Training NFL athletes isn’t about chasing perfect programs. It’s about making the right decisions inside real-world constraints.

This conversation isn’t about drills or programming trends. It’s about building and maintaining physical qualities during an NFL season — when athletes are competing weekly, managing injuries, absorbing collisions, and still expected to improve.

Phil Matusz, former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, breaks down what the role actually demands: progressing strength within tight time windows, adjusting around injuries, and balancing performance with recovery week after week.

We’ve known Tusz since his time as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Boston College. His perspective comes from years operating in elite locker rooms, where programming is dictated by reality — not theory.

Full episode available on YouTube.