The UNPACKIN' it Podcast With Bryce Johnson

The Fantasy Football Fellowship podcast is BACK! Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith break down the lessons learned from last season as well as established players on new teams and how it affects their fantasy stock! Purchase a copy of "The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition" TODAY. To bring purpose and meaning to your Fantasy league, sign up TODAY to participate in Fantasy Football Fellowship. Be sure to subscribe to the Fantasy Football Fellowship and UNPACKIN' it YouTube channels to stay up-to-date with what's happening in our ministry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we interviewed AJ Howard! He's been a Super Bowl Winner, App State Coach/Player, NFL Scout, and recently became a coach at the USC Trojans! AJ Howard played strong safety at Appalachian State from 2014-2017, where he was a captain, won 3 bowl games, and 2 conference championships. He enters his first season as a defensive analyst/assistant linebackers coach at USC (Southern Cal). Previously, AJ was the outside linebackers coach at App State from 2023-24. He was named to the 35 Under 35 Class for 2024 from the American Football Coaches Association. He spent 2 years in the NFL as a player with the Cardinals, Giants, and Patriots, and won a Super Bowl ring as a member of the New England Patriots in 2019. Howard spent 2021 and 2022 as a Southeast area scout for the Patriots. AJ is a husband, father, and follower of Jesus. AJ's socials Twitter: COACHHOWARDUSC Instagram: ajhoward_appstate Purchase a copy of "The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition" today. Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website to get signed up to participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike played four years at Duke from 1976-1980, was named the ACC Rookie of the year and also ACC Player of the Year. When he left Duke he was the career leader in points, rebounds, and blocked shots and his number 43 is retired. He was drafted in the first round of the 1980 NBA draft, 7th overall by the New Jersey Nets and throughout his 14-year NBA career also played for the 76ers, Hornets, and Bucks. After playing basketball, he’s been a long-time analyst: for the Hornets, CBS Sports, Raycom Sports, and Fox Sports Net and currently with the CW's ACC coverage. He is a Peer Recovery Coach at Sana Recovery. He’s joining us today to share about his journey with sobriety and how Jesus has changed his life. Topics include: Purchase a copy of "The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition" today. Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website in order to get signed up to participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the next episode of our "Summer Interview Series", Bryce Johnson talks with Pro Football Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae. During the conversation, Kevin talks about how the NFL has changed over the past few decades, how to establish yourself as a professional in the NFL, the importance of daily Bible reading and growing with other believers, and how to involve your spouse in your faith life. For more information about Kevin's upcoming football camp, visit the Louisiana Line Camp website. Purchase a copy of "The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition" today. Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website in order to get signed up to participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the next episode of our "Summer Interview Series", Bryce Johnson talks with ESPN broadcaster Matt Schick. During the conversation, Matt talks about his love for college baseball, how sports media coverage is adapting, the importance of preparation in our walk of faith, and being a faithful spiritual leader for your family. Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website in order to get signed up to participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the kickoff episode of our "Summer Interview Series", Bryce Johnson talks with Al Mead, gold medal-winning Paralympic champion. During the conversation, Al talks about how he responded to a traumatic childhood injury that forced him to lose his leg, the resiliency necessary to navigate life, how Upward Sports has been an effective tool in ministry, and life as a husband and "girl dad". Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website in order to get signed up to participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we unpack how NFL teams still have limited depth at certain positions…and how we can add depth to relationships and areas of our lives. Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit Fantasy Football Fellowship in order to find out more about our ministry that can help you bring meaning and purpose to your Fantasy league. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson unpacks the four Game 7s from the NBA and NHL…and how we can be encouraged not to procrastinate but to live with a Game 7 mentality. Today's Questions: 1. What is the practical impact of regularly contemplating the brevity of life? 2. How are our lives impacted by procrastinating and not having a sense of urgency? 3. How is it possible for us to have peace and joy when we are dealing with difficult circumstances? Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit Fantasy Football Fellowship in order to find out more about our ministry that can help you bring meaning and purpose to your Fantasy league. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson and guest Nate Salley unpack how the NFL Draft players are evaluated and viewed by others…and how we deal with the tension of other people's opinions of us. Watch the full podcast on the UNPACKIN' it YouTube channel! Check out Nate Salley's website! Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Ridge Thomas unpack how hope surrounding the NFL Draft disappears once it unfolds…and how we can remain hopeful regardless of our circumstances. Today's Questions: 1. How can we learn to have hope no matter what circumstances we are facing? 2. What is the connection between being grateful and living with hope? 3. What are the potential dangers of anchoring your hope in anything other than Jesus? Watch the full podcast on the UNPACKIN' it YouTube channel! Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson and guest Evan Albertyn unpack how Rory rode a roller coaster to victory at the Masters…and how we embrace the roller coaster ride of life. Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit UNPACKIN' it to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how to reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Ed Uszynski unpack teams that squandered the lead in the Final Four and National Championship...and how it relates to being able to rally and mount a comeback in life. Ed is an author, speaker, and longtime staff member with Athletes in Action/CRU. Today's Questions: 1. How does the grace of God help fuel us to make a comeback when we have sinned? 2. What roles do confession and repentance play in us being able to come back from bad moments? 3. How can we ensure that we are not squandering the gifts, abilities, and opportunities that God has given to us? Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit UNPACKIN' it to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Pre-order Ed Uszynski's new book, "Away Game", on Amazon. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Brian Goins unpack the remaining Final Four teams…and how we can remain connected, tough, resilient, and steadfast. Today's Questions: 1. Why is remaining in community essential to helping us to ultimately abide in Christ? 2. What does it look like to be spiritually tough when we are going through tough times? 3. How can we learn to be connected and resilient in our human relationships? Click here to listen to Brian Goins's podcast "Married with Benefits" on Spotify! Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Trip Smith unpack how our desires influence our bracket choices and the decisions we make in life. Today's Questions: 1. How do we distinguish between godly desires, worldly desires, and fleshly desires? 2. How can we seek after greater desires in a way that is healthy and God-honoring? 3. How should we respond when we know that we are not desiring God the way that we should? Click here to sign up to participate in UNPACKIN' it's "Bracket Challenge" or to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Matt Vanderbilt unpack how Duke has everything needed to win a Championship…and how we have everything needed for a victorious life as followers of Jesus. Today's Questions: 1. What does it look like to live a victorious life in Christ? 2. How are we both "complete" and "still in process" at the same time? 3. How do trials help us to develop and mature in our faith? Click here to join the "UNPACKIN' it 100" and support our ongoing ministry efforts. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals and to be notified of how you can join the upcoming Bracket Challenge. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson unpacks not caring about the NFL combine…and how it parallels our attitude toward certain sins and spiritual practices. Today's Questions: 1. What are the consequences of having an indifferent attitude toward certain sins? 2. How should we view God's commandments in terms of how they impact our lives? 3. Why is it important that we engage in all of the different spiritual disciplines God has given to us? Click here to join the "UNPACKIN' it 100" and support our ongoing ministry efforts. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson unpacks how college football and basketball, and the NFL, are looking to expand…and the best ways to experience increase in our lives. Today's Questions: 1. How can we experience growth and expansion in areas that would glorify God? 2. Are there areas of our lives where it would not be wise to look to grow and expand? 3. How can manage our time wisely so that we end up focusing on the things that matter most? Click here to give a donation to support UNPACKIN' it. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we unpack Alabama and Auburn embracing the "AND" approach…and how we do the same regarding faith and works. Click here to give a donation to support UNPACKIN' it. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Trip Smith unpack the Eagles adding the right players to their team…and how important it is to be surrounded by the right people in life. Today's Questions: 1. How can our society and culture shape us to become isolated in an unhealthy way? 2. How can you continue to commit to community even when things don't appear to be going the way you had hoped? 3. What are the dangers and drawbacks of failing to meaningfully connect in a healthy community? Click here to give a donation to support UNPACKIN' it. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out the panel discussion from this year's Super Saturday Man Breakfast, hosted by UNPACKIN' it, that took place in Charlotte on February 1st, 2025. This year's panel included Rob Moore and Jeremy Kelley, who currently work for the Carolina Panthers. They talk about faith, football, and life with Bryce Johnson. It's an authentic, encouraging, and inspiring conversation. Bio: Jeremy Kelley He played professionally in the NFL with the Colts, Broncos, and Bears and also spent time in the Canadian League and the Arena League. He played for 10 teams in four leagues over six seasons! He is currently the Director of Legends Affairs with the Panthers. Rob Moore: He was drafted first in the 1990 supplemental draft by the New York Jets and was selected to the NFL all-rookie team. He played with the Jets, Cardinals, and Broncos during his 12-year NFL career. He was an All-pro wide receiver in 1997. He is currently the Carolina Panthers wide receiver coach, heading into his second season. Click here to give a donation to support UNPACKIN' it. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.