Emery Moorehead

Former Chicago Bears Player

By Monica Davis

From football records to setting records as a real estate agent, Emery Moorehead has carried his passion for excellence on the football field into his post-game life.  He is using his winning attitude to achieve success today. 

It may have been twenty years ago that Emery Moorehead last set foot on the field to hear the cheering and screaming of football fans, but his winning style and passion for success has carried him throughout his post-football career.  Three years before he retired from professional football, Emery knew what he wanted to do after retirement.

While attending the University of Colorado, Emery was drafted by the New York Giants and played there for three years.  He was later traded to the Denver Broncos in 1980 for one year and then released. After being recommended to the Chicago Bears, he made the last cut but was surprisingly released again.  For seven weeks Emery was without work, but that didn’t deter him or crush his spirit and perseverance, because he believed in his abilities as a player.  Emery was not ready to give up instead he continued to stay in shape.  He finally received a call that changed his life.  The Chicago Bears asked him to return during mid-season.

Emery had a long and successful career with the Chicago Bears, and his motivation for success was realizing that he was playing a sport where “survival of the fittest” was a key element.  “That’s the key for any athlete, being in top condition, especially today because of the competition and the amount of money that you make,” Emery states.  “The motivation was keeping a paycheck, keeping your family fed.  Back then when I played, it wasn’t a lot of money but it was more money than you were going to make on a regular job.  The opportunity to play professional football was a great honor.”  That same motivation has helped him achieve success in real estate and construction.

Before leaving professional football, Emery’s interest turned to real estate and, as a result, he obtained a real estate license.  His attraction to the business was inspired by the increase in property value, including his parent’s home in the Emerson area of Illinois. “I knew that if someone bought a house in this area, they were always going to walk away with money.  Real estate over time has proven to be the best bet for me.”

Emery also owns a construction management company that has proven very successful as well.  It is that winning attitude and spirit he had during his professional football career that served him well in his real estate career.  Emery says, 1) you have to look at it as a team.  In real estate everyone wants to win but you work with people to get them to understand that it has to be a win-win situation for all concerned.  Teamwork is essential.  2) the drive to be successful is also important. 

Emery’s son Aaron Moorehead plays professional football for the Indianapolis Colts.  He instilled in his son the lessons he learned as a player and the importance of setting goals and being prepared.  “We’ve talked all through high school and college, even today.  I’ve seen everything and have predicted everything that has happened to him in his football career”. 

Emery’s advice to young players today is, “become as fast as you can. Work on your speed and quickness, and know your assignments.  It will help you effectively compete.  If you know your assignments, then you are able to let your athletic abilities take over.”

Emery also finds time to contribute to his community and local charities.   As a young kid, Emery was an Eagle Scout, and he appreciates the benefits that he obtained through the organization.  He serves on the North Shore Board of Directors, Northeast Illinois Council of Boy Scouts, working with urban outreach to encourage young kids to become involved in scouting.  Emery remembers how much he learned and received from the Eagle Scouts program.  “It gives you great value and character; as a young kid these things can be impressionable.  It has helped me and made me who I am today, and I’d definitely like to give kids that opportunity,” Emery says.

When asked if there was anything he regretted doing during his football career, Emery replied, “everything happens for a reason.  I probably would have worked a little harder in college.  I had a great time at the University of Colorado.  I have friends for life that I’ve met there and all over the country.  I really enjoyed it all.  It’s wonderful to be able to look back and say that you truly enjoyed how your life turned out.”