So I got a part-time job working for Pro Football Focus this summer and it has already changed the way I see the game and watch football. In a nutshell, I gather pre-snap data on which players are on the field and where they line up and I already notice so much more when I watch a live game. This happened last night as I watched the opening night Bears/Packers game. I guess I had some realizations so decided to document them via voice memo. I squished em together for this podcast episode, so i hope you enjoy and get some value from it regardless of your football interest or expertise. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work for PFF - my nerdy football side doesn't want to shut up these days....

Forgot to mention in the recording, but credit to Chris Collinsworth for saying "now he's fast and knows where he's going" (or along those lines). I learn a lot from listening to guys like him (have to mention Tony Romo here too - he was made for the broadcast booth).

Theme: Jay-Z - Parkin Lot Pimpin

Andrew Luck retired quite suddenly about 2 weeks before the NFL 100 season started and its surprising because of his age, ability, and earning potential. Some would say it took balls to put other priorities ahead of football. I agree that this is a big deal and big statement to society in general as it relates to mental health. I thought it was worth commenting on (partially because I think it took More Than Just Balls.........(*wink))

Theme: Jay-Z - Parkin Lot Pimpin

Jay-Z's RocNation and the NFL signed a partnership deal recently and a lot of public figures expressed negative opinions about it (a lot expressed positive ones too). I feel strongly that it's a positive partnership with longer term benefits than most realize. Full disclosure: these are 2 of my absolute favourite things in LIFE (Jay-Z and the NFL), so I'm inherently going to be a bit biased, but I think i did a good job of being impartial on this one....! This partnership is certainly about more than just balls...

Theme song: Jay-Z - Parkin Lot Pimpin

Antonio Brown recently stated very publicly his desire to be traded from the Steelers (& to be paid btw) and it happened during the offseason. He managed to get an extended contract and much more guaranteed money than he would've received had he stayed with the Steelers. Basically, he took care of himself by speaking up. Athletes obviously have much louder voices in these matters today with the rise of social media (& in general of course), but was this the start of something new? Did we witness the beginning of a radically new type of free agency? I don't think it's crazy to suggest athletes represent themselves in the coming years...do you? This is about more than just the balls.

Theme: Jay-Z - Parkin Lot Pimpin

I'm super excited to dive into this topic today. I recently heard that a player who was once fantasy football-relevant may not make the team this year. It struck me, but then made perfect sense. Everyone can't be good enough to make teams and to get paid every year ....What must that be like? It's a comparable, but very different professional experience from someone who works a salary job (or works as a contractor AWAY from the public eye). It reminded me that none of us share the same journey, so why do so many of us feel compelled and entitled to comment on the struggles and situations of others?

At the end of the day, here's the real reason why this resonates with me so much: I am my harshest critic. I need to cut me more slack, be more underatanding and gentle with MYSELF. I truly believe that that's where it starts before I can genuinely externalize it.

This is also my first CROSSOVER EPISODE! If you haven't checked out "Navigating with Zakkee Ahmad" be sure to do so.

Intro/Outro Track: Jay-Z - Parkin Lot Pimpin

It's my first "rant" episode! This is something I'm very passionate about because I think it makes the NFL look BAD. This league sets trends in so many ways, but for some reason doesn't seem to want to present a shiny new-looking trophy to their champions! That's right: the trophy that makes its way onto the stage after the Super Bowl is all "sticky" and I just don't understand why... Shouldn't the trophy be honoured the same way all trophies are (*ahem Stanley Cup)?? If the commissioner told me I could change 3 things today, you bet your ass this would be on the list...

I named my sports podcast: More Than Just Balls. I love the name (& don't take credit for coming up with it) because it works on several levels & I get into that in this episode.

#1) I intend to talk about more than just balls: balls in this context referring to the game itself, the sport or league themselves. I love seeing the human side of sport. It is why many people truly connect with sports: the people!

#2) Some people say it takes balls for me to do the things that I do (like start a podcast or quit my job), but I see things differently and generally employ a different perspective: it's about more than just having "balls"!

I also share a few examples of things I think I'll likely be talking about in this podcast.

Thanks for listening to More Than Just Balls! Please share with others this may resonate with.

You can find me on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube (@ZakkeeAhmad) or LinkedIn.

In my first episode in the "Contextuals Series", I give you some background (context if you will) on my love for and perspective of fantasy football.

"What is the big deal?" you may wonder... well wonder no more. THIS is why it's such a big deal for anyone who loves sports to play fantasy sports!

I also give a short chat about fantasy itself (if you enjoy that, look out for my beginners guide to fantasy football episode coming soon!).

..This is about more than just balls you know...

Thank you for your time & attention!

This is the intro episode of my sports talk podcast, "More Than Just Balls". I'm a huge NFL fan, sports fan, & am very interested in the human aspects of the game that are often lost in the headlines. I'm documenting and sharing my perspectives on those things. I intend to (later) get into the business side of the businesses that the leagues all are, fantasy football, and the Green Bay Packers!

(I recorded this before I named the podcast / got the suggestion from someone, so more on that later).

Progress over perfection, so expect very little editing in all of my episodes for now. Thanks for listening! I hope I can add some value for you. Please let me know if I do @ZakkeeAhmad