Ep. 120: Kellen Mond - From NFL QB to Artist and Photographer

 Kellen Mond shares his journey from surviving the chaotic world of professional football to finding peace and passion in photography and art. Hear about his upcoming debut show, the lessons learned from high-pressure NFL environments, and how his unique lens helps him capture the beauty in imperfection and chaos.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Kellen Mond discusses NFL challenges, art, photography, and embracing chaos.

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SEO Description:

Former NFL quarterback Kellen Mond shares his journey from pro sports to art, exploring growth, mental health, and finding beauty in chaos on Passing The Torch.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways and Key highlights:

• How photography helped Kellen Mond rediscover himself
• The transition from NFL quarterback to artist and photographer
• The impact of leadership and environment on personal growth
• Honest discussion about depression, expectations, and redefining success
• Fun, behind-the-scenes anecdotes about NFL teammates
• Kellen’s dream photography projects and his philosophy on capturing history

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Kellen's Resources:

➡︎ Website: https://www.original-visuals.com/ 

➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellen-mond-250907347/ 

➡︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellenmond/ 

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Episode Mentions:

J Cole

Drew Brees

Jacoby Brissett

Kir Cousins

Kevin O’Connell

Sean Payton

Tom Brady

Cam Newton

Mike Zimmer

Sean Mannion

Adam Thielen

Kevin Stefanski

Drew Petzing

AJ Rose

Cam Turner

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Quote to open episode:

“Follow Your Heart. Don’t follow what you have been told you are supposed to do.” – J Cole 

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Chapters:

00:00 Journey to Mastering Photography

06:07 Football Chaos vs. Photography Peace

10:04 Finding Balance: Hustle and Gratitude

12:40 Reflections on Missed Opportunities

20:20 Flexible Quarterback Coaching Philosophy

21:47 "The Insanity Behind Greatness"

27:21 Football: Not As It Seems

31:07 "Finding Beauty in Imperfection"

33:00 "Passion, Photography, and Life's Paths"

36:22 Snakes, Danger, and Urban Photography

40:30 "Mastering Complexity: NFL vs. Photography"

42:01 "Kirk Cousin's Unique Leadership Style"

46:58 Southern Spain Architecture Tour Plans

49:40 "Historic Moments to Photograph"

54:34 "Never As Bad Or Good"

56:04 "J Cole's Reverse Storytelling"

59:54 "From NFL to Artistry"

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Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch – Kellen Mond

In this episode of "Passing The Torch," Martin Foster welcomes artist, photographer, and former NFL quarterback Kellen Mond to discuss Mond’s fascinating journey from football to the art world. The conversation begins with Kellen Mond sharing how he’s entering a new chapter in his life, transitioning from a career dominated by football to expressing himself creatively through art and photography. He reveals that he’s planning his debut show in Texas, designed as an exclusive VIP event for art collectors.

The discussion dives into what drew Kellen Mond to art and photography, highlighting that his entry into the field was sparked by wanting higher quality content for social media—ultimately leading him to discover a passion for capturing moments and growing as an artist. He explains how the detailed, competitive nature required in both football and photography provides a bridge between the two disciplines, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and continual growth.

Martin Foster asks about the emotional side of Mond’s NFL experience, referencing a viral LinkedIn post where Mond shared his struggles with depression despite achieving his lifelong dream and financial success. Mond provides a candid look at the mental health challenges that often go unseen in professional sports—from the relentless pursuit of perfection to the complexities of NFL team dynamics and the loss of identity after leaving the sport.

The episode also reflects on the role of environment, leadership, and coaching, with Mond contrasting his experiences in Minnesota and Cleveland. He credits positive cultures and veteran leadership, especially in Cleveland, for helping him grow and adjust his definition of success, and shares anecdotes about veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s approach to moving on after tough games.

Photography, Mond notes, has brought him peace and allowed him to appreciate imperfection and chaos—something he now values both emotionally and creatively. He tells stories from his photographic journeys, including taking pictures in Costa Rica’s rainforest and Cleveland’s urban landscapes, and shares his ambitions for future projects blending art and community storytelling.

The episode concludes with lighthearted questions about dream photography destinations, favorite quarterbacks, and the unique ways art can communicate humanity and leadership. Mond’s philosophy, “it’s never as bad as it seems and it’s never as good as it seems,” resonates throughout, tying together his experiences in sports, business, and art.

Listeners come away with an inspiring account of resilience, reinvention, and the beauty found in unlikely places—both in life and through Mond’s lens.

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Looking for someone to host your event, emcee, or conduct a live podcast, please email passingthetorchpod@gmail.com

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Episode Sponsor:

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I appreciate all of you. - MF