"Who can suffer the longest? Those who can, succeed." - Tanner McLachlan

These words from Tanner McLachlan, tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals, aren’t just a quote—they’re a mantra. Tanner's journey, featured in the first episode of Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity, is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and the power of betting on yourself. If you think greatness is reserved for the naturally gifted or the lucky, think again. Tanner's story is proof that hard work, intentional goal-setting, and embracing adversity can propel anyone to unimaginable heights.

Let's dive into the highlights from this inspiring conversation with Tanner.

Imagine growing up in a small Canadian town where football isn't king. Tanner McLachlan didn’t just imagine it—he lived it. As a basketball player turned tight end, his athletic dreams morphed over time. Moving from Southern Alberta to live with us in Arizona for a year of high school was culture shock enough, but seeing tenth graders out-lifting him in the weight room? That lit a fire.

​His takeaway? “Why not me?” Tanner dared to dream bigger than his circumstances. And he didn’t just dream—he acted.

Tanner didn’t always have clarity about his “why.” It evolved as he matured, shaped by setbacks and sacrifices. But one thing became clear: the right “why” can fuel relentless commitment.

Whether it was the intense workouts or pushing through the pain of injuries, Tanner found his drive by aligning his goals with a purpose bigger than himself. “Once you find your why, it’s not hard to stick to your routine and your goals.”

For Tanner, faith became his anchor. “I found God through my adversity,” he said. And that clarity transformed not just his game, but his life.

From mentors to teammates, Tanner emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you to excel. In sports, as in life, success isn’t a solo act. Tanner credits his family, coaches, and even the tight ends he competes with for his growth. He leaned into their support and used it to fuel his own relentless work ethic.

With a promising career in the NFL, Tanner isn’t slowing down. “I don’t want to put any ceilings on myself,” he said. His focus now? Becoming the best teammate, outworking everyone in the room, and maximizing every opportunity the Bengals give him.

Tanner’s story is more than a tale of athletic achievement. It’s a roadmap for overcoming your own challenges, whether in sports, business, or life. His journey proves that:

If Tanner’s story fired you up, there’s more where that came from. Catch the full episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.

And don’t miss the free resources from Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity—visit www.ConfidentAthleteProgram.com/ChallengerDeep to access everything we offer from the book.

How would you like the strategies that elite athletes follow to perform at the highest level?! Tanner is an alumni of The Confident Athlete Program. Get a FREE 14 Day trial HERE!

Adversity visits everyone. How you respond determines everything. Tanner McLachlan rose above his challenges. Now it’s your turn.