The NFL Players Podcast

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: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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-technology company SportsID does and how it helps parents to navigate the sports space. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 with some of his famous teammates and coaches. He also explains why he went in broadcasting after his playing days and how he ended up as the cohost for the Lots to Say Podcast with Bobby Bones. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Super Bowl LIX picks. Then, Jeb Terry, the current President and CEO of Cosm stops by to explain how Cosm is innovating the sports viewing experience, explains how they get video from sporting events around the world, and where they plan to build next. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, costing him a shot at Eric Dickerson's rushing record. He also shares his perspective on the NFL potentially expanding to 18 games and why he doesn’t believe it would diminish the value of records. Then, he takes us back to Super Bowl XL, reflecting on what it meant to win a championship in his final NFL game and why he was so confident in his decision to walk away from the game on top. NFL Players: Second Acts is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.* See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 accomplishments as a player. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Championship game against the Bills, how he expects Steve Spagnuolo will plan to stop Saquon Barkley, and gives his Super Bowl picks. He also discusses his work with Abbott Heartmates, a community for people with heart conditions to get advice and camaraderie, and he shares his love of shark fishing. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 food business, shares some of his sauces with Peanut and Roman, and makes the hosts drink the sauce straight from the bottle. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 rapper Nipsey Hustle. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 champions. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 guys also discuss the stigma of black men and therapy. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 shares what it was like playing for his hometown San Francisco 49ers. He also shares the work he does with the NFL Trust, how he works closely with NFL legends to aid them in their transition, and how he’s also training the next generation of NFL greats. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, what it’s like to work for the SEC network, and studying public policy at American University. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 inaugural season. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 business Southeast Exhibits, which builds trade show exhibits, and how he dealt with depression in retirement. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 NFL in 1992 as a 27-year-old rookie playing for none other than Jimmy Johnson’s Dallas Cowboys. What was it like inside the locker room of the ‘90s Cowboys dynasty? Chad tells us in a conversation you won’t want to miss. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 celebratory dance, and why he idolized former Colts safety Bob Sanders. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.