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 with Delaware St. University.

**NOTE: This episode was taped on radio row during the week of Super Bowl 58.  

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.

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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 what drove him to become a sports agent to give back to young players. And, who had the better secondary: Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” or Denver’s “No Fly Zone?” TJ settles the debate. And he also shares with the guys the work he does through his Ward Boy Project.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.

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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 career, and the lessons that have served him well as a businessman. He also shares how he overcame the odds to excel as an undersized middle linebacker in the NFL, and what it’s really like to tackle a running back like Adrian Peterson. And, of course, Peanut and Roman get Stephen to name the people of influence on his personal Mount Rushmore.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. 

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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 introduced
• 1:38 - The history behind Tutan name 
• 2:38 - Tutan and Takeo discuss their Behind the Mask podcast
• 8:08 - The guys talk about interviewing Lawrence Taylor
• 9:36 - The guys talk about linebackers vs. other positions
• 11:05 - Takeo explains why he wanted to develop a big neck
• 13:19 - Takeo and Tutan talk about getting their Masters degrees 
• 19:14 - Takeo talks about working for the SEC network
• 20:38 - Roman asks Takeo about the difference between live and recorded TV
• 23:38 - Peanut asks the guys about podcasting vs. working in TV
• 27:31 - Tutan shares how Takeo helped him get tested for lymphoma 
• 30:06 - Roman asks Takeo and Tutan what’s next for them
• 34:07 - 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. 

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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 and explains why he doesn’t think he’s been elected despite his 133.5 career sacks. John then opens up about his struggles to find an identity after football, and how his lowest point almost cost him his life. However, he also discusses how confronting childhood traumas led him to find peace within himself, speak positively about his NFL accomplishments, and proudly state that he’s been sober for the past four years.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.

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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 undergraduate degree from Florida St. in two-and-a-half years and went on to get his MBA. Despite his academic credentials, Christian opens up about his struggles to transition from football after his six-year NFL career. However, he has found success in his new company called “The Post,” and he shares how he’s working to build a networking community of athletes turned business leaders. And how does Christian have a connection to Jackie Robinson, you ask? Take a listen and find out!

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, 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 2009. Steve also shares why he questions the Hall of Fame vetting process, and how he stacks up against other Hall of Fame-caliber receivers. Steve also gets introspective about his transition from the NFL and why he says it was important to grieve the end of his football life. Steve has channeled his energy into combatting homelessness and talks about how he does that through the Steve Smith Family Foundation.  

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, 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. Later, Cam discusses the evolution of his growing media empire with his “Iconic Saga Productions” company, and why he says going viral is skill he has developed. Cam also shares the pain that he associates with his Heisman Trophy, and who he would have in his “ratchet” Heisman House.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio. 

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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.

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 for navigating this terrain.
The guys then venture into the contentious debate between grass and turf as Troy provides insights into the data surrounding player injuries on different playing surfaces. Are there significant variances between grass and turf? Troy breaks it down. But Peanut and Roman don't stop there! The hosts ask Troy about the controversial narrative currently trending: Did the NFL “rig” games to ensure the Chiefs reached the Super Bowl for Taylor Swift's presence, given her lucrative impact on the league’s revenue? Tune in for Troy’s response!

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 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 moments of his MVP career. Shaun recalls the memory of putting up 5 touchdowns in the first half against the Vikings and reveals what his motivation was for that extraordinary performance. 

Then Peanut’s former teammate, Brian Urlacher joins the show. The guys take a trip down memory lane as they reminisce about their playing days in Chicago. Brian shares his favorite memory of Peanut from his rookie year, where Peanut left a lasting impression after going one-on-one versus Randy Moss. Then Brian shares the profound influence Peanut had on him and why he felt compelled to honor Peanut in his Hall of Fame induction speech. 

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.