From Gridiron to Game Plan: Leadership, Legacy & Life After the NFL
Presented By: Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Two NFL veterans. Two very different eras. One powerful conversation. Join former Chicago Bears running back Raymont Harris—now a leadership strategist and executive coach—and former NFL punter Johnny Townsend, now leading a mission-driven foundation— for a dynamic fireside chat about navigating life beyond football. From peak performance and personal growth to giving back and building impact off the field, they’ll share how the discipline of the game shaped their next chapters in business, philanthropy, and leadership.
Moderator:
Managing Director, Senior Resident Director
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Tom has spent the last 22 years at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch where he considers himself an “Intra-Preneur”. He is the founder of a 9 person boutique within the company called Singh & Associates.
He and his team specialize in pre-exit planning for business owners looking to sell their company in 12-36 months. By using their Proprietary financial Modeling Process, they run various simulations and prescribe strategies to help owners maximize their desired outcome.
He also oversees the Avalon location of Merrill Lynch managing 9 Billion of client assets and has been named the top 13 “Best in State Wealth Advisors” list by Forbes Magazine – 4 years in a row.
Panelists:
Founder
EMP Collective
Raymont Harris is an Entrepreneur, Professional Speaker, Coach, and Consultant specializing in Elite Mindset & Performance (EMP). As the founder of EMP and EMP Collective, Raymont empowers high-performing athletes and executives to unlock their full potential and achieve extraordinary results.
Before founding EMP, Raymont had a successful NFL career, playing for teams including the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers after his time at The Ohio State University. His experiences as a professional athlete fuel his passion for empowering others to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
Through the Jean & Raymont Harris Foundation, Raymont provides vital health, wellness, and mental health resources for families affected by maternal mortality and former athletes navigating life after sports. With over 15 years of experience in Ohio State’s athletic department, Raymont helped raise well over $100 million in philanthropic support, advising C-suite executives, senior leaders, and entrepreneurs on growth, leadership, communication, and adaptability.
Raymont’s mission is driven by his Control the Controllables philosophy, helping individuals and teams build resilience and elevate performance. As a passionate advocate for mental health, Raymont believes that true success is rooted in a balanced mindset and emotional well-being.
A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Communications, Raymont brings balance into his life through his passions for golf, travel, and the art of enjoying fine cigars and bourbon.
Professional Athlete (NFL, Team USA), Founder
Johnny Townsend Foundation
Johnny Townsend is a 2X All-American and Hall of Fame Captain of Florida Gator Football. A 2018 NFL Draft pick, he played five seasons in the NFL alongside his brother Tommy, a 2X Super Bowl Champion. Now training for the 2026 Olympics with Team USA Bobsled, Johnny also leads the Johnny Townsend Foundation, supporting pediatric oncology facility renovations, and runs The Void Agency, a full-service NFL, NBA, and NIL sports agency. He holds both an MBA and a Master of Science in Management, blending elite athletic experience with business leadership.