Breaking down Pete Fleps is no simple task, but it sure is fun.

This linebacker turned NFL Player and businessman, takes his job seriously, and keeps ties back to his faith and discipline.

Pete Fleps, a Southlake native, was one of four players from the 2010 SMU football team believed to have an opportunity in the NFL.

While preparing for the NFL Draft in April, Fleps actively pursued a business career participating in interviews around Dallas assuming the reality that “the average NFL career is three to four years…and you can’t base a future off the NFL.”

After going undrafted in April, he dropped the NFL career path furthermore, committing to a business-consulting firm here in Dallas.

Fleps continued preparing for business to take formation but this linebacker was called back to the field for a few more tackles.

ESPN Austin radio host and speaker, Sean Adams, breaks down college and professional athletes defining a great player.

Adams believes, “Many great players are great because they never accept failure.”

The reality of having an NFL career reappeared for Fleps after the NFL lockout was lifted in July. Alas, the NFL resumed business and Fleps received a call.

Fleps remembers, “My agent called and said, ‘the Rams are still interested. Can you go up for training camp?’ I immediately called the company; they told me to go and that my job would be waiting for me when I got back.”

Fleps describes his first days as an NFL player saying “It was really hot the first two weeks, and I was out of football shape.

The first day, getting back into shape was difficult, but primarily the mental part”.

After immersing himself into a different defensive scheme, and trying to make up lost time due to the NFL lockout.

Fleps describes his experience as “very stunning, also completely new environment, challenging and tested my character.

After things slowed down it got a lot better and the games were a lot of fun.”

One of the agreements made during the lockout determined that every team roster must be cut to 53 players succeeding preseason play. Fleps did not make the final cut, and returned to Dallas.

But once again Fleps is not discouraged, as there is a possibility of being called back up.

Still working with his agent Fleps knows there is a chance he could be contacted by another team as the season progresses.

Fleps is more than a former SMU linebacker turned NFL player and businessman.

He is a “follower of Christ,” attributing everything he has learned to his faith in God.

When asked about the future, he says he wants “to raise a family, but long term I cannot tell.”

While many plan exactly what is going to happen in their lives Fleps is living according to what God has planned for him instead of his plans for himself, he wants to live by His plan.

How Fleps lives his life is not self-described.

His teammates recognize and respect his actions for what he stands for and brought to the team.

Senior Blake McJunkin recalls Fleps as “leadership by example, in everything he did, character, work ethic, preparation, and by his performance on the field. I looked up to him and consider him a good friend.”

Fleps was commonly referred to as “Captain America” because of his discipline.

In talking to Pete it does not take much time to realize the discipline and humbleness he exults.

Academics were always a major factor in his day-to-day lifestyle, and his hard work showed through there as well.

While pursuing his degree in business management and a masters in liberal arts, he was named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll in ’07, ’08, and ’09, named honorable mention All-Conference USA.

He one of 11 student-athletes selected for the 2010 Conference USA football All-Academic Team, Academic All-District in 2010, and let us not forget team captain.

Fleps finished second on the team in tackles with 123 stops on the year.

Recalling one of the biggest lessons he learned while in college and playing Division I football is time management, which he seemingly mastered well considering his accomplishments.

Fleps enjoyed his time in the NFL, and would definitely return if the opportunity presents itself.

I asked if he had three wishes for this year’s SMU football team. He said they would be that the team (SMU):

1. “Would continue to represent the university well.”

2. “Continue to bring positive recognition to the high standards of the University.”

3. “Bring glory to name of the Lord.”

But Fleps had to conclude with “going back to the Conference Championship game and winning.”