Beyond The Helmet

Vincent Rey talks new Bengals Role and NFL Career. On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet we are joined by former NFL linebacker and special teams ace for the Cincinnati Bengals, Vinny Rey.

Vinny spent 9 years with the Bengals with his last season coming in 2018. He was a mainstay on special teams while developing into a versatile linebacker who could line up anywhere and led the team in tackles multiple times. All of this after being an undrafted rookie free agent who spent his rookie season living with Dhani Jones.

Rey’s faith is a pillar of who he is - along with being a family man and other noble traits. Vincent is going back to the Bengals to be the team’s new chaplain. With plenty of connections still on the team, he will now be meeting some of the newest Bengals as he provides a level of support to the team.

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Michael Cox talks journey to the Giants, NFL and life after. On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet we are joined by former NFL running back and return man, Michael Cox.

Michael had anything but an easy journey to the NFL. After committing to Michigan, Lloyd Carr retired. He saw two coaching changes at the University of Michigan and always battled for his share of playing time. It took a graduate transfer to UMass Amherst for him to shine and get the attention of the New York Giants who would go on to draft him.

Cox played a few seasons for the Giants before having his NFL career ended early by a leg injury. Michael reflects on his time with Coach Coughlin and all the other coaches who helped shape him along the way. He has been leveraging his experience as an entrepreneur working now primarily in the crypto space.

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On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet we are joined by former pro bowl cornerback and 10 year Seattle Seahawk, Marcus Trufant.

Marcus Trufant was an incredible athlete as a collegiate star and staple of the Seahawks defense for a decade. He took the time to talk about his road of success, camaraderie and hard work in the pacific northwest through all of this. That being said, he’s only scratched the surface of who he is.

Trufant has spent the near-decade since his NFL career ended reinventing himself. He is a success entrepreneur in the self storage space, his Trufant Family Foundation has been changing lives since his playing days and most recently he has launched his own podcast, Truly Unruly, alongside his wife. A family man through and through, it was a pleasure to see how Marcus has continued to grow. Check him and Truly Unruly out on social media + find him at MarcusTrufant.com

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Andre Woolfolk talks NFL Career and Life Afterwards. On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet we are joined by former National Champion and former 1st Round Pick of the Titans, Andre Woolfolk.

Before Adoree' Jackson, there was Andre Woolfolk. Andre was a two play player for Bob Stoops and his National Champion Oklahoma Sooners team. Woolfolk went from a talented wide receiver to budding cornerback prospect to best serve his team. His efforts would earn a 1st round selection in the 2003 draft by the Titans while he was still very much learning the position.

Woolfolk talks through how he processed everything both at Oklahoma and in the NFL. After his time with the Titans he was briefly with the New York Jets before deciding to walk away from the game. In his time since then he has been busy with his family and launched into entrepreneurship. Andre has spent the most of his professional endeavors in the construction field.

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Joshua Grady, NFL Agent, talks ‘Long Game’ and Creating Success. On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet special guest; Joshua Grady.

Agent Grady is far more than just an NFL Agent. He launched his media agency, is a husband, father and is playing for keeps in the long game of life. Grady opens up on how he is maximized his efforts this past year to grow his business during a pandemic. We also go deep on the mindset it takes to play the long game.

Grady was also part of a Fox Sports documentary entitled “The Long Game” which featured both him and his father. To learn more about this future 30 Under 30 professional check that out or go to: GSAFootball.com and follow him on social: @agentgrady_

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On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet we are joined by NFL Draft Prospect and former Grambling State offensive lineman, David Moore Jr, as he talks about his Path to the Draft. 

David Moore repped all HBCUs at the Senior Bowl and boy did he put on a show. Without much fanfare going into the week, every scout and coach knew who he was after just a few days in Mobile. This happened to be the first football David Moore played since Thanksgiving 2019.

Moore sat out his 2020 season as his conference postponed plat until now, playing in the spring. He has been steadily working on his craft - a craft that has seen his stock rise in meteoric fashion in. With just 2 years of high school football under his belt, David has quickly developed himself into a prospect with tremendous upside.

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@Dmoore60_ on IG) and also give us a follow, subscribe + share this episode with someone who will enjoy it!

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On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet we are joined by former All-American and NFL Wide Receiver, Davone Bess.

While Davone is a former Miami Dolphin and U of Hawaii great, his mental health journey and advocacy is now what truly sets him apart. To understand his story is to understand how an athlete can go from being highly productive to unable to manage to play. Davone overcame incredible obstacles to realize his dream of playing professionally. He also now knows how quickly it can go away.

After dealing with mental health complexities for 6 years, Davone has recently been able to open up on his journey. He is truly an incredible story and he is dedicated to giving back with his Bess Route Foundation as his story is still far from fully written. Please be sure to give him a follow on social media.

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Lorenzo Alexander talks NFL Career and Life Afterwards. On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet we are joined by former Pro Bowler and 15 year NFL athlete, Lorenzo Alexander.

Rejoice with the One Man Gang! Lorenzo has had a year to let his body recover from 15 years of playing professionally and he has wasted no time in this next chapter of life. Whether it is in flag football and coaching, being a father/husband, working on his foundation, or working with Avalon Sports (among others) - the man has been busy.

Where to Find Lorenzo:

• LorenzoAlexander.org
• @onemangang97 (Twitter)
• @lorenzo_john (IG)

The fact is, most guys will never see 5 years in the league - let alone 15. I had to get the secret sauce on making it into the league as an undrafted free agent to put together a career like this. Lorenzo breaks down how he approached his craft mentally, kept up physically and how he worked through all the challenges along the way.

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On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet we are joined by NFL 2021 Draft Prospect and Longhorn Captain, Ta’Quon Graham.

Ta’Quon Graham wrapped up his career at UT after working his way highly touted recruit to captain. He was a starter the last 2 years in Austin and played multiple different techniques on the defensive line in the process. His collegiate career ended with a Senior Bowl invite.

The process to get here was not a straight line. TQ opens up about having to challenge himself to live up to his potential while at UT. Throughout the football journey he also was steadfast in his academics. His discipline and versatility should pay dividends at the next level.

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On this episode of the Beyond the Helmet we are joined by former NFL QB and Wisconsin Badger legend, Brooks Bollinger.

Imagine going from back-up quarterback to hero of the Rose Bowl in about 3 months… Brooks lived it. After redshirting his first year at Wisconsin he lived that as a redshirt freshman and then went on to play 3 more seasons for the Badgers. If anyone can relate to the roller coaster of emotions that a college athlete can go through, look no further than Bollinger.

Brooks played 6 NFL seasons before playing in other leagues and eventually working his way into coaching at both the high school and collegiate levels. He opened up about his entire journey with a focus on the mental health aspect that athletes go through. We also talk about his career path after football where he is now a Director at Bell Bank in Minnesota.

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