In this inspiring episode of NFL Players: Second Acts, Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly sits down with hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper and shares how enduring four straight Super Bowl losses shaped his perspective on the game and on life. Jim reflects on the leadership lessons from the Bills’ golden era, the bond with teammates that still runs deep decades later, and how his faith and family guided him through the most difficult chapters of his journey. He also talks about his commitment to honoring the legacy of his late son Hunter through his charitable foundation, and the purpose that drives his second act.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of NFL Players: Second Acts, Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith sits down with hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper and shares why after his legendary shoulder separation game he said, “If I’m gonna die, let me die in Dallas.”

Emmitt opens up about what it meant to be named to the NFL’s All-Time 100 Team—an honor he says holds even more weight than making the Hall of Fame. He reflects on his final two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and how that chapter helped him find closure and prepare for life beyond the gridiron.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at football. Emmitt shares how he built a successful business empire in real estate and construction, leaning on mentors like Roger Staubach and Magic Johnson, and how a chance encounter with Michael Jordan sparked a lasting connection. He also drops wisdom for current players on why investing in themselves now matters most.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode of NFL Players: Second Acts, hosts Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman sit down with Hall of Fame Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary. Known for his intense presence on the field and relentless leadership, Mike opens up about the journey that shaped him—from growing up as the youngest of 10 children, to becoming the heart and soul of the 1985 Super Bowl–winning Bears defense. But this conversation goes far beyond football. Mike shares the pivotal moments that tested his faith, the values that grounded him, and how he's found deeper meaning in life after the NFL—as a coach, mentor, and advocate for character development in young athletes. With honest reflection and powerful insight, Singletary talks about what drives him today, the lessons learned through adversity, and why legacy means more than just wins and losses.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of NFL Players: Second Acts, hosts Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman sit down with former receiver turned headphones entrepreneur Mark Clayton. Mark reflects on his journey from not taking football seriously, to becoming a first-round pick out of Oklahoma. He also shares the football and life lessons he got as an NFL rookie from Ravens legends Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Mark’s biggest move may have come after football. He describes how he found his new passion as the founder of Livv Headphones, a premium audio company. Clayton shares the lessons he carried from the locker room to the boardroom—building a brand with the same dedication and vision that powered his NFL journey. It’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and what it really takes to thrive after the final snap.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

You can learn more about Mark's products at Livv Audio here: https://livvaudio.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22418970153&gbraid=0AAAAA-FN0Scb1SalMrZorV3qHSbPg5V8b&gclid=CjwKCAjw7fzDBhA7EiwAOqJkh9GMecBbumldAA748PpBkNasZvrWpxJm9pRmBVhxyw9hEE1jO7dUiRoCLd0QAvD_BwE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL cornerback turned NFL official Nate Jones joins Peanut and Roman for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at life on both sides of the whistle. He dives into the mental and physical demands of officiating, the reality of “makeup calls,” and what it’s like dealing with overzealous parents at youth games. Nate reflects on what it was like being coached by both Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells, and the sting of the infamous Tony Romo botched field goal game. He also opens up about retiring on his own terms, finding a new passion in officiating, and the feeling of being “drafted” to the NFL as a ref. From the evolution of technology in football to his personal Mount Rushmore of influences, Nate brings insight, humor, and heart to this one-of-a-kind conversation.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL linebacker Colin Allred joins Peanut and Roman for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and eye-opening. Colin reflects on his unlikely path from the NFL to being a civil rights attorney to Congress - and the lessons he’s taken from each chapter. Colin shares how an unlikely phone call led to him putting off law school for a chance to play in the NFL. Colin also opens up about the injury that ended his career. After the NFL, Colin talks about his time working for President Obama, becoming the first Congressman to take paternity leave, and the harrowing moments during the attack on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6th.  

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of NFL Players: Second Acts, Peanut and Roman sit down with former offensive lineman Cory Procter, who shares the unexpected turns his life has taken since leaving the field. Cory dives into his “Welcome to the NFL” moment and recalls battling Peanut in what would be his final NFL game. Cory also shares stories of playing for the legendary head coach Bill Parcells. He then opens up about the knee injury that ultimately ended his career. Later, Cory describes how he’s thriving in private equity, and how his networking mindset and social media have helped him find success in his second act. Plus, Cory shares his personal Mount Rushmore, and the candid moments that reveal who he is beyond the pads.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Super Bowl champion and versatile NFL athlete Isaiah Stanback joins Peanut and Roman to share his remarkable journey from the NFL to WWE to GMFB. He opens up about the challenges and mindset required to constantly switch positions during his NFL career. Isaiah also takes us inside his surprising pivot to attending WWE’s training camp and channeling his inner DMX to create a wrestling persona. He recalls what it was like playing for coaching legends like Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin. The conversation also touches on Isaiah’s move into TV, the power of genuine networking, and how childhood friend Nate Burleson helped spark his media aspirations.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by former running back Chris Gronkowski. Chris discusses what it was like growing up with five brothers, four of which played in the NFL. He also explains How he defied the odds to make it to the NFL. Later, he explains what it was like playing with Tony Romo, and the demanding style of Peyton Manning. Chris then shares his journey to creating his Ice Shaker brand, and how he got his big break on Shark Tank.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Super Bowl champion and offensive lineman Jeff Allen joins Peanut and Roman.

Jeff takes it back to his roots in Chicago, where he began his football journey at King College Prep. He reflects on what it was like growing up in the city and the stark contrast between Chicago’s football culture and the football-obsessed environment of Texas. Jeff also shares his improbable rise from a zero-star high school recruit to making it to the NFL.

The conversation turns to the infamous 2013 Wild Card matchup between the Chiefs and Colts, where Jeff opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of blowing a 28-point lead, a memory that still stings.

He talks about what it was like playing under Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and shares where he ranks Reid on his personal list of the greatest head coaches of all time. Jeff then goes on to tell the story of how Reid called him to talk him out of retirement and how he ultimately earned a Super Bowl ring in 2019 despite being released midseason.

Now in his second act, Jeff dives into his entrepreneurial journey with Cookie Society, the gourmet cookie brand he co-founded with his wife. He shares the hilarious story of posing as the company’s PR rep to communicate with Oprah’s team, an email that led to Cookie Society being featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things list. Jeff also gets candid about the challenges of building a business and what he's learned along the way.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.