Former WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley Launches “Phenom to Legend” Program to Spotlight Exceptional Youth Athletes

Former WWE Superstar and WWE Champion Bobby Lashley is well-known for his physical abilities and success in the ring. He has now shifted focus to highlighting the next generation of sports stars. Lashley recently announced his ‘Phenom to Legend’ program, a nationwide initiative to identify and showcase young athletes excelling in their respective sports.

In explaining the program, Lashley said, “I’m trying to find kids around the United States that are doing phenomenal work in sports. Particularly, because I came from a sports background, I like to pick their brains—finding out what motivates them, why they do what they do, how they started, and how it feels to be great.”

Lashley’s vision goes beyond the typical interviews with young athletes. He aims to go deeper, asking questions that reveal the mindset and motivation behind their success.

“A lot of these questions may seem simple, but when you hear what these kids talk about regarding greatness, it’s refreshing, eye-opening, and just different,” Lashley explained. “Some kids are wired differently, and I want to give them the floor to explain why they feel they’re different and what makes them great.”

His personal experience as an athlete fuels Lashley’s passion for the project. During his youth, Lashley excelled in football, baseball, and track while excelling in wrestling. He knows firsthand what it’s like to juggle multiple sports and push yourself to the next level. However, he acknowledges the pressures that come with early success. “Sometimes, when kids [get] put in the spotlight, they face criticism. If someone says this kid’s the best in track, others will start calling the kid overrated,” Lashley said.

“But I don’t believe that should happen. We should be highlighting every kid we can, and that’s what I’m trying to do with my platform.”

Through the Phenom to Legend program, Lashley wants to commemorate young athletes who have made an impact on a local, regional, state, national, or even international level. “Every one of these kids is a champion in my eyes,” Lashley said, emphasizing that recognition should be given to their achievements, regardless of their size or scale. By spotlighting these athletes, Lashley aims to inspire others and foster a positive conversation about youth sports.

In addition to interviewing the athletes, Lashley intends to sit down with their parents to understand how they help nurture and support their children’s dreams. “As a parent, I think it’s important to hear from these kids, and I’m also going to interview their parents to see how they encourage their children and help them strive to be the best,” he explained.

The objective is to highlight the children’s accomplishments and offer valuable insights on how families can collaborate to achieve success.

Lashley commented about the project, mentioning that one of his counselors once stated, “You’re trying to interview a younger you.” Lashley finds the idea compelling. Reflecting on his own journey as a young athlete, he wonders what it would have been like to have a platform that allowed him to share his mindset and motivation at an early age. “It would be really interesting to have an interview with someone like LeBron James back when he was in seventh grade, when people were starting to talk about this tall kid,” Lashley mused.

Although the Phenom to Legend program is still in its infancy, Lashley’s enthusiasm and dedication are evident. He aims to ensure every child’s hard work and determination are acknowledged. “A kid who pushes themselves to the next level is doing something great,” he said.

Bobby Lashley’s Phenom to Legend program is not just about sports but also about empowering young athletes to share their stories and inspire the next generation of champions.