Cornerbacks for the Varsity and JV football team. Around the area I’m generally known for my specialization in coaching defensive backs. Also, a little expertise when it comes to speed and agility training. I’m proud of my journey. If you would’ve told 20 year old me that I’d be coaching, I would’ve thought you were crazy. I had no desire to coach or train kids. My focus was making it to the NFL. As we all know, God is the ultimate final sayer. He had other plans, but I’m happy where I’m at in life. I don’t really compare myself to others anymore to know what sets me apart. Over the years I’ve learned to just focus on my God given talent and my assignment. So everyday I try to compete with myself to be the best version of me. Everyday I want to move with intent.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’m actually still learning. I would say I’m pretty outgoing…a social butterfly some might say. I like to talk to people. I get enjoyment out of seeing others around me happy and prospering. My advice to my athletes is to always make relationships outside of football. I don’t think I did a well enough job of that in college. I believe that networking outside of your norm is one of the keys to building long lasting relationships and friendships.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/routebreakers_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16RWZinujt/
• Twitter: https://x.com/coachrt14
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@routebreakers14

Image Credits
Cameron Stevens