Corey Parchman: 5 Things Real Estate and Football Have in Common

At first glance, real estate and football might seem worlds apart—one takes place in boardrooms and job sites, the other on fields under bright lights. But after years in both arenas, I’ve realized they share more similarities than most people think. Both demand strategy, teamwork, discipline, and a drive to finish strong. Here are five things real estate and football have in common:

1. Game Plans Matter

In football, no team steps onto the field without a game plan. The same holds true in real estate. Whether you’re developing a duplex, flipping a property, or structuring a syndication, success starts with a solid plan. You study the field—market trends, zoning, financing—and then execute. You don’t just wing it and hope to score.

2. Every Yard Counts

In football, you fight for every inch. In real estate, you fight for every detail. From negotiating loan terms to managing construction costs, small wins add up to big victories. Missing a small piece of due diligence can cost you the whole game. The great ones understand that consistent progress—yard by yard—creates long-term success.

3. You Need a Strong Team

No quarterback wins alone. Real estate works the same way. Your architect, contractor, banker, and property manager are your offensive line—they protect the vision and help you move the ball downfield. When one person misses their assignment, the whole project suffers. Building a trustworthy, skilled team is how you stay in the end zone.

4. Adaptability Is Key

Games rarely go exactly as planned. Defenses shift, weather changes, and momentum swings. Real estate is no different. Deals fall through, materials get delayed, and costs rise. The best developers and athletes adjust without panicking. They read the situation and call an audible when necessary. Adaptability keeps you moving forward no matter what the market—or the opponent—throws your way.

5. You Have to Finish the Drive

Starting strong doesn’t mean much if you can’t finish. In football, it’s about putting points on the board. In real estate, it’s about bringing the project to completion—on budget, on time, and with purpose. That final whistle moment, when the building stands and families move in, is the touchdown. It’s proof that preparation, teamwork, and perseverance pay off.

Whether I’m studying blueprints or watching game film, the lessons are the same: stay disciplined, trust your team, and keep your eyes on the end goal. Real estate and football both reward those who play the long game—and play it with heart.