Lessons from an NFL Veteran on Starting a New Job
When joining a new team or company, one of the first unspoken questions on everyone’s mind is whether the newcomer is there to take someone else’s job. This feeling is universal, whether in a professional office setting or a high-stakes NFL locker room. Kyle Van Noy, a linebacker currently with the Minnesota Vikings and a two-time Super Bowl champion, shares insights from his extensive experience transitioning between teams in his 13th NFL season. Having been ‘the new guy’ seven times across six teams, Van Noy offers valuable lessons on how to navigate starting fresh and how organizations can better support new hires.
If You’re the New Hire
1. Take it all in. Van Noy emphasizes the importance of listening and observing during the initial days. When he joined the Vikings, he recognized only a few familiar faces, such as Andrew Van Ginkel, a former teammate. Rather than trying to dominate conversations or assert himself immediately, he chose to quietly understand the team dynamics, observing who the go-to people were and how the group functioned. In any new workplace, this approach helps you avoid stepping on toes and positions you to contribute effectively.
2. Let your results do the talking. Actions speak louder than words, and Van Noy’s performance on the field quickly changed how teammates perceived him. In his first three games with the Vikings, he recorded 1.5 sacks and four tackles for loss, proving his readiness and dedication. Similarly, new employees should aim to deliver on visible projects early, allowing their work to earn respect and credibility.
3. Be willing to start at the bottom. Van Noy’s journey included a stint on the Vikings’ practice squad—a developmental roster—before earning a place on the active roster. He notes that organizational hierarchies vary, and a new role may differ from your previous position. Prioritizing performing well in the role you have, regardless of its level, often leads to advancement.
4. Skip the rah-rah. Unlike earlier in his career, Van Noy now takes a more measured approach to leadership, especially with new teammates he hasn’t yet bonded with. Instead of loud, broad encouragement, he opts for private, thoughtful conversations when guidance is necessary. This approach fosters genuine connection and respect.
5. Pick up the check. To build camaraderie, Van Noy took the Vikings’ entire defensive line out to dinner shortly after joining. Small gestures like this can communicate openness and commitment to the team, helping to break down barriers quickly. In any professional setting, inviting colleagues to lunch or coffee early on can significantly accelerate relationship-building.
If You’re Bringing Someone In
1. Welcome the whole person. Van Noy’s locker neighbor, Ryan Van Demark, made an effort to include Van Noy’s son in a fishing trip during their first weeks in Minnesota. This gesture of hospitality and inclusion went beyond football, making Van Noy and his family feel valued. Employers can similarly support new hires by recognizing their lives outside of work and fostering a welcoming environment.
2. Don’t big time the new guy. Early in Van Noy’s career with the Detroit Lions, Calvin Johnson, one of the NFL’s greatest wide receivers, took time to invite him over and engage in lighthearted mentoring despite Van Noy’s struggles and label as a “bust.” This kind of humility from established team members can make a significant difference in a newcomer’s confidence and integration.
3. Don’t sugarcoat your standards. Van Noy stresses the importance of clear, direct communication about expectations. New hires who join mid-season or mid-project already know they are behind. Defining measurable goals, consequences, and support mechanisms upfront helps new employees understand their path to success and avoids confusion.
4. Take care of life outside the office. Transitioning to a new job often involves major life adjustments like relocating and managing family needs. Van Noy highlights how NFL teams provide logistical support for players, such as housing, schools, and transportation assistance. Companies that offer similar practical help or resources can significantly reduce stress for new hires, enabling them to focus fully on their roles.
Kyle Van Noy’s experiences underscore that success in starting a new job—whether in the NFL or any industry—depends on humility, clear communication, relationship-building, and mutual support. By embracing these principles, both new hires and organizations can shorten learning curves and foster cohesive, high-performing teams. For those interested in more motivational and business insights from Van Noy, he offers a free Substack newsletter at kylevannoy.com.
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