This week on The Sam Acho Podcast, former NFL Pro Bowler and Buffalo Bills radio voice Eric Wood joins Sam and Clif Marshall for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation. Eric reflects on his unlikely journey from overlooked recruit to first-round draft pick, shares candid insights about sudden career-ending adversity, and opens up about work-life balance, faith, and the transformative power of community. With memorable stories and practical wisdom drawn from both the locker room and life after football, this episode is packed with encouragement for anyone navigating transition or searching for purpose beyond achievements. Don’t miss the honest lessons on resilience, generosity, and what truly defines victory.

Connect with Eric

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewood70/
• X: https://x.com/ewood70
• What's Next with Eric Wood Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-next-with-eric-wood/id1454848755
• Eric's book, Tackle What's Next: https://www.amazon.com/Tackle-Whats-Next-Achieve-Business-ebook/dp/B0BHFF67Z6

Connect with Sam 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamacho
• X: https://x.com/thesamacho
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamacho/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesamacho/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSamAchoPodcast

Book Sam to speak at your event: https://www.samacho.com/speaking

Read Sam's books 

• Let the World See You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/let-the-world-see-you
• Change Starts With You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/change-starts-with-you

Chapter Outline
(00:01) From Underdog to Louisville Cardinal
(03:14) Finding Community and Giving Back
(05:08) Embracing Louisville Culture and the Kentucky Derby
(06:34) Discovering Confidence and Striving for Excellence
(09:39) Navigating Work-Life Balance and Family Priorities
(13:34) Perspective on Modern Football and Team Predictions
(17:02) Influential Coaches and Lifelong Lessons
(22:02) Faith, Books, and Spiritual Foundations
(23:47) Adversity, Identity, and the Role of Faith
(32:01) Redefining Victory and the Value of Community
(35:55) Accountability, Small Groups, and Lifelong Learning
(37:43) Life Verse and Spreading Joy
(40:24) Financial Stewardship and Lasting Contentment