Wednesday Wellbeing

Kellen Mond follows his vision

January 07, 2026

Kellen Mond’s credentials on the field are undeniable: a four-year starter and the most prolific passer in school history for Texas A&M, he finished his collegiate career as one of only three SEC quarterbacks to record over 9,000 passing yards and 1,500 rushing yards, joining the ranks of Dak Prescott and Tim Tebow. He left A&M holding school records for career passing yards (9,661), completions (801), and passing touchdowns (71) before being selected in the third round of the NFL Draft.

While navigating the intense demands of professional football, Mond launched Original Visuals, a creative agency focused on high-end photography. For Mond, getting behind the lens was, and still is, a way to process his experiences and find balance, showing that artistic expression is a powerful tool for maintaining mental clarity.

“In 2021, I picked up a camera for the first time, seeking a peaceful escape from the fast-paced world of NFL football. With no real knowledge beyond how to turn it on and use autofocus, I started to capture anything that drew my attention, including graffiti, paintings, luxury cars, and architecture. While I didn’t know how to edit, the process of discovery pulled me in. As I grew more comfortable behind the lens, I began to grasp the nuances of composition and color, slowly developing a style that felt uniquely mine.” - Kellen Mond

The Science: Why Art is a Health Asset

Research indicates that engaging in creative activities—whether it’s photography, painting, or writing—is a physiological boost rather than just a hobby.

  • Stress Reduction: Making art has been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone.

  • The "Flow State": Creative expression helps individuals enter a state of "flow," a period of intense focus that provides a respite from goal-driven anxiety and daily pressures.

  • Cognitive Resilience: Engaging the creative side of the brain builds "cognitive resources" that help us navigate difficult transitions and setbacks.

  • Processing Emotions: Artistic outlets provide a non-verbal way to process complex emotions, much like how "media prescriptions" of inspiring content help build hope and long-term resilience.

Making art is good for your health. Here's how to start a habit : Life Kit

Professional artists aren't the only people who can make art. In this episode, learn how to weave art into your everyday life. Because whether you're doodling, making pottery or embroidering, creativity is good for you and your health.

www.npr.org/2019/12/30/792439555/making-art-is-good-for-your-health-heres-how-to-start-a-habit

The Wednesday Challenge

Kellen Mond used photography to expand his identity and find balance. How might you use arts and creative expression to do the same? What is one creative outlet you’ve neglected?

This week, spend 10 minutes engaging in that activity—sketching, writing, capturing a photo, or whatever moves you. Monitor how it affects your focus and stress levels for the rest of the day. We’d love to hear about it, or see what you come up with.

The Ask

We are officially kicking things off on January 9th, at Noon EST, and we want you in the QB Room.

Invitation: QB Connections - Chris Hetherington - Vin Ferrara
Friday, January 9, 2026: 12:00 – 1:00pm EST

QB Connections co-founders Chris Hetherington and Vin Ferrara will discuss their vision for QB Connections, and take questions from QBs in attendance.
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Meeting Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/87002459146?pwd=JJoEsanhoyvHG5b7CoSgz7ZnCVXffb.1
Meeting Passcode: 938039
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Please add it to your calendar - we hope to see you there!

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