Beyond the Frames: Vikings NFL Star Brian Asamoah Shares His Journey, Passion, and Life in Football

 Beyond the Frames features movers and shakers from the African continent and within the diaspora. Game changers in their own right, they use creative and innovative ways to make a positive difference in the black community. This month, we feature defensive NFL player Brian Asamoah, and hear more about his story growing up as a Ghanaian in the USA, and becoming a professional American Football player in the NFL.

 

 

Brian Asamoah grew up in Columbus, Ohio before he enrolled at Oklahoma to play college football. He became a key component in his college team Sooners’ defense which gained him much recognition. Shortly after, Asamoah declared for the 2022 Draft, where the Vikings selected him in the third round with the 66th overall pick. He is now the forerunner to play a key role in the Viking's defense. In his effort to give back to Ghana, Columbus & Minnesota, Brian has been selected as one of the NFL players to spearhead the NFL Africa Project, a six-day trip to Nairobi, Kenya, to work with youth of various ages and develop the game and is also starting the Be Authentic Foundation. 

Let's hear more from Brian and about where his football journey began.. 

 

 

Tell us about your childhood. What was it like growing up as a Ghanaian living in Ohio?

Growing up in Ohio as a Ghanaian was a great experience. I felt a warm welcome from my church, the Church of Pentecost, which was predominantly filled with fellow Ghanaians. This created a strong, family-like community that made my family feel at home.

When did you fall in love with football? Was there a specific moment you can share with us?  

When I was 10 years old, I was sent to Ghana for a cultural learning experience, and during that time, I wasn’t able to play football like I did in Ohio. That’s when I truly fell in love with the game. It was at that moment that I learned & knew how much I missed the game and realized the love and respect I have for the sport. Now, I appreciate every opportunity I have to step on the field and savor each moment between the white lines. 

 

The transition from growing up in Ohio to playing in the NFL has been quite the journey. Can you share a moment from your early football career that helped shape your mindset both on and off the field?

In my sophomore year of college, I had one of my better games, but the next game, I played awful. In that moment, I learned a lot about perseverance, being humble, and appreciating every moment of life and through that I was able to weather the storm. I learned to push through adversity and fight the challenges life throws at you, and I was able to lead my team in tackles and get drafted into the NFL the following year.  

Linebackers are known for their intensity, but there's a lot more to the role than meets the eye. How do you approach the balance between physical preparation and the mental side of the game?

The game of football is predominately a mental game. In the National Football League, everyone has the physical abilities, but great linebackers play the game at a high level because of their mental awareness and the ability to anticipate plays before they happen. I train and develop my mental side of the game by watching a lot of film and doing brain-training games to enhance my brain’s speed and information processing.

 

 

Coming from a Ghanaian family, you've been open about how your heritage has influenced you. What aspects of your culture play a role in your work ethic, and how do they continue to inspire your life today?

My inspiration comes from my parents who are always the hardest workers in my life especially when faced with adversity and trials which is something they instilled in me growing up. Coming from a Ghanaian family, I was always taught as a young kid to work hard for the things I wanted in life, and as a child, I saw my parents work extremely hard to provide a good life for me and my siblings. My parents were raised in a foreign country and migrated to America where they weren’t granted many opportunities, but I know that they made the most out of every single one.

Looking back on your rookie season with the Vikings, what were some key takeaways or lessons you learned, either from your teammates or your own experiences?

One of my biggest takeaways from my rookie season is to stay grounded—never getting too high or too low. Embracing a balanced approach to life is key, as consistency truly is where the beauty lies.

 

The NFL is a grind, but it's also a platform. How do you want to use your platform to impact others, whether through community outreach, mentorship, or another passion off the field?

I definitely use my platform to make a positive impact. I look at it as a wonderful opportunity to help mold the youth & the next generation of leaders. My impact lies in serving multiple communities such as Columbus, Ohio, Accra, Ghana, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have a foundation, The Be Authentic Foundation, where I provide the youth the opportunity to play their favorite sport & develop essential life skills. 

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to anyone who wants to follow their dreams, even when the stakes are stacked against them?

Always trust in God and believe in yourself.