From the NFL to Hollywood: Jena Burris on Healing and Honesty
Jena and I first met at a Convoy retreat three years ago. She walked into the event like a bright ray of sunshine, and her genuine kindness is something I’ll never forget. I had a feeling we’d become good friends, but I never could have guessed how deeply our stories would align. Perhaps that’s why both of us feel so strongly about the importance of authentically sharing our journeys — especially the hard parts.
Tell us about yourself!
Jena: I’m Jena Burris and my husband is Miles Burris. When Miles first started playing, — would I say, ‘I’m Miles’s wife’ or ‘I’m Jena’? That advice has stayed with me. It reminded me how important it is, even subconsciously, to own your identity and not define yourself only through connection to someone else.
would I say, ‘I’m Miles’s wife’ or ‘I’m Jena’? That advice has stayed with me. It reminded me how important it is, even subconsciously, to own your identity and not define yourself only through connection to someone else.
From the NFL to the big screen – what has that journey looked like?
Jena: Miles played two years before a lingering knee injury ended his football career. It was a low point for both of us — he couldn’t leave the house and we were wrestling with depression. I shifted into “rescuer mode,” doing everything I could to help him out of that dark place. He had mentioned wanting to try acting when we were dating, so I googled “acting classes near me” and he went for it. Six weeks later, he booked his first role. I still remember the late-night call when he said, ‘This is it. It feels like the first day I put on pads.’ Eight years later, acting has become his second career.
What are you most passionate about?
Jena: I have my master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and I’m also a certified life coach. My passion is helping people heal from the inside out, especially women. I believe in addressing the issues people don’t always want to talk about — but need to. It’s a space where my education and my own life experiences overlap.
Can you share more of your story and what led you into this work?
Jena: My journey includes deep depression, childhood trauma, and even suicidal ideation. There were so many times I just needed someone to sit with me in my pain, but instead, I was dismissed with phrases like, ‘money will fix everything.’ It doesn’t — and it won’t. That’s why I’m so passionate about holding space for hard, honest conversations.
Tell us about your podcast!
Jena: It took me seven years to launch Let’s Get Real with Jena Burris. I faced so many mental and emotional roadblocks, and then two pseudo aneurysms over five years forced me into a long health journey. Every day, I have to assess my energy and pain levels, but podcasting allows me flexibility. My prayer has been,
Through this podcast, I host real, honest conversations that move us toward healing.
Since your husband is now in film, what’s your favorite movie?
Jena: I feel a little embarrassed admitting this, but it’s Legally Blonde. It’s just so good! And Bree — you definitely have the Elle Woods vibe: blonde, beautiful, and brilliant!
What’s a common misconception about NFL life?
Jena: People think football contracts equal financial security, but that’s not the case. They’re more like pinky promises than guarantees. The money that’s truly guaranteed is often only a fraction of what’s reported, and every player has to fight for their spot every single day.
What surprised you most about retirement?
Jena: The silence. When Miles was released, people we thought were close friends just disappeared. We realized many of those relationships were rooted in football, not real life, and when the NFL chapter closed, so did those connections. It was painful but clarifying.
Do you have a life verse that grounds you?
Jena: Proverbs 31:25.
This verse meant so much to me during the NFL years when everything felt uncertain. I even traced my daughter’s little hand in my Bible next to it when she was tiny. Now I claim it over my own life — to release anxiety about tomorrow and live with joy for the future.
What’s one daily practice that keeps you going?
Jena: Every morning, I start with my Bible and a journaling program by Chip Dodd. It helps me identify unmet needs and name the emotions tied to them. It’s been huge for my healing, especially working through codependency. Dealing honestly with emotions is how I stay grounded.
This conversation was such a gift! Jena’s honesty, resilience, and faith are a reminder that behind every game, every career, and every platform is a deeper story of identity and healing. I’m so grateful to share her voice here.
