Retired NFL Player & Hat Store Owner Jordan Sullen Releases His Fourth Book To Honor His Daughter and Mardi Gras

Williams Commerce Author Interview

Ross: What inspired you to write your fourth literary publication?

Jordan: Becoming a father was the icing on the cake that guided me back to the literary space after stepping away for a few years. Parenthood alone is an incredible blessing for anyone fortunate enough to experience it, but having a daughter introduced an entirely new level of intentionality into my life. While she’s still young, I’m deeply aware of the responsibility—and opportunity—I have to plant good seed early, especially when it comes to helping her understand the true value of legacy. For me, this project marks my fourth book. For her, it represents the opening of a world she’ll one day recognize as a possibility, a sense of ownership, and creative freedom.

Around that same time, I began seeing commercials for a new Disney Jr. series, Hey AJ, written by a former teammate of mine, Martellus Bennett. Although our time together in Chicago was brief, I’ve admired his imaginative spirit for years. Watching the way he’s transitioned from football into storytelling—and done so unapologetically—set a powerful example of what it looks like to pursue a path less chosen. Seeing his vision come to life on screen was the reminder I needed. After watching a single episode, I knew it was time for me to get back in my literary bag and recommit to telling stories with purpose.

Ross: What makes Mardi Gras meaningful to you?

Jordan: New Orleans is my birthplace, and as one of the most unique cities in the world, it exposes you to a wide spectrum of life at a very young age—some beautiful, some challenging. Mardi Gras is one of those cultural touchstones you’re introduced to early on. It’s more than a celebration; it’s a moment where the city opens its arms. As hospitable as New Orleanians are by nature, Mardi Gras amplifies that spirit, welcoming visitors from around the world and, in turn, giving us a broader perspective beyond the city’s boundaries.

For my daughter, that exposure will come through the stories, experiences, and traditions passed down by her dad and grandparents. She gets to live vicariously through us, seeing life through a lens shaped by culture, history, and community as she grows. New Orleans will always be a second home for her, and it’s important to me that she develops a relationship with that culture early on. Mardi Gras just happens to be one of the most prominent and accessible expressions of the city’s identity. Because it’s welcoming to all ages, it felt natural to build a storyline around it as she prepares to experience her first Mardi Gras in the near future.

Ross: What are the biggest takeaways you want readers to have from your book?

Jordan: At its core, I want young readers to understand that your size doesn’t determine the magnitude of your spirit. This book is about planting the seed of imagination—something many people either lose over time or never fully learn to nurture. It serves as a reminder to dream big, trust your creativity, and never be afraid to march to the beat of your own drum. These are principles I live by daily, and it felt both natural and refreshing to translate them into a story that children—and adults—can see themselves in.

Ross: You have successfully transitioned from professional sports to full-time entrepreneurship. What advice do you have for former collegiate & pro athletes attempting to transition into entrepreneurship?

Jordan: I want athletes to think beyond the lines they’ve been conditioned to see for so many years. If you sit with it long enough, you’ll realize that no matter the sport, you’re often operating within a box—one defined by routine, expectation, and identity. What saved me from sinking after the game was staying connected to the things that brought me joy beyond the contact sport. For me, the arts have always provided a sense of calm and clarity, even growing up in New Orleans.

With such a laser focus on “making it out,” there were seasons where certain passions had to be placed on the shelf—and that’s okay. What’s not okay is leaving them there, convincing yourself that your talent has somehow faded simply because the game ended. That sense of emptiness many athletes feel after stepping away isn’t a loss of purpose; it’s often a call back to the gifts we’ve neglected. You might be shelving something that could completely change the trajectory of your life—and your children’s lives.

As soon as I hung up my cleats, I picked up my graphite pencils and began developing characters that would eventually pave the way for children’s books and so much more. That journey reminded me that God will always protect and preserve what He provides. It’s called God-given talent for a reason. The responsibility is ours to honor it. Take a chance on yourself.

Ross: When did you first get the idea to become an author?

Jordan: Honestly, I’ve wanted to be an author since the very first time my mama took me to Marshall’s in Oakwood Mall and I picked up my first Shel Silverstein book, Where the Sidewalk Ends. I’ve always believed that brother carried a beautiful spirit—rooted in humility, imagination, and honesty. That book has stayed with me through every phase of life, and even now, it still makes me smile in the same way it did back then.

Early on, I realized my introverted nature allowed me to express myself more freely on paper than I sometimes could out loud. Writing became a place of safety, reflection, and release. Over time, exposure, proximity, and access helped me grow more comfortable using my voice in different spaces, but storytelling has always remained my greatest escape. And that’s exactly what I want to offer others—a gentle refuge from life’s weight, found in something as simple as turning the pages of a book. The youth is the future, and if I can help shape their imagination, even in a small way, then I’m doing my part.

Link to order Ardy Gras below. Follow Jordan & Ross on Instagram.