Rashard Higgins transitions from the NFL to firefighting, embracing a new life of service
Rashard Higgins is stepping into a new chapter of his life. The former Cleveland Browns wide receiver, affectionately known as “Hollywood,” has embarked on a career in public service as a firefighter. He shared this significant career shift in a heartfelt Instagram post, reflecting on the challenges he faced in determining his next steps after leaving the NFL.
In his post, Higgins expressed his introspection during this transitional period. “When football ended, I kept asking myself: What now? What’s next? If I became a stay-at-home dad, what kind of example would that be for my kids? They need to see drive. Purpose. A reason to keep pushing,” he wrote.
Finding Purpose Beyond the Field
Higgins turned to faith for guidance as he navigated this uncertain phase. “I went to God. I opened my Bible. And one thing stood out: Jesus always put others before Himself. That kind of love and selflessness – that’s what I want my life to reflect,” he noted.
Becoming a firefighter, in Higgins’s view, allows him to embody that selflessness. “It gives me that chance to show up when people need it most. To be the one running in when everyone else is running out. To save lives, or simply to stand beside someone on their worst day,” he explained.
He emphasized the connection between his past experiences on the football field and his new responsibilities as a firefighter. “I found God. I found my purpose. And the same rush I felt under the lights is the same rush I get when I put on my boots and step into that fire,” Higgins shared, highlighting his commitment to this new vocation.
NFL Career Recap
Originally drafted in the fifth round by the Browns in 2016 out of Colorado State, Higgins had a notable six-season tenure in Cleveland. During that time, he made 137 receptions, amassing 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns. His journey continued briefly with the Carolina Panthers in 2022, but that stint marked the end of his NFL career.
As Higgins embraces this new chapter as a firefighter, he does so with a renewed sense of purpose. His story serves as a reminder of the profound impact that athletes can have off the field, demonstrating that heroism extends beyond sports and into everyday acts of service.
