Ex-Bear Terry Schmidt's Inspiring Life Can Help Your Young Athlete

Schmidt's NFL career and post-football life offer valuable lessons for parents and kids in youth sports.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Terry Schmidt, a former NFL defensive back who played 11 seasons in the league, including for the 1984 Chicago Bears, shares insights from his football career and life after the game that can help young athletes and their parents navigate the challenges of youth sports. Despite missing out on the Bears' Super Bowl-winning 1985 season, Schmidt has no regrets and went on to become a dentist, missionary, and role model for his own children's athletic pursuits.

Why it matters

Schmidt's story highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on youth sports, avoiding overly intense coaching and parental pressure, and allowing young athletes to explore multiple sports and interests. His experiences can help guide families in supporting their kids' athletic development in a healthy, constructive way.

The details

After being recruited as a wide receiver at Ball State, Schmidt transitioned to safety and ended up being drafted by several professional teams, including the New Orleans Saints, where he started as a rookie. He later played for the Chicago Bears, where he thrived under the coaching of Buddy Ryan and Mike Ditka, though he missed out on the team's Super Bowl victory in 1985 as he was preparing for a career in dentistry. Schmidt went on to have a successful dental career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, while also engaging in missionary work around the world.

  • Schmidt was drafted by the New Orleans Saints, Hawaii (World Football League), and Winnipeg (Canadian Football League) after college.
  • Schmidt started as a rookie cornerback for the Saints in 1974 during the first NFL players' strike.
  • Schmidt played for the Chicago Bears from 1976 to 1984, including the team's NFC Championship season in 1984.
  • Schmidt missed out on the Bears' Super Bowl-winning 1985 season as he was preparing to attend dental school at age 34.
  • Schmidt worked as a dentist for the Department of Veterans Affairs in various locations, including Chicago, Tampa, Asheville, and Johnson City.

The players

Terry Schmidt

A former NFL defensive back who played 11 seasons in the league, including for the 1984 Chicago Bears.

Earl Campbell

A future Hall of Fame running back whom Schmidt tackled during his NFL career.

Hank Stram

A Hall of Fame NFL coach who was Schmidt's head coach with the New Orleans Saints.

Mike Ditka

The head coach of the Chicago Bears during Schmidt's time with the team.

Buddy Ryan

The defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears during Schmidt's time with the team.

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What they’re saying

“I thought what the heck, I'm gonna just give this a shot. One of the first strikes ever in the NFL was 1974, and so they brought in a bunch of rookies, free agents, whatever, whoever wandered to cross the picket line. And so, the veterans didn't come in until after third preseason game. I had a really, really good training camp, and I ended up starting as a rookie for the Saints at corner.”

— Terry Schmidt (USA TODAY)

“I think he was probably a great coach back when they won the Super Bowl, but as the players evolved, he didn't evolve with them.”

— Terry Schmidt (USA TODAY)

“Don't push anything on your kids and have a piece of tape over your mouth. You don't need to be yelling at the umpires, don't be yelling at the coaches. Go there and enjoy your son or your daughter playing. And just just let 'em play.”

— Terry Schmidt (USA TODAY)

What’s next

Schmidt continues to share his experiences and insights with young athletes and their families, hoping to inspire them to approach sports with a balanced and supportive mindset.

The takeaway

Terry Schmidt's journey from NFL player to dentist and missionary demonstrates the value of maintaining perspective, embracing multiple interests, and supporting young athletes in a way that allows them to develop and enjoy their sports experiences. His story offers valuable lessons for parents navigating the challenges of youth sports.