He had no money growing up, his step-dad was physical with him at home and he attended 7 different elementary schools in Ohio. His outlet: football. Derek Wolfe started playing full contact football at the age of 7 and quickly realized the release it gave him mentally and physically. He took advantage of that release. Derek earned a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati and was drafted 36th overall by the Denver Broncos in 2012.

He became a fan favorite and won a Super Bowl championship in 2016. He had hoped to play his entire career in Denver however, after his contract ended in 2019, he wasn't asked back. Derek went on to play two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and dealt with injuries to both of his hips. In the summer of 2022, he said "I'm done" and retired.

Hosted by Susie Wargin

Rich Karlis is probably best known as the “Barefoot Kicker” for the Broncos, however he is far more than a guy who didn't wear a shoe on his kicking foot. Rich played for the Broncos in the 80’s and was also on the roster for four other NFL teams. Not only was Rich cut multiple times in the NFL, he was also fired a few times in the corporate world after he retired from the league.

He learned a lot of lessons along the way and today has completely reinvented himself with a new passion: woodworking. To learn more about Rich's woodworking business, visit barefootbroncowoodworking.com

Hosted by Susie Wargin

Rod Smith fought hard to make it as an undrafted free agent, but was cut in training camp his rookie season. There was actually a good reason behind cutting the talented wide receiver from Missouri Southern. #80 was also fired (kind of) while he was still playing, that's an interesting story! Rod retired as a 3-time Pro Bowler with 2 Super Bowl Rings and is a member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. Challenges have been a constant throughout Rod's life, but he has always figured out how to rise above it.

Hosted by Susie Wargin

He's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was also cut by the Denver Broncos. Steve Atwater takes us back on how he paved his path to greatness with the Broncos and shares his incredible attitude when he knew he was being phased out by a team he had helped win back to back Super Bowls.

Hosted by Susie Wargin

Welcome Cut Traded Fired Retired! This is a podcast focused on the setbacks and challenges professional athletes and coaches face, how they deal with going backwards and most importantly, how they responded. Perhaps you can find a takeaway for your own life. If nothing else, enjoy the stories you’ll hear from inspiring athletes and coaches. Episodes are released weekly on Tuesdays.

This trailer provides snippits from episodes with Steve Atwater, Rod Smith, Sonny Lubick and Dave Logan.

Hosted by Susie Wargin