The NFL Players Podcast

On this episode of NFL Players: Second Acts, hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with former Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett for a wide-ranging conversation about going undrafted to becoming one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the NFL. Bennett built a reputation as one of the most versatile and relentless players of his era but when it was time to step away from the game he took a surprising turn into art, culture, and activism. Now exploring new passions in architecture and design, Bennett explains why he’s always pushed himself to the limit in everything he does, both on and off the field. 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 Tillman and Roman Harper are joined by their former head coach Ron Rivera. Ron was a Super Bowl winning linebacker, defensive coordinator, and head coach who took the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50. Ron explains what he does in his current role as the first general manager of the California football program and shares his vision for the future of the team. He speaks out about the downsides of NIL and how he would like to see college football’s payment structure change. Ron also discusses his experience coaching Roman and Peanut on the Carolina Panthers and whether he would come back to coach in the NFL again. 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 this episode of NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, hosts Charles Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with former teammate Lou Young to unpack his wild NFL journey from going undrafted and getting cut four times to finding viral fame and success beyond football as a social media influencer. He shares stories from the Panthers’ 2014 season, clashing with Shannon Sharpe, and how the setbacks ultimately fueled his second act. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl QB Robert Griffin III - a.k.a. “RG3” - joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper. Robert explains how he got his nickname, what it was like setting records his rookie year, and how he fits into the era of Black quarterbacks who continued to evolve the position in the NFL. RG3 also talks about why he decided to retire in 2020, but how he’s stayed in playing shape in case he gets a Philip Rivers-type call from a team. We hear Robert’s “welcome to the media moment,” his seamless transition from football to broadcasting, and what he’s learned about managing media controversies. 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 Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with former Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson to talk about life after football and his transition from elite playmaker to head coach at Delaware St. University. DeSean opens up about his unorthodox coaching style, the moment he realized coaching was his next calling, and the challenges of building confidence in his first year leading a program. He also discusses battling for accolades amongst receivers like Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, A.J. Green and others. Plus, we hear where DeSean compares to Jerry Rice in NFL history. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hall of Famer John Lynch sits down for an incredible conversation about the hits, the legends, and the moments that defined his iconic football career. Lynch shares what it meant to be a hard-hitting safety in the NFL, the influence Bill Walsh had on his career at Stanford, and what he learned from Ronnie Lott about how to hit hard. He explains how he got back into the game as an executive, why he misses the wins and losses, and how John Elway helped give him his start in football operations. 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 edge rusher DeMarcus Ware sits down with Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper. The guys reminisce about playing each other in Super Bowl L and DeMarcus breaks down the game plan that allowed the Broncos to beat the Panthers. Then DeMarcus explains why he chose number 94, how he lived up to Charles Haley legacy with the Cowboys, and the quarterback that he struggled to sack. He also reveals why he decided to retire and how he’s giving back to the Boys and Girls Club. 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 NFL MVP and Seahawks legend Shaun Alexander joins Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman for a fun, honest, and wide‑ranging conversation. Shaun explains why his MVP season may be the greatest of all time for a running back. He also talks about the Seahawks Super Bowl XL run and why leaving a football legacy matters. He also opens up about expecting baby #14, his growth from Alabama to the NFL, his work with the organization Stand Together. 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 episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast, former NFL MVP Matt Ryan sits down with hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper to talk football, legacy, and life after the game. Matt dives into the Saints vs. Falcons rivalry, his deep pride in Atlanta, and what it means to embrace a second act beyond the field. He also shares insight on leadership, including his thoughts on Bill Cowher and the future of the Falcons front office. Then, Jeb Terry joins the conversation to discuss his return to San Francisco and the rapid rise of Cosm, a groundbreaking venue reshaping how fans experience sports and entertainment. From the Protector of the Year Award to unforgettable fan reactions inside Cosm, we explore how immersive technology, movies, and live sports are coming together in a whole new way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast, Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith sits down with Peanut and Roman at Super Bowl Media Row. Emmitt talks about the battles he faced to become a Super Bowl champion and addresses a rumor that he squatted over 800 pounds in college. Then, former New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz joins the podcast. Victor shares his opinion on the Giants’ hire of John Harbaugh as their new head coach and discusses whether his former quarterback, Eli Manning, should be in the Hall of Fame. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Super Bowl Week! Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman talk to Ryan Nece and Vince Wilfork for wide-ranging conversations on football, business, and life after the game. Ryan Nece talks about what Super Bowl Week is really like, being part of a rare father-son duo, his time with the Buccs, and his transition into entrepreneurship with Next Legacy, including how technology plays a role in his business today. Then, Vince Wilfork joins the conversation to talk about the 10-year anniversary of his ESPN The Body Issue photoshoot, the work he’s doing with the USO, and of course, his go-to BBQ dish. And yes… they even talk about cold showers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Barbados to the NFL, former DB Robert Bailey shares the story of his football journey. He talks about growing up in Miami, earning playing time as a freshman at the University of Miami, and being part of championship teams during the school’s most legendary eras. Robert breaks down unforgettable NFL moments including a pick-six against Jerry Rice, facing Randy Moss and Michael Irvin, and setting the NFL record for the longest punt return on the same day his son was born. He also opens up about his career-ending neck injury, life after football as a sports agent, and the personal loss that led him to create the Kennedy Kids 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, former Miami Dolphins receiver OJ McDuffie joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper for a wide-ranging conversation about football, baseball, legendary coaches, and life after the game. OJ shares being named after OJ Simpson, those they don’t have the same exact names, his original passion for baseball at Penn State, and how Joe Paterno’s unique approach allowed him to play both sports. He reflects on his place in the Penn State baseball record books, and his “Welcome to the NFL” moment. The conversation dives deep into OJ’s NFL career with the Dolphins, including his experience playing for Don Shula, the stark transition to Jimmy Johnson, and what made Dan Marino one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. OJ also shares the incredible story of catching Marino’s 399th, 400th, and 401st career touchdown passes in the same game. OJ gets candid about the foot injury that ended his career, the difficult transition away from football, and how leaning on friends helped him find his footing. Today, he’s found a second act in media through The Fish Tank podcast, continuing to stay connected to the game and the city of Miami. It’s an honest, funny, and insightful look at a career shaped by legends—and what comes next when the game ends. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper are joined by former Pro Bowl defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. Adewale and Peanut discuss playing together on the Chicago Bears and reminisce on playing in Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts. Adewale also explains how he learned to manage his money after getting a big contract and why he moved into wealth management at UBS after he retired. Peanut also shares the story of how he “saved” Adewale’s life. 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 Kayvon Webster joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper to share his journey from chasing an NFL dream to building a life of purpose beyond football. Kayvon reflects on growing up with a clear goal of playing in the NFL, his path to South Florida, and his “welcome to the league” moments — including getting drafted by his childhood favorite team, the Denver Broncos, and meeting his idol Champ Bailey. He discusses earning his place in Denver’s legendary No Fly Zone defense, which he says thrived on veteran leadership. The conversation turns to winning a Super Bowl, the celebration that followed, and the reality of life after football. Kayvon opens up about not giving himself time to dwell on leaving the game, instead pouring his energy into entrepreneurship — launching a food truck while still trying out for teams. His business quickly outgrew expectations, including serving frontline workers during the pandemic. Kayvon also shares how a torn Achilles sparked a new creative chapter, leading to a children’s book inspired by Black inventors and motivational videos created for his kids. Through business, storytelling, and service, Webster explains how he’s living his purpose by helping others believe in their dreams — the ultimate second act. 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 lates NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Super Bowl champion Bryant McKinnie joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper. McKinnie shares how he didn’t even start playing football until high school, his unlikely journey through junior college to the University of Miami, and why he believes the 2001 Hurricanes are the greatest college team of all time. He reflects on being a top 10 Heisman finalist, battling elite pass rushers like Dwight Freeney, and the elation of winning Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens. Beyond football, Bryant opens up about his thriving second act — from serving as COO of a language translation company, to his three Grammy nominations, producing, and performing on America’s Got Talent. He also discusses his work in mental health advocacy, helping former players transition, and creating spaces for honest conversations through his Cocktails & Conversations events. From tennis lessons with Venus Williams to bringing the “B-Mac experience” wherever he goes, this episode is full of laughs, insight, and inspiration from one of the NFL’s most unique personalities. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper are joined by former linebacker D.J. Williams. First, D.J. explains what it was like playing at De La Salle High School, which famously went undefeated for 151 consecutive games, and how that experience prepared him for college and the pros. Then D.J. shares what it was like to play football at the University of Miami in the early 2000s. Later, D.J. reveals his second act—founding an apparel company called Dyme Lyfe that partners with universities and athletes. He also discusses his podcast venture with Maurice Clarett. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper are joined by Super Bowl winning offensive tackle Russell Okung. Russell gets candid about what still bothers him about his Seahawks loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, betting on himself in NFL Free Agency, and his steadfast belief that Bitcoin is the key to a brighter future for all. Plus, he explains the inspiration and aftereffects of his stunning post career physical transformation. 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 Jonathan Vilma joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper for an honest, insightful, and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, controversy, redemption, and what comes after an NFL career. Vilma opens the episode reacting to a special surprise — hearing Jimmy Graham and D.J. Williams place him on their personal Mount Rushmore. He shares why being a team captain meant everything to him, and Roman recalls the famous 2009 defensive meeting where Vilma called out the entire unit and set the standard for a championship run. Vilma also dives deep into Bountygate, discussing how he handled being the public face of the scandal, why he never felt pressured to defend himself publicly, and how the ordeal unexpectedly opened doors for him in broadcasting with ESPN and FOX. He also shares stories from the 2009 Super Bowl season, the heartbreaking 2011 playoff loss, and his final attempts to return to the NFL before realizing his playing days were over—while watching training camp on TV at a Dave & Buster’s. From his leadership style, to playing at Miami, to his ventures in finance, real estate, and the restaurant world, Vilma breaks down the full arc of his second act. The guys close out with Vilma’s personal Mount Rushmore and a few hilarious stories from his playing days, including Roman’s memory of getting run over and discovering Vilma speaks German. 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 podcast, former Miami Dolphins linebacker and media star Channing Crowder joins Peanut and Roman. In this raw and hilarious conversation, Channing opens up about his “Welcome to the NFL” moment, the lessons he learned from Hall of Famers Zach Thomas and Junior Seau, and how Nick Saban’s intense coaching style shaped — and tested — him. He also reveals how he blew $750,000 before he was drafted. From overcoming three ACL tears, to navigating retirement, to building a media empire, Channing keeps it real about the grind it takes to succeed after football. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.