Rayshad Nichols
San Antonio
Summary
Dynamic professional with a background as a Professional athlete, adept at rapid decision-making and strategic analysis. Proficient in network security fundamentals and incident containment, I excel in high-pressure environments, collaborating effectively to enhance performance and security protocols. Committed to continuous improvement and excellence in cybersecurity practices.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional Defensive Tackle
National Football League (NFL)
Baltimore
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Performed in high-pressure, performance-critical environments requiring rapid decision-making and strict procedural execution
- Analyzed opponent tendencies and formations, demonstrating pattern recognition and analytical thinking transferable to cybersecurity
- Executed complex game plans requiring discipline, adaptability, and situational awareness
- Collaborated with coaches, analysts, and teammates to adjust strategies in real time
- Maintained adherence to schedules, protocols, and continuous performance improvement standards
- Baltimore Ravens
Education
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX01.2021
Skills
- TCP/IP and DNS
- DHCP and VPNs
- Firewalls and access control
- Network segmentation strategies
- Full-disk encryption
- Host-based firewalls
- Least-privilege access
- Patch management processes
- Incident identification and containment
- Documentation practices
- Escalation procedures
- Network security fundamentals
- Wireless security principles
- Asset awareness techniques
- MITRE ATT&CK framework knowledge
- Windows and Linux fundamentals
- Python and Bash basics
- AWS IAM concepts and best practices
Certification
- CompTIA Security+, Active
- CompTIA CySA+, In Progress
Projects
Home Network Security Configuration & Documentation, Secured and documented a home network by changing default router credentials, enabling WPA2/WPA3 encryption, configuring a segmented guest network, and documenting IP addressing and connected devices., Conducted an initial security assessment identifying risks including default credentials, unsecured wireless settings, lack of segmentation, and undocumented network addressing., Hardened router administrative access by implementing strong credentials and restricting management access to the local network., Disabled insecure wireless protocols (WEP, WPS) and enforced strong authentication controls to reduce unauthorized access., Configured and documented DHCP addressing (192.168.1.0/24) to improve network visibility, troubleshooting, and audit readiness., Reviewed connected devices to verify authorized access and respond to potential unauthorized device detection. Endpoint Security Hardening & Troubleshooting, Hardened an endpoint system by enabling full-disk encryption, configuring host-based firewall protections, and enforcing automatic security updates., Implemented least-privilege access by configuring administrative and standard user accounts and enforcing screen-lock authentication policies., Diagnosed and resolved performance and security issues using a structured troubleshooting methodology, documenting findings and remediation steps. Network Troubleshooting & Incident Response, Developed and documented structured network troubleshooting and incident response procedures to diagnose connectivity failures, performance issues, and unauthorized network access., Responded to unauthorized device detection by isolating the device, updating credentials, and verifying network security posture.
Personal Information
Relocation: Open to Relocation and Remote opportunities
Timeline
Professional Defensive Tackle
National Football League (NFL)
05.2022 - 07.2024
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Stephen F. Austin State University