For the first time ever, Beyond the Field hit the road to spend intentional time with a college football program — and our first stop was Duke University.

In this reflection episode, I highlight the four biggest takeaways from my visit:

1️⃣ John Battle – His journey from player to pro to Director of Player Development

2️⃣ Coach Manny Diaz – A head coach who truly gets the power of off-the-field growth

3️⃣ Duke Student-Athletes – Locked in, respectful, elite minds who showed up for Leadership Week

4️⃣ The City of Durham – Great food, amazing people, and a true college town vibe

This was a milestone moment for Beyond the Field — the first time we’ve followed a program from the inside. And it won’t be the last.

🎧 Listen in, and if you want your program featured next, reach out.

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Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a globally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development across the country.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

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Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: [email protected]