Beyond The Helmet

Terrence Cody, known as Mt. Cody to many of his fans, was an enormous presence on the Alabama defensive line while Nick Saban was establishing the program. After his All-American career in the SEC, Terrence was drafted by the Ravens and won a Super Bowl before leaving the game after 5 seasons with the team.

Cody’s exit from the field garnered incredible scrutiny as he quickly became involved with an off-field incident that would leave a lasting scar. Terrence brought a sick dog to a local vet in Maryland which soon escalated into an animal cruelty investigation and later brought criminal charges relating to other maters which included exotic pets and marijuana. 

Before passing any judgement on Terrence, I urge everyone to listen to his story of what happened through his eyes. No one is perfect and I hope you will join me in watching his redemption story unfold as he opens up and begins working to make a positive impact in society and with his family.

Keep up with Terrence by following him on social media.

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On this episode of the vIQtory Podcast, we are joined by former NFL Defensive End, Otis Grigsby.

As an All-State Texas Linebacker, Otis decided to play his college ball at Kentucky. After 4 years there he signed with the Dolphins in 2003 as an undrafted free agent. Otis would then spend 2003-2009 battling to make NFL rosters, playing in NFL Europe and doing everything possible to live his dream.

Grigsby knew his NFL journey would eventually come to an end, so while still playing, he planted seeds to have future success. Otis went to law school and has had his hand in a number of business ventures. Among his most recent is his involvement with BEMER technology (link below to check it out) but he is also active in helping young athletes develop the mindset to win.

Keep up with Otis’ journey by following him on social media and to lear more about his BEMER product check out: http://www.umustsee.net/RKM7RE

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On this episode of the vIQtory Podcast, we are joined by former NFL QB and Dartmouth grad, Jay Fiedler.

Jay became a household name in 2000 when he replaced Dan Marino as a starter for the Miami Dolphins. What most people don’t know was that Jay was a rookie in 1994 and had to battle to make NFL rosters his entire journey until that point. His story of perseverance is the perfect embodiment of his Jewish heritage.

Fiedler is still the last Dolphins quarterback to win a playoff game during a terrific 3 year run in Miami. A shoulder injury while playing for the Jets in 2005 would ultimate end his playing days. In his life after football he has grown the  Sports Academy and Brook Wood Camps (brookwoodcamps.com).

Keep up with Jay’s journey by following him on social media

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Ryan Broyles is making a return to football with the XFL in just a few months. While there will be many athletes trying to start their careers, Ryan is a 2x All-American who  had already walked away from football after playing with the Lions who had drafted him in the 2nd round.

In his time since he left the game, he has furthered his career in real estate. It was only when coach Bob Stoops called him this past summer that football popped back up on his radar. Ryan has spent the last few months getting back into game shape and his ready for this upcoming season in the XFL.

Broyles was drafted by the Dallas Renegades where he will get to play with his former Sooner teammate, Landry Jones. In just a couple of months we will see what the former all time NCAA receptions leader still has!

Keep up with Ryan’s journey by following him on social media @ryanbroyles

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Akili Smith, the former #3 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, joins us in this episode of the vIQtory podcast. Akili is most remembered for his time on the Cincinnati Bengals.

Smith’s journey to being a top pick started with him pursuing professional baseball after high school. A 2 year stint in the minor leagues led to Akili enrolling into a JUCO program. It was only after this that he transferred to Oregon and blossomed as a quarterback.

While Akili’s tenure in the NFL was not as prolific as he had hoped, he has used his experience to help others. He has used his career to teach young players how to navigate the learning curve at the position. In his time since retiring he has gained the perspective necessary to be an effective coach and QB Guru

Keep up with Akili Smith’s journey by following him on Instagram.

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On this episode of the vIQtory podcast we are joined by former Bills legend, 11 year vet and 5-time team captain, George Wilson.

George, like almost all of our guests, has an unbelievable story. He grew up working on a farm as a multi-sport athlete and he banked on his academics to lead him to a bright future. Ultimately, George parlayed an academic scholarship into walking-on the football team and then earning an athletic scholarship.

Wilson changed position from wide receiver to safety heading into his 4th year in the NFL. This paved the way for him to become a 5 time team captain and a starter at Safety for the Bills. After his NFL career, George has continued working on the family farm and he has consistently worked to be a force of good in the community.

Keep up with George’s journey by following him on social media @gwthecultivator

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On this episode of the vIQtory podcast we are joined by former Grand Valley State standout and 8 year NFL Vet, Dan Skuta.

Dan was a jack-of-all-trades on defense, lining up everywhere in the front 7 in college. He used his work ethic and versatility to make the Cincinnati Bengals roster as an undrafted rookie to start his career. While in Cincy he would make a name for himself on special teams. 

Skuta would be able to use the name he made for himself to flourish outside of the Bengals and enjoy 4 successful seasons between San Francisco and Jacksonville. A hip replacement effectively ended his career as he was not the same athlete heading into year 9 (with Chicago). Dan is now adjusting to retired life.

Keep up with Dan’s journey by following him on social media @danielskuta55

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On this episode of the vIQtory podcast we are joined by Buffalo Bills legend and current Head Coach at Aurora University, Don Beebe.

To say that Don’s journey was an unlikely one is an understatement. With speed that had to be seen to be believed, he made it to the NFL Combine out of a NAIA school (Chadron State) after almost never playing college football. He would go on to play 9 years in the NFL as a top tier slot receiver and make it to the Super Bowl in 6 of those seasons.

Don did not sit around after his retirement. He transitioned into being a high school coach to spend more time around his kids. After a success run there he stepped away from the game… only to come back to coaching as the head coach at Aurora (this is his first season at the helm). Coach Beebe has trained athletes for speed all the while and as a man of strong faith looks to be a positive influence on those around him.

Keep up with Don Beebe by checking out donbeebe.com and supporting his team.

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On this episode of the vIQtory podcast we are joined by Minnesota Viking legend and Marshall alumni, Carl Lee.

Carl went from being the smaller, over-looked athlete to having a standout career as a multiple time Pro Bowl cornerback. His 11 years in Minnesota landed him on their all-time 50 greatest list and he is one of the best athletes to come from West Virginia. After his NFL career, he coaches Wes Virginia State Football for 10 years.

Lee now has a major influence as youth sports guru in South Charleston, West Virginia where he grew up. He now molds the youth and has formed the ‘Legends Building Legends’ community to help children broaden their understanding of winning in life. The way Carl is impacting the next generation will create unprecedented waves of promise and prosperous future.

Keep up with Carl and his efforts at LegendsBuildingLegends.com

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On this episode of the vIQtory podcast we are joined by former Arizona Wildcat and current 9 year NFL veteran defensive tackle, Earl Mitchell.

Earl evolved from third string player in high school to H-back at the University of Arizona. While in college he switched to defensive line and worked himself into being a 3rd round draft pick to his hometown Houston Texans. 

Mitchell has had success in every stop from Houston to Miami to San Francisco. While it it is yet to be seen where he will play year 10 of his career, Earl will be a valued addition to any locker room he steps foot in. After his career in the NFL is over, look for Earl to make a positive impact in his community and quite possibly with the WWE and/or XFL.

Keep up with Earl’s journey by following him on social media @earlmitchell90

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