Mike Martin has lived the kind of football life most people only talk about, and the real story is what he built after the NFL. From leading the nation in receiving at Illinois to a seven-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Mike opens up about the chip on his shoulder, the bad-luck draft slide, and the moment he proved he belonged. But this episode goes far beyond the stat sheet.

Mike breaks down how he and his wife are growing youth flag football in Chicago, why he stepped in to transform Taft High School’s football culture, and what it means to be the kind of mentor kids actually need. If you care about sports, coaching, leadership, or finding purpose after playing days are over, this conversation hits home.

Mike Martin is a former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, University of Illinois standout, and longtime Cincinnati and Chicago coaching figure known for building programs and changing lives. He shares how a coach can impact not just athletes, but entire communities. You’ll hear the story behind his rise from the projects of Washington, D.C., the overlooked draft pick narrative that fueled his career, and the family moments that made coaching personal. He also explains why helping young people, especially kids without father figures, became the center of his life.

We break down:

• How flag football is exploding and why Mike jumped in early
• The culture shift he created at Taft High School
• Why passion matters more than job titles after sports
• His blunt advice for athletes trying to stay connected to the game
• The most meaningful memory of his playing career and coaching his son on the same field he once played on

The stakes are bigger than football. This is about identity, leadership, legacy, and what it looks like to turn adversity into service. Mike’s perspective is a reminder that the end of a playing career does not mean the end of your impact.

Perfect for Bengals fans, former athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone trying to find the next chapter after sports. This one is equal parts inspiration, perspective, and hard-earned wisdom.

Most athletes fear what happens after their career peaks... but Nyah Funderburke has a different vision. As an Olympic trial qualifier, Big Ten champion, and now a trailblazing swim marketing leader, she’s redefining what it means to stay connected to sport beyond competition.

In this inspiring episode of Ball Talk with Boyd, Nyah shares how she’s using her story to break barriers, elevate swimming, and empower the next generation, while revealing her fresh approach to staying motivated and impactful. Discover how turning passion into purpose fuels her journey from the pool to leadership. Plus the surprising ways sports build resilience, community, and lifelong influence. She dives into the challenges of burnout in swimming, the power of mentorship, and her bold vision to increase diversity in aquatics through innovative programs and storytelling. If you've ever doubted what’s next after an athletic career, this episode will reignite your purpose and show you how to leverage your experience for even greater impact.

You’ll learn the secrets behind building a platform that inspires, how to transform setbacks into comebacks, and why community and relationships are more vital than ever for athletes dreaming big. Perfect for athletes facing change, youth coaches, sports enthusiasts, or anyone hungry to turn their passion into a legacy. This is your blueprint for thriving after the final lap.

Nyah Funderburke is a rising star in the sports world. A former state champion, Big10 champion, and current Ohio State record holder, who currently serves as social marketing director and coach at Buckeye Swim Club. Her insights are rooted in firsthand experience, resilience, and a deep love for sport’s transformative power. Join us to explore how one athlete’s journey can inspire generations to come, because your next chapter might be the most exciting one yet.

Check out Nyah's Website here: https://www.nyahfunderburke.com/

Most football careers are built long before the first snap — and Bryan Filker's journey proves it. From working at McDonald's at 4 a.m. to becoming an integral part of SMU’s recruiting operations as the Director of Recruiting Operations, his story is anything but traditional. He shares the behind-the-scenes of crafting a career in sports when the path isn’t straightforward, revealing the grit, networking hacks, and mindset shifts that transformed his life.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to break into sports despite a non-linear background, the importance of relationship-building and authenticity in recruiting, and practical steps to get your foot in the door—whether you're just starting or trying to pivot careers. Bryan emphasizes that success in sports isn’t just about talent; it's about persistence, leveraging every opportunity, and turning challenges into growth. He shares lessons learned from setbacks, the power of community, and why every small step counts in turning your passion into a profession.

We break down the daily grind and strategic thinking behind college football recruiting, including how to network effectively in a competitive industry, the significance of supporting athletes beyond the field, and the evolving roles that make college sports thrive. Whether you're an aspiring sports professional or a curious fan, this episode offers key insights on carving your niche in the sports world, no matter your starting point.

This conversation is perfect for students, early-career professionals, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by the industry’s complexity—Bryan's transparency and practical advice inspire you to get started today. Missing this isn’t an option if you want to understand what it truly takes to succeed behind the scenes of college athletics.

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Most companies get caught in the trap of scaling too fast and losing their core identity — but Kash Shaikh reveals how to grow your brand without sacrificing authenticity or purpose. From leading global marketing at Procter & Gamble, to transforming GoPro into a billion-dollar brand, and being a founder of 2 major sports entities, Kash shares the insider strategies that turn every challenge into an opportunity for explosive growth.

In this episode, you'll discover the blueprint Kash used to blend sports marketing, athlete partnerships, and international expansion — and how he’s applying these lessons at Perfect Game to revolutionize youth baseball worldwide. He breaks down the importance of youth development, community building, and leveraging data to unlock untapped markets across the globe.We break down Kash's approach to navigating rapid growth and organizational change while staying true to his values. Hear about the lessons learned from balancing ambitious scaling with maintaining brand authenticity, the power of targeted transparency, and why the youth sports ecosystem is the key to transforming the future of sports in your region.

This is essential listening for entrepreneurs, sports marketers, and anyone passionate about creating enduring brands that inspire the next generation. If you're ready to elevate your strategy, lead with purpose, and build something that lasts, Kash Shaikh’s insights will leave you motivated and prepared to make an impact.

Kash Shaikh is an innovative sports marketing executive, former global marketer at Procter & Gamble, and current chief marketing officer at Perfect Game. He also previously served as the co-founder and CEO of Baseball United, a newly founded professional baseball league, and BSB Sports Group, a sports marketing agency. His experience spans from pioneering athlete partnerships to international sports ventures in the Middle East and Asia, making him a true expert at building brands that connect people and communities worldwide.

Ready to learn how to grow without losing sight of your core? Hit play now.

Most people only see the highlights of a game day or think working in sports means being a coach or athlete. But what if the real game is behind the scenes? In this episode, Nishant shares how he transitioned from high school football stats tracker in Texas to a key player in NFL training camps and game-day operations—without ever stepping on the field as a player. His journey reveals the hidden pathways, the scale of sports events, and the skills that keep the sports industry running smoothly. You'll discover how Nishant's early passion for basketball and football fueled a career in sports marketing, event coordination, and NFL operations. We break down the incredible scale of NFL training camps, the logistics of game-day fan experiences, and the legendary Oregon-Nike connection that fueled innovation in sports apparel. Nishant offers inside stories from the Manning Passing Academy to Chicago Bears training camp—showcasing the importance of networking, long-term planning, and embracing roles others overlook. This episode is a masterclass for aspiring sports professionals craving real-world insight and practical advice. Whether you're interested in sports marketing, event management, or building relationships in the sports universe, Nishant's story encourages you to see every role as an opportunity—no matter how small it seems. His perspective highlights that dedication, collaboration, and a growth mindset are the true winners in sports careers. Don’t miss this inspiring deep dive into the unseen side of sports—perfect for students, young professionals, or anyone eager to find their place in the game beyond the spotlight. If you want to turn your passion into a thriving career, this episode is your playbook.

Nishant is a former sports management student at Oregon, now working with the Chicago Bears in events. His story illustrates how curiosity, hustle, and relationship-building open doors in the sports industry.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Killeen Mullen, a dynamic leader in the sports industry with experience in professional hockey, NASCAR, the NBA, and the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She currently serves as the associate vice president of global events for the NBA. If you're aiming for a career in sports, this episode is your ticket to success.

Killeen shares her journey from teaching tennis at Florida's IMG Academy to building departments for the Tampa Bay Lightning. She reveals hidden opportunities beyond coaching and ticket sales, offering insights on managing international events and fostering team culture. Learn how authenticity and networking can propel your career, and discover the impact of community initiatives like Basketball Without Borders.

Whether you're a student or a young professional, this episode will motivate you to pursue your passion in sports. Perfect for aspiring sports executives and event planners, this conversation is filled with actionable strategies and inspiring stories. Get ready to be inspired and take your next step in the sports world.

Join me as we team up with former NCAA offensive lineman Jalen Cox to dive into the upcoming NFL draft. Together, we'll explore our favorite prospects, discuss players we might be lower on, and delve into the mindset of NFL teams during the drafting process. Whether you're curious about the strategic decisions behind draft picks or eager to learn about the next big stars, this episode offers a unique blend of expert analysis and personal insights. Tune in for a fresh perspective on what it takes to succeed in the NFL draft, and who we have our eyes on!

Most aspiring sports professionals overlook one of the most powerful tools for breaking into the industry: relationships. Brandon Leung’s journey from UC student to NFL intern to Analyst with UC shows how authenticity, initiative, and networking open doors that applications alone can’t — and why understanding the behind-the-scenes work in football can turn a passion into a career. In this episode, Brandon shares how his love for football and relentless curiosity led him from studying business analytics at UC to working with the Cincinnati Bearcats, the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, and beyond. He reveals the lessons learned from high-pressure environments like the NFL sideline, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative and being versatile in a fast-paced world where “not for long” is the mantra. Whether it’s filming a quarterback’s release or hosting top recruits, Brandon’s stories demonstrate how to stand out by doing the little things that make a big difference. You’ll discover concrete strategies for breaking into sports—starting with high school jobs, leveraging industry relationships, and making the most of every opportunity. Brandon breaks down how NIL, coaching transitions, and the NFL culture shape his approach to recruiting, scouting, and personal growth. His insights empower anyone dreaming of a behind-the-scenes role, showing that success isn’t just about talent, but about connecting with people and continuously learning.This episode is perfect for college students, high school athletes, and anyone eager to understand the real work behind sports teams. Brandon’s journey proves that your network can be your greatest asset, and with the right mindset, your dream job in sports is within reach. Don't miss the insider tips to elevate your career and the mindset shift that turns passion into profession.Whether you’re aiming for the NFL, college athletics, or just love football’s art and science, this conversation gives you a blueprint to stand out in a competitive industry. Get inspired, get connected, and learn how to make your mark behind the scenes of your favorite sports.

Brandon Leung is a personnel recruiting analyst for the Cincinnati Bearcats and has interned with the Cincinnati Bengals, known for his hands-on experience in NFL scouting and college recruiting.