Kevin Byard is entering his sixth season as a safety in the NFL. He was selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by Tennessee and in his second year, was named First-Team All-Pro after leading the league in interceptions. From 2017 through 2019, Byard led the NFL with 17 interceptions.
In college at Middle Tennessee State, Byard set school records with 19 career interceptions, 377 interception return yards and four interception returns for touchdowns. He finished sixth in MTSU history with 312 career tackles.
Today on the podcast, Kevin Byard talks with his former teammate Wesley Woodyard and podcast host Jason Romano about the upcoming season, his love for Jesus and how his faith has helped him grow as a player, a person and a leader.
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Today on the podcast, we talk to our Managing Editor Jon Ackerman to preview our 2021 Fall edition of Sports Spectrum's magazine featuring stories on Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, Liberty QB Malik Willis, and Broncos O-Lineman Dalton Risner.
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Mac Powell is a singer/songwriter who spent three decades as the co-founder and lead singer of the Grammy winning Christian band Third Day. The band has sold over seven million albums in the United States and had 28 number one Christian Album chart radio hits.
In 2018, Third Day disbanded and Mac is now operating as a solo artist. He released two solo Country albums in 2012 and 2014 and his first Christian solo album, "New Creation" is releasing in October.
Powell will be back on tour this Fall (Sept-Nov) with Steven Curtis Chapman and in December with Casting Crowns. More info on touring dates can be found at MacPowell.com.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Mac Powell about his love for Alabama football, his pivot away from Third Day, recording his new solo album and his love for The Beatles.
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Scottie Graham is a former NFL running back who is currently the running backs coach at the University of Arizona. After a stellar college career at Ohio State, he was selected in the 7th round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After one season in Pittsburgh and then then a stint with the Jets, he signed with the Vikings and played four seasons in Minnesota and led the club in rushing in 1993. He finished his NFL career with the Bengals in 1997 and in six seasons as a running back in the NFL, he had zero fumbles.
Following his playing career, Scottie went to work with the NFL's Players Association and served with them for 16 years. He spent the past 6 years with Arizona State as lead administrator for student-athlete development and welfare. In 2021, he was took a role with the University of Arizona as their running backs coach. This is his first coaching job in football.
On today's podcast, we talk to Scottie about his new role at the University of Arizona, the importance of good energy, having peace of mind, the importance of standards over rules, and his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ.
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Chase Griffin is a quarterback at UCLA. In 2020, he saw his first game action for the Bruins and finished the season completing 64.5% of his passes, 451 yards and 6 TD. In his first 2 years at UCLA, he was able to obtain his BA in Public Affairs and in 2021, earned the Chancellor's Service Award, the highest leadership and service award for students at UCLA.
In 2014, Griffin was first thrusted upon the public stage when he was featured on ESPN.com as "QB most likely to succeed." His high school career saw him attend Hutto High School in Hutto, TX. In 2018, he was named the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year and passed for 4,051 yards and 51 touchdowns.
On today's podcast, Chase shares how he was able to obtain a Bachelor's Degree at UCLA in 2 years, his desire to be a life-long learner, having ESPN feature him at 13 years old and how God has guided him in his football journey.
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Jerry Csaki is the Director of Youth and Education at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
In October 2020, Jerry almost died. But God brought him back and today he shares his incredible story on the podcast.
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James Laurinaitis played eight seasons in the NFL with the Rams and Saints. He was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft after a decorated college career at Ohio State that saw him win the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons in 2007 and 2008.
After his retirement in 2017, James has entered the broadcasting world and is now calling football games for the Big Ten Network and co-hosting a radio show on The Fan 97.1 FM in Columbus, Ohio.
Today on the podcast, we talk to James about the death of his famous WWE father Joe (Road Warrior Animal), how his relationship with Christ has helped him in the grieving process, and the importance of community and friendships in the body of Christ.
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Clayton Carlin is the defensive coordinator for Sam Houston State's football team. In 2020, he led the Bearkats to the FCS national championship finishing with a perfect 10-0 record.
Carlin's defense led all of the FCS with 23 takeaways and 14 fumble recoveries and haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher over 22 consecutive games dating back to 2019.
With previous coaching stints at Coastal Carolina, Bucknell, New Mexico State, Villanova and Buffalo, Carlin's coaching career has spanned over 25 years.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Clayton Carlin about winning a 2020 FCS national title in May 2021, the adjustments made in coaching during a pandemic, how his faith in Christ has guided him as a coach, husband and father and what he learned from legendary Nebraska football coach Tom Osbourne early in his career.
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NFL Columnist Jarrett Bell has covered pro football for USA TODAY Sports since 1993. He previously served as a contributor at ESPN (2013-2017), primarily featured as a panelist on the former “NFL Insiders” show and “SportsCenter.”
He has been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee since 1997 and was also tapped to participate on a blue-ribbon panel that selected the NFL’s Centennial Team. Jarrett's first job in the NFL was working with the Dallas Cowboys as a writer in the mid-1980's.
On today's podcast, Jade McCarthy talks to Jarrett about his prestigious writing career, how coach Tony Dungy has helped him in his journey of faith and the importance of loving and forgiving others.
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Joel Penner is the head coach of Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. In 2020, he led Dordt to a program best 8-3 record and a spot in the NAIA playoffs. His offense scored more than 40 points in 8 of 11 games last season.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Joel about the unique culture that exists at Dordt, what it means to coach for transformation and the DEFENDER WAY.
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Kevin Malone is a former Major League Baseball General Manager. He's currently the CEO and Chairman of the Board for the United States Institute Against Human Trafficking.
For over 20 years, Malone was part of a pro baseball career that saw him go from playing to the front office. In 1985, after a short-lived pro baseball playing career, Malone began work as a scout with the Angels. In 1987, he moved to Montreal and in 1994, was named the General Manager of the Expos. That season, he led Montreal to the best record in baseball (74-40) in a strike shortened season and was named one of the best GM's in baseball.
Malone served for two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles as their Assistant General Manager and in 1998 was named the General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2001, Malone retired from professional baseball.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Kevin Malone about his baseball career, his namesake being featured on "The Office," his time with the Expos, his testimony of faith and the work he's doing to combat human trafficking. Kevin also shares the powerful story of his son Shawn and how God literally saved him from death.
You can watch the 21 minute film of Kevin Malone and his son Shawn here.
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Kelli Masters is an attorney, a certified sports agent and the founder of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company based in Oklahoma City. She has represented more professional athletes than any other woman in the history of sports and was named one of the 25 most influential women in sports worldwide by Bleacher Report.
She is a former National Champion and Five-time World Champion Baton Twirler who graduated with honors from Law School at the University of Oklahoma. Masters was also voted Miss Oklahoma in 1997 and competed in the Miss America Pageant that same year.
Kelli's new book "High Impact Life" released in August and is available for order here.
On today's episode of the podcast, Kelli shares what being an NFL agent was like in 2020 during the pandemic, living a life of purpose, writing a book to point to Jesus and standing on her "anchor" moment.
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Jonathan Evans is the team chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and an accomplished speaker, teacher and author. He currently serves on the pastoral staff at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship with his father, Dr. Tony Evans.
Evans played college football at the University of Baylor and spent time in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys under head coach Bill Parcells. After football was over, Evans got his Masters Degree in Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary His sister Priscilla Shirer is a speaker, author and actor and his brother Anthony is a singer and worship leader.
His latest book, "Your TIME is NOW: Get what God has Given You" is available now.
Today on the podcast, Jonathan shares stories of signing with Dallas, the first time he met coach Bill Parcells, how he's processed grief after the death of his mother, why he wrote his latest book and how he became the team chaplain for the Cowboys.
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Ben Kirby is the author of "Preachers n Sneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities." The former United States Marine's work has been featured in the N.Y. Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News and Buzzfeed.
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Brock Purdy is a quarterback for the Iowa State Cyclones in the Big 12. He played his high school football at Perry High in Gilbert, Arizona and was voted Gatorade's Football Player of the Year for Arizona in 2017. As a true freshman at Iowa State, he started eight games and cemented himself as the Cyclones QB.
Last season, Purdy led Iowa State to a 9-3 record and their first ever Big 12 Championship game appearance. In the 2021 Playstation Fiesta Bowl, Purdy was named Offensive MVP in helping the Cyclones to a 34-17 win over Oregon.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Brock about the excitement surrounding the 2021 season, playing before a packed house in Ames, the importance of Christ in his life, the impact his father Shawn has made, and why he wants to live set apart from the world.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Brock Purdy, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
– Shawn Purdy - Former Pro Baseball Player
– Patrick and Bo Nix (Alabama High School Football)
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Thomas R. Williams is a former linebacker who played his college football at USC. He was a 5th round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2008 NFL Draft and spent five seasons with Jacksonville, Seattle, New England, Buffalo, Carolina and Tampa. He retired from football after suffering a neck injury in 2012.
In college, Williams was dubbed "The Hitman" and was a team captain that helped the Trojans to a 59-6 record and two national titles. His teammates voted him as the team's most inspirational player in the 2007 season.
Thomas is a professional speaker who leads a non-profit called "Pursuits of Greatness" where he helps college student athletes prepare for life after playing sports. He is the author of two books including "Permission to Dream" and "The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness."
Today on the podcast, Thomas R. Williams shares his story of coming to Christ, what it means to him to be the "Professional Reminder," playing for coach Pete Carroll at USC and how he moved from passion to purpose.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Thomas R. Williams, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Ben Malcolmson, Pete Carroll's Assistant
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Yolett McPhee-McCuin is the head coach of Ole Miss' women's basketball program. Coach Yo, as she's know by many, helped the Lady Rebels to 15 wins and a runner-up in the Women's NIT Tournament in 2021.
She arrived at Ole Miss after serving as head coach at Jacksonville University for five seasons and led them to an NCAA tournament berth in 2016. She's also had coaching stops at Clemson, Pittsburgh and Arkansas Pine-Bluff.
McPhee-McCuin is the first Bahamian woman to coach at a Division I program, and was the first black female head coach at Jacksonville. She is also part of two Halls of Fame across both her playing and coaching career including the Bahamian Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Today on the podcast, Coach Yo shares her desire to serve and love the players she coaches, how God has guided her life, viewing coaching as her ministry and being transformational instead of transactional.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Coach Yo, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Brooke Wycoff - FSU Women's Basketball Coach
- LaChina Robinson – Women’s Basketball Analyst
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Andy Young is the chaplain for the Philadelphia Union in the MLS serving with Athletes in Action since 2017. He and his wife Crystal have been on staff with Cru since 2006 and have led Cru's campus ministry in Philadelphia since 2009.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Andy about ministering to players and staff with the Philadelphia Union, the importance of community over isolation, spiritual battles athletes face and how MLS Connect was birthed during the pandemic.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Andy Young, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Jesse Bradley, Former Pro Soccer Player turned Pastor
- Ryan Hollingshead, FC Dallas Soccer Player
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Matt Overton is a professional football long snapper who has played 8 NFL seasons with the Seahawks, Colts, Jaguars, Chargers and Titans.
He's also a real estate agent licensed in Indiana and Tennessee but is hoping for another chance to play in the NFL.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Matt about his strange journey to the NFL, being named to the Pro Bowl in 2013, how his life has changed in becoming a dad in 2021, and why his faith has allowed him to stay ready at whatever life throws at him.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Matt Overton, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Carson Tinker - NFL Long Snapper
- Rich Wingo - Former Alabama Linebacker
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Gavin Peacock was born in England and is a former professional soccer player who spent 18 seasons representing Queens Park Rangers, Chelsea and Newcastle United amongst others over his 600 game career.
After returning from soccer, Peacock worked for the BBC covering soccer on television and radio before entering into full-time ministry. He is currently the Associate Pastor for Calvary Grace Church in Calgary, Alberta Canada and the director of international outreach for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
His new book "A Greater Glory: From Pitch to Pulpit" released in May of 2021.
On today's podcast, Gavin shares how his identity went from being in soccer to being in Christ, how his new faith was received in the locker room with his soccer clubs, feeling the calling to enter full-time ministry and what he wants his legacy to be.
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If you enjoyed this conversation with Gavin, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- Mo Isom-Aiken - Former LSU Soccer Goalkeeper/Bestselling Author
- Jesse Bradley - Former Pro Soccer Player turned Pastor
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Pat Williams is a member of the Basketball Hall-of-Fame and co-founder of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. The author of over 100 books, Pat is a former NBA General Manager with the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers and help Philly to an NBA title in 1983.
His latest book “Revolutionary Leadership: Lessons from men and women of the Revolution War” is available now.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Pat about his time with the Orlando Magic, winning the draft lottery in 1992 and 1993, how the Revolutionary War provides many leadership lessons for us, why he started the first NBA Chapel back in the 1980's, meeting John Wooden and how Pat's faith in Jesus has guided him throughout his life.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Pat Williams, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
-Kristen Ledlow, NBA Host/Reporter
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Colton Dixon is a singer/songwriter who placed seventh on season eleven of "American Idol." He began his singing career as a teenager where he also was a baseball player. Ultimately, Dixon chose music and is now one of the most successful artists in Christian music.
He is currently signed with Atlantic Records, and has released three albums including his debut "A Messenger" in 2013 and "Identity" in 2017. In 2020, Dixon and his wife welcomed twins into the world and in 2021, he released his latest single, "Made to Fly."
Today on the podcast, we talk to Colton about his experience on American Idol, returning to performing in front of audiences, choosing to write music that glorifies God and his decision to walk away from baseball to pursue music.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Colton, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Bart Millard - MercyMe Lead Singer
- Seth Morrison - Skillet Guitarist
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David Blough is entering his third year as an NFL quarterback with the Detroit Lions. His wife, Melissa Gonzalez, is preparing to compete at the 2021 Summer Olympics, representing Columbia in the 400 Meter Hurdles in Tokyo beginning July 31.
Today on the podcast, we talk to David and Melissa about their excitement over Melissa qualifying for the Olympics, David preparing for another NFL season, and the unique lessons that Jesus has taught them both through their first few years of marriage.
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If you enjoyed this conversation with David and Melissa, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- Andrew East and Shawn Johnson-East
- Dave and Ann Wilson – Vertical Marriage
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Nate Solder is currently an offensive lineman with the New York Giants. He was selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots and played seven seasons with Tom Brady and Bill Belichik in Foxboro. In March 2018, he signed a four-year contract with the Giants that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL at the time.
A two-time Super Bowl champion, Nate and his wife, Lexi, have been walking through a difficult season of life with their son Hudson, who is battling cancer. They also share a passion to serve and help others, and are involved with Compassion International to help end the cycle of poverty with children around the world.
Today on the podcast, Nate joins us to share how he's preparing for the 2021 NFL season with the Giants after sitting out last season. He also shares how he grew spiritually during his time away from football, rediscovering his true identity and growing in his trust with the Lord.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Nate, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Nate and Lexi Solder from 2019
- Devin and Jason McCourty, Super Bowl-Champion Twin Brothers
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Pastor Chris Hodges is a New York Times Bestselling Author and leads Church of the Highlands, with campuses across Alabama and more than 60,000 in weekly attendance.
Today on the podcast, Chris shares about his love for LSU football, achieving a hole-in-one playing golf with Nick Saban, creating a space for famous athletes to come to church and why Chris wrote his new book "Out of the Cave."
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If you enjoyed this conversation with Chris Hodges, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- Earl Smith, Warriors and 49ers Team Chaplain
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