ESPN: “NFL safety Kenny Vaccaro has decided to shift his focus from playing professional football to pursue his dream of launching an esports organization.”

“Despite receiving offers from multiple NFL teams, including championship contenders, Vaccaro is forgoing the chance at a Super Bowl victory to instead compete for a Halo World Championship through his organization Gamers First.”

“Technically I am still a free agent,” Vaccaro told ESPN. “But this is where my mind has been the past six months. I’m happy where I’m at, doing what I’m doing. I just really felt like this was something deep down inside that I wanted to do.”

“Vaccaro said he plans to manage G1 in a similar manner to NFL franchises. Based in Austin, Texas, the company has already started the process of building its roster. G1 has signed eight players, four Destiny creators and four Halo professionals, along with one coach. The full roster will be announced Dec. 8.”

“I’ve been a gamer for even longer than I’ve played football, and I’ve always thought of myself as a gamer first,” Vaccaro said. “And while football has been how many have defined me, G1 is evidence for other athletes as well that life doesn’t end just because you put down the helmet. You can reinvent yourself.”