The NFL Players Podcast - podcast cover

The NFL Players Podcast

NFL
The NFL Players Podcast is a candid, unscripted series sharing the stories and personal journeys of NFL players– as told by the players. Hosted by captain of the New York Giants, Logan Ryan, Legend and Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient Charles "Peanut" Tillman, and Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams, new episodes are released on Wednesdays. Follow @nflplayerspodcast for updates and new episodes.
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Episodes

Colin Allred: From linebacker to lawyer to lawmaker, and inside details of the January 6th attack

Former NFL linebacker Colin Allred joins Peanut and Roman for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and eye-opening. Colin reflects on his unlikely path from the NFL to being a civil rights attorney to Congress - and the lessons he’s taken from each chapter. Colin shares how an unlikely phone call led to him putting off law school for a chance to play in the NFL. Colin also opens up about the injury that ended his career. After the NFL, Colin talks about his time wor...

Jul 09, 20251 hr 1 min

Cory Procter tells Bill Parcells stories, talks private Equity success & grunge band vibes

In this episode of NFL Players: Second Acts , Peanut and Roman sit down with former offensive lineman Cory Procter, who shares the unexpected turns his life has taken since leaving the field. Cory dives into his “Welcome to the NFL” moment and recalls battling Peanut in what would be his final NFL game. Cory also shares stories of playing for the legendary head coach Bill Parcells. He then opens up about the knee injury that ultimately ended his career. Later, Cory describes how he’s thriving in...

Jul 02, 202554 min

Isaiah Stanback talks Bill Belichick vs Tom Coughlin, his WWE tryouts, landing the GMFB gig

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Super Bowl champion and versatile NFL athlete Isaiah Stanback joins Peanut and Roman to share his remarkable journey from the NFL to WWE to GMFB. He opens up about the challenges and mindset required to constantly switch positions during his NFL career. Isaiah also takes us inside his surprising pivot to attending WWE’s training camp and channeling his inner DMX to create a wrestling persona. He recalls what it was like playing for coaching ...

Jun 25, 202551 min

Chris Gronkowski talks growing up with 4 NFL playing brothers, getting a Shark Tank deal, Ice Shaker empire

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by former running back Chris Gronkowski. Chris discusses what it was like growing up with five brothers, four of which played in the NFL. He also explains How he defied the odds to make it to the NFL. Later, he explains what it was like playing with Tony Romo, and the demanding style of Peyton Manning. Chris then shares his journey to creating his Ice Shaker brand, and how he got his big break on Shark Tank. The NFL Play...

Jun 18, 202546 min

Jeff Allen says Andy Reid is the GOAT, talks landing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list, his budding cookie empire

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Super Bowl champion and offensive lineman Jeff Allen joins Peanut and Roman. Jeff takes it back to his roots in Chicago, where he began his football journey at King College Prep. He reflects on what it was like growing up in the city and the stark contrast between Chicago’s football culture and the football-obsessed environment of Texas. Jeff also shares his improbable rise from a zero-star high school recruit to making it to the NFL. The co...

Jun 11, 202549 min

Vick Ballard talks going from JUCO to the NFL to an aeronautical engineer at Lockheed Martin

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Colts running back Vick Ballard joins Peanut and Roman to share his remarkable journey. Vick opens up about starting his football career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before making it to Mississippi State and eventually being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. He reflects on his breakout rookie season and the devastating injuries that derailed his promising NFL career. Vick talks candidly about the emotional toll of ear...

Jun 04, 202533 min

Tim Brown talks almost playing for the Cowboys, Top-5 all-time receivers, being Arena League commissioner

NFL Players: Second Acts hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with legendary Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown for a candid reflection of his Hall of Fame career. Starting with his iconic NFL debut kick return touchdown in 1988, Brown recounts the highs and lows of his 17-year professional campaign -- all but one of which being in silver and black. From vouching to have the team part ways with former coach Bill Callahan to his innate skills as a kick returner, Brown shares anecdotes that...

May 28, 202558 min

Ben Utecht talks miracle journey, sustaining a concussion on Hard Knocks, and Tony Dungy’s impact

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht joins Peanut and Roman. Ben reflects on the moments that led to his NFL career and credits Tony Dungy for giving him his shot in the league. He shares what it was like competing with Peyton Manning and tells a story that sums up what it was like playing with him. Ben opens up about the concussion he sustained during practice that aired on Hard Knocks and how that experience led him to become an advocate for brain heal...

May 21, 202549 min

Ed McCaffrey talks pregame superstitions, lessons from Jerry Rice, and the play that still replays in his mind

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey joins Peanut and Roman. Ed looks back at Super Bowl 50, where he served as a color commentator for the radio broadcast, and explains how he earned a fourth Super Bowl ring despite only playing in three. Ed shares what it was like getting cut by the Giants and how that moment pushed him to shed equipment weight in order to get faster and prove he belonged. He shares how that mindset helped him fight for a ...

May 14, 20251 hr 13 min

Izell Reese talks playing with Cowboys DB legends, Bringing flag football to 2028 Olympics and college sports

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman welcome former defensive back turned flag football pioneer Izell Reese to the show. Izell shares his journey from undrafted free agent out of University of Alabama-Birmingham to playing with guys like Deion Sanders, Darren Woodson, and Super Bowl MVP Larry Brown on the Dallas Cowboys. Izell later shares details of the brawl versus the San Francisco 49ers sparked by Terrell Owens touchdown celebrations at midfield. Izell has become ...

May 07, 202540 min

Warrick Dunn talks move from Falcons player to team’s ownership group, pulling families out of poverty, being a 180 lb. workhorse

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl running back Warrick Dunn joins Peanut and Roman. Warrick describes the meetings he had with Falcons owner Arthur Blank that led to Warrick joining the team’s ownership group. He also discusses his work to eradicate generational poverty by building homes for families in need through his Warrick Dunn Charities. Warrick describes dealing with the tragic death of his mother as a child and parenting his younger siblings while playing in...

Apr 30, 202549 min

Marty Lyons talks playing for Bear Bryant, the Jim Kelly fight, serving terminally ill children

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Jets defensive tackle Marty Lyons joins Peanut and Roman. Marty discusses what it was like to play for legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, and he takes inside the famous goal line stand against Penn St. in the 1979 Sugar Bowl to win the National Championship. Marty then tells stories of playing his entire career with the Jets, being part of the New York Sack Exchange, and what led to his infamous fight with Buffalo Bills quarterback ...

Apr 23, 202546 min

Derrick Brooks on his work as an NFL appeals officer, carrying the legacy of Walter Payton & his Mt. Rushmore of life influences

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks joins hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper for a discussion far beyond football. Brooks explains his work as an NFL appeals officer and the mentorship the position has allowed him to carry out. Brooks also reflects on the significance of receiving the first ever Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Later, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer lists his personal Mount Rushmore, which includes his old coach, Tony ...

Apr 16, 202541 min

Steven Jackson talks being the Rams all-time leading rusher, why he wore #39, starting a barber school and apparel company

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson joins hosts Peanut and Roman. Steven discusses his running style and shares the types of running plays that helped him become the Rams all-time leader in rushing yards. He also explains the significance behind wearing jersey number 39 and how it felt to lose in the AFC Championship game in his final season. Steven discusses his post-NFL ventures, including opening a barber school, starting the NFL Legends...

Apr 09, 202545 min

Patrick Peterson talks LSU-Alabama rivalry, changing his last name, becoming a broadcaster

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson joins hosts Peanut and Roman. Patrick and Roman debate whether LSU or Alabama have produced better defensive backs and Patrick explains the significance of the number seven jersey at LSU. He also discusses some of the major battles he had against Cam Newton in college and the NFL, explains how he overcame his rookie year defensive struggles, and reveals whether he would come back for a fourteenth season. Patrick...

Apr 02, 202554 min

Jahri Evans talks being a Hall of Fame finalist, Sean Payton play calls, NFL coaching path

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Pro Bowl lineman Jahri Evans joins hosts Peanut and Roman. Jahri discusses his Saints career and shares how he feels to be a three-time finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jahri shares his path from a Division II college to the NFL, reveals the toughest defensive linemen he faced, and talks winning Super Bowl XLIII with Roman. Jahri also explains what makes him a good leader and why he decided to join the Saints coaching staff. The NFL Play...

Mar 26, 202544 min

Dion Dawkins on why he’s the NFL’s best LT, protecting Josh Allen, and Jesus and Allen Iverson being on his Mount Rushmore

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins joins Peanut and Roman. Dion shares his thoughts on Bills quarterback Josh Allen winning the 2024 MVP award and what it will take for the Bills to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs. He also explains the origin of his “Shnowman” nickname and how he started his apparel company Shnow Store. Dion also talks about his charity work in Buffalo, why he loves Bills fans, and shares a unique personal Mount Rushmore of influence. ...

Mar 19, 202533 min

Chris Hetherington talks Palisades Fire evacuation and reclaiming his life, his journey to CEO of Fathead, being a Japanese basketball pioneer

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former fullback Chris Hetherington joins Roman and Peanut. Chris explains how he transitioned from a college quarterback to an NFL fullback, why he got his MBA after he retired, and how he ended up running a Japanese basketball team. Chris talks about become the CEO of Fathead, how they’re trying to increase fan engagement, and how he leverages his relationships in the business world. He also shares the story of his family’s evacuation from the Pal...

Mar 12, 202547 min

Michael Vick talks favorite NFL QBs, 2003 playoffs classic vs Packers, Jimmy Johnson coaching advice

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick joins Roman and Peanut. Michael explains how he became the head coach at Norfolk State University and what he’s looking forward to in his first year as a coach. He shares the lessons he learned from his successful head coaches like Andy Reid, what it means to have two black quarterbacks play in the Super Bowl, and hosting the documentary “Evolution of the Black Quarterback.” He also reveals his welcome other...

Mar 05, 202541 min

Michael Jenkins talks Ohio State vs LSU receivers, watching brain surgeries, and selling medical devices

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former wide receiver Michael Jenkins joins Roman and Peanut. Michael talks about playing at Ohio State University under Jim Tressel and making clutch catches in big moments. Michael explains how he became a medical device salesman and what it’s like to sit in on brain surgery. He also discusses the difference between catching passes from Michael Vick and Matt Ryan, his extensive shoe collection, and why he opened a CrossFit gym. The NFL Players: Se...

Feb 26, 202532 min

Ryan McNeil talks playing ball at "The U," negotiating his own contracts, his "SportsID" tech company

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl cornerback Ryan McNeil joins Roman and Peanut. Ryan talks about playing at the University of Miami under Jimmy Johnson and then learning how to silence his ego and embrace the process as a rookie playing for the Detroit Lions. He also shares how he negotiated his rookie contract, why he approached his career from a business mindset, and where his passion for entrepreneurship comes from. Ryan explains how he built his sports-technolo...

Feb 19, 202544 min

Matt Cassel talks going from backup to Pro Bowl, replacing Tom Brady, his one career regret

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Cassel joins Roman and Peanut. Matt explains how he made it to the NFL after being a backup quarterback at USC and what it took to lead the New England Patriots to an 11-5 record after Tom Brady tore his ACL. He discusses what an NFL player has to deal with when they get traded, one thing he would have done differently in his career, and plays a word association game based on some of his famous teammates and coaches...

Feb 12, 202530 min

Warren Moon on being a pioneer and Jimmy Graham on being an adrenaline junkie

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon and Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham sit down with hosts Peanut and Roman. Warren Moon talks about how growing up with six sisters influenced him, being a black quarterback at a time when it was rare, and promotes his charity work with Gear Up Against Cancer. Then Jimmy Graham explains why he plans to row across the arctic, how he learned to fly a plane, and his work with the Jimmy Graham Foundation. The NFL Play...

Feb 11, 202537 min

Emmitt Smith on the Hall of Fame, Ed Reed on making quarterbacks mad, and Jeb Terry on the evolution of Cosm

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed, and former lineman Jeb Terry join Peanut and Roman. Emmitt Smith shares his feelings on being a first-ballot Hall of Famer, talks about why he always carried the ball in his left hand, and explains why everyone should be equipped with Narcan nasal spray. Next, Ed Reed talks about learning from Peanut and Roman, how he forced opposing quarterbacks to work harder, and gives his Supe...

Feb 08, 202530 min

Lawrence Taylor on His Signature Strip Technique, Jerome Bettis on NFL Season Expansion

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Hall of Famers Lawrence Taylor and Jerome Bettis join Peanut and Roman. LT reflects on the impact of the Lawrence Taylor Foundation and how it’s changing lives. He also shares what position he’d play if he were on offense and gives his take on today’s new-age tight ends. Plus, he breaks down his signature technique for stripping the football. Jerome Bettis weighs in on the Eagles benching Saquon Barkley in the final game of the regular season, cost...

Feb 07, 202522 min

Troy Vincent on the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, “loser talk,” and the new Pro Bowl format

Troy Vincent, the Executive Vice President of Football Operations sits down Peanut and Roman on the latest episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts podcast. Troy talks the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and what it means to the players around the league. Then he reveals how the league manages and reviews its officials and combats the conspiracy theories that Chiefs get favorable calls. He also discusses the new Pro Bowl format, the increase in black quarterbacks, and his career accomplishmen...

Feb 07, 202555 min

Joe Montana on how the game has changed, Tedy Bruschi on stopping Saquon Barkley

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and former Pro Bowl linebacker Tedy Bruschi join Peanut and Roman. Joe Montana shares one of his most memorable games, discusses how NFL ball preparation has changed over the years, and makes his picks for Super Bowl LIX. He also talks about the importance of getting vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia if you’re above age 50. Then Tedy Bruschi stops by to talk about the Chiefs defensive game plan in the AFC Ch...

Feb 06, 202517 min

Inside story of the 2011 CBA deal, taking BBQ sauce to the head, starting a food business with Reggie Kelly

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former tight end Reggie Kelly joins Roman and Peanut. Reggie talks about being a player representative during the 2011 NFL lockout and what went into negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. He also shares the life lessons he learned from former Atlanta Falcons receiver Terance Mathis which helped him in both in football and his second act as the founder of Kyvan Foods, a BBQ sauce and salsa company. Reggie explains why he went into the f...

Jan 29, 202553 min

Robert McClain talks starting in Super Bowl 50, being inspired by Nipsey Hussle, his talents as an artist

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former cornerback Robert McClain joins Roman and Peanut. Robert talks about playing for a two-win Carolina Panthers squad his rookie year, the challenges of bouncing around the league with various teams, to being a starter for the Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Robert also explains how Dragon Ball Z inspired him to chart a path as an artist and painter. He also explains the inspiration of one of his most acclaimed art pieces; a watercolor portrait of r...

Jan 22, 202549 min

Sean Weatherspoon talks Falcons-Saints rivalry, guarding Tony Gonzalez, Legacy Sports Complex

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former linebacker Sean Weatherspoon joins Roman and Peanut. Sean joins the guys to shares how playing in the Big 12 prepared him for the NFL, and how Tony Gonzalez gave him his welcome to the NFL moment. Sean and Roman discuss the depth of the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints rivalry. Sean also discusses how he got into the sports training business with the Legacy Sports Complex, and how he’s all about training the next generation of champion...

Jan 15, 202540 min
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