By: Shontae W.
When the final whistle blows, the lights fade, and the crowd disperses, athletes are left with something the scoreboard can’t capture—the weight of life off the field. For many current and former NFL players, that weight includes the pressures of identity, family dynamics, and the silent struggles of mental health.
That’s where Innovative Lifestyle Network (ILN) steps in. Founded by Shanika Johnson, ILN recently secured a partnership with Cigna and the NFL Players Association, aimed at supporting players and their families in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
For Johnson, this milestone is about more than prestige—it’s about purpose.
“Many players suffer in silence, but silence doesn’t have to be the end of the story,” Johnson said. “Our role is to provide a safe environment where they can process their challenges, find their voice, and potentially reclaim their peace of mind.”
A Vision Born from Community Needs
Johnson’s path to founding ILN began in the public school system, where she spent six years working closely with families. She noticed a gap—children and parents alike were underserved when it came to mental and emotional support. Her determination to fill that void led to the creation of Innovative Lifestyle Network eight years ago, starting in Charlotte and now spanning to Atlanta and Miami.
Her early work in the public school system gave Johnson a firsthand look at the struggles many families face—often without the necessary resources to address mental health issues. “The emotional and mental health needs of children, especially those in underserved communities, often get overlooked,” Johnson noted. “I wanted to build a network that could provide consistent, accessible, and quality care for both children and adults alike.”
Today, ILN’s clinicians specialize in everything from anxiety and depression to trauma, family conflict, and life transitions. What sets the practice apart is accessibility—24/7 answering services, late evening and weekend appointments, and bilingual staff.
“We meet clients where they are, whether that’s an athlete balancing life on and off the field or a working parent trying to make time for healing,” Johnson explained.
Expanding Beyond the Gridiron
While serving NFL families is a major step forward, Johnson’s vision extends even further. She recently launched The Lifestyle Center, a nationwide treatment hub providing mandated court services, school-based programs, and corporate wellness initiatives across all 50 states.
ILN has also introduced the Private Practice Membership Circle, a program helping fellow therapists build and scale successful practices. By empowering other clinicians, Johnson is creating a ripple effect of care across communities.
Building a Legacy of Healing
For Johnson, credibility comes not just from partnerships but from the lived impact of her work. Every counseling session, court-mandated program, and new clinician she mentors contributes to a bigger picture: a healthier, stronger community.
“Mental health doesn’t have an offseason,” Johnson said. “It’s ongoing, it’s personal, and it’s essential. At ILN, our commitment is to be there—whether you’re an athlete, a student, or a parent—because everyone deserves the chance to heal and grow.”
Through her work, Johnson is not only supporting individual growth but also working to shift societal perceptions of mental health. “Breaking the stigma is a big part of our mission,” she added. “We want to show people that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Learn More & Connect
Innovative Lifestyle Network Website: www.innovativelifestylenetwork.com
Instagram: @ilifestylenetwork
Facebook: Innovative Lifestyle Network
The Lifestyle Center Website: www.thelifestylecenters.com
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as professional mental health advice. For personalized guidance or assistance, please consult a qualified mental health professional.
