In this episode of the Ducks of a Feather podcast, Verone McKinley III reflects on his journey from the NFL to the world of media, offering insight into the business side of football and the challenges athletes face off the field. From his recruitment to the University of Oregon to life in Eugene, he shares what made his college experience unique. Verone also dives into the cultural contrasts between Texas and California football, and opens up about personal moments in his career, highlighting the power of storytelling and the legacy athletes leave behind.

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*Video Chapters*

00:00 - 02:42 Introducktion  

02:43 - 05:29 Life After the NFL: Opportunities and Challenges  

05:30 - 08:07 Understanding the Business of Football  

08:08 - 10:59 Transitioning to Media: Verone's Aspirations  

11:00 - 13:54 Reflecting on Football: Regrets and Achievements  

13:55 - 16:46 Choosing Oregon: The Recruitment Journey  

16:47 - 19:36 The Unique Experience of Eugene, Oregon  

19:37 - 22:05 Texas vs. California: The High School Football Debate  

22:06 - 35:47 Personal Stories: Moments in the NFL  

35:48 - 39:51 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

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In this episode of the Ducks of a Feather podcast, Kenjon Barner and Jonathan Stewart share stories from their days at Oregon and explore what it means to build a legacy beyond the field. From a recent alumni golf fundraiser to the challenges of modern recruiting, they dive into the power of mentorship, the importance of giving back, and how community support is shaping the future of Ducks football.

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In this episode of the Ducks of a Feather podcast, Kenjon Barner and Jonathan Stewart dive into all things Oregon Ducks, from key injuries and the “next man up” mentality to the run game and coaching challenges. They get personal, reflecting on growth, legacy, and the power of relationships, while also debating rankings and the Oregon vs. USC rivalry. Plus, a look at how the Ducks are redefining branding in college football.

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In this episode of the Ducks of a Feather Podcast, Kenjon Barner and Jonathan Stewart unbox exclusive Oregon Ducks gear, break down the new NCAA 2026 cover, and reflect on NFL stories, rookie memories, and the evolution of the game.

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In this episode, Dillon Thieneman shares his journey from Purdue to Oregon, discussing the challenges and excitement of transitioning to a new environment. He reflects on his family legacy, the recruitment process, and his aspirations for the upcoming season. Dillon emphasizes the importance of motivation, personal growth, and giving back to the community, showcasing his dedication both on and off the field.

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In this episode of Ducks of a Feather, hosts Jonathan Stewart and Kenjon Barner share about food experiences, shout out local eateries, and delve into the evolving dynamics of coaching and recruiting in college football. The conversation delves into the evolution of college football, particularly focusing on recruitment, the impact of NIL deals, and the professional mindset that players must adopt in today's competitive environment. They discuss the challenges of managing expectations in light of financial incentives, the necessity for incentive-based contracts, and the importance of fair representation for both players and coaches. 

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In this episode of Ducks of a Feather, host Kenjon Barner sits down with Oregon Ducks’ Matayo Uiagalelei to talk about all things football, mindset, and life off the field. They dive into Matayo’s transition from high school to college football, the role of family, and lessons from the recruiting process. He opens up about goal setting, growth mindset, and seizing opportunities on and off the field. Plus, they explore team dynamics, the Ducks’ upcoming season, his passion for music, and finding peace in nature. 

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In this episode, Kenjon Barner and Jonathan Stewart discuss Oregon's spring game insights, team dynamics, leadership challenges, and managing expectations for the upcoming season. They highlight standout players and their potential impact, as well as insights from the recent 2025 NFL draft, emphasizing the program's growth and future prospects.

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In this episode of the Ducks of a Feather podcast, Kenjon Barner interviews Oregon’s Evan Stewart. They discuss Evan's journey from soccer to football, his recovery process, and the dynamics of the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Evan reflects on the challenges of last season, the importance of leadership, and his aspirations for personal and team success. 

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This conversation between Kenjon Barner, Jonathan Stewart, and Austin Novosad explores Austin’s journey, delving into his entrepreneurial ventures, experiences in hunting, and insights gained from notable quarterbacks. The discussion highlights the importance of preparation, leadership, and the competitive spirit within the quarterback room, while also touching on personal interests such as track and field. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of track training for football, the competitive nature of sports, and the life lessons learned through athletics. They also share personal anecdotes about their experiences, including their love for golf and country music, while emphasizing the significance of camaraderie and personal growth in the world of college athletics.

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