Name: Willie Teal
Alma Mater: Louisiana State University
Sport: Football
Position: Cornerback, safety
Years Played: 1976-1979
Highlights: All-SEC honors in 1978 and 1979, Defensive MVP and team co-captain during senior year, played in Senior Bowl, played eight years in the NFL
Business: Teal Office Products Inc. (office supplies provider), Baton Rouge, La. |
As a cornerback and safety for the Louisiana State University football team from 1976 to 1979, Teal was a three-year starter and a four-year letterman. He received All-SEC honors in 1978 and 1979 and was named defensive MVP and co-captain his senior year. as an LSU Tiger he played in several bowl games, including the Senior Bowl. After college, Teal was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and played cornerback and special teams for eight years in the NFL.
During the NFL players' strike of 1982, Teal went to work for an office supply company. He already knew then that he wanted to start his own company after his football career was over, and the industry experience he gained during that time led him to open Teal Office Products Inc. in 1986. The company provides office supplies, furniture, computer accessories and other products that businesses need in order to operate. Teal's company prides itself on providing customers with personal care and assistance they might not receive at larger office supply stores.
Teal says the parallels between competing as an SEC athlete and succeeding in the small business world are evident.
"They are both competitive," he says. "You have to compete for a position on the team, and in the business world, you are competing for a customer's business."