Frank Murphy Playbook

After my first meeting with Josh Smith, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Prisons, he introduced me to Frank D. Murphy. That moment marked the beginning of what I believe will be a powerful collaboration.

Frank’s story is inspiring. He grew up facing real struggles in adolescence but found the inner strength to turn things around. He went on to become a professional football player—playing for teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, among others—where he worked under Coach Tony Dungy, a man whose leadership and example inspired me deeply when I was in prison. I read Coach Dungy’s books—they gave me hope, showed me the power of character, resilience, and integrity.

When I met Frank in Deputy Director Smith’s office, he gave me copies of his books—The Man Behind the Helmet and The Secret Playbook. I noticed Coach Dungy had written a testimonial for him. I saw in that not just another motivational speaker—but someone walking the same path I believe in: rising from adversity, holding on to purpose, and helping others do the same.

What His Work Means for Prison Professors

Frank’s story is more than inspirational—it’s actionable. In his writing and speeches, he lays out tools for transformation: not vague hope, but concrete steps. That’s what Prison Professors teaches: that success after a conviction does not happen by accident. It happens by intention.

• We must make choices—today—that shape tomorrow.
• We must memorialize our journey. Write it down.
• We must build profiles—point by point—that show who we’ve become, what we’ve learned, what we intend for our future.
• We must journal, read, reflect, write book reports, draft release plans—all the way through.

By doing this, we don’t just survive; we build. We show the world—and the system—that we are extraordinary and compelling not despite our past, but because we are working to make something better.

A Shared Vision

I see great value in integrating Frank’s literature into the Prison Professors curriculum. His books can be powerful teaching tools. The Secret Playbook can serve as a workbook for transformation. The Man Behind the Helmet can serve as proof—proof that someone from a hard place can not only survive but thrive and give back.

I am happy to be working with Frank. I believe together we can do more than share stories—we can help people create pathways to meaningful freedom.

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