The NFL Players Podcast

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 are seldom told publicly. The Hall of Famer even speaks of a time when he pleaded with then-Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Irvin in an effort to land with his hometown team. All that and more on the latest episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast! 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, 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 health and a spokesman for the American Academy of Neurology. Then, Ben talks about how a foot infection led to the launch of his company, Sole Care Rx. He shares what he’s learned since becoming a CEO and the leadership lessons he took from Tony Dungy into business. Later, Ben shares how his passion for music led him to a career as a singer and songwriter, and how the people of Indianapolis got to experience him for his voice first before they saw him on the football field. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 roster spot with the 49ers, battling to back up Jerry Rice and going toe-to-toe with Deion Sanders in practice. He also breaks down the story behind his signature neck roll, the weekly superstition he carried throughout his career, and why he stuck to bare hands as a receiver. He also reveals his top three Super Bowl moments and the one play from Super Bowl XXXII that still replays in his mind. Later, Ed talks about the lessons he learned from Jerry Rice, how he brought those to Denver, and what bringing the first championship to the Broncos did for the city and its fans. Finally, Ed reflects on raising his kids and the approach he and his wife took to support them in chasing their passions without pressure. 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 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 a pioneer in his second act as a champion of flag football and shares the success stories bringing the sport to college athletics, championing the game for young girls, and what we can expect when flag football is unveiled at the 2028 Summer Olympics. 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 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 the NFL. Warrick also shares highlights from his playing days, including the Falcons 2002 playoff win over the Packers, and the biggest plays of his career. 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 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 Jim Kelly. Later, Marty shares his favorite stories during his time as a Jets radio announcer, the work he’s done to help restore athletic fields at HBCUs, and his passion for supporting terminally ill children. 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 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 Dungy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson joins hosts Peanuts 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 YouTube channel, and his apparel company OBS. 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, Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson joins hosts Peanuts 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 shares his goals for his second act as a broadcaster and podcaster, tells the story of the teacher who inspired him to pursue public speaking, and talks about life as a “dance dad.” 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, Pro Bowl lineman Jahri Evans joins hosts Peanuts 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 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, 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. 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 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 Palisades Fire and how they are dealing with the fallout. 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 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 than the NFL moment, explains why his favorite game was the Falcons playoff win over the Brett Favre-led Packers, and what it means to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. 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 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.