Football Hall of Famer Mike Singletary Reflects on ‘Beyond the Edge’

Mike Singletary is back in the game. The football Hall of Famer is braving the elements and backbreaking challenges in the Panama jungle on Beyond the Edge. The 63-year-old joins eight other celebrities who have left their families and comforts of home in hopes of surviving as many days they can for the sake of charity. 

Coach Mike kicked off the CBS competition alongside Colton Underwood, Metta World Peace, Lauren Alaina, and Jodie Sweetin by winning the first challenge. This pushed them to the top of the Adventure totals right out of the gate at $6,000. The money and stakes grow bigger. 

 Every time Singletary thought about ringing out early on, he was reminded of how the money earned would benefit Changing Our Perspective, an organization with the goal to “educate, empower and inspire individuals to become the change-makers for tomorrow.” 

Ahead of episode 2, the Chicago Bears Super Bowl champ shares what he took away from jungle life. 

How was that first night in the jungle?

Mike Singletary: It was a shock to get through the day and the competition we had, particularly the quicksand. So at night, we’re sitting around thinking, “If this is the first night, what [are] the rest of them going to be like?” It was always rewarding to get through the days, but that first one was tough because I know a lot of people were rattled left thinking, “what else was in store?”

Is there anything you brought from home which gave you some comfort?

For me, it was just the memories. Just thinking of my wife and kids and how much I miss them. 

You are this legendary football player and coach. Talk about how you prepare for this big game?

Physically, you were as prepared as you were going to be. Whatever you brought there is what you had. The biggest thing was mental. Nobody is prepared for what was going to happen mentally because you have no idea. I had a chance to talk to soldiers who talked about war and being out in the jungle and what that was like. That was certainly helpful.

You’re known for your motivational speaking and uplifting pep talks, which are helpful for the group in this environment.

First and foremost, I think everybody took their turns trying to uplift someone else. It came down to remind them this is why we’re here. We didn’t know what it was going to be like. We didn’t know it was going to rain at 2 or 3 in the morning after a long, hard day of competition. The unknown was what I went for. It was something to really be challenged at this particular stage in life. And really thinking about the second half of life and the challenges that are coming. 

Robert Voets/CBS

You’re the elder statesman of the competition. How did it feel to show that age is but a number?

It was important. Knowing the mental capacity and the mental focus that every day I would go out and compete as best as I can for as long as I can. That was the only thing that mattered. I just knew I wasn’t going too quick. It took me from one day to the next. 

Tell me about Changing Our Perspective and the impact the winnings will make.

Our charity is about bridging the gap in our country between the haves and have-nots. It’s an opportunity to earn money for my charity and connect with those I’m trying to serve. Remember what it was like as a kid opening the refrigerator and not seeing much there. It was getting back in touch with that and really getting into the right mindset to raise awareness for my 501(c)(3). 

Out of the group who may have surprised you?

The women surprised me. They came every day with everything they had. They were vulnerable. Sometimes crying. Sometimes limping. Never quitting. Every one of them was warriors. I’m proud of them. 

Robert Voets/CBS

What would you say you took from the experience?

I had a new appreciation for our soldiers. I’m out there competing for charity. It was tough, but when I think about our soldiers. When I got back home, I had bites everywhere. I could not imagine being out there and having to fight an enemy and having to think that you might not make it the next day. That is life for those soldiers. The long way home I thought about our soldiers and the price they pay and paid. I’m very proud of them.  

In the next episode, there is a challenge involving you climbing up six stories on a rope ladder.

It’s going to get more intense every week. It just gets tougher. We’re more tired. We’re more beaten down. This week’s climbing is really interesting. I’m really excited about the series because people are going to see a group of stars, or whatever you call us, really come together and bond and do some incredible things together. 

Beyond the Edge, Wednesdays, 9/8c, CBS