Former NFL linebacker & Texas Congressman Colin Allred joins hosts Andrew Vontz & Jonathan Kaplan on United States of Sweat, presented by Choose the Hard Way.

Allred played at Baylor and for the Tennessee Titans before a neck injury ended his NFL career. He went on to earn a law degree from Berkeley, work in the Obama administration, and win a U.S. House seat in 2018.

After a close Senate race in 2024, he's back on the campaign trail, running again to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate.

Allred talks about the mindset it takes to survive the NFL—where, as he says, there's a 100% injury rate—and how that toughness translates to politics, parenthood, and public service. Plus: his favorite way to train and the one piece of workout gear he can't live without.

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Jonathan Kaplan is the founder of WRITE CADENCE STRATEGIES, helping individuals and organizations navigate Washington, shape policy and manage reputational risk. He also writes RIDING WITH, a newsletter and podcast exploring the intersection of pro cycling, media, business and politics. Find that at ridingwithkaplan.substack.com.---------

For senior execs, pro athletes, and political leaders, podcasts aren't optional anymore. They're mission-critical.

At One Real Voice, Andrew Vontz coaches leaders 1:1 to help them thrive as podcast guests & hosts and stand out in the long-form, open-ended conversations where real influence is built.

When you're ready to be great, DM him @hardwaypod or email [email protected].

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The number one way to support Choose the Hard Way is to become a paid subscriber to alwaysthehardway.substack.com. That's where Andrew Vontz shares his reflections on these interviews and writes about engaged mindfulness, bikes and life.

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Wherever you're listening to this podcast, please subscribe and hit 5 stars. ------------- Crypto curious? With over $1 trillion in transactions to date, https://www.blockchain.com/ is your trusted partner on your crypto journey. Create your free wallet and get up to 10% in annual rewards by putting your crypto to work. Go to Blockchain.com to get started today, no experience required. ------------- Choose the Hard Way Newsletter: https://alwaysthehardway.substack.com/ ------------- One Real Voice podcast coaching & strategy: https://www.onerealvoice.com/