In this episode, Edward sits down with his mentee and now fellow player development leader, John Battle, who currently serves as the Director of Player Development at Duke University.

John shares:

How he transitioned from the NFL into this field

What helped him prepare (before he had a title)

How he’s building culture and relationships at Duke

Why intentionality is everything in this work

This is Edward’s first-ever on-campus trip to follow someone in the role—and who better than his mentee?

Listen in and learn from one of the best doing it.

🎧 New episodes this week:

— Thursday: Coach Manny Diaz

— Saturday: Full trip reflection

#PlayerDevelopment #AthleteSupport #JohnBattle #DukeFootball #BeyondTheField

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BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

SIGNED BOOK - Get a SIGNED copy here: https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/p/the-player-development-guide

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]

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