“The league is about getting better, if you don’t, you are out.” -Malik Willis

As NFL training camp officially wraps, now it’s time to see how some of the new faces in new places approach the 2026 season. We had the privilege of sitting with one of the break out stars over the past couple years who is getting his chance to be back leading a team. 

Miami’s quarterback, Malik Willis, joins The Pivot for a wide-ranging conversation about the journey that has shaped him both on and off the football field — from growing up with the foundation of good parents, finding his way through college football, and eventually making his way from Tennessee to Green Bay and now Miami.

Willis opens up about the highs, setbacks, lessons, and growth that have come with chasing his dream of becoming an NFL quarterback. He reflects on his college path, the experiences that helped shape his game and his mindset, and the people who kept him grounded along the way.

Now entering a new chapter as the quarterback of the Miami Dolphins, Willis talks about the expectations that come with getting his opportunity to lead an NFL franchise. He discusses adjusting to a new team, a new city, and a new head coach, while embracing the responsibility and pressure that comes with being the guy under center. His bond with Coach Jeff Hafley has helped him grow into the leader the team needs especially with a young roster, specifically at wide receiver.

But beyond football, the conversation gives a glimpse into the person behind the helmet. Known for his relaxed demeanor and calm presence, Willis talks about staying true to himself while navigating the noise, expectations, and scrutiny that come with playing quarterback at the highest level.

From Tennessee to Green Bay to Miami, Malik Willis’ story is one of perseverance, patience, family, growth, and believing in yourself when the path doesn’t always go according to plan.

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“The entire team is bought in to Ben Johnson’s winning ways.” Coltson Loveland 

As we are getting close to wrapping our training camp tour, we caught up with Chicago Bears’ first-round pick who sits with Ryan and Channing for an honest, fun and wide-ranging conversation about his rise from a small-town young buck in Idaho to becoming one of the biggest names in college football at Michigan — and now, one of the NFL’s most intriguing playmakers.

Colston takes us behind the scenes of the journey, the sacrifices and the moments that shaped him along the way. From Idaho hometown hero to winning a National Championship at Michigan with Jim Harbaugh to being selected as a first round draft pick to Chicago Bears. His name is rising quickly to the top of the NFL, he talks about feeding off the energy from Ben Johnson, the dawg mentality of his quarterback Caleb Williams and being apart of a roster determined to win at all costs. 

He recounts last season’s comebacks, his career high performance, the heated rivalry between Green Bay, Bears’ playoff run and the expectations the team has instilled on themselves to chase a Lombardi trophy this season. 

Colston gives his perspective on Johnson’s offensive mind, his coaching style and why players are excited about what he’s building in Chicago. He talks about Caleb’s unique ability to make plays that seemingly shouldn’t be possible, what it’s like developing chemistry with him and why the Bears’ offense has so much potential.

Chicago and the NFL world has already embraced Colston — and apparently, so have the ladies As he acknowledges the attention that comes with being a young NFL star, his growing fan base and what it’s like adjusting to life in the spotlight while still continuing to prove himself on the field.

To Colston, It's bigger than the draft status, the attention or the hype...It’s about his goals in the NFL, what he wants to accomplish in Chicago and the mindset required to bring championships to the city.

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"Be at your best when your best is needed." Jonathan Taylor

As the Pivot Training Camp tour hits Indianapolis, one of the league's best Running Backs Jonathan Taylor sits with the guys for an in-depth conversation about his football journey—from his early days at Salem High School in New Jersey to his dominant college career at Wisconsin to becoming one of the NFL’s premier running backs with the Indianapolis Colts...JT's transcendent path is one everyone can learn from.

Taylor opens up on making it to the league, the work behind becoming one of the most productive backs in football, and what it means to earn a new deal and continue building his legacy in Indianapolis. JT talks about the legends at his position before him, what it was like having Philip Rivers around and gives an inside-look into this year's roster filled with young proven talent. He also discusses his relationship with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, the Irsay family, and the people inside the organization who have helped shape his career.

He gives his respect to the other top Backs in the league from Bijan to Derrick Henry to Saquon, even revealing what him and Saquon had in common long before their NFL days...Beyond the numbers, Taylor talks about leadership, accountability, handling adversity, and setting the standard for a team that wants to win. He also breaks down what it will take for the Colts to make the playoffs—what needs to come together inside the locker room, the consistency required throughout the season, and the mindset it takes to make a real postseason run.

What does it take to be one of the best? How does he approach the responsibility that comes with being a leader? And what does winning mean to him at this stage of his career?

A candid conversation with one of the NFL’s elite about the journey that got him here—and the mindset, leadership and commitment it will take to get the Colts where they want to go.

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“Going against Ceedee and GP is prepping me for what I need to be at my best." Caleb Downs 

On the road, hitting all the Training Camps and had to make it to Oxnard to check out the rookie sensation- Caleb Downs who joins us for a conversation during his first NFL training camp with the Dallas Cowboys, stepping into the league as a first-round pick with expectations already sky-high.

Caleb opens up about making the transition from college football to the NFL, the pressure that comes with being a highly touted first-rounder, and what it means to now wear the Cowboys star. He talks about going against elite teammates like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens every day at practice, learning what separates NFL players, and the intensity of competing against the best in the world. He opens up on his immediate bond with Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker and what he sees in his new coach that can take the defense to the next level.

The conversation also goes back to his championship-winning college career, his time playing for Nick Saban, and the lessons he took from one of football's greatest coaches. Caleb reflects on playing alongside stars like Jeremiah Smith, the competitive mindset that helped him win at the college level, and how those experiences prepared him for Sundays in the NFL. He shares how the upsets and losses are just as important as the wins in maintaining a championship mindset. Caleb tells the guys that since he was young, he's studied some of the greatest athletes from Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady to Michael Jordan not because of their skill set but because of their habits and uses his findings in his everyday life.

Caleb also gets personal about family, the pride of following those who came before him, and what it means to have a brother already playing in the NFL while continuing a football legacy of his own.

From winning in college to earning his place in Dallas, Caleb Downs gives The Pivot an inside look at the mindset, expectations and family foundation behind one of football's rising young stars.

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As our NFL Training Camp tour continues, we stop in H Town to sit with a big part of the league's top tier defense with one of the leaders, Linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair, who sits with us for an honest conversation about the journey that shaped him—his upbringing, family, faith, and the adversity he had to overcome to reach the NFL and stay in the league.

Azeez opens up about his path to football, the obstacles he faced along the way, being one of eight children raised by a single mother, and the mindset that helped him turn challenges into motivation. He gets candid about his NFL career, his identity and religion, the intensity of playing defense, and the moments that tested him both on and off the field.

The conversation also dives into the controversial hit on Trevor Lawrence, the aftermath and lessons that came from it...he doesn't hold back on the realization of how he quickly became judged by the world for that one moment and how it affected him mentally and on the field. With head coach DeMeco Ryans being one of his early supporters from their time in San Francisco, he shares how Coach was one of the people who helped him through his darkest time and bring him full circle picking him as one of the leaders on the Texans defense, demonstrating what it takes to play with emotion while maintaining discipline and perspective.

This is a conversation about more than football—it’s about faith, resilience, identity, adversity, and the relentless pursuit of becoming the person you’re meant to be.

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Sitting with one of the most interesting and energized leaders in football, Liam Coen chops it up with the fellas during training camp for an honest conversation about his rise through the coaching ranks, the people who shaped him, and the lessons he’s carrying into his second year in Jacksonville.

Taking a 4-13 team to 13-4 in his first year as head coach is quite the feat but it also comes with high expectations in year two. Coen opens up on his approach, how he plans to capitalize on veteran talent and utilize young playmakers in every game-plan. 

Coen takes us through the viral moments of his first year, on and off the field, and gives us an inside look into his journey from college football to the NFL, the success he found in Tampa Bay working with Baker Mayfield, and the impact of learning under Sean McVay. He opens up about his coaching philosophy, the evolution of his career, the one regret that haunts him still and how those experiences have prepared him for his opportunity to lead the Jaguars.

He also gets personal, talking about his close relationship with his dad, the role family has played throughout his journey, and the sacrifices behind becoming an NFL head coach.

With Trevor Lawrence and a young Jaguars team entering a pivotal season, Coen discusses his expectations, the identity he wants to build, what he sees in his team, and what it will take to take the team to the next level.

A conversation about the journey, family, mentorship, leadership, and the pressure and opportunity that comes with building something from the ground up. 

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“I cannot sit on the sideline.”Travis Hunter 

Couldn’t come to Duuval and not talk to our guy Travis Hunter!! We were able to catch him for a few minutes on his off day while he was at the facility with his family and we had to ask him all the things everyone wants to know and put truth to the headlines and rumors that constantly surround this young star. 

Heading into his second year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Travis keeps it real with us about life on and off the field. Coming off an injury, He opens up about his determination to continue playing both sides of the ball, the physical and mental demands that come with it, and the expectations surrounding one of football’s most unique young playmakers.

Ryan and Channing push back on all the snaps he takes and being a Hall of Famer at one position is tough let alone trying to compete at two! But Travis makes it clear and lets the guys know what drives him to be out there for both! Travis’ bond with Trevor Lawrence is what keeps him grounded and confident on the field as well as the respect and brotherhood he has with his teammates on both sides of the ball, although they have labeled him with a “cheat code” nickname…

He reflects on becoming a dad, balancing family and football, and navigating the pressure to live up to the hype while continuing to grow into the player and person he wants to be. The growth and perspective this young man has at such a young age is truly remarkable. 

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"It's a new beginning for us." Minkah Fitzpatrick and Adonai Mitchell

As the Pivot Training Camp tour continues, we hit the Big Apple, where we sit down with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Adonai Mitchell to preview the season ahead with the NY Jets, and reflect on the hard roads that brought them to this moment.

Two players. Two very different journeys. One shared mindset: keep going, keep growing, and embrace the opportunity in front of you. From adversity and setbacks to finding their way to New York, Minkah and Adonai open up about the moments that tested them, shaped them, and ultimately helped define who they are today. Now, with training camp underway, the focus shifts to what comes next: earning it, building something together, and making an impact when it matters most.

For Minkah, Nine years. Three stops. One journey that brings him back home. His transparency is on full display as he talks growing up in New Jersey to going to Miami as a first round pick to becoming a cornerstone of Steelers defense in 2019 and building a nine-year career defined by adversity, evolution, and excellence, Minkah has seen it all. Now, he returns to familiar territory to begin a new chapter with the Jets — and perhaps the most meaningful one yet. His respect for Coach Aaron Glenn and leading the young roster which is Minkah's focus.

Adonai Mitchell brings the Jets a big, athletic X receiver with downfield speed and the ability to win one-on-one matchups. His time in Indianapolis ended after a costly focus mistake, fumbling at the goal line on what would have been a 75-yard touchdown against the Rams...but he responded well after the trade, showing flashes of the talent that made him a second-round pick. In New York, Mitchell gives the offense another explosive weapon opposite Garrett Wilson, and confidence in Geno Smith to be able to turn those flashes into consistent production.

This isn't just a training camp stop talking preseason...It’s a conversation about resilience, purpose, pressure, and the power of a pivot. The journey brought them to this point, and now, it’s time to see where it takes them.

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“I work twice as hard to never become complacent.”Drake London

As our Pivot Training Camp tour continues, we hit the A to sit with Drake London as a new NFL season begins and camp ramps up with bigger expectations than ever. The Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver opens up about entering a pivotal year, adjusting to a new coaching staff, and embracing the pressure that comes with a major contract and becoming one of the league's top playmakers.

Beyond football, Drake shares the personal milestones shaping this chapter of his life, including his recent engagement, the values instilled by his family, and how his upbringing continues to influence the way he leads on and off the field. He also reflects honestly on mistakes he's made along the way, the lessons they've taught him, and why accountability has become one of his greatest strengths.

In a candid conversation with Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor, Drake discusses what he still has to prove, the expectations surrounding the Falcons, and the mindset driving him toward the best season of his career. It's a conversation about growth, maturity, pressure, and purpose from one of the NFL's brightest young stars.

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"I'm not letting anyone stand in the way of me feeding my family." Jeffery Simmons

One of our favorite times of year as we kick off The Pivot's NFL Training camp tour and we started our journey in Music City, with a team singing praises for their new coach, new logo and a new mindset...Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with one of the league's most dominant defensive forces, Jeffrey Simmons. The All Pro Defensive Tackle has achieved ultimate individual success in his eight year career but is still chasing that team goal, to win together.

From overcoming unimaginable adversity to becoming a first-round draft pick and one of the NFL's premier defensive tackles, Simmons reflects on the journey that shaped him on and off the field. He also opens up about moving beyond the rumors and stigma that followed one mistake in high school, sharing how he rebuilt his reputation through accountability, perseverance, and years of proving himself both as a man and as a player.

The conversation dives into the challenge of consistently performing at an elite level while playing on teams that have struggled to win, and what continues to fuel his drive every time he steps on the field.

Simmons also discusses the excitement surrounding elite quarterback Cam Ward, why he believes Ward's talent and leadership can help change the trajectory of the franchise, and what it's been like embracing a new era under the Titans' new coaching regime, including the impact of veteran defensive mind Robert Saleh. He also talks about how he's been impressed with Rookie wideout Carnell Tate and what his speed and talents bring to the offensive unit.

He doesn't shy away from the emotional side of football either, sharing what it was like watching former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel reach the Super Bowl after spending so many years together in Tennessee, and why that moment of watching his friend play in that game was bittersweet and brought on a sense of what could have been.

It's an honest conversation about resilience, redemption, loyalty, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of greatness—on a team still searching for its breakthrough.

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