Since ex-professional linebacker Keith Mitchell of the New Orleans saints, has retired from the National Football League (NFL), he has become a nationally known yoga teacher.

Recently, Mitchell was at the Wanderlust Festival, leading a yoga session. He said that the last time he had come to New York, he wasn't bringing peace, but bent on beating either the New York Giants or New York Jets.

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Now, all he seeks is to continue bringing peace and leading yoga for a great number of people.

Mitchell got into yoga after an injury scare in 2003.

While playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars at the time, he tried to tackle running back Travis Henry and was left on the ground with a contusion on his spine.

He recounts that his C2 and C4 vertebrae had fused together and he was paralyzed for six months.

His rehab was limited due to his injury. A nurse suggested conscious breathing or meditation. This is where the yoga phase started.

Mitchell tried to return to football later on, but was faced with the inevitable fact that, at 29 years old, he needed to retire.

The decision was painful, but he moved towards yoga and meditation in order to put his physical and mental states at peace.

He recounts the lifestyle of being a player; the hardships of having to be someone you are not in game time, and the harsh reality of coming back to the real world and having nothing, and getting left behind in a fast-paced world.

He admits that he played football to make friends and be accepted.

Now, through his yoga, he endeavors to help out athletes and military veterans to help heal the stresses they had in their past.

Mitchell has devoted his life to helping athletes who are transitioning to life after sports.

TagsKeith Mitchell, Wanderlust, Yoga, Meditation, Life after sports