John Malecki first became known to the world as a National Football League (NFL) offensive lineman, but has over time transformed his career into woodworking and content creation, choosing YouTube as his main platform. His channel’s stacked with ingenious do-it-yourself (DIY) and woodworking projects that easily stand out on the website, thanks to his creativity in dealing with the intricacies of the process, and the indisputable quality of the results. His craftsmanship style doesn’t stray too far from the customary NFL discipline and strategic approach that he developed in his time as a top-grossing sportsman.
How does he do it?
The channel dives deep into a wide array of woodworking and DIY projects, serving as an outlet for Malecki’s obvious true calling for which he abandoned the lucrative stadium. The content varies in complexity to a great extent, offering everything from rudimentary techniques for complete beginners to detailed projects that even the most seasoned wood masters baulk at. Each video generally starts with the YouTuber covering an overview of the project, which helps set the stage for the rest of the footage, thereby piquing the viewer’s interest right from the get-go.
The in-depth tutorials are a veritable trademark of his content, in how much attention he devotes to even the tiniest details. He breaks down each step of the project so that everyone can have a solid understanding of the process, which helps even those with zero experience grasp what they’re about to watch. The selection of materials is discussed extensively as well, with factors like durability and aesthetics making the most difference in the choices. Malecki’s insistence on using the proper tools and adhering to best construction practices is there to both educate and ensure both safety and precision when working with dangerous machines, some of which could cause substantial injuries if mishandled.
Aside from the actual structures he creates, his videos boast a high production quality in and of themselves, with the YouTuber investing a good portion of his production effort into clear, high-definition visuals, as well as crisp audio to improve the viewing experience. That said, the videos are also structured into engaging storylines, with personal anecdotes and humor interwoven with instructional footage, making the process both emotionally and intellectually stimulating. Collaborations with other creators are a significant boon for the channel too, introducing fresh perspectives and techniques to keep the content dynamic and diverse. These collaborative projects tend to make use of brand-new tools or materials that may be unfamiliar to Malecki’s regular viewers, which is an intentional factor meant to broaden the audience’s views and overall understanding.
If that isn’t enough, there’s also a good portion of behind-the-scenes insights into his workshop setup and tool maintenance, evolving over time as his skillset and necessities expand. These overall less-common segments offer vital tips and industry-standard practices, from organizing one’s tools to maintaining the equipment, ensuring that the average fan’s working set is as sharp and effective as can be.
Who’s the man behind the channel?
Unlike most YouTubers who make it thanks to their hard work on the platform, Malecki was already a star before he made videos. John was born on 26 May 1988, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his formative years were spent, in Murrysville, where he grew up across the street from Franklin Regional High School. His proximity to the institution allowed him to perhaps even unwillingly soak in the environment of Friday night football games, which ultimately set the stage for a future deeply intertwined with this sport.
Malecki attended the place himself, where he quickly gained the attention of his professors and peers as a top-tier football player with a bright future ahead. His exceptional performance on the field earned him a full scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where he began his college football career full force. Initially joining the team as a defensive tackle, the young talent displayed evident versatility by switching to the offensive guard position, which would become his primary role in his professional career.
The star’s contributions on the field were highly notable all throughout his university years, proving more than his peers that he deserved the sought-after scholarship. He became a fixture on the Panthers’ offensive line, thereby earning a reputation as a reliable and versatile player. He was subsequently also named a team captain during his senior year, owing to a deep understanding of the sport that pervaded his plays. Malecki also focused on studying alongside his athletic pursuits, eventually graduating with a degree in marketing.
Malecki then went after his ultimate dream of playing in the NFL, signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans in 2010. This partnership wasn’t made to last, however, and the player soon found himself transitioning between a number of teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins, and Pittsburgh Steelers. In spite of not being drafted, his determination and work ethic kept him moving forward through the sport for a while, which would come in handy later on.
He found a sense of belonging during his stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing for a team based in his hometown. Although he primarily served in a backup role throughout his time in the league, his overall perseverance and adaptability allowed him to maintain a presence there until 2013. After his time on the field was up, Malecki transitioned out of professional football for good, dedicating himself to another passion, and bringing with him a wealth of experiences and lessons learned from the wild ride.
Who is his wife?
According to their official wedding website, John Malecki and Sara Linkosky Malecki have been married since 19 October 2019, and have two daughters to date: Annie Malecki, born on 12 March 2021, and Gracie, born 31 March 2023. John frequently posts his daughters on his Instagram, proudly presenting them as his everyday workshop assistants, in spite of their tender age. In reality, he has a habit of using special equipment to attach his daughters to his chest while woodworking, which some have labeled as irresponsible, considering the potentially dangerous tools he often works with.
What is his net worth?
Happy Easter from mine to yours! Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day with your friends and family! #happyeaster #easter #goldensofig https://t.co/MYss4VcBtY pic.twitter.com/l2jDT7y3oW
— John Malecki (@John_Malecki) April 21, 2019
Some of the most reputable sources available have estimated John Malecki’s total net worth from both careers at more than $500,000. Social Blade places his annual YouTube income anywhere up to $120,000, depending on a number of factors affecting ad revenue. The star makes sure to rely on other sources of income as well, selling his creations for a decent sum to curious connoisseurs.
He also has a personal website offering various products and services, such as his branded and often promoted safety glasses, woodworking project bundles, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and even bowtie templates. That aside, Malecki offers an exclusive epoxy table building masterclass – a complete, comprehensive guide to combining woodwork with resin for magical-looking results. His main selling point in this venture is that most woodworkers give poor advice, and the majority of those who set out to do this on their own end up either wasting their money or time, so those interested would be paying for the most optimal use of their resources on the project.