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

Braylon Edwards talks friendly rivalry with LeBron James, overcoming opioid addiction, finding his voice in radio

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl receiver Braylon Edwards joins Peanut and Roman. Braylon didn’t come to sugarcoat. He came to be real. Braylon starts out telling the guys how his Detroit roots came out when he defended an elderly man from an attack at a local YMCA (3:50). He then talks about his wild days in the NFL, which included a friendly challenge for Olympic legend Michael Phelps (10:55), a friendly rivalry with LeBron James (23:14), and a friendly conversat...

Jun 12, 20241 hr 5 min

Jamaal Charles on the Andy Reid system, his Special Olympics journey, and how therapy saved him from dark days after football

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles joins hosts Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Roman Harper. Jamaal sits down to share his improbably journey from Texas high school phenom, to the NFL, to how he’s found direction in his post-football life. Jamaal also shares his devotion to the Special Olympics, and his journey from finding his confidence as a youth competitor to now being a global ambassador for the organization. Jamaal is a newly inducted member of...

Jun 05, 202438 min

Andre Rison talks why he’s the G.O.A.T. receiver, the NFL’s Allen Iverson, and his rivalry turned brotherhood with Deion Sanders

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former All-Pro receiver Andre “Bad Moon” Rison joins hosts Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Roman Harper. Andre joined the guys from the 2024 Draft in Detroit. Andre shared with the guys what it was like becoming a star with the Atlanta Falcons alongside fellow star Deion Sanders. Andre was no stranger to the nightlife in Atlanta and he gets candid about how he managed his fame on and off the field. Andre explains why he feels his cultural influence du...

May 29, 20241 hr 5 min

Marcus Spears on the DM that led to ESPN, Parcells tough love, his hoop dreams

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, ESPN Analyst and former NFL Defensive End Marcus Spears joins Peanut and Roman. Marcus, a.k.a. “The Big Swagu,” tells the guys how he got his nickname and how Commissioner Roger Goodell stamped it. He also reveals how his road to ESPN started with a DM he sent. Marcus shares why he chose football at LSU over basketball at Duke. What was it like to play for Bill Parcells? Marcus explains why he wanted to fight the “Big Tuna” but also how Parcells be...

May 22, 202433 min

Cam Jordan talks Hall of Famers from his 2011 Draft, where he ranks among all-time great D-Ends, shedding the nepotism label

On this episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Saints All-Pro Cam Jordan joins Peanut and Roman for an entertaining and enlightening conversation. Cam starts off telling the guys why the 2011 Draft class he was in is the greatest in NFL history, and who he feels from that class will one day join him in the Hall of Fame. Cam shares how’s worked to shed the “second base” nickname he came into the league with as the son of former Pro Bowl tight end Steve Jordan. Cam already holds the Sain...

May 15, 202428 min

Darrell Green talks old beef with Jerry Rice, finally getting his jersey retired, running a 4.43 at 50

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green. He joined the guys the same day the Washington Commanders announced his #28 jersey would be retired by the organization. Darrell talks about that special honor and rekindling his relationship with organization under its new ownership. Darrell also sheds light on how despite his 5’9” frame he maintained 20 years of excellence in the NFL. He also shares how he’s made it his mission...

May 08, 20241 hr 5 min

Chris Harris, Jr. on his NFL retirement, Champ Bailey mentorship, reclaiming land in Tulsa

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by Super Bowl champion cornerback Chris Harris, Jr. During an improbable 12-year NFL career after going undrafted in 2011, Chris not only won a title, but he turned himself into an All-Pro, and was a vaunted member of the Denver Broncos “No Fly Zone” secondary that’s still considered one of the best defensive back groups in NFL history. After not playing in 2023, despite staying in shape in case a team called, Chris talk...

May 01, 202436 min

Donald Driver on Roman body-slamming him in a game, why he hates Peanut, and using his sports performance brand to support HBCUs

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl receiver Donald Driver joins Peanut and Roman. The guys recall some of their fierce battles on the field, including the time Roman body-slammed Donald, which he was penalized for, and another when Peanut tried to, playfully, break Donad’s arm. Donald is a dedicated supporter of HBCUs, and he talks to Peanut and Roman about how he used his performance company “Driven Elite” on a first-of-its-kind HBCU partnership wi...

Apr 24, 202413 min

TJ Ward on going from player to sports agent, legacy of the “No Fly Zone,” being part of a 151-game winning streak

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Super Bowl champion TJ Ward joins Peanut and Roman. TJ shares stories of what it was like when his Denver Broncos beat Peanut and Roman’s Panthers in Super Bowl 50, and how special it was to win it in his hometown. TJ’s winning pedigree started in high school, and he talks about playing at De La Salle High School in California during the school’s record 151-game winning streak. TJ talks about how overcoming the odds to have an All-Pro NFL career is...

Apr 17, 202416 min

Stephen Tulloch on making the NFL work for him, going to coffee school, and the infamous ACL tear celebration

On the latest NFL players: Second Acts podcast, former 11-year veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch joins Peanut and Roman on the show. Stephen was one of the most respected linebackers in the game because of his production and ironman status. He’s carried that mentality into the business world as a successful real estate investor, coffee brand creator, and children’s book author. Stephen talks with the guys about how he took advantage of the NFL’s entrepreneurship program during his playing caree...

Apr 10, 202446 min

Takeo Spikes and Tutan Reyes on finding competition in education, and athletes taking over the media space

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, we have a dynamic four-piece conversation when NFL legends Takeo Spikes and Tutan Reyes join hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper. Takeo and Tutan are also in the podcast game with their “Behind the Mask” podcast, and the guys all share how they’ve found a passion for the space, and how it’s been a vehicle to display the human side of your favorite athletes. Takeo, Tutan and Peanut (sorry Roman) also discuss how the competitive drive that led them...

Apr 03, 202440 min

John Abraham on being HOF worthy, becoming sober, accepting himself

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman have a candid conversation with former All-Pro pass rusher John Abraham. Roman starts out sharing how he first noticed John from his elaborate collection of tattoos, then realized how much of a baller John was once they played. John tells his journey of how, despite only playing one year of high school football, he became an All-SEC pass rusher and went on to play 15 years in the NFL. John pleads his Hall of Fame case to the guys a...

Mar 27, 202458 min

Christian Ponder on creating “The Post” athletes’ network, his advice to retiring players, honoring Jackie Robinson

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former QB Christian Ponder joins Peanut and Roman. Christian shares his football journey playing at Florida St. under legendary coach Bobby Bowden to becoming a first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2011. He also talks about what it was like having a front-row seat to history in 2012 when Adrian Peterson ran for 2,097 yards. And Christian says when you shake Adrian’s hand you do so at your own risk. Christian also discusses how he got his un...

Mar 20, 202438 min

Steve Smith Sr. on the making of Agent 89, Grieving his NFL Career, and Combatting Homelessness through his foundation

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by NFL Media analyst and former All-Pro receiver Steve Smith Sr. Peanut kicks off the discussion by recalling a play when Steve took a would-be interception away from him. Steve then shares his approach to critiquing current players as a former player turned sports media analyst. Roman and Steve reminisce about their on-field encounters, including a fight that broke out after a late hit Roman gave Steve during a game in ...

Mar 13, 20241 hr 1 min

Cam Newton on the “game changer” Super Bowl 50 moment, the pain of his Heisman, going viral being a skill

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman welcome their former teammate with the Panthers and 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton. It’s as wide-ranging an interview with Cam as you’re going to hear. The guys recount their one season playing together in 2015 and, for the first time, talk about what went wrong in their Super Bowl 50 loss to the Broncos. Cam breaks down what happened during his notorious fourth quarter fumble in that game, and how he dealt with that moment emotionally. L...

Mar 06, 20241 hr 31 min

Andrew Hawkins/Troy Jones on the future of VR gaming, Chris Johnson: Coffee Maven

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman welcome special guests Andrew Hawkins and Troy Jones, and Chris “CJ2K” Johnson. The start out talking with Andrew and Troy about their flourishing sports technology and gaming company “Status Pro.” As co-owners they discuss their latest success and how they secured $20 million in funding for their quest to be the go-to place for first-person virtual sports gaming. And Peanut shares his experience playing their football game. The gu...

Feb 28, 202441 min

Troy Vincent on Taylor Swift unawareness, the dual-threat QB era, football chip tech coming

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper. In this episode, the pair don’t hold back with their hard-hitting questions, tackling the trending controversial questions that NFL fans and players want to know. Troy discusses the NFL's imminent implementation of advanced technology to propel the game forward while preserving its traditional essence, shedding light on the league's strategies fo...

Feb 21, 202439 min

Shaun Alexander on Chasing Barry Sanders' Record, Brian Urlacher and Peanut talk Bears '06 Super Bowl Run

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast NFL MVP Shaun Alexander and eight-time Pro Bowler, Brian Urlacher join Peanut and Roman. Shaun opens up about the honor of having an award named after him and reflects on the significance of his legacy in the NFL. He shares his goal of chasing his favorite player, Barry Sanders' career total of 99 rushing touchdowns, a pursuit that culminated in Shaun finishing his career with 100 rushing touchdowns. Shaun takes us back to one of the defining moment...

Feb 14, 202434 min

Deion Sanders on building a legacy, Lawrence Taylor on how he'd fare in today's NFL

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by two legendary icons of the game, Deion Sanders and Lawrence Taylor. Deion shares what a successful season will look like for the Colorado Buffaloes and how last year they instilled hope, but this year they’ll live up to expectations. He mentions how he doesn’t inherit a legacy, he builds it, debunking any rumors of him joining the SEC. He also opens up about overcoming a dark period and living a life of gratitude each...

Feb 10, 202429 min

Terrell Owens on staying in game shape at 50, Victor Cruz talks Super Bowl 46 memories

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast, Former All-Pro receivers Terrell Owens and Victor Cruz join Peanut and Roman. T.O. shares his fitness journey with the guys and, even at 50 years old, he mentions the possibility of playing in the newly-formed UFL. He also discusses his business ventures, and whether he can still run a 4.4 40-yard dash. Then, former NY Giants receiver aka “The People’s Champ” Victor Cruz joins the show. He talks about overcoming the odds to have a productive 6-year...

Feb 09, 202426 min

Commissioner Goodell on his NFL “holy s**t” moment, the Jets coaching job he almost took, and his rooting interests in a Super Bowl

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pays a visit to Peanut and Roman on the latest episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts podcast. Roman starts out sharing how he and other players reacted to the commissioner getting the top job. In a stunning revelation, the commissioner tells the guys how in 1984 he almost took a job with the New York Jets coaching staff after interning with the team. He also shares his welcome to the commissioner moment, and how it was a “holy s**t” experience. And Mr. Goodell ta...

Feb 08, 202437 min

Matt Willig: His Almost Super Bowl-winning block, Playing Andre the Giant, Getting Advice from “The Rock”

Peanut and Roman are back with a new episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts podcast with Super Bowl champion turned actor Matt Willig. Coming into the NFL as an undrafted free agent, Matt talks about how he willed himself to a 14-year NFL career. He’s also been on both sides of Super Bowl finishes, including almost blocking the game-winning kick in Super Bowl XXXVI. Matt shares how he caught the acting but doing a Campbell’s soup commercial, and the life-changing advice he got from Dewayne “The...

Jan 31, 202448 min

Kevin Boothe: Winning Super Bowls, Getting his MBA, the Quill and Dagger Society

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Super Bowl champion Kevin Boothe joins Peanut and Roman. Kevin shares his welcome to the NFL moment provided by Warren Sapp. He also talks about making it to the NFL from an Ivy League school. Kevin won two Super Bowls with the Giants, and shares what it was like to be on the field for "The Catch" made by David Tyree in Super Bowl XLII. After playing, Kevin stayed connected to the game, and talks about his current role in the NFL League Office work...

Jan 24, 202443 min

Nick Mangold: Winning for Jets Fans, Hall of Fame credentials, his BBQ business

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former New York Jets All-Pro center Nick Mangold joins Peanut and Roman. Nick starts out telling the story about drinking a beer during his Jets Ring of Honor induction speech. He also waxes poetic on what it’s like to play for the passionate Jets fan base his entire career. Nick shares why the 4th and 1 vs the Chargers in the 2009 playoffs is a career highlight for him. Nick also won in college and talks about what it was like winning a national c...

Jan 17, 202451 min

Jeb Terry: Being the Original Beast Mode, The Game-Changing Cosm Experience

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former NFL lineman and current CEO of Cosm joins Peanut and Roman on the show. Jeb and Peanut discuss growing up and playing football in Texas and Jeb’s journey to the NFL. Jeb then explains how he left the NFL to get his MBA and eventually became the CEO of Cosm, an entertainment and technology company that creates immersive experiences in sports, art, and education using massive LED screens and spatial audio systems. Jeb shares how he applied les...

Jan 10, 202441 min

Leslie Frazier on his aim to head coach again, the ’85 Bears D, the media game

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former NFL head coach and current NFL Media analyst Leslie Frazier joins Peanut and Roman on the show. When you get three DBs in one room they’re going to talk ball! The guys discuss how being a student of the game is just as important than being a great athlete. Leslie shares his coaching philosophy that made him one of the premiere defensive coaches of this era. He also talks about why he plans to pursue a head coaching job this offseason. What p...

Jan 03, 20241 hr 10 min

Jessie Armstead: Legendary Texas Football Stories, “The U” Days, Being in Giants front office

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by Jessie Armstead, 11-year NFL linebacker and current Assistant to the GM for the New York Giants. To start the conversation, Jessie recounts the story of how he was struck with a butcher knife during a fight when he was 12 years old. Jessie survived, stayed out of trouble, and went on to become one of the greatest high school football players of all time. He gives an inside look to what it was like being on the Dallas ...

Dec 27, 202353 min

Jason Avant: Gangs, God, Grandma, and the Gridiron – his story of perseverance

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman welcome 10-year NFL receiver Jason Avant to the show. Jason has a one-of-a-kind story of perseverance, and shares stories about his childhood growing up in the “Wild 100s” in the South Side of Chicago. He talks of overcoming gang violence, his stint as a drug dealer as a child, and run ins with the law to make it to the NFL. And who does Jason credit for him surviving a rough childhood and becoming an NFL player and successful busi...

Dec 20, 202355 min

Brendon Ayanbadejo: His link to Super Bowl history, Honoring Kobe Bryant, the Orange Theory Empire

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Super Bowl champion Brendon Ayanbadejo joins Peanut and Roman. Brendon and Peanut reminisce about their time as teammates with the Chicago Bears, which included playing in Super Bowl XLI. Brendon also shares what it as like to be on the field for two of the most iconic kick returns in Super Bowl history. Brendon has found success after his NFL career, also, and shares his “P-Pod Theory” and how he got involved in the business world with “Orange The...

Dec 13, 202354 min

Lorenzo Alexander: The One-Man Gang, Sean Taylor’s influence, Being a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by 15-year NFL veteran, and one of the most respected players during his career, Lorenzo Alexander. During a candid conversation, Lorenzo shares his journey as an undrafted rookie who flew across the country with cleats in a carry-on for a chance to play in the league, and how that tenacity helped him stick for 15 years. Lorenzo is known as a man of faith, and he shares how the death of Sean Taylor sparked his spiritual ...

Dec 06, 202339 min
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