What’s up, everyone? The Christian Kuntz Podcast is back and kicking off Season 2 with a heater—Steelers running back Jonathan "J" Ward joins the show for an unfiltered look at his rise from Kankakee, Illinois to the NFL.

From nearly going down the wrong path to honoring a promise to his grandfather, his story is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and keeping your soul intact in a business that’s all grind.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

✅ Growing up in one of Illinois’ roughest towns—and choosing football over gangs

✅ The legacy of his grandfather and how it shaped everything

✅ Crazy recruiting stories, Mac-tion football, and life at Central Michigan

✅ Getting undrafted and grinding through Arizona, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh

✅ Special teams, being a “priority free agent,” and the power of staying ready

✅ The truth about practice squad life—and why 10 years in the league means everything

✅ Mental health, faith, charity, and doing the work without the spotlight

✅ A wild fish story from the Allegheny (you’ll want to hear this one 🐟)

J keeps it real—talking about humility, heartbreak, and holding on to your identity in a league that doesn’t guarantee anything.

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