Two former NFL players and Tulane University alumni will return to campus to debut their new children’s books at the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University March 12–15, blending their professional sports careers with a passion for storytelling. 

Former Green Wave phenomenon and New York Jets running back Matt Forte and former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Xavier Rush are using children’s literature as a platform to promote wellness and personal growth.  

Class of 2015 graduate and Mississippi native, Rush was a professional athlete on Tulane’s football and track team and earned his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. Rush published his children’s book, Mental Health Alphabet, which aims to give kids to “strong vocabulary to support their health and fitness journey.” 

“[Studying neuroscience] challenged my critical thinking,” Rush said. “It challenged my processing of what is really going on with our bodies, with our minds, in society in general. I realized my passion is to help others in service.” 

After spending time on the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints, he has shifted his focus toward wellness, entrepreneurship and community impact.  

Rush said his background in neuroscience, paired with his experience as a professional athlete, shaped his desire to focus on prevention and education, especially for young people. While he still attends Tulane games and is often recognized for his time on the field, his appearance at Book Fest represents something new.  

“To come in a whole different realm in the academic world and be recognized on that side of campus, knowing the amount of time and effort and energy I spent — that is beautiful. Words can’t describe it,” Rush said.  

Rush said his motivation stemmed from a desire to give young people access to information he wished he had earlier in life. His goal was to break down the lessons he learned over decades into simple, digestible concepts for children. 

“I’m always like, ‘Dang, if I knew this at that age, I would be so far along,’” Rush said. “So, my thought process was, how can I help the next generation?”  

Rush said he hopes that when children become excited about healthy habits, it can motivate parents to participate as well. The books are intended to encourage families to prioritize fitness and wellness together. 

“[Children] should see that athletes aren’t just athletes,” Rush said. “Athletics is just something we do. It’s not who you are. You don’t have to be confined to just the athlete box.” 

Former Tulane running back and class of 2009 graduate Matt Forte will also participate in Book Fest, bringing both a children’s book and a memoir.  

His children’s book, called “My Hair Can,” emerged from a personal moment involving his daughter.  

“A comment was made about her skin color and her hair,” Forte said. “I wanted to turn something that was really negative into something positive.” 

“One of the things I love about the book is being able to tell not only my daughter, but any kid who reads it, that how God made you is specific and on purpose,” Forte said. “You look in the mirror and love what you see. And then you can go out and love others with that same grace.” 

Forte followed in his father’s footsteps, playing at Tulane and studying finance. Like Rush, Forte credits his time at Tulane for shaping both his athletic and professional trajectory. Forte said that Tulane’s academic standards for student-athletes exceed basic NCAA eligibility requirements.  

“I say I earned that degree,” Forte said. “Being able to utilize it when you’re young and get a lot of money quickly in the NFL, knowing how to save and use it in the market to create more opportunities, that made a huge difference.” 

Forte said his memoir stemmed from a different motivation: reflection and responsibility. He hopes the book provides guidance on navigating success, failure and growth. 

“I had a lot of wisdom to offer younger people and current athletes. The NFL throws a lot at you quickly,” Forte said. “To me, failure is the prerequisite for success.”  

Forte also said he feels a responsibility as both a former professional athlete and an author. 

“It’s important to continue to promote literacy and reading,” Forte said. “There are many statistics that show the difficulties children face when literacy rates are down.”  

Beyond literacy, Forte said representation matters. He believes athletes can serve as positive role models in spaces beyond sports. 

“It’s a good thing to be a positive role model and to put that in literary form so young people can read it,” Forte said.