Jonelle Clark’s Message to Coaches: Your Health Is Not Optional | 2026 AFCA Convention
January 23, 2026
At the 2026 AFCA Convention, Jonelle Clark delivered a powerful and heartfelt message to the coaching profession following the unexpected passing of her husband, UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Speaking directly to the football community, she challenged coaches to recognize that their health is not something to put off, ignore, or sacrifice for the game.
In this emotional and inspiring speech, Mrs. Clark speaks to the realities of a profession built on long hours, constant stress, and relentless expectations. She urges coaches to get physicals, monitor their blood pressure, address stress, and understand that caring for themselves is not selfish, it is a responsibility.
“This job doesn’t just affect you. It affects the people who love you.”
Her message is a call to action for football coaches to make health and wellness a standard of care, not an afterthought. Not someday. Not when it’s convenient. Now.
Healthy coaches lead longer.
They perform better.
And they stay with their families longer.
Let this be a reminder that your impact reaches far beyond the sidelines, and your life is worth protecting.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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At the 2026 AFCA Convention, Jonelle Clark delivered a powerful and heartfelt message to the coaching profession following the unexpected passing of her husband, UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark. Speaking directly to the football community, she challenged coaches to recognize that their health is not something to put off, ignore, or sacrifice for the game.
In this emotional and inspiring speech, Mrs. Clark speaks to the realities of a profession built on long hours, constant stress, and relentless expectations. She urges coaches to get physicals, monitor their blood pressure, address stress, and understand that caring for themselves is not selfish, it is a responsibility.
“This job doesn’t just affect you. It affects the people who love you.”
Her message is a call to action for football coaches to make health and wellness a standard of care, not an afterthought. Not someday. Not when it’s convenient. Now.
Healthy coaches lead longer.
They perform better.
And they stay with their families longer.
Let this be a reminder that your impact reaches far beyond the sidelines, and your life is worth protecting.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
