Former Hoosier Matt Mayberry Lent Life Lessons to the 2023 Hoosiers this Summer

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Matt mayberry was invited to talk with iufb by Tom Allen Image: Matt Mayberry Twitter

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

It has been over a decade since Matt Mayberry last put on an IU uniform, but the former linebacker turned inspirational speaker provided the 2023 Hoosiers with a vital message this summer.

“My rallying cry for them was that they get to decide who they are this season. I also shared a few key lessons from Coach Hep that have had a significant impact on my life. For example, I told them that I came to Indiana not because of how great Indiana football was in the past, but because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself in shaping the future.” Mayberry told Hoosier Huddle.

Mayberry was recruited to IU by the late Terry Hoeppner who became one of his greatest mentors. The former Hoosier still can recite Hep’s Poem, (Don’t Quit), by heart and carries what he calls ‘Hepisms’ with him every day.

A demanding schedule that includes writing two books and talking in front of companies like JP Morgan Chase and even the FBI has prevented Mayberry from returning to IU regularly, but the decision to talk to this year’s team was easy.

“When Coach Allen and I connected and he proposed the idea, I jumped all over it. In many ways, attending Indiana University impacted my life, but playing football at Indiana University changed my life. The decision was easy, and I was ecstatic to return to campus and spend the day with Coach Allen and the team.” Mayberry said.

His message, a familiar one, resonated with the players.

“He really came over overcame a lot in his life. And he was able to turn his life around and do things live his life in a certain way to where he was able to be successful.” Linebacker Aaron Casey said. “So I believe these last couple of couple years Indiana hasn't had the best seasons, the best record and we can turn things around with the proper, proper work, dedication.”

Senior defensive back Noah Pierre felt the impact as well.

“It was it was big time, man.” Pierre said. Like, he pretty much said a lot of the same things that coach Allen preaches about, but just in a different way. You know, sometimes hearing it in a different way really resonates with you. And it really did resonate with me. So I hope that resonated with the rest of the guys.”

Mayberry discussed why he chose IU and compared it to the Hoosiers 2023 season, especially the opener against Ohio State, a team IU has not defeated since 1988.

“I told them that I came to Indiana not because of how great Indiana football was in the past, but because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself in shaping the future. Many people consider the first game of the season to be an unfortunate occurrence. But I challenged them to see this as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shock the country.” Mayberry said.

Since retiring from football Mayberry has written two books, Winning Plays and Culture is the Way, which was a Wall Street Journal Best Seller. Fans can visit his website https://www.mattmayberryonline.com/