Raising A Pro with Annie Apple

“I didn’t really know the extent of your condition, until you told me and I realised I might actually lose you” 
Eli Apple was drafted 10th overall in the 2016 NFL draft by the New York Giants from Ohio State after winning Fiesta Bowl MVP. He was then traded to New Orleans Saints where the team was one bad call away from going to the Superbowl in 2018. After a stint with the Carolina Panthers, Eli entered free agency in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. 
In this special thanksgiving episode, mother and son sit down to talk about NFL heroes, navigating betrayal, the importance of self belief, coping with injuries and that oh so close you could touch it Superbowl. 
Eli and Annie are not only mother and son, they’re also best friends that support each other through thick and thin. As you’ll hear when they discuss how they dealt with Annie’s traumatic brain surgery in 2017 and Eli’s own health issues and professional obstacles. 
Our thanks BetterHelp and Hello Fresh for supporting this episode. 
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“I remember him saying, i don't care that you can't see..i just want you there..” 
DeAndre Hopkins is a star wide receiver of the Arizona Cardinals. He was selected in the first round, 27th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft by The Houston Texans, making him the second wide receiver in franchise history to be drafted in the first round. And his star has been rising ever since. 
Like her son, his mother Sabrina Greenlee is a force to be reckoned with and she’s been DeAndre’s biggest cheerleader ever since she saw him throw a football at the age of 5. She knew he was special. And their bond is equally as special. 
In 2002, when DeAndre was just 10 years old, Sabrina was the victim of a despicable acid attack by a former lover that nearly killed her and left her blind. In this episode, she takes us right to the centre of the tremendous heartbreak their family have shared over the years, and how they’ve come out the other side stronger than ever. 
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“None of our personal moments should define us in the totality of who we are..”

Myles Garrett is the man on defense for the Cleveland Browns after being drafted first overall in the 2017 NFL draft and he’s been terrorising quarterbacks ever since. 
His mom, Audrey Garrett has been there through it all. The highs of his career, the challenges, and the devastating lows including his suspension from the 2019 season after an on field altercation with Mason Rudolph of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  In this no holds barred conversation, Audrey guides us through Myles’ journey growing up on the gridiron as we trace his story from a dinosaur loving kid with a passion for poetry to the powerhouse we see on the field today. 
And it seems he’s not the only one in the Garrett household that’s got a talent for athletics.. 

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“His coaches always said he had ice in his veins..even from the time he was little” 
Joe Burrow is a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, picked number 1 overall in the 2020 NFL draft. The first ever virtual draft due to the restrictions of COVID 19. 
Joe Burrow’s mom, Robin Burrow, takes us right back to when Joey first picked up a football as a boy, through his high school and college years right up to the man that we see standing on the field today. A man full of integrity, who is not afraid to stand up for what is right, as he proved when he delivered an incredible speech upon collecting his Heisman Trophy win in 2019. He took the opportunity to use his platform to drum up support and donations for food banks and under supported families in his Ohio hometown. 

Our thanks to Care/of for supporting this episode. For 50% off your first Care/of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter code rap50. 

Launching November 6th with new episodes released every Friday. 

Hosted by journalist, storyteller, and NFL mom Annie Apple, Raising a Pro takes you beyond the gridiron to give you an intimate look at your favorite athletes. A glimpse through the eyes and experiences of those who helped star athletes become who they are.

Make sure you subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or via your favourite podcast app. 

In this emotional conclusion, Eli Apple reflects on how what was supposed to be a breakout year two with the Giants, led to a breakdown, which turned into a breakthrough. The star cornerback relives the trade from NY to New Orleans and the free agency process that brought him to the Panthers, along with his thoughts on life, lessons and the future of the league..

From falling in love with football at age 10, going to Ohio State and winning the first CFP Championship, to rookie year in New York with the Giants, Eli Apple tells it all. Go behind the scenes and hear how faith in God, love of football, unfiltered honesty, and Black joy fuel this mother and son friendship.

So much to learn and unpack in this verbal adventure with Cheryl Bosa, mom to two future NFL legends Joey and Nick Bosa, with special appearance by Ohio State DLine guru Larry Johnson. Go behind the scenes of both drafts and get a front row seat to the lives of two brothers growing up under the glaring spotlight of their talents and expectations.

Buckle up for an unforgettable ride with Cheri Shepard as we explore the journey of her son, NY Giants standout wide receiver Sterling Shepard. Find out how she raised the ultimate Girl Dad, deals with the concussion scares, and how she raised three young kids on her own after the sudden passing of her husband-- a moment that changed their family forever.

Joe Burrow went from fourth-string quarterback at Ohio State to transferring to LSU & winning the 2019 National Title & Heisman. He then was drafted first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first-ever NFL virtual draft due to COVID-19. The mother of the first-round pick, Robin Burrow, takes us behind the scenes of this Hollywood story, and there’s so much more to it than meets the eye.