A Path to Purpose with Isaiah Stanback and David Vobora

The Forefront Living Foundation’s Spring Advisory Council gathering, hosted at the Marnie and Kern Wildenthal Center, featured a live audience podcast recording of At the Forefront with special guests Isaiah Stanback and David Vobora. The two former professional athletes spoke about creating positive community impact and are both using their platforms for service to others.

During the conversation moderated by Tim Mallad, Forefront Living CEO, Isaiah and David reflected on their personal journeys following their careers in the National Football League (NFL). The discussion included powerful experiences that shaped them and how they channel their lessons and discipline from professional sports into avenues that benefit others.

Isaiah emphasized the importance of consistency and community, referencing 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” He shared, “Everybody has a story, everybody has something that they are going through. It just means that we probably need somebody else to help us through it. So, what better way to help somebody through than to build a community?”

David spoke about the impact of seeing people for their potential rather than their circumstances. “If you treat someone broken, they will act broken. If you look them in the eye and treat them as a whole person, that person is going to show up,” he said.

Isaiah Stanback, an Each Moment Matters (EMM) Luncheon honoree, is a is a former NFL wide receiver, Super Bowl Champion and 2023 Lone Star Regional Sports EMMY® winner for Best Sports Analyst. Beyond his professional success, Isaiah is invested in giving back. He serves on the Entrepreneurship Board for Coppell Independent School District and contributes to the district’s Career & Technical Education Business Advisory Committee. Isaiah’s community involvement extends even further through his work with Union Gospel Mission of Dallas, a nonprofit providing shelter, support and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. He also partners with RISE, a national organization that uses the power of sports to promote racial equity, improve race relations and champion social justice.

David Vobora, also an EMM Luncheon honoree, who was honored in 2025 along with his wife, Sarah, is a retired NFL linebacker and founder of the Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF). ATF, launched in 2014, is a Dallas-based nonprofit that empowers individuals with life-altering physical disabilities through free, customized physical and mental training programs. Since opening, ATF has helped thousands of veterans and civilians rewrite their stories, proving that identity is not defined by injury or circumstance.

Following the recording, Isaiah and David took questions from the audience, offering candid insights into the NFL as well as sharing about their roles as husbands and fathers. Stay tuned for this engaging conversation and follow Forefront Living’s YouTube channel to be notified when the episodes drop.