What You Post Now Can Impact Your Career: Why Your Digital Footprint Matters

RIZE
Mar 28
3 min read

Updated: Sep 22

Everything you post online — from photos to comments to likes — builds your digital footprint. And in sports, that footprint can follow you for years. Sometimes forever.

The truth: what you post now can affect your future teams, contracts, sponsors, and reputation in ways you may not expect.

What You Post Now Can Impact Your Career: Why Your Digital Footprint Matters

1. First of All: What Is a Digital Footprint?

Your digital footprint is everything about you that exists online:

Photos and videos you post
Comments you leave on others' posts
Stories, reels, TikToks, tweets
Old posts from years ago
Tags in photos from friends or fans
Even things you thought you deleted (because screenshots exist)

It’s your permanent record.

2. Why It Matters More Than You Think

Athletes often forget how many people are paying attention:

Clubs, teams, and scouts — looking at your character and fit
Sponsors and brands — checking if you align with their values
Media — digging for stories, both good and bad
Fans and followers — building an image of who you are
Future employers — researching your reputation beyond sport

One careless post can close doors you didn’t even know were open.

3. Real Examples of Posts That Cost Athletes

This isn’t theory. It happens every year:

Athletes losing sponsorships over offensive posts
Contracts canceled because of disrespectful comments
Old tweets resurfacing, creating backlash and damaging reputations
Media blowing up private posts for headlines

Even posts from when you were a teenager can come back when you’re a pro.

4. What to Watch Out For

These are the biggest traps:

Offensive jokes or language
Public arguments in comments
Sharing content that promotes hate, violence, or negativity
Revealing too much of your personal life
Party photos or videos that can be twisted out of context
Criticizing teammates, coaches, or other athletes

If you wouldn’t say it in front of your coach, team, or sponsor, don’t post it.

5. How to Clean Up and Take Control

It’s never too late to reset your digital footprint.

A. Review Old Posts

Go back and delete anything risky. Check tags. Ask friends to take down questionable content.

B. Google Yourself

See what’s out there with your name. Search images, videos, and posts. Take action where you can.

C. Set Privacy Settings

Keep private accounts for close friends. Limit tags, comments, and messages. Turn off location sharing.

D. Think Before You Post

Ask yourself: Would I want my coach or sponsor to see this? Could this hurt me later? Does this match who I want to be? If you hesitate, don’t post.

6. Use Your Digital Footprint as a Strength

Your footprint doesn’t just protect you — it can help you. Share what you want to be known for:

Your training and dedication
Your values and causes
Mindset and motivation
Team and community moments

Let people see who you are on and off the field.

7. Final Word: You’re in Control

You don’t need to fear social media. You just need to be intentional.

What you post today shapes how people see you tomorrow. Don’t let a careless moment define your story. Build a future where people see your talent and character, not a mistake online.

Take control now, before someone else does it for you.