Pickett is a versatile player, excelling as a running back and linebacker with aspirations to play at the college level and beyond. However, after participating in joint practices with the varsity team over the summer, he realized he needed to improve. In his first game of the season, a hard tackle left him struggling for air, forcing him to sit out the rest of the game. This experience prompted him to reach out to Fishman for assistance. Fishman, leveraging his connections with the Eagles, involved quarterback Jalen Hurts and soon-to-be-retired Brandon Graham as mentors. Their support is how Mann first learned about Pickett.
Mann, a punter selected by the New York Jets in the 2020 draft, then signed with Philadelphia in 2023. Understanding the challenge Pickett faced in visualizing workout exercises, Mann used photo demonstrations to help him grasp the techniques. Pickett’s mother, TaNisha Graham, appreciates the KB Foundation’s positive influence on her son, providing guidance and support in his journey to becoming a responsible adult.
Mann’s commitment to mentoring Pickett goes beyond just words. By actively engaging with Pickett and showing genuine interest in his development, Mann has made a lasting impact. Graham expressed her gratitude for both the KB Foundation and Mann, highlighting Mann’s genuine care for the kids’ progress.
Fishman praised Mann’s natural mentoring abilities, citing his hands-on approach and genuine curiosity in engaging with mentees. Mann’s involvement in mentoring sessions, such as designing cleats with George and other kids, demonstrates his genuine commitment to supporting young individuals in their personal growth.
Entrepreneurs across Philadelphia have found inspiration in the actions of Braden Mann. Mann, a punter for the Eagles, has established himself as a mentor through his dedicated approach to helping others. One individual benefiting from Mann’s guidance is a young man named Pickett, who has been utilizing Mann’s program consistently. According to Fishman, Pickett’s physical strength has noticeably increased, with veins becoming more prominent in his arms. Equally significant is the improvement in Pickett’s sleep quality, a positive change attributed to Mann’s program.
In addition to focusing on physical fitness, Mann emphasizes the importance of academic success to Pickett. He stresses that maintaining good grades is essential, highlighting the need for a well-rounded approach to personal development. Looking ahead, Mann expresses his intention to attend a Roman Catholic game in the upcoming fall season, demonstrating his commitment to supporting Pickett in various aspects of his life.
Reflecting on his unexpected journey into mentoring, Mann acknowledges that serving as a role model can take diverse forms for different individuals. While sports have been a common thread in his ability to connect with people, Mann recognizes that mentorship extends beyond athletic pursuits. He values the opportunity to positively influence others and sees it as a way to contribute meaningfully to their lives.
“I’ve just always been able to connect people through sports, so that’s kind of been my pathway, but not necessarily always about sports,” Mann shared. “It’s kind of just about things that are bigger than sports and about real-life stuff. I’m happy to finally be a mentor and be able to make a positive impact however I can.”
Mann’s dedication to mentoring and empowering others underscores his commitment to making a difference in the community. Through his genuine efforts and genuine care for those he mentors, Mann exemplifies the positive impact that individuals can have when they extend a helping hand to those in need.
