Ron Mix has spent a lifetime succeeding in two very different fields. First, he earned national recognition on the football field. Later, he built a career helping others through the law.
Mix played professional football from 1960 to 1972. He spent most of his career with the San Diego Chargers before finishing with the Oakland Raiders. Known as one of the top offensive linemen of his era, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Even during his playing days, Mix understood that football would not last forever. He believed in preparing for the future and thinking beyond the next season. That mindset helped shape the next chapter of his life.
After retiring from football, Mix entered the legal profession in 1975. He focused much of his career on representing retired professional athletes, helping them navigate workers’ compensation claims and the challenges that often come after a career in sports.
Over the years, he earned a reputation for professionalism and dedication to his clients. For more than 15 years, he held an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest distinction for legal ability and ethical standards.
Today, Mix practices with Mix, Namanny & Berger in Orange County, California. He also serves as President of the Pro Football Retired Players Association, which provides health benefits to more than 10,000 former players and over 3,000 spouses.
Whether on the football field, in the courtroom, or through his advocacy work, Mix has spent decades focused on preparation, service, and helping others move forward.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days usually start early. I like having quiet time before the phones start ringing. I read industry updates, review ongoing matters, and make a list of priorities. I’ve learned that if you start reacting to the day before you have a plan, you lose control of your time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by talking to people. Most good ideas improve when they’re tested in conversation. Throughout my football and legal careers, I learned that the first version of an idea is rarely the best. Progress comes from refining it.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m encouraged by the growing attention being paid to athlete health and long-term wellness. There is much more discussion today about what happens after an athlete’s career ends than there was when I played.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Writing things down. It sounds simple, but it works. Whether it’s a legal issue, an article idea, or a conversation I need to follow up on, I put it on paper.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient. Not every opportunity arrives on your schedule. Focus on doing good work and building relationships. Many of the most important opportunities in my life came from consistency over time.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think we spend too much time celebrating talent and not enough time celebrating preparation. Most successful people I’ve known weren’t the most naturally gifted. They were the most prepared.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Talk to people outside your profession. Some of the best ideas I’ve encountered came from conversations that had nothing to do with football or law.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I simplify. I focus on the next important task instead of the entire list. Football taught me that games are won one play at a time.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Relationships. Many people focus on transactions. I’ve always focused on relationships. If you treat people fairly and do quality work, opportunities tend to follow.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my legal career, I sometimes assumed that expertise alone was enough. Over time, I realized communication is just as important. Clients need to understand what is happening and why. That lesson made me a better attorney and advocate.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create mentorship networks that connect retired professional athletes with young athletes preparing for life after sports. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge that often goes unused.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Microsoft Outlook. It isn’t exciting, but it keeps my calendar, communications, and tasks organized in one place.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One book I’ve always appreciated is The Boys in the Boat. It’s a story about teamwork, discipline, and shared purpose. Those lessons apply far beyond sports.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed A Man Called Otto. It’s a story about purpose, connection, and the impact one person can have on others. Those themes resonated with me.
Key learnings
- Preparation often matters more than raw talent over the long term.
- Strong relationships create opportunities that cannot be predicted or planned.
- Career success depends on thinking beyond the next season, project, or milestone.
- Listening carefully can be more valuable than speaking often.
- Experience becomes most valuable when it is used to help others