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. read less
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Episodes

Takeo Spikes and Tutan Reyes on finding competition in education, and athletes taking over the media space
Apr 3 2024
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 to become great NFL players also fueled their desire to earn master’s degrees in education. Takeo shares an example of the brotherhood amongst players which may have saved Tutan’s life. All that, and more, in a conversation you won’t want to miss. Audio timestamps: 1:13 - Takeo Spikes and Tutan Reyes are introduced1:38 - The history behind Tutan name 2:38 - Tutan and Takeo discuss their Behind the Mask podcast8:08 - The guys talk about interviewing Lawrence Taylor9:36 - The guys talk about linebackers vs. other positions11:05 - Takeo explains why he wanted to develop a big neck13:19 - Takeo and Tutan talk about getting their Masters degrees 19:14 - Takeo talks about working for the SEC network20:38 - Roman asks Takeo about the difference between live and recorded TV23:38 - Peanut asks the guys about podcasting vs. working in TV27:31 - Tutan shares how Takeo helped him get tested for lymphoma 30:06 - Roman asks Takeo and Tutan what’s next for them34:07 - Takeo and Tutan share their personal Mount Rushmore  The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andrew Hawkins/Troy Jones on the future of VR gaming, Chris Johnson: Coffee Maven
Feb 28 2024
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 guys also share how the future of “Status Pro” could include other games. Later, the guys sit down with former running back Chris Johnson. He shares stories of the signature game from his 2,000-yard rushing season, and whether he can still run a 4.24 40-yard dash. Chris also gets into his ventures after football, which is highlighted by his coffee business “Just Love.”   Time codes: 1:07 - Troy Jones and Andrew Hawkins are introduced 3:19 - Troy and Andrew discuss what’s next for “Status Pro” 9:48 - Troy discusses his film and TV projects 11:22 - Troy and Andrew discuss the future of virtual reality 16:13 - End of interview with Troy Jones and Andrew Hawkins 17:10 - Chris Johnson is introduced 18:04 - Chris explains how running a 4.24 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine changed his draft prospects 19:24 - Peanut and Chris talk about Peanut’s record setting game against the Titans 21:19 - Chris talks about the highlight of his 2,000-yard rushing season 24:05 - Chris shares the list of current players he believes could rush for 2,000 yards 27:12 - Chris explains how he started investing in coffee shops 30:41 - Chris shares the challenges of running a coffee shop 32:12 - Chris shares his welcome to the NFL moment 33:33 - Roman asks Chris how fast he could run a 40-yard dash today 34:59 - Chris talks about the Smash and Dash podcast he co-hosts with LenDale White 36:41 - Chris shares his personal Mount Rushmore 39:44 - End of Chris Johnson interview The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Commissioner Goodell on his NFL “holy s**t” moment, the Jets coaching job he almost took, and his rooting interests in a Super Bowl
Feb 8 2024
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 takes us inside the “grueling” voting process that led to him becoming the league’s top leader. He shares his thoughts on the “Taylor Swift Effect” of NFL fandom this season and gives us insight to his Super Bowl watching habits (hint: he comes with a pen and paper). Hear what the commissioner says when Peanut and Roman ask him about the league’s efforts to support NFL legends. And the commissioner shares who is on his personal Mount Rushmore. 0:00 – start of episode 1:11 – Roger Goodell introduction2:31– Roman says nobody knew who Goodell was when he became commissioner, commissioner talks about his start in the league, and his way to becoming commissioner 5:26 – Goodell talks about being offered a job by the Jets as a defensive asst. 7:32– Goodell on what his welcome to the NFL moment was as commissioner, and the first time it hit him he was in the job9:12 – Goodell on the process to get the top job11:08 – Roman asking him about the first time he met the commissioner in New Orleans after the Saints first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina 13:11 – Goodell talks about the NFL returning after the September 11th attacks13:39– Roman asks Goodell about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce16:42– Goodell talks about getting booed, and leaning into it17:52 – Goodell on who he’s picking for the Super Bowl, and what he roots for during the game19:07 - Goodell talks about John Madden 21:51 – Peanut asks Goodell about his knee injury, and his transition to his second act25:48 - break 227:04– Roman asks Goodell about how the league is supporting former players33:21 – Goodell gives his personal Mount Rushmore35:47 – Goodell is asked about his personal Mount Rushmore of NFL players   *NOTE: Time codes are approximate The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matt Willig: His Almost Super Bowl-winning block, Playing Andre the Giant, Getting Advice from “The Rock”
Jan 31 2024
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 Rock” Johnson. A large man in his own right, Matt discusses how he had to transform his body to play wrestling legend Andre the Giant for the show “Young Rock.” And he talks about what it was like to work with Bruce Willis and Jennifer Aniston. Matt also shares who is on his personal Mount Rushmore. 0:00 – start of episode 0:54 - Matt Willig is introduced2:52 - Matt talks about the challenge of switching from defensive to offensive line3:28 - Matt discusses playing for multiple NFL teams and in multiple Super Bowls9:20 - Matt talks about playing against Tom Brady in Super Bowl 3812:36 - Matt explains how he started acting17:39 - Matt shares what he learned from his acting coach20:29 - Matt talks about the difference between high budget and low budget sets22:24 - Matt talks about meeting the Rock and playing Andre the Giant on the Young Rock35:46 - Matt talks about his role in the movie “Concussion”41:44 - Matt discusses his role in “We’re the Millers”44:12 - Matt shares his favorite role45:13 - Matt talks about meeting Bruce Willis45:59 - Matt shares the coolest place he’s ever filmed 47:29 - Matt reveals his personal Mount Rushmore  *NOTE: Time codes are approximate  The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kevin Boothe: Winning Super Bowls, Getting his MBA, the Quill and Dagger Society
Jan 24 2024
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 working in player engagement. And, he gives some insight into how he became a member of the "Quill and Dagger Society." 0:00 – start of episode 1:29 - Kevin is introduced2:28 - Playing football in the Ivy League4:32 - Studying hotel administration at Cornell5:32 - Welcome to the NFL moment6:08 - Kevin talks about his rookie year in Oakland7:30 - Kevin discusses his two Super Bowl wins8:45 - Kevin relives David Tyree’s helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII12:35 - Kevin talks about Mario Manningham’s clutch catch in Super Bowl XLVI13:25 - Kevin shares what it was like to play for Tom Coughlin16:55 - Kevin talks about going back to Oakland for his final season21:07 - Kevin talks about losing weight after leaving football24:30 - Kevin discusses going back to school for his MBA27:39 - Kevin explains what an NFL player engagement staff person does30:38 - Roman shares how the Giants attempted to trade for him32:08 - Kevin says the Giants were afraid to play the Saints in the 2011 playoffs35:02 - Kevin explains the quill and dagger society36:45 - Kevin shares his person Mount Rushmore *NOTE: Times codes are approximate The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Mangold: Winning for Jets Fans, Hall of Fame credentials, his BBQ business
Jan 17 2024
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 championship at Ohio State. After football, Nick has gotten into the barbecue sauce business. He shares what he’s cooking up with his Mangold’s 74 BBQ sauces and the challenges he faced starting his business during the pandemic.  00:56 - Nick Mangold intro3:32 - Nick talks about his college career and winning a National Championship as a college freshman8:13 - Nick discusses getting into the Ohio State University Hall of Fame10:39 - Nick talks about meeting his teammate D’brickashaw Ferguson at the draft13:33 - Nick recaps the Jets decision to go for it on 4th and 1 vs the Chargers in the 2009 playoffs14:37 - Nick shares his favorite play with Mark Sanchez16:01 - The guys discuss centers making in-game calls19:29 - Peanut shares Nick’s PFF lineman grades20:48 - Nick explains what Jets fans are like26:11 - Roman asks Nick how he knew it was time to retire30:54 - Nick talks about finishing his college degree36:04 - Nick explains how he started a BBQ sauce business40:29 - Nick talks about the challenge of launching his business during the Covid-19 pandemic43:27 - The guys discuss their favorite foods to grill45:18 - Nick shares his personal Mount Rushmore **NOTE: Time codes are approximate.  The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeb Terry: Being the Original Beast Mode, The Game-Changing Cosm Experience
Jan 10 2024
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 lessons he learned from football to running Cosm. Jeb also reveals how he became the namesake for a University of North Carolina Beast Mode award and who is on his personal Mount Rushmore.   0:00 – start of show 0:55 - Jeb Terry gets introduced1:33 - Jeb talks about growing up in Texas3:30 - Jeb shares his welcome to the NFL moment5:36 - Jeb talks about his transition out of the NFL6:51- Jeb discusses getting his MBA7:38 - Jeb talks explains what his company Cosm does10:10 - Jeb talks about the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on Cosm12:13 - Jeb share Cosm’s plans for future development14:18 - Jeb talks about partnering with other sports leagues17:20 - Jeb talks about creating a Cost Super Bowl experience18:49 - Jeb shares Cosm’s future growth plans 24:30 - Roman asks Jeb how he would rate himself as a CEO28:08 - Jeb explains why he had an award named after him at University of North Carolina30:27 - Roman asks Jeb what was harder being All Academic ACC football player or benching 27 reps of 225?32:25 - Jeb reveals why he choose North Carolina for college34:25 - Roman asks Jeb how many business acquisitions and exits he has had35:49 - Jeb shares his personal Mount Rushmore 40:55 – end of show **NOTE: Time codes are approximate The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leslie Frazier on his aim to head coach again, the ’85 Bears D, the media game
Jan 3 2024
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 people may not know is that Leslie was a key member of the 1985 Chicago Bears defense – considered the greatest defense of all time – and helped the team reach Super Bowl XX. He tells the story of what happened in that game that changed his life journey and led him into the coaching profession. And he shares what it’s like to be on the media side talking football. Leslie doesn’t do many interviews, so you won’t want to miss this one. **NOTE this the interview was recorded during the 2023 preseason 0:00 – start of show 1:09 – Leslie Frazier introduced  2:16 – Leslie on the importance of being a student of the game 5:25 – Leslie on being part of the 1985 Bears Super Bowl-winning defense, and suffering a career-ending injury in Super Bowl XX 10:47 – Leslie on how his knee injury changed the course of his life 15:09 – Leslie on deciding to forgo an NFL return to take his first coaching job at Trinity College 23:53 – Leslie on the different dynamic of being an asst. coach vs a head coach 26:38 – Leslie on adjusting to not being a coach for the first time in nearly 40 years 28:49 – Leslie on his adjustment to being in the media 32:11 – Leslie on wanting to be a head coach again 34:45 – Leslie on his defensive philosophy 39:33 – Leslie on the personality of the ’85 Bears team 43:41 – Leslie on the origin of the Bears “Super Bowl Shuffle” 46:26 – Roman gives Leslie broadcasting advice 48:33 – Leslie on broadcasting advice he’s gotten 50:52 – Leslie on taking time to reflect on his career success 53:19 – Leslie on who is on his personal Mount Rushmore 56:18 – Leslie on balancing being critical as a broadcaster 58:32 – Leslie on being inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame 1:01:24 – Leslie on being part of the HBCU experience 1:06:24 – Leslie on his biggest college baseball highlight 1:09:42 – end of show **NOTE: Time codes are approximate The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jessie Armstead: Legendary Texas Football Stories, “The U” Days, Being in Giants front office
Dec 27 2023
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 Carter team that was depicted in the blockbuster film “Friday Night Lights.” Jessie also talks about his time as a blue-chip prospect at the University of Miami, including how he introduced himself to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. While in the NFL, Jessie played for one of the all-time great NFL defenses with the Giants, and he talks about what it was like to play alongside Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. Jessie also shares why what he did in Super Bowl XXXV that he believes would’ve changed the game if it had counted. Still a member of the Giants organization, Jessie sheds light into his day-to-day life working in the front office, and how he helps the next generation of players manage the expectations of the NFL. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind interview with the great Jessie Armstead. 0:00 – show open 1:17 - Jessie is introduced2:46 - Jessie tells the knife story7:19 - Jessie talks about the Dallas Carter High School team10:24 - Jessie talks about the Dallas Carter legal issues17:22.- Jessie talks about playing a University of Miami23:26 - Jessie talks about getting drafted27:51 - Super Bowl experiences37:22 - Jessies discusses Joining the Giants front office45:22 - Jessie’s welcome to the NFL moment47:44 - Jessie’s best story from University of Miami50:19 - Jessie’s personal Mount Rushmore  *NOTE: Time codes are approximate.  The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.