Former Navy SEAL Clint Bruce Shares Insights on Leadership and His Bond with Ohio State's Ryan Day

Clint Bruce, a former NFL player turned Navy SEAL, has dedicated his post-football career to inspiring athletes and leaders across the nation. Armed with lessons from his time in the military and the NFL, Bruce travels the country, sharing wisdom about leadership and resilience with those under immense pressure to perform.

Bruce's resume is impressive, to say the least. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he earned Aloha Bowl MVP honors in 1996 and was inducted into the Navy/Marine Corps Stadium Hall of Fame in 2009. His NFL stints with the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints may have been brief, but Bruce has since carved out a niche as a successful motivational speaker.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Bruce explained his drive to help athletes. "Athletes always carry an extraordinary amount of pressure—trying to prove someone right or wrong. I remember how meaningful it was for me to learn from people who had been where I wanted to go," he shared.

One of Bruce's notable partnerships is with Ohio State coach Ryan Day, who faced intense scrutiny this past season after another loss to Michigan. Despite the critics, Day led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff National Championship, a testament to his resilience. Bruce had seen the potential in the team early on, noting that their "curiosity" stood out. "Curiosity is a catalyst," Bruce said. "Their best players were asking the hardest questions—not just football questions. That’s when you know you’re dealing with greatness."

Bruce credits his military days for teaching him the power of asking questions. "In the special operations community, when senior members start asking questions, it gives everyone else permission to do the same. You want to learn before you step onto the battlefield." This mindset has resonated with the Buckeyes, who have repeatedly invited Bruce back to speak. Next week, he’s set to deliver the keynote address at Ohio State’s 2025 coaches clinic, an event featuring a wide receiver roundtable with Joey Galloway, Brian Hartline, Santonio Holmes, and Carnell Tate.

Ryan Day has openly praised Bruce’s influence, recounting the motivational talk Bruce gave before their playoff semifinal against Texas in January. Bruce drew parallels between military operations and football strategy, likening the SEALs’ method of setting up, creating a storm, and leaving to the Buckeyes’ approach on the field. Day described the talk as "unbelievable," saying, "I’m just trying to find as many top 1% people as possible and bring them into my life."

Day’s leadership has not gone unnoticed—he recently earned a contract extension, making him the second-highest-paid coach in college football, trailing only Georgia’s Kirby Smart. Meanwhile, Bruce continues his impactful work with HoldFast, a company focused on leadership and veteran transitions, showcasing former military personnel as executive coaches.

Clint Bruce’s journey from the NFL gridiron to the Navy SEALs and now to motivational speaking is nothing short of inspiring. His ability to connect military wisdom with athletic excellence continues to leave an indelible mark on the sports world.