Purdue wrestling welcomed Big Ten Assistant Director for Sports Administration A.J. Edds to Episode 30 of the Always Aggressive Podcast on Wednesday, offering fans a chance to get to know the conference’s wrestling liaison. Like head coach Tony Ersland, Edds is a University of Iowa graduate, starring for the Hawkeye football program from 2006-09, and just finished his second season working with wrestling for the Big Ten.

A native of Indiana, Edds played for Kirk Ferentz at Iowa and then was picked by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons in the league, despite tearing both of his anterior cruciate ligaments, and then has begun a second career in athletic administration with the Big Ten Conference. Edds reflects on some of his time in the NFL, lessons he learned, coaches he played for and how it all impacted his current role at the conference office.

Edds also talks about his role with the Big Ten Wrestling Championships, which he calls one of the most impressive athletics events he’s ever attended. He goes behind the scenes to discuss a variety of things it takes to put on such a monumental event, and how he navigates the challenges of making it a success for the coaches, wrestlers and fans.