Dad Of The Month!

JJ Birden

How do you like living in Sherwood, Oregon?
I really like Sherwood, it's a very family friendly area. They have really done a great job making it a beautiful town, planting trees and creating parks.

How would you describe your 9 years playing in the NFL and what are you doing these days?
It was very exciting. I never planned to play in the NFL but hard work produces opportunity. Once I got the opportunity I made the best of it. I feel privileged to have played with such great players as Joe Montana, Marcus Allen, Troy Aikman etc... It was a thrill but very high pressure and an intense profession. I was more than happy to walk away at the end of my career.

Since retiring from the NFL in 1997, my wife Raina and I became owners of three companies. Two of the companies I served as President while the third I was the Sales Manager.

I love football and it was exciting, but it did some bad things to my body. The aches and pains I've felt daily since retiring from the NFL was not easy to deal with. As a result, I developed a habit of taking various over the counter anti inflammatory medicines. During the Spring of 2007, I began doing some research on various natural anti- inflammatory options. I came across some studies on dark chocolate and it's inflammation benefits. Right after that I was introduced to Xocai. Even though I did not like chocolate, I was willing to give Xocai a try. After consuming Xocai healthy chocolate regularly for two weeks, I started to notice positive results. The aches and pains that I experienced daily, did not bother me as much. I became a believer in Xocai and have been taking it ever since.

Once we started taking Xocai seriously as a business, it started to change our game plan as far as business wise. So over the last 18 months, my wife and I have sold ownership in all three of our companies, we went full time in Xocai and have not looked back.

If someone had told me years ago, I would play in the NFL 9 years, retire, then own and operate three different companies. Then go on to sell all three companies to participate in a healthy chocolate network marketing company, I would have told them they were crazy. However, this has been one of the best decisions we have made health and business wise. We get paid to eat and share healthy chocolate. Go to www.healthydarkchocolate.biz for more info.

You went to the University of Oregon, but where did you grow up as a child?
I grew up in NE Portland. I was involved in a busing program to integrate the Lake Oswego schools. So I bused from NE Portland to the Lake Oswego schools from 6th grade to 12th.

Being a family man, what hobbies/interests do you have time for?
I spend my free time with my wife and children occasionally playing a friendly flag football game with my boys and their friends. We also try to play some basketball when the weather is bad. Love playing cards games with the children. Nerts is our favorite.

What do you drive?
My wife and I have a Chevrolet Suburban and a Mercedes C300. It depends on who's carting kids around etc... on what we are driving each day.

What are you reading?
Right now I am reading books about my line of work, network marketing, so at this time I am reading "Owning Yourself" by Paula Pritchard. Reading the Bible is also a book I am constantly reading.

What music are you listening to?
I listen to R & B mostly, but I like a wide range of music. R & B singer/producer Babyface has always been my favorite.

What's the last movie you saw? How would you rate it?
Avatar, I thought it was very well done.

What do you think makes a good parent?
First, setting a good example for their children. Children will do what their parents do so if the example is good, the children will follow. Parent also must regularly give time to their children. This can be very hard because as parents we have so much going on that at times, life can consume all our time. So we much "buy out time" consistently for our children and be interested in what's happening in their lives. Give them quality time.

How long have you been married?
20 years on June 16th!

Kids names and ages?
LaJourdain Birden Jr. 19
Dante Birden 16
Camille Birden 14
Justin Birden 19
LaShawn Birden 16
Brandon Birden 14
Aaliyah Perry 12
Alishia Perry 8

Describe your favorite family vacation?
We just recently took all 8 of our children on a cruise, that was by far the best family vacation. They had a great time, and haven't stop talking about it yet. They now want a repeat performance.

Your thoughts on being a Dad?
I thoroughly love it. I have always wanted children and a big family. Every day it makes my heart jump when they call me Dad.

With a house full of kids, how do you juggle family and work?
We try to be very organized. I have a schedule that incorporates work and family time that I follow on a daily basis. The kids activities and chores have to be organized also.

What's your favorite thing to do with your children?
My favorite thing is boating. In the summer we take the boat out on the river or lake and just spend the day out there tubing, knee boarding and wake boarding. The kids love it and my wife and I enjoy the time with the kids.

What advice would you give to new or soon-to-be dads?
Be patient with your children, realize they will make mistakes, and always make sure that they know you love them.

What lessons have you learned from your own dad?
Raise by single parent, Mom. She taught me the lesson of hard work. Mom did not finish high school and worked hard her whole life to succeed. That lesson has propelled me to accomplish my goals. She set a fine example for me of believing in yourself and don't let anyone or anything stop you.

How do you define your role in your family?
As the father I try my best to take the lead in being there for my wife and children. Setting the right examples. I am also responsible for the taking the lead in making sure my family stays on a spiritual routine. (Faith)

What are your major challenges as a Dad?
Balancing my time. I have many responsibilities as the father. So I struggle at times giving the right amount of time to family, faith, work etc...

How do you think the mainstream media portrays Dads?
They portray Dads as deadbeat, abusive and insensitive. Not all Dads are like this. There may be some out there but there are many of us setting a good example

Do you think that portrayal is accurate?
No

What, if anything, would you tell the media about involved Dads?
Realize that we have lots of pressure thrown at us. It would be nice to acknowledge the fact that we are trying our best.

As a world class athlete, what advice do you have on staying healthy and fit?
Make living healthy part of your daily routine. Be consistent in your eating and exercising and the results will follow.

What is your business website?
www.teamx88.com and www.teamx88.net

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