At Myokinetix Physical Therapy & Performance, we have the privilege of working with exceptional athletes who inspire us daily. Recently, we sat down with one of our most remarkable clients for an episode of the Myokinetix Podcast that left us truly moved. Get ready to discover Shaquan Loyal’s Journey from adversity to NFL success.
A Jersey Kid’s Rocky Start
Shaquan story begins not with immediate success, but with the kind of setbacks that would derail many young athletes. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, he started his football journey at Behringer High School, where he found himself constantly shuffled between JV and varsity teams.
“My freshman year, I started at Behringer. I was going back and forth between JV and varsity. After the seventh game, I stopped playing. Like I just stopped playing because they kept switching me,” Shaquan recalls.
What followed was a complete break from the sport he loved. His entire sophomore year passed without football, a decision that could have ended his athletic dreams before they truly began.
The Turning Point
Sometimes it takes just one person to change the trajectory of a life. For Shaquan, that person was Coach Nas, his Pop Warner coach, who refused to let talent go to waste.
“He came to my house one day, grabbed me. He was like, ‘Yeah, you got to step back on the field.’ He brought me to 7-on-7s, and that’s when he introduced me to Marian Bell at Westside.”
This intervention during his junior year became the catalyst for everything that followed. Shaquan’s talent flourished at Westside High School, where he developed into a four-star recruit and caught the attention of college scouts nationwide.
From Rutgers to the NFL
Choosing to stay close to home, Shaquan committed to Rutgers University, where he would develop not just as a player, but as a man. Under coach Greg Schiano’s demanding program, he learned lessons that would prove invaluable in his professional career.
“Schiano put us through hard workouts to mess with your mind and see how tough you are. He had something called ‘chop’ training. I feel like that got me ready for the league for sure. Nothing’s as hard as college right now.”
His college career wasn’t without challenges. A shoulder surgery during his freshman year kept him out for half the season, but it taught him perhaps his most valuable lesson: patience.
“Just patience, you know. Your time’s going to come whenever that will be. Don’t miss a day of rehab when you’re going through surgery.”
Choosing Between Opportunities
After an impressive college career highlighted by memorable plays like his pick-six against Temple at Lincoln Financial Field, Shaquan faced the reality of the NFL draft. Projected to go in rounds six or seven, he waited anxiously on draft day with family gathered around.
When the call finally came, it wasn’t from a team that had drafted him, it was from his agent with a choice to make.
“As soon as the draft ended, I got the call from my agent like, ‘Yeah, the Bengals want you for this amount. The Giants want you for this amount.’ I had to pick the best opportunity for me. So I picked the Bengals, they got a good safety room.”
The Game-Changer
Perhaps the most transformative experience in Shaquan’s life came at age 20 when he became a father to his daughter, who is now three years old. The moment changed everything about how he approached life and football.
“Seeing her come out the womb, seeing her cry, it felt fake. I was shocked. A lot of people say they cry when it happened. I was just stuck, staring into space like, ‘This can’t be real right now.’ But it changed me for real.”
Being a young father while pursuing his NFL dreams hasn’t been easy, but it’s given him a clarity of purpose that drives everything he does.
“I’m definitely a role model. I want my daughter to be real independent. I don’t want her depending on another man when she gets older. Definitely be independent.”
The challenges of balancing fatherhood with his professional aspirations are real, but Shaquan has found ways to stay connected even when training demands keep him away.
“FaceTime every day. I don’t go a day without FaceTime when I’m away. If I don’t, then she’s not going to look up to me. She’s not going to have a father figure in her life.”
The Loss That Shaped a Champion
At just 15 years old, Shaquan faced the devastating loss of his 18-year-old brother in a car accident. The memory of that day coming home to find family gathered, seeing his parents on the couch in tears remains vivid.
“That definitely hurt me for sure,” he reflects. But rather than letting grief derail his dreams, he channeled it into motivation.
“Everything, man. Since we were kids, sleeping in the same bed, play fighting, real fighting. That was my blood brother. We did everything together.”
When asked what his brother would say to him now, Shaquan’s response reveals the strength he’s drawn from that loss: “Just keep going, head high. You know what you’re best at. Just keep doing you.”
Lessons in Leadership and Mentorship
Now in the NFL, Shaquan understands the importance of seeking guidance from veterans. His approach to learning from experienced players offers valuable lessons for athletes at any level.
“You got to speak up. If you don’t speak up, you’re gonna be stuck in a dark place. I got some cool vets on the Bengals. They came up to the rookies saying, ‘Just grab us if you need anything.’ Take advantage of that.”
This wisdom applies far beyond football. Whether you’re a high school athlete, college player, or someone starting a new career, the willingness to seek mentorship and ask questions can make the difference between struggling alone and thriving with support.
The Importance of Saying No
Growing up in Newark’s challenging environment, Shaquan learned early the power of making good choices, even when faced with peer pressure.
“Nothing wrong with saying no. They’ll call you all types of names, but you know who you are. Just say no. That’s what I do, I’m a no guy.”
His method for staying out of trouble was simple but effective: video games kept him indoors and away from negative influences when he could have easily gone down a different path.
The Professional Difference
As a professional athlete now working with our team at Myokinetix Physical Therapy & Performance, Shaquan understands better than most the critical role that proper treatment and recovery play in athletic success.
“Your ability can only take you as far as your availability. And to be available, you need to be healthy,” he notes, highlighting a truth that every athlete must embrace.
When asked about what sets Myokinetix apart from other treatment facilities he’s experienced, Shaquan’s response speaks to our commitment to comprehensive care:
“Y’all are on top of everything. I feel like the treatment is great. You definitely hit the spot every time. You’re hitting the right spot with needling, shockwave, cupping, all that.”
Looking Forward
As Shaquan prepares for his rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals, his goals reflect the maturity and focus that have carried him through every challenge:
- Stay healthy, avoiding injuries during training camp
- Master the playbook, knowing it inside and out
- Build relationships, connecting with veteran players daily
- Compete for a roster spot, earning his place in the safety room
Check out Shaquan profile right here.
The Myokinetix Connection
At Myokinetix Physical Therapy & Performance, we’re proud to be part of Shaquan’s journey. His story embodies everything we believe about the connection between physical health, mental resilience, and achieving peak performance.
Working with athletes like Shaquan reminds us daily why we do what we do. It’s not just about treating injuries or improving performance metrics, it’s about being part of dreams realized through hard work, proper preparation, and never giving up.
Lessons for Every Athlete
Shaquan Loyal’s journey from a discouraged high school sophomore who quit football to an NFL rookie offers powerful lessons for athletes at every level:
Embrace mentorship: The right guidance at the right time can change everything. Don’t be afraid to seek out coaches, veterans, or professionals who can help you grow.
Learn from setbacks: Every injury, every disappointment, every “no” is an opportunity to develop the resilience that separates good athletes from great ones.
Prioritize your health: Your talent means nothing if you’re not available to use it. Invest in proper training, recovery, and treatment.
Stay true to your values: The pressures to compromise will always exist. Learning to say “no” and stick to your principles will serve you far beyond sports.
Family matters: Whether it’s honoring the memory of loved ones lost or being present for children who depend on you, the relationships in your life provide the deepest motivation.
Supporting the Next Generation
As Shaquan prepares for his NFL career, he’s already thinking about the legacy he wants to leave not just on the field, but as a father and role model. His story reminds us that the most important victories often happen off the field.
At Myokinetix, we’re honored to support athletes like Shaquan as they pursue their dreams while navigating life’s challenges. Every treatment session, every conversation, every moment of progress is part of a larger story of human potential being realized.
Want to hear the full conversation with Shaquan Loyal? Listen to the complete episode below.
If you’re an athlete looking to optimize your performance and maintain peak health, contact Myokinetix Physical Therapy & Performance to learn how we can support your journey to success.
Ready to take your performance to the next level? Book A Call with us now and discover what sets us apart in helping athletes achieve their dreams.