About David Kircus
David Kircus serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of TEAM Strategies, leveraging his extensive background as a retired NFL wide receiver to inform his leadership approach. In addition to his executive role, he is passionate about nurturing talent and dedicates his summers to volunteering at recruiting camps, where he trains incoming athletes. Kircus focuses on helping them master essential drills and techniques, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
With a multifaceted personality that comfortably transitions between the competitive environment of sports and the strategic world of business, Kircus stands out as a committed sales and marketing director. He possesses a keen analytical mind, allowing him to assess data and performance metrics critically. This analytical prowess enables him to recommend and implement innovative strategies and processes designed to enhance operational efficiency and drive successful business outcomes. Through his unique blend of athletic experience and business acumen, David Kircus is committed to fostering both individual and organizational growth.
As an executive member of TEAM Strategies, Kircus plays an integral role in the organization’s distinctive corporate mission. By leveraging the extensive expertise and achievements of its executive team members—who bring backgrounds in athletics, military leadership, and sales and marketing—TEAM Strategies is uniquely positioned to drive business success across a variety of market sectors, with a particular focus on the automotive industry. This multifaceted approach harnesses essential qualities such as drive, discipline, and teamwork, enabling corporate divisions to meet and exceed sales targets, effectively recruit and retain top talent, and develop robust business operating strategies that foster long-term growth and competitive advantage.
Kircus’s impressive athletic career began at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding player in collegiate football. His remarkable skills on the field led to his selection in the 2003 NFL Draft, where he joined the Detroit Lions, subsequently moving to the Denver Broncos. Throughout his NFL career, Kircus made significant contributions as both a wide receiver and punt returner, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. After his time in the NFL, he transitioned to the United Football League (UFL), where he was named a starting wide receiver for the Las Vegas Locomotives. Kircus played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory in the UFL Championship during the league’s inaugural season, further cementing his legacy as a skilled and dedicated athlete. His diverse experiences in competitive sports inform his strategic insights and leadership qualities in the business consulting arena.
EARLY LIFE and COLLEGIATE CAREER
David Kircus was born and raised in the small town of Imlay City, Michigan, a community known for its close-knit atmosphere and support for young athletes. From an early age, Kircus showcased remarkable athletic talent, excelling in multiple sports, including basketball, football, and track and field.
As a standout sophomore on the varsity basketball team, he made headlines during the regional playoffs by scoring an impressive 29 and 38 points in consecutive games. This performance not only led his team to victory but also paved the way for him to earn All-State honors in both his junior and senior years—a testament to his skill and dedication on the court. Beyond basketball, Kircus excelled in track and field, where he still holds the school and county records in the Long Jump (23 feet, 4.5 inches) and the 300-meter hurdles (38.1 seconds), showcasing his versatility as an athlete.
On the football field, Kircus thrived as a running back and receiver, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability. He averaged an impressive 10.5 yards per carry, with notable punt returns averaging 29 yards per return and 54 yards per kickoff return. Throughout his tenure at Imlay City, he combined for an astonishing total of over 60 touchdowns while also contributing as a safety, kicker, and punter—showing his all-around capabilities and football IQ.
After graduating high school, Kircus faced a significant decision when he turned down a scholarship offer from the prestigious Naval Academy, opting instead to attend Grand Valley State University (GVSU), a Division II NCAA institution. Under the mentorship of Coach Brian Kelly, who later became the head coach at Notre Dame and LSU, Kircus played a pivotal role in leading GVSU to its first-ever National Championship title. His tenure at Grand Valley was nothing short of groundbreaking, as he shattered numerous NCAA team and individual records, including breaking Jerry Rice’s longstanding record for touchdowns in a season with 27. Remarkably, Kircus scored a staggering 35 touchdowns during both his junior and senior seasons, solidifying his status as one of the top offensive players in college football.
Throughout his college career, Kircus set a remarkable record of 80 receiving touchdowns, a feat that paved the way for his invitation to the prestigious Hula Bowl held in Maui, Hawaii. His exceptional performance in this all-star game earned him accolades as both the Overall MVP and the Offensive MVP, as he recorded six receptions for an impressive 113 yards and two touchdowns.
Kircus earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Grand Valley State University before making the leap to professional football in the NFL. His commitment to excellence both on and off the field has left a lasting legacy at GVSU and within college football history.
Collegiate football accolades:
NCAA All-Division Receiving Touchdown Record Holder in a season (35) and career (80)
NCAA 2-Time First Team All-American, 2-Time First-Team All-Conference, and offensive back-of-the-year award winner
NCAA Division II National Champion, 2002
DIV. 1 All-Star Game, Hula Bowl, Most Valuable Player – Overall & Offense, 2003
DIV. 1 All-Star Game, Paradise Bowl, 2003
PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL CAREER
David Kircus’s years of relentless hard work and unwavering determination culminated in a significant milestone when he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2003. The Lions recognized not only his exceptional skill set as a wide receiver but also his extraordinary self-motivation and team-oriented mindset—qualities that set him apart from his peers. Kircus was renowned for his confidence and strong belief system, which fueled his competitive mentality both on and off the field. During his tenure with the Lions, he quickly became a local fan favorite due to his “blue-collar” approach, capturing the hearts of local supporters with memorable plays, such as an electrifying 50-yard touchdown reception against the Dallas Cowboys on Halloween in 2004.
In 2006, David Kircus made a significant transition to the Denver Broncos, where he continued to display his versatility as both a wide receiver and an electrifying punt returner. This opportunity came within a highly competitive roster filled with talented receivers, which demanded not only skill but also exceptional resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
One of the highlights of Kircus’s tenure with the Broncos occurred during the team’s final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. In that contest, he and rookie quarterback Jay Cutler established a remarkable connection, lighting up the field in the first half. Kircus made headlines with an astounding 84-yard touchdown reception, showcasing his speed and agility. Ultimately, he finished the game with a team-leading six catches for over 120 yards and that impressive score, firmly making his mark.
Throughout the 2006 preseason, Kircus led the Broncos with a total of 12 receptions for 214 yards, cementing his status as a standout performer among a talented roster that included established stars like Rod Smith and Javon Walker. His impressive performance not only earned him a coveted place on the active 53-man roster for the season but also signified his emergence as a reliable target in the passing game.
Moreover, Kircus’s impact extended beyond receiving; he also excelled on special teams, averaging an impressive 14.5 yards per punt return that season. This made him a crucial asset to the Broncos’ special teams unit, where his ability to change the momentum of a game with his dynamic returns added another layer to his already valuable contributions to the team.
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Kircus demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities throughout his years in the NFL. He took on the role of a mentor for incoming rookies, guiding them through the challenges of professional football. His experiences and insights were invaluable to young players, including then-rookie and future Pro Bowl veteran Brandon Marshall, as well as tight end Tony Scheffler. Kircus’s willingness to share his knowledge and experiences helped these athletes navigate the intense competition of the NFL on their way to achieving their professional football goals.
In 2009, David took his talents to the United Football League (UFL), joining the Las Vegas Locomotives under the guidance of the late Coach Jim Fassel. During his time with the team, Kircus made significant contributions, playing a pivotal role as their leading receiver in their championship victory. His commitment to executing both practice drills and game-day strategies reflected his dedication to the sport, further solidifying his legacy as a devoted and resilient professional athlete. Kircus’s journey through professional football exemplifies hard work, perseverance, and a passion for the game that continues to inspire those around him.
INSPIRATIONAL BUSINESS LEADER
After a successful career in both the NFL and UFL, David Kircus made a strategic transition into the business world, setting his sights on the automotive industry. He embraced the challenges of sales, ultimately rising to the position of Chief Operating Officer at TEAM Strategies, LLC. In this role, Kircus leverages his extensive experience and deep-rooted passion for personal development and motivation to assist companies in addressing human resources deficiencies and enhancing their professional workforce.
Kircus employs a data-driven approach alongside strategic personnel placement to craft and execute effective sales strategies that focus on maintaining and boosting staff-to-customer retention on a nationwide scale. His adeptness at contract negotiation and agreement management with key clients has led to significant revenue growth, while his ability to cultivate strong, long-lasting relationships with clients and candidates has resulted in a steady stream of repeat business and valuable referrals for TEAM Strategies.
As COO, Kircus oversees the daily operations of the company, meticulously analyzing and adapting the strategic direction of its consulting efforts across the nation. He is actively engaged in public relations initiatives, leading marketing campaigns, participating in industry events, and spearheading recruitment activities aimed at attracting top-tier talent. His leadership not only enhances TEAM Strategies’ visibility in the market but also solidifies its reputation as a trusted partner for companies seeking to optimize their workforce and achieve sustained growth.
PERSONAL LIFE
David Kircus is a dedicated family man to his wife, a distinguished graduate of the Naval Academy, as well as their two energetic sons and spirited daughter. Recently, he has earned his master’s degree in Kinesiology, specializing in Sports Management, a testament to his commitment to advancing his professional knowledge in athletics. Currently, David has taken on the ambitious challenge of pursuing an Education Doctorate in Leadership Studies. This academic journey stems from his grounded belief that effective leadership can inspire individuals and catalyze transformative changes within entire communities. His studies focus on exploring how leadership principles can be harnessed to promote both personal growth and societal progress, reflecting his desire to make a meaningful impact in the world.
On the athletic front, football is a lifelong passion for David. He has set his sights on ascending the ranks of a Power 4 football program or even the NFL. His goal is to become a head football coach, a role in which he aspires not just to share his extensive knowledge of the game but also to nurture young talent and build cohesive team dynamics that resonate both on and off the field.
As a respected motivational leader, David is widely regarded for his ability to inspire others. He thrives on engaging with diverse audiences, sharing insights drawn from his rich experiences in sports, life, and leadership. When he isn’t working or mentoring, David enjoys immersing himself in various literary works, particularly those focused on leadership, personal development, and sports biographies. He also values quality time spent on the golf course with friends and family and dedicates himself to maintaining an active lifestyle.
David’s professional affiliations are impressive and include esteemed organizations such as the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), the Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA), and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). His commitment to community service is evident from his previous involvement with Boys and Girls Clubs, where he played a vital role in supporting youth initiatives and programs designed to empower the next generation.
Moreover, David stays connected with his alma mater, Grand Valley State University. He not only provides financial support but also devotes time to the football program whenever he can, particularly in enhancing the developing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiative. His dedication to cultivating the growth and potential of young athletes demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the sport and its future, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to succeed both on the field and in life.
