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

Fran Tarkenton talks trailblazing QB career, his Gulf Stream level wealth, still learning at 84

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton joins Peanut and Roman. Fran talks about being the first scrambling quarterback, and setting long-standing NFL records. He discusses how he developed his business acumen that led him to create 25 business during and after the NFL. Fran also tells the story of how he became the first QB in NFL history to get ejected from a game. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership wit...

Jan 08, 202545 min

Fernando Velasco talks Michael Penix-Kirk Cousins relationship, Black men getting therapy, reconciling with his father

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former OL turned Falcons Director of Player Development, Fernando Velasco joins Peanut and Roman. Fernando takes us into how he navigates the relationship between rookie QB Michael Penix and veteran QB Kirk Cousins, and how it plays into his role in player engagement with the Falcons. He also gets personal about how he overcame the anger over his father’s violent drug-dealing past that led Fernando to be born to a drug addicted mother. Plus, the gu...

Jan 01, 202543 min

Hannibal Navies talks 4th & 26, work with NFL Trust, helping NFL legends transition

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman welcome former linebacker Hannibal Navies to the show. The NFC North rivalry comes to life when Hannibal and Peanut sit down for the conversation, though they keep it cordial. Hannibal was on the field for the infamous “4th & 26” play during the Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles 2004 NFC Divisional Round Playoff Game and gives us the inside story of the moment. As a kid from East Oakland, Hannibal also shares happier sha...

Dec 25, 202443 min

Coy Wire makes Peanut cry, talks Flava Flav being his biggest fan, going from NFL to CNN

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former defensive back Coy Wire joins Peanut and Roman. Coy talks about playing both running back and linebacker at Stanford before being drafted to play defensive back and having to cover Randy Moss. Coy then explains why he decided to go into journalism after football, what it is like to work at CNN, and shares stories from the Paris Olympics. He also looks back on the emotional story he reported about Peanut and his daughter’s heart surgery. The ...

Dec 18, 202441 min

Benjamin Watson talks Tom Brady vs Drew Brees, speaking on societal issues, going to graduate school at 43

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Super Bowl champ and tight end Benjamin Watson joins Peanut and Roman. Benjamin talks about what it was like to play with two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time—Tom Brady and Drew Brees—and how their leadership styles differ. Then, Benjamin explains how he developed his own reputation as a leader in the locker room, how he manages his busy schedule, and learning to give himself grace. He also talks about why he played until he was 39, ...

Dec 11, 20241 hr 2 min

Terance Mathis talks becoming the head coach at Morehouse, recruiting in a post-NIL landscape, and playing in a Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl wide receiver Terance Mathis joins Peanut and Roman. Terance shares how he went from an undersized receiver to setting records at New Mexico University, playing in a Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons, and eventually becoming the head coach at Morehouse College. He discusses what it’s like to recruit players in a post-NIL world, how his time as a player informs his coaching, and what it meant to get his first win during a difficult...

Dec 04, 202441 min

Jamal Lewis talks being a 2,000-yard bruiser, designing your favorite stores, how business became therapy

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Baltimore Ravens All-Pro running back Jamal Lewis joins Peanut and Roman. Jamal talks about rushing for over 2,000 yards in 2003 and why getting benched in a week 16 blowout potentially cost him the all-time single season rushing record. He discusses how Ray Lewis gave him his welcome to the NFL moment during a practice, and what he’s seen from Derrick Henry this season. Jamal also explains how he became an entrepreneur, how he runs his busi...

Nov 27, 202443 min

Chad Hennings on his Air Force fighter pilot missions, 3 Cowboys Super Bowls, Jimmy Johnson stories

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast. Former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Chad Hennings joins Peanut and Roman. Chad is the first guest on the show who’s second act is playing in the NFL. He shares incredible stories from his first act; serving the country as a fighter pilot in the Air Force. Chad describes why he relished being a pilot, catching G-Forces in A-10 Warthog jets and the dangers of combat missions. And we hear how that Air Force experience helped him transition to the ...

Nov 20, 202438 min

Josh Norman talks walking-on at Coastal Carolina, studying dramatic arts, and getting his franchise tag rescinded by the Panthers

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman sits down with former teammates Peanut and Roman. Josh reveals how taking acting classes in college inspired his theatrical mindset on the football field, what he learned from playing with Peanut and Roman, and why he knew he would make it to the NFL when he was still in high school. He also shares what it was like to have his franchise tag rescinded by the Carolina Panthers, how his horse Delta inspired his celebrato...

Nov 13, 202443 min

Three former NFL players turned NASCAR pit crew members talk getting hit by cars, being set on fire, and the perfect pit stop

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former linebackers Marshall McFadden and Jeremy Kimbrough, and former safety Josh Bush join Peanut and Roman to discuss their second act careers as NASCAR pit crew members. Jeremy shares what it’s like to be hit by a car at work not once but eight times! Marshall tells the story of seeing a pit crew member catch fire, and Josh explains what pit crew guys do to stay in shape. The guys also discuss the strategy behind NASCAR, share the keys to perfec...

Nov 06, 202455 min

Donnell Woolford talks Peanut breaking his Bears INT record, hangin’ with Michael Jordan, supporting military veterans

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl cornerback Donnell Woolford joins Peanut and Roman. Donnell shares his feelings on Peanut breaking his Chicago Bears record for most interceptions by a cornerback. He also reveals what it was like to be part of the legendary 1980s and early 1990s. Bears defenses. Donnell also tells stories of hanging out with Michael Jordan during the Bulls championship era. In his second act, Donnell sheds light on his mission to help at risk kids,...

Oct 30, 202422 min

Haruki Nakamura talks learning the ropes from Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, life lessons in judo

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former safety Haruki Nakamura sits down with Peanut and Roman. Haruki explains his family’s passion for judo and its tenets have been a guiding light throughout his life. He also highlights the work ethic he learned from his mother. Haruki later takes inside the Baltimore Ravens legendary defensive meeting room with greats Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, and more. Later, Haruki discusses the strong network that helped him manage his retirement a...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 1 min

Dre Bly talks Dan Campbell’s leadership style, Jordan Brand athlete perks, his NFL and college coaching journey

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl corner back Dré Bly sits down with Peanut and Roman. Dré shares his experience playing baseball growing up and why he decided to focus on football in college. He also explains how he became a Jordan Brand athlete, relives Super Bowl XXXIV and the famous “longest yard” play, and he explains why he chose coaching as his second act after football. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHear...

Oct 16, 202451 min

Mike Tolbert talks doing work as “Toldozer,” Rock Box Fitness, overcoming post-retirement anxiety

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl fullback Mike Tolbert catches up with his former teammates Peanut and Roman. Mike shares his experience blocking for Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, explains how he dealt with anxiety after retiring, and discusses co-owning a boxing gym with his wife. Mike also reveals his favorite running back of all time and tells the story of how they met. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnersh...

Oct 09, 202433 min

Beau Allen talks “tush push” secrets, Super Bowl LII win, Waterboys charity work

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Super Bowl champion Beau Allen joins Peanut and Roman for a conversation. Allen discusses growing up in Minnesota and how playing hockey compares with football. He also shares his favorite memory from the Eagles’ win in Super Bowl LII, his thoughts on the infamous “tush push,” and his work with Chris Long’s Waterboys charity. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listene...

Oct 02, 202425 min

Thomas Davis talks overcoming 3 torn ACLs, Super Bowl 50, being a restaurant owner

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former All-Pro linebacker Thomas Davis joins Peanut and Roman for a conversation filled with jokes and stories between these former Carolina Panthers teammates. Thomas shares how he went on to have a decorated NFL career as a linebacker even though that was not his drafted position. He and Peanut also share how they both paid their dues as special teams’ stars early in their careers. Thomas also reflects on how he overcame three torn ACL injuries t...

Sep 25, 20241 hr

Luke Kuechly talks eye-popping hits, coaching youth football, his weird trash talk

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly joins Peanut and Roman. Luke was one of the best all-around linebackers of his generation, and the guys tell stories about one thing his game lacked: elite trash talking. Luke then breaks down one of the best plays of his career in the NFL Championship Game that helped the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50. Most guests on the podcast have one “welcome to the NFL” moment. Luke has three and shares the hilarious stor...

Sep 18, 20241 hr 13 min

Todd Blackledge talks legendary broadcast career, being in ’83 QB Draft class, his “6 W’s” to success

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, broadcasting legend Todd Blackledge joins Peanut and Roman. Todd has built a legacy as one of the greatest college football analysts ever, and he starts the conversation talking about how it started with six words that’s become his life’s mantra: “Work will win when wishing won’t.” Before branching into the media, Todd talks about being part of the legendary 1983 NFL Draft QB class. We also learn a lesser-known fact about Todd; his honor of being i...

Sep 11, 202434 min

Jerricho Cotchery talks being a college football head coach, his top 5 coaching influences, and his “V.E.T.S.S.” coaching philosophy

On the latest NFL Players Second Acts podcast one of Peanut’s and Roman’s former teammates Jerricho Cotchery joins the show. Jerricho is the new head football coach at Limestone University, and he talks about how he’s adapting to his new position. He also shares why becoming a coach was always pare of his second act plan. And what does the acronym “V.E.T.S.S.” mean? Well, Jerricho breaks down how it ties into his coaching philosophy. The guys also talk a little football from their past. Jerricho...

Sep 04, 202441 min

Jake Delhomme talks horse racing business, going toe-to-toe with Tom Brady, His European path to the NFL

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl quarterback Jake Delhomme joins Peanut and Roman. Jake opens up about his international football journey to the NFL, and how his cajon roots has inspired his second act in horse racing. On the football side, Jake shares his rocky road. He went from NFL practice squads early in his career, to taking a chance in NFL Europe to show his skills only to be a backup to eventual Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. After proving himself as an NFL sta...

Aug 28, 202443 min

Lorenzo Neal talks being the G.O.A.T. of fullbacks, body slamming teammates for fun, his business and media ventures

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Lorenzo Neal, former All-Pro fullback turned broadcaster and businessman, joins Peanut and Roman on the show. Lorenzo starts out sharing how cigarettes are involved in his welcome to the NFL moment. Lorenzo was also known as a world-class wrestler, and Roman shares the story how a teammate found that out the hard way in a restaurant parking lot. Later, Lorenzo discuses what it was like to block for running back greats LaDanian Tomlinson, Corey Dill...

Aug 21, 202454 min

DeShaun Foster talks earning UCLA head coach job, Janet Jackson Super Bowl texts, Eric Bieniemy’s influence

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, DeShaun Foster, former Panthers and 49ers running back and current head coach at UCLA, joins Peanut and Roman. DeShaun shares how he’s adjusting to the head coach lifestyle, and how it helps to have a Super Bowl-winning coach in Eric Bieniemy by his side. He also reveals what happened while he watched Super Bowl 58 led to him getting the job. DeShaun calls coaching his life’s calling, and tells the guys why he’s not afraid to be his authentic self ...

Aug 14, 202448 min

Raheem Mostert talks Billabong surfing contract at 14, being on 7 teams in 2 years, finding his voice in media

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert joins Peanut and Roman. They start out talking about Raheem making waves as a teenage surfing prodigy, and why he turned down a contract to turn pro with Billabong at 14 years old. Raheem chose to pursue football, and he shares his journey going from college wide receiver, to journeyman running back, to now being a centerpiece in the Dolphins high-flying offense. Later, Raheem and Peanut share their specia...

Aug 07, 202444 min

Aaron Williams talks recovering from partial paralysis, horseback riding, coaching the next generation

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Bills defensive back Aaron Williams joins Peanut and Roman. Aaron is a man of many jobs, he’s a trainer, coach, model, you name it…and he joins the guys to share the many ways he’s channeled his competitive spirit after football. Aaron shares how despite making it big in the NFL he hasn’t forgotten his small-town Texas roots, and actively gives back to high school students in his hometown of McNeil. He also talks about walking away from the ...

Jul 31, 202458 min

Joique Bell talks going from Lions security guard to their RB, the Beast Quake, financial literacy,

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts episode, former running back Joique Bell joins Peanut and Roman. Joique shares his journey from being undrafted out of Wayne State University to making a name for himself with the Detroit Lions. We also hear how improbable Joique reaching the NFL was considering he grew up in poverty and before he realized his NFL dreams, he was a security guard for the Lions. In his second act Joique has turned his attention to giving back to his community through his foun...

Jul 24, 202449 min

Spencer Paysinger talks creating “All-American" TV show, navigating Hollywood politic , and his has he found his Super Bowl ring?

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former veteran linebacker and Super Bowl champion turned Hollywood screenwriter Spencer Paysinger joins Peanut and Roman. Spencer turned in a productive seven-year NFL career that included winning Super Bowl XLVI with the New York Giants. After retirement, he immediately found success as a Hollywood screenwriter with his hit show “All-American.” Spencer takes us on a journey from teaching himself screenwriting, to creating a hit network TV show. He...

Jul 17, 202454 min

Muhsin Muhammad talks Nick Saban changing his life, old school vs new school NFL, transition from NFL to private equity

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former All-Pro receiver turned private equity businessman Muhsin Muhammad joins Peanut and Roman. The guys start out talking Super Bowls, including Muhsin’s record-setting touchdown catch in Super Bowl XXXVIII and playing with Peanut in Super Bowl XLI. Muhsin later shares how legendary coach Nick Saban’s forgiveness changed the trajectory of his life. In the NFL, Muhsin was known as a hothead early in his career, and he tells the guys how Hall of F...

Jul 10, 202453 min

Rodney Peete talks choosing the NFL over MLB, overcoming alcoholism, Autism Activism

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former USC legend and 16-year veteran quarterback Rodney Peete joins Peanut and Roman. Rodney discusses what it was like being runner-up to Barry Sanders in the Heisman Trophy race then becoming his teammate the next season with the Detroit Lions. Rodney carved out a respectable NFL career, but he talks about why he almost passed on the NFL to purse a career in Major league Baseball. Rodney then talks about his struggles coming to terms with the en...

Jul 03, 202440 min

Jon Dorenbos on career-ending heart surgery, Jeffrey Lurie locker room hangouts, how magic helped him cope with his father’s horrific crime

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, two-time Pro-Bowler Jon Dorenbos sits down with hosts Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Roman Harper. After being diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm following a trade in 2017 to the New Orleans Saints, Jon underwent immediate heart surgery that ended his football career. He opens up about that trade that saved his life, and the three rules he learned in therapy that guide his life. Jon shares why he reveres Sean Payton for the gesture Payton gave him tha...

Jun 26, 20241 hr 3 min

TJ Houshmandzadeh talks flag football with Snoop Dogg, getting his GED, bad boy Bengals teams, and more

On this episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former All-Pro receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh joins Peanut and Roman for a spirited conversation. TJ explains why the talented Cincinnati Bengals teams he played with were known more for their disfunction than winning. Despite tough years early on, TJ talks about why he felt mixed emotions when he made his first Pro Bowl, and why he wished he would’ve played for bad teams toward the end of his career. TJ says he never dreamed of making to the ...

Jun 22, 202439 min
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