The Player Development Pod

We did it — 1,000 YouTube subscribers! 🎉

In this celebratory episode, I share my journey from launching the Beyond The Field channel in 2022 to building a global community that just crossed the 1K mark. I talk about:
– What this milestone really means
– How consistency (even through tough seasons) pays off
– Why YOU are the true creators of this content
– And the lessons I’ve learned that can help you in your own journey

Thank you for being part of this movement. Whether you’ve been here since day one or you just subscribed this week, you are family.

🎧 Listen, celebrate, and let’s keep creating generational impact — together.

Resources:

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

⚠️ Content Warning
This episode discusses sextortion, suicide, and sensitive topics related to athlete safety and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. If you are struggling or need help, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. or seek support from a trusted professional in your area.

36 confirmed deaths. Countless more unreported.

Sextortion is the scam that preys on young athletes — posing as girls online, manipulating them into sending explicit photos, and then blackmailing them with shame and threats.

In this episode, Ed shares:

His personal story of an athlete who almost fell victim.

Alarming stats from Dan Wetzel’s Yahoo Sports report.

3 practical safeguards for parents, coaches & athletes.

Why silence kills — and how to fight back.

🔗 Resources: FBI IC3.gov | NCMEC CyberTipline | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

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Resources:

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 football’s opening weekend reminded me of a conversation I had this summer. North Carolina Central just earned a big win in the MEAC–SWAC Challenge over Southern, and it’s the perfect moment to highlight Darian Iverson, Player Development Coordinator at NCCU.

In this short but impactful episode, Darian and I discuss:

Why NCCU recruits high-character athletes

How HBCUs are doing meaningful player development with fewer resources

The role of alumni + community in creating opportunities

Why player development at the HBCU level is both needed and powerful

Even though this conversation was recorded in the summer, it’s a timely reminder that what’s happening off the field is just as important as what we see on Saturdays.

👉🏾 Subscribe to The Player Development Pod for more conversations that develop people and elevate programs.

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Resources:

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, I unpack one of the most common questions I get in player development: “How do I land an NFL player engagement job?”

While it’s a valid question, it’s also a limited one. I break down why opportunities in the NFL are rare, how most staffers started in college roles, and why chasing a logo isn’t the same as creating real impact.

If you’ve ever thought the NFL was the only path to athlete development success, this episode will challenge your perspective.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

📘 Get my book The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

📝 Take the Player Development Journey Assessment: https://edward-jones-8qvfl4ht.scoreapp.com

When most programs launch player development, they fall into one trap: copycatting.

They see what another school is doing—maybe Clemson’s Paul Journey—and try to carbon copy it. But every university, every roster, and every city is unique. Copycatting leads to programs that look good on paper but fail to make a real impact on athletes.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the four steps to avoid the copycat trap and build a program that’s genuine to YOU and your athletes:

Step 1: Define your foundation — What impact do you want to make?

Step 2: Identify your resources — What’s already available on campus and in your city?

Step 3: Decide how you’ll execute — Who’s involved, how often, and what structure works best?

Step 4: Put it in writing — A clear, strategic plan that earns buy-in.

Whether you’re a new Director of Player Development, a coach, or an administrator, this episode will help you design a program that’s intentional, sustainable, and impactful.

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

👉 Explore the 10 Areas of Player Development episode for deeper foundations.

It’s not about copy-paste. It’s about creating generational impact that transforms athletes’ lives.

In this episode of The Player Development Pod, I open up about two pivotal career moments when I knew it was time to leave a role I worked hard to get.

From leaving Kansas for Baylor with a $40K raise to recognizing the early signs that my Baylor role was changing — these stories are filled with lessons on value, timing, and career strategy.

If you’re in athlete development or student-athlete support, this episode will help you navigate tough decisions with clarity.

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Resources:

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

Career development in player development isn’t just about job placement—it’s about preparing athletes for a lifetime of success.

In this episode, I walk you through the Professional Development Progression, a 5-step framework from The Player Development Guide (page 123) that covers:

1️⃣ Documentation – resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles

2️⃣ Presentation – personal brand, social media presence, professional dress

3️⃣ Preparation – interviews, networking, communication skills

4️⃣ Compensation – salary negotiation, benefits, financial literacy

5️⃣ Transformation – applying it all for long-term impact

Whether you’re a director, coach, or aspiring player development professional, this roadmap will help you move athletes from the playing field into thriving careers.

📘 Resources Mentioned:

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

There are 10 core areas that can define a great player development program—and every program leader should know them.

In this episode, I break down:

The 10 areas of player development that impact athletes for life

Why starting with 3 creates the most focus and results

How you can use these areas to guide your program’s direction

Whether you’re a player development professional, coach, or administrator, this episode will help you think bigger about your role and your athletes’ growth.

📚 Go deeper with The Player Development Guide → https://amzn.to/3ZQZqJz

#PlayerDevelopment #AthleteDevelopment #BeyondTheField

In this episode of The Player Development Pod, I pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to work for a head coach who doesn’t understand player development.

From being left off the schedule to having your professional growth stunted, these are the eight hard truths I’ve learned in my career — and what they mean for your role:

1️⃣ They are either for you or against you

2️⃣ They will say they get it

3️⃣ They believe they’re putting you in the best position

4️⃣ They get territorial

5️⃣ They can stunt your professional growth

6️⃣ You won’t be a priority on the schedule

7️⃣ They won’t take time to see how you impact the program

8️⃣ They don’t understand the value you bring as a professional

If you’re in this field, knowing these truths will help you navigate tough situations and still create impact. If you’re a coach, this might change the way you lead your program.

📖 Learn more in The Player Development Guide → https://amzn.to/3ZQZqJz

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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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PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: [email protected]

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: [email protected]

In this episode, Edward dives deep into the why behind strategy in player development.

Many programs rely on good people doing good things — but without strategy, the work lacks staying power. He shares four critical reasons why strategy is the key to sustainable and scalable impact:

Player development is often misunderstood

Strategy allows for intentional impact

Strategy supports data and follow-up

Strategy creates opportunity for resources and support

🎯 Whether you’re just starting or leading a department, this episode will help you bring vision, direction, and results to your work.

🎧 Subscribe and review if this helped!

📕 Buy The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3ZQZqJz

-

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/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: [email protected]

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: [email protected]