The NFL Players Podcast

On this episode of NFL Players: Second Acts, hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with former Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett for a wide-ranging conversation about going undrafted to becoming one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the NFL. Bennett built a reputation as one of the most versatile and relentless players of his era but when it was time to step away from the game he took a surprising turn into art, culture, and activism. Now exploring new passions in architecture and design, Bennett explains why he’s always pushed himself to the limit in everything he does, both on and off the field.

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 Tillman and Roman Harper are joined by their former head coach Ron Rivera. Ron was a Super Bowl winning linebacker, defensive coordinator, and head coach who took the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50. Ron explains what he does in his current role as the first general manager of the California football program and shares his vision for the future of the team. He speaks out about the downsides of NIL and how he would like to see college football’s payment structure change. Ron also discusses his experience coaching Roman and Peanut on the Carolina Panthers and whether he would come back to coach in the NFL again.

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 podcast, hosts Charles Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with former teammate Lou Young to unpack his wild NFL journey from going undrafted and getting cut four times to finding viral fame and success beyond football as a social media influencer. He shares stories from the Panthers’ 2014 season, clashing with Shannon Sharpe, and how the setbacks ultimately fueled 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 episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl QB Robert Griffin III - a.k.a. “RG3” - joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper. Robert explains how he got his nickname, what it was like setting records his rookie year, and how he fits into the era of Black quarterbacks who continued to evolve the position in the NFL. RG3 also talks about why he decided to retire in 2020, but how he’s stayed in playing shape in case he gets a Philip Rivers-type call from a team. We hear Robert’s “welcome to the media moment,” his seamless transition from football to broadcasting, and what he’s learned about managing media controversies.

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 Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with former Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson to talk about life after football and his transition from elite playmaker to head coach at Delaware St. University. DeSean opens up about his unorthodox coaching style, the moment he realized coaching was his next calling, and the challenges of building confidence in his first year leading a program. He also discusses battling for accolades amongst receivers like Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, A.J. Green and others. Plus, we hear where DeSean compares to Jerry Rice in NFL history.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hall of Famer John Lynch sits down for an incredible conversation about the hits, the legends, and the moments that defined his iconic football career. Lynch shares what it meant to be a hard-hitting safety in the NFL, the influence Bill Walsh had on his career at Stanford, and what he learned from Ronnie Lott about how to hit hard. He explains how he got back into the game as an executive, why he misses the wins and losses, and how John Elway helped give him his start in football operations.

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, Pro Bowl edge rusher DeMarcus Ware sits down with Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper. The guys reminisce about playing each other in Super Bowl L and DeMarcus breaks down the game plan that allowed the Broncos to beat the Panthers. Then DeMarcus explains why he chose number 94, how he lived up to Charles Haley legacy with the Cowboys, and the quarterback that he struggled to sack. He also reveals why he decided to retire and how he’s giving back to the Boys and Girls Club.

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 NFL MVP and Seahawks legend Shaun Alexander joins Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman for a fun, honest, and wide‑ranging conversation. Shaun explains why his MVP season may be the greatest of all time for a running back. He also talks about the Seahawks Super Bowl XL run and why leaving a football legacy matters. He also opens up about expecting baby #14, his growth from Alabama to the NFL, his work with the organization Stand Together.

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 episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast, former NFL MVP Matt Ryan sits down with hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper to talk football, legacy, and life after the game. Matt dives into the Saints vs. Falcons rivalry, his deep pride in Atlanta, and what it means to embrace a second act beyond the field. He also shares insight on leadership, including his thoughts on Bill Cowher and the future of the Falcons front office.

Then, Jeb Terry joins the conversation to discuss his return to San Francisco and the rapid rise of Cosm, a groundbreaking venue reshaping how fans experience sports and entertainment. From the Protector of the Year Award to unforgettable fan reactions inside Cosm, we explore how immersive technology, movies, and live sports are coming together in a whole new way.

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On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast, Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith sits down with Peanut and Roman at Super Bowl Media Row. Emmitt talks about the battles he faced to become a Super Bowl champion and addresses a rumor that he squatted over 800 pounds in college.

Then, former New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz joins the podcast. Victor shares his opinion on the Giants’ hire of John Harbaugh as their new head coach and discusses whether his former quarterback, Eli Manning, should be in the Hall of Fame. 

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