Former Browns LB Joe Schobert Finds New Passion as Dance Studio Owner

From walk-on to Pro Bowl linebacker, Schobert transitions to life after football by opening a dance studio with his wife in Colorado.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Joe Schobert, a former fourth-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, had a successful NFL career as a tackling machine, making the Pro Bowl in 2017. After seven seasons in the league, including four with the Browns, Schobert retired and opened a dance studio called 'Schotime Dance Center' with his wife Megan in Castle Rock, Colorado. The couple had long planned to open a dance studio after Schobert's playing days, with Megan having a lifelong passion for dance.

Why it matters

Schobert's transition from NFL linebacker to dance studio owner highlights the diverse interests and talents of professional athletes beyond just sports. His story also showcases how players can find fulfilling second careers after football, especially in areas they are passionate about. The opening of Schotime Dance Center brings a new community-focused business to the rapidly growing Castle Rock area.

The details

After going undrafted out of high school, Schobert walked on at the University of Wisconsin and went on to earn All-American and All-Big Ten honors. He was then selected by the Browns in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Schobert had a productive four-year stint in Cleveland, making the Pro Bowl in 2017 after leading the league in total tackles. He then signed a lucrative free agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 before retiring after the 2021 season. Schobert and his wife Megan, who was a competitive dancer in high school, had long discussed opening a dance studio after his NFL career. They settled on Castle Rock, Colorado, and opened Schotime Dance Center in November 2022, offering classes in styles like ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop for ages 3-18 as well as adult classes.

  • Schobert was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
  • In 2017, Schobert led the NFL in total tackles and was named to the Pro Bowl.
  • Schobert signed a five-year, $53.75 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 as a free agent.
  • Schobert retired from the NFL after the 2021 season.
  • Schobert and his wife Megan opened Schotime Dance Center in Castle Rock, Colorado in November 2022.

The players

Joe Schobert

A former NFL linebacker who played seven seasons in the league, including four with the Cleveland Browns. Schobert was a Pro Bowler in 2017 and is now the owner of Schotime Dance Center in Colorado.

Megan Schobert

Joe Schobert's wife, who has had a lifelong passion for dance and is now a co-owner of Schotime Dance Center.

Dave Schultz

Schobert's high school basketball coach at Waukesha West High School, who had connections with college scouts that helped Schobert get noticed.

Steve Rux

Schobert's high school football coach at Waukesha West High School, who planned to retire Schobert's jersey to honor his accomplishments.

Gregg Williams

The defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns during Schobert's time with the team, known for his intense and chaotic coaching style.

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What they’re saying

“When I got to college, it was kind of a progression. I played wide receiver for a couple of days, then moved me to safety. Then I started lifting some weights and gained muscle. That gained me about 15-20 pounds, and they moved me to linebacker. Just went from there. Was used to making tackles when I played safety.”

— Joe Schobert, Former NFL Linebacker (dawgsbynature.com)

“The Senior Bowl is like a mini-Combine. The whole week, you're talking to scouts and coaches, defensive coordinators and general managers from NFL organizations every single day. It's good for a guy to get name recognition, and they get to talk to you to get to know who you are.”

— Joe Schobert, Former NFL Linebacker (dawgsbynature.com)

“Gregg Williams is pretty much creates chaos in the meeting rooms and practices to see how guys will react to adversity and not crumble on Sundays. He is pedal to the metal, loud, and abrasive - all the time. Until Sunday, then he is the calmest coach you have.”

— Joe Schobert, Former NFL Linebacker (dawgsbynature.com)

“That's the tough part about it. You work all the time, and don't see any results for it. Isn't that the definition of insanity? We were in so many games and lost quite a few late or in overtime. Last-second field goals or any other way you can lose. And as a professional, you just have to keep working and doing the things that should help your team to win.”

— Joe Schobert, Former NFL Linebacker (dawgsbynature.com)

“We wanted to settle in Colorado because I wanted to be near the mountains, do some hiking, skiing, fishing, and all that. The demographics of the Denver area seemed to be the best. There weren't a lot of dance studios in Castle Rock, which had gone from 40,000 people in 2010 and now has over 80,000, and is one of the fastest growing areas. It's booming at this time, so it seemed like a good place to start a business.”

— Joe Schobert, Former NFL Linebacker (dawgsbynature.com)

What’s next

Schobert's dance studio, Schotime Dance Center, is planning a grand opening celebration in the coming months to introduce the new business to the Castle Rock community.

The takeaway

Joe Schobert's transition from NFL linebacker to dance studio owner showcases the diverse talents and interests of professional athletes beyond just sports. His story highlights how players can find fulfilling second careers in areas they are passionate about after their playing days are over, while also bringing a new community-focused business to the rapidly growing Castle Rock, Colorado area.