Former Ole Miss offensive lineman Christopher Cola shares how football shaped his career in accounting and beyond. He discusses how lessons from the trenches—preparation, teamwork, and consistency—carried him through public accounting, the CPA Exam, and a wide-ranging business career. Today, he teaches, writes, and advises student-athletes navigating NIL and financial literacy. Cola connects “doing the things that take no talent” (showing up, discipline, and effort) to professional success, and explains why mentorship and a personal “board of directors” can be a game changer for students and young professionals.