Mentoring Moment: Living Next to Greatness (and Not Even Knowing It)
Keith Lilek • May 15, 2025
Let me share a story with you—a story about finding greatness in places you might not expect.
I never imagined I’d live next door to an NFL quarterback, especially one who had played in the Super Bowl against my beloved 1985 Chicago Bears. But that’s exactly what happened when I got to know Steve Grogan through our neighborhood Bible study.
I did what any curious fan would do... I looked him up. But what really stood out to me wasn’t his accomplishments, it was how little he talked about them. He’s humble, kind, and quick to laugh, even at my not-so-funny jokes. What struck me the most was how someone who had achieved so much could carry himself so lightly.
One time, I asked Steve how long I’d last in an NFL locker room with my humor. He smiled and said, “You’d be the guy who keeps everyone relaxed.” That simple answer stuck with me. It was more than just a compliment, it was a window into how Steve lived his life.
He showed me that respect, kindness, and a good attitude can be just as important as any big achievement. That made me realize that true greatness doesn’t always shout for attention. Sometimes it’s shown in how a person treats others and the quiet strength they carry.
Now, when I see Steve, I don’t just see a former Super Bowl quarterback, I see a neighbor and a mentor.
This story is from my book Champion Mentors, where I reflect on the impact mentors have on our lives and how their quiet guidance shapes who we are.
If you’re interested in hearing more stories like this and learning how mentors can influence us, I invite you to check out Champion Mentors.
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Whether you’re gathering a church group, planning a retreat, or organizing a men’s event, Keith brings the kind of message that sticks with you. He’ll leave your group inspired to look for the mentors and maybe even become one yourselves.
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“God—spouse—kids—work… That is how to live.” That line from one of the sonnets in my book, Mentored for Good, captures something it’s taken me years—and a lot of grace—to truly understand. What I’ve learned is this: when our priorities are out of order, our lives often follow. I didn’t always live this way. There was a time in my life when my priorities were flipped upside down; work always came first, and everything else had to fight for scraps of my attention. I thought I was doing the right thing by providing, staying productive, and pushing forward. Over time, I started to feel the cracks at home, in my faith, and in my own sense of peace. But through prayer, honest reflection, and the wisdom of mentors placed in my life, I began to realign. With Jesus at the center, I started to listen more, give more, and reorder my days around the things that feed my soul instead of draining it. My wife is a living example of this. She always blesses herself with the Sign of the Cross (which I jokingly call “Quick Draw”) before stepping out the door. It’s second nature to her, and it reminds me how natural it should be to put God first. So, when I begin my day by giving time to Jesus, show up fully for my wife, stay present with my children, and approach work as a service rather than a race, everything shifts. We’re all called to live intentionally, and often it’s the mentors around us who hold up the mirror and help us see where we’re really headed. If any of this resonates with you, I invite you to read more sonnets and stories in Mentored for Good—written not from perfection, but from a life that's been guided, humbled, and renewed through grace and the mentors who helped me find my way.
Isn’t it amazing how hope can find us just when we need it? Just like Jesus promised, “I am with you always,” we never walk alone, especially when we have mentors who guide us with wisdom and love. That’s why the arrival of Pope Leo XIV feels like a fresh breath of hope for all of us. His role isn’t just about leading the Church; it’s about being a mentor to millions, helping us follow Jesus more closely in our daily lives. I was always moderately successful in business. On this day, I found myself at a crossroads, scared. I was struggling, but I still attended my men’s prayer group. I was overwhelmed with emotion about what I was going to do after. In front of thirty or so guys, I broke down and cried. One man pulled me aside and gave me some simple advice. I could see that he cared. It changed my course that day. And I’ll never forget how he was just there for me, and mentoring me out of a problematic situation taught me to pay it forward someday. One of my other mentors stood up and told us not to forget that, as fathers, we are called to support our families, and that alone comes with its own set of challenges. But he pointed out that we need to be there for one another because it is in that support that we save ourselves from failure. The men that day stood tall with me and reflected on how we, as leaders of our families, can hurt. What would have happened if I hadn’t gone to my meeting that day? I knew then I had to go even when I didn’t want to—just in case someone else needed me, in case I had to listen. After all, what is a men’s group or a friendship if you don’t get transparent and vulnerable? There is POWER in that dynamic. That experience showed me the power of having someone who listens, supports, and encourages us to keep growing. As the new Pope assumes his role, let us open our hearts to his guidance and remember that we, too, can be mentors, reflecting Jesus’ light in the lives of those around us. Together, we can walk this journey of faith with renewed hope and purpose. All titles mentioned here are available direct or on Amazon, Kindle & Audible .
As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord during this holy season of Easter, we are reminded of the incredible power of new beginnings. The Lord has risen, bringing light and hope into the world, and with His resurrection comes the promise of renewal. Just as He was resurrected, we too are called to rise, to shed the old and embrace the new. This season is a perfect opportunity to reflect on our own lives and the paths we are walking. It's never too late to renew our spirits, to reconnect with our purpose, and to rediscover the joy and peace that come from living with intention and faith. We don’t have to wait for a "perfect" moment or for everything to fall into place—like the Lord, we too can experience a resurrection in our hearts, no matter where we are in life. From early home life, through high school and college, church and joining the workforce, there were many “mentors” who showed me the way. They often inspired me to be greater. In some cases, it was their “enlightened self-interest” that helped me out, but for many, it was a true desire to teach a student. They are the saints in my life. I call myself a Lifetime Mentee. I concluded a few years ago that I’m happy with whom I’ve become. Are you happy with who you have become? I am. But I didn’t get here by myself. As mentioned, I am the beneficiary of many God-inspired mentors well placed at various times throughout my life. Do you remember who lifted you up at various times in your life? Who inspired you to actively change your course? Do you remember what they taught you? I do. I remember. I remember them all. I’m the guy who listened. I took notes. I practiced. I attended seminars to be inspired. I read books. I listened to the audios. I watched the videos. Now I want all of my mentors to know I love them for it. So, as we reflect on the resurrection, let’s also reflect on how we can breathe new life into our own journeys. Whether we’re seeking healing, clarity, or simply a deeper connection to God, the opportunity for renewal is here and now. It’s never too late to take that first step toward transformation. And, like me, there’s plenty of help all round us, if you just ask. All titles mentioned here are available direct or on Amazon, Kindle & Audible .
As we move through the year, certain seasons call us to pause and reflect. And the Lenten season is one of those times, inviting us to embrace repentance, self-reflection, and a renewed commitment to faith. It is a reminder of sacrifice, grace, and the opportunity to grow spiritually. From Palm Sunday to Easter, we are encouraged to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to God in both thought and action. For what it’s worth, here are some of my most important life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, I always remained faithful. I created a protective barrier around myself and my loved ones. Although not always, I frequently incorporated Christ into my daily life physically and spiritually. I adorned my surroundings with crosses, pictures, Rosaries, and statuary, not for worship but as reminders. I even wore a brown scapular and gave Miraculous Medals to my family members. My wife always found encouragement when I engaged in "church" activities, and she could join me in prayer when I did so openly. Regularly meeting with other men to discuss faith taught me the importance of continuously working on my parenting, health, education, and spiritual well-being. Reconciliation served as an affordable form of therapy, although I wish I had done it more frequently. It inspired me to have meaningful conversations about life with trusted individuals. Thanks to my involvement in the church, I have had many friends I can confide in without worrying about the consequences. In fact, at times, I felt as accountable to these men as my wife. Being a good man for my wife and children was a driving force within me. This season of reflection aligns with the work I do in mentorship, speaking, and faith-based discussions. My goal is to help others navigate their spiritual journeys with purpose and conviction. Lent reminds us that faith is not just a personal journey but one we are called to share. By guiding, uplifting, and passing on wisdom, we honor those who have mentored us and continue the cycle of growth. All titles mentioned here are available direct or on Amazon, Kindle & Audible .
We are all works in progress—always growing, learning, and refining who we are meant to be. Just as every strong structure relies on a solid foundation, our lives are shaped by those who guide, challenge, and support us. No one builds alone; we are strengthened by the wisdom of those who came before us and the encouragement of those who walk beside us. I discovered that finding one person who can give you everything you need to grow is rare. Looking back, I’ve realized that I made it a habit to seek out people who were better than me at everything! Remember when you were a kid on the playground, and it came time to choose sides? I’ll bet you chose the better players. Why? Probably because your instinct was to win. And better players can help you win. That instinct doesn’t stop as you grow up. Sometimes, we stop asking for the better players to be on our team. Choosing mentors is a lot like that. My mentors were better at certain things than me. I learned that not everyone can be a mentor, so I had to be selective. But if I wanted to be a champion in my endeavor, I wanted to learn from the best. As we enter March, a time that reminds us to keep "marching" forward with faith and intention, let’s take a moment to appreciate the people who have helped shape us. The mentors, role models, and friends who have challenged us to be better. And just as we have been guided, let’s also step into the role of builders—lifting others up, offering guidance, and being a steady presence for those who will come after us. Because the strongest structures aren’t just built to last; they’re built to support and inspire generations to come. All titles mentioned here are available direct or on Amazon, Kindle & Audible .
As we step into February, the month of love, I'm reminded of how powerful love is in all aspects of our lives—not just in our relationships, but also in the way we approach our work, our faith, and the way we connect with others. It’s a time to reflect on the people who have shaped us and the ways we show up for others. For me, love has always been at the heart of what I do. Whether it's through the mentorship I've received and given or the stories I share, love is the thread that connects everything. One Sunday at Mass, our associate pastor gave his homily. He was young, smart, and funny. He liked visual aids when he spoke. He was entertaining, but this time, he seemed especially wise for such a young man. He preached about how we abuse the gift of the word love in our daily language and how it cheapens its meaning. “I love this show.” “Don’t you just love it?” “I love these jeans!” He suggested we replace the word “love” with “life” and see instantly how our “love” improves. My wife and I found it so impactful that we committed right there and then. Ever since, our “love” has changed for the better. It works! I LIFE you! Will you try it? These experiences have inspired me to be more intentional in my work, whether speaking, writing, or leading workshops—finding ways to help others see the beauty of connection and the impact of caring for one another. As we celebrate this month, let's also celebrate the power of love to inspire and transform, and remember that each day offers us a chance to make a difference in someone else's life. All titles mentioned here are available direct or on Amazon, Kindle & Audible .
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Since I was a kid, I was mostly willing to take advice.
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From early home life, through high school and college, church and joining the workforce, there were many “mentors” who showed me the way.