The Player Development Pod

What do you do when your head coach is on the hot seat and the entire building feels it?

In this episode, Ed Jones II takes you inside the real pressure of a hot seat season in college football. Using his experience from the 2018 University of Houston season, he shares what it is actually like to work in player development or support staff when the rumors start, the tension grows, and everyone in the building is trying to figure out what their future looks like.

This is not the version fans see online.

This is the version people inside the building live through.

Ed walks through the emotional weight, the financial uncertainty, the shifting relationships, and the quiet panic that staff members deal with when their job security is tied to a decision they cannot control. He shares how players respond, how families react, and how he personally prepared for the possibility of being let go even while still trying to serve the athletes he cared about.

You will hear:

• What it feels like when your building changes overnight

• The role Football Scoop, rumors, and buyout dates play in the tension

• How players experience fear, confusion, and frustration during a hot seat year

• Why support staff often carry the heaviest financial impact

• What player development must do to stabilize the locker room

• The behind the scenes realities that never make headlines

• The exact steps Ed took to protect his family and stay present for his athletes

This episode is for anyone in player development, coaching, support staff, administration, or anyone who wants to understand the real human side of college football.

It is honest.

It is vulnerable.

It is real.

And it might prepare you for a moment you did not expect.

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

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

After three straight years of weekly episodes and months of producing multiple episodes every week, the Player Development Pod finally took a much needed break. Today, we are officially back and ready to bring even more clarity, direction, and support to everyone serving in the player development space.

In this comeback episode, Ed Jones II shares why the reset mattered, what changed during the break, and what you can expect from this new season of the show. From deeper dives into real player development scenarios, to international conversations, to behind the scenes insight on the 2026 Player Development Summit in Detroit, this season will be the most impactful yet.

If you work with athletes, lead a program, or want to grow in the player development field, this episode sets the tone for everything coming next.

In this episode:

• Why the break was necessary

• Lessons learned from stepping away

• What to expect in this new season

• Upcoming series on coaching transitions

• Why support staff face a different reality than head coaches

• The return of guests and international voices

• Behind the scenes of the 2026 Summit

• How to tap into all the new content and resources

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

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

When Jessica Gray finished her panel at the 2025 Player Development Summit, she turned to me and said, “We need this in Detroit.” That single moment sparked the movement that led to the 2026 Player Development Summit being hosted in the Motor City.

In this episode, Keionna Banks sat down with Jessica Gray, the Senior Director of Player Engagement for the Detroit Lions, to unpack what it truly means to develop humans first. Jessica shares her leadership philosophy built on empathy, accountability, and authenticity. She opens up about the boundaries that protect her energy, the lessons that shaped her approach, and how she continues to build programs that transform lives beyond the field.

From the Lions’ Rookie Readiness Program to her candle business that fills her creative cup, Jessica’s story is proof that purpose and balance can coexist in leadership. She reminds us that you don’t need to be perfect to have impact, you just need to be present, intentional, and honest with yourself.

If you’re passionate about player development, leadership, or building systems that care for the person behind the athlete, this conversation will inspire you to think beyond the title, beyond the moment, and beyond the field.

The Player Development Guide → https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

Player Development Accelerator Assessment → https://edward-jones-po11g9mt.scoreapp.com

Is Your Program Player Development READY? → https://edward-jones-0amn1dyi.scoreapp.com

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

100 Tips of Player Development → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/09c6129dc1

Player Development 101 → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

In this special episode, I am announcing the location of the 2026 Player Development Summit, and it is official. We are headed to Detroit, Michigan.

Before revealing the city, I take a moment to thank everyone who helped make the 2025 Player Development Summit in Kansas City such an incredible success. From the Brain Tank and volunteers to the speakers, sponsors, and attendees, you made history by helping us host our first in-person Summit.

In this episode, I share the full story behind the 2026 decision. We looked at four finalist cities: Atlanta, Houston, Las Vegas, and Detroit. Each city had its strengths, but Detroit stood out for its grit, pride, and resilience. These are the same values that define player development.

You will hear why Detroit is the perfect city to host the next Summit, how it aligns with the Beyond The Field mission of Developing People and Elevating Programs, and what is next for this growing movement.

I also talk about how you can get involved as a sponsor, speaker, or attendee and why the 2026 event is set to be bigger than ever.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

📩 Join the Mailing List: https://forms.gle/f5vWTx5b4g4esdb36

💼 Sponsor the 2026 Player Development Summit: https://forms.gle/KDxW5jNnB88jPQZt7

🎤 Apply to Speak: https://forms.gle/kMvsd3afguajbQ8c9

The Player Development Guide → https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

Player Development Accelerator Assessment → https://edward-jones-po11g9mt.scoreapp.com

Is Your Program Player Development READY? → https://edward-jones-0amn1dyi.scoreapp.com

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

100 Tips of Player Development → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/09c6129dc1

Player Development 101 → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

We sat down with Dr. Melissa Weinsz right after her session at the 2025 Player Development Zone in Kansas City. As the Director of Player Engagement for the Kansas City Chiefs, Dr. Weinsz is not only a local leader but also one of only a handful of women in the NFL to hold this role.

In our conversation, Dr. Weinsz opens up about her journey from Ohio to Florida, LSU, and now Kansas City. She shares how she has helped reshape programs, guided NIL strategy when it was brand new, and restructured athlete development initiatives.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why being a woman in this space is a superpower

• How Dr. Weinsz finds balance and wellness through community, CrossFit, and faith

• The importance of trust, confidentiality, and “being quick to love but slow to share”

• Why player engagement requires both nurturing instincts and strong professional presence

• What Beyond the Field means to her personally and why she believes it is the premier platform for this work

Dr. Weinsz reminds us that leadership is not always about being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it is the quiet strength and authenticity that changes lives.

If you are a current or aspiring player development professional, or simply someone navigating leadership in challenging spaces, this episode will leave you with practical wisdom and renewed encouragement.

📌 Be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who would be inspired by Dr. Weinsz’s journey.

#PlayerDevelopment #BeyondTheField #Chiefs #NFL #Leadership

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The Player Development Guide → https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

Player Development Accelerator Assessment → https://edward-jones-po11g9mt.scoreapp.com

Is Your Program Player Development READY? → https://edward-jones-0amn1dyi.scoreapp.com

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

100 Tips of Player Development → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/09c6129dc1

Player Development 101 → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Transitions are part of every journey—whether you’re graduating, changing jobs, or facing unexpected challenges. In this episode of The Player Development Pod, Dr. Jamil Northcutt, Deputy Director at Athletes.org and CEO of Strategic Transitions Advisors, shares powerful insights from the Beyond the Field Summit on how to navigate change with clarity and confidence.

We dive into:

Why building hedges (boundaries) protects your health, relationships, and finances

How core values reduce stress and guide your decisions

Why cultivating competence in new areas helps you thrive in transition

The importance of perseverance and not giving up when life gets tough

Dr. Northcutt reminds us that life moves in seasons, and even in difficult moments, change may be working in your favor.

👉 Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, faith, and practical strategies to help you face whatever transition life puts in front of you.

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The Player Development Guide → https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

Player Development Accelerator Assessment → https://edward-jones-po11g9mt.scoreapp.com

Is Your Program Player Development READY? → https://edward-jones-0amn1dyi.scoreapp.com

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

100 Tips of Player Development → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/09c6129dc1

Player Development 101 → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

After three years of nonstop content — over 200 episodes, nearly 100 hours of conversations, and a growing community that just crossed 1,000 subscribers — it’s time for a pause.

In this episode, I share why I’m taking a strategic break from the Player Development Pod. This is not the end. It’s a chance to step back, reset, and prepare for the next level of growth.

You’ll hear:

The real reason I need this pause

How I’m preparing Beyond the Field for what’s next

Why the systems that got us here won’t get us to the future

Ways you can stay connected during the break (book, newsletter, assessments, email)

What you can expect when I return refreshed and ready

This break is about more than rest — it’s about building the structure that allows Beyond the Field to scale, serve athletic departments, and make the Player Development Summit bigger than ever.

Thank you for your support and trust. This is just a pause, not the end. When I come back, I’ll be ready to serve you and your programs on an even greater level.

Developing People. Elevating Programs.

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The Player Development Guide → https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

Player Development Accelerator Assessment → https://edward-jones-po11g9mt.scoreapp.com

Is Your Program Player Development READY? → https://edward-jones-0amn1dyi.scoreapp.com

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

100 Tips of Player Development → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/09c6129dc1

Player Development 101 → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

College athletics feels more transactional than ever — transfers, NIL deals, and short stints define the current landscape. But here’s the truth: you can still be transformational, even if you only have athletes for a short period of time.

In this episode, I break down the three questions every player development professional, coach, or leader must help their athletes answer:

Who am I as a person? (Identity beyond sport)

Who am I as a leader? (The impact I want to have)

What are my personal and professional interests? (Dreams that last after the final whistle)

These questions may seem simple, but if you guide athletes through them, even six months in your program will leave a lifelong imprint.

We’ll talk about practical ways to build initiatives, conversations, and programming around these questions — and how you can stay transformational in a transactional era.

🚀 Next Steps

If this episode resonates and you want to go deeper, join me in the Player Development Accelerator — a 4-week cohort where I help you:

Build your player development plan

Communicate it with clarity

Implement it with confidence

Prepare for your next steps

👉 Take the free Readiness Assessment here: https://edward-jones-0amn1dyi.scoreapp.com

💬 What’s one way you stay transformational in your program? Share your thoughts with me — I’d love to hear your perspective.

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The Player Development Guide → https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

Player Development Accelerator Assessment → https://edward-jones-po11g9mt.scoreapp.com

Is Your Program Player Development READY? → https://edward-jones-0amn1dyi.scoreapp.com

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

100 Tips of Player Development → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/09c6129dc1

Player Development 101 → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

In this episode of The Player Development Pod, we sit down with Dr. Lacee' Carmon-Johnson, Director of Basketball Advancement for the Toronto Raptors, to talk about the future of athlete development in the NBA and beyond.

Dr. Carmon-Johnson brings a wealth of experience as a former NCAA athlete, educator, career strategist, and mother of three. With her PhD in Educational Administration, she has built a reputation for designing customized programs that go deeper than basketball, helping players develop life skills, career readiness, and personal identity that lasts long after the final buzzer.

In this conversation, we cover:

Why holistic health and wellness are essential for athletes in a high-performance world

How vulnerability and transparency open doors to authentic relationships with players

Why “programs in a box” don’t work and how customization creates lasting impact

Lessons from motherhood that have shaped her leadership with NBA athletes

What “Beyond the Field” really means for players, professionals, and anyone building a life beyond their title

Her powerful reminder: The ball will only bounce for so long. Who will you be when it stops?

This episode is a must-listen for coaches, administrators, and development professionals who want to prepare athletes not just to win in sport, but to win in life.

Every athletic program needs speakers — but not every speaker is the right fit. The wrong choice can cost thousands of dollars and leave your players uninspired. The right choice can transform the room, energize your athletes, and strengthen your culture.

In this episode of The Player Development Pod, Ed Jones II — founder of Beyond the Field and author of The Player Development Guide — shares lessons learned from his time in player development at the University of Houston, Kansas, and Baylor. You’ll hear real stories of speakers who landed with power, and others who completely missed the mark.

We break down:

The 3 questions to ask before booking any speaker

Why video proof and testimonials matter more than social media followers

How to evaluate a speaker’s true lane of expertise

The underrated way to protect your credibility with coaches and staff

Why intentional speaker selection builds long-term trust in your role

If you’re a coach, administrator, or player development professional, this episode will give you a practical framework for finding the right voices to inspire your athletes.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to research, vet, and book speakers who don’t just talk — but truly connect.

The Player Development Guide → https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

Player Development Accelerator Assessment → https://edward-jones-po11g9mt.scoreapp.com

Is Your Program Player Development READY? → https://edward-jones-0amn1dyi.scoreapp.com

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

100 Tips of Player Development → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/09c6129dc1

Player Development 101 → https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program