NFL Players: Second Acts

In this powerful episode of NFL Players: Second Acts , Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith sits down with hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper and shares why after his legendary shoulder separation game he said, “If I’m gonna die, let me die in Dallas.” Emmitt opens up about what it meant to be named to the NFL’s All-Time 100 Team—an honor he says holds even more...

In this inspiring episode of NFL Players: Second Acts , hosts Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman sit down with Hall of Fame Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary. Known for his intense presence on the field and relentless leadership, Mike opens up about the journey that shaped him—from growing up as the youngest of 10 children, to becoming the heart and soul of the 1985 Super Bowl–winn...

On this episode of NFL Players: Second Acts , hosts Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman sit down with former receiver turned headphones entrepreneur Mark Clayton. Mark reflects on his journey from not taking football seriously, to becoming a first-round pick out of Oklahoma. He also shares the football and life lessons he got as an NFL rookie from Ravens legends Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Mark’s big...

Former NFL cornerback turned NFL official Nate Jones joins Peanut and Roman for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at life on both sides of the whistle. He dives into the mental and physical demands of officiating, the reality of “makeup calls,” and what it’s like dealing with overzealous parents at youth games. Nate reflects on what it was like being coached by both Bill Belichick...

Former NFL linebacker Colin Allred joins Peanut and Roman for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and eye-opening. Colin reflects on his unlikely path from the NFL to being a civil rights attorney to Congress - and the lessons he’s taken from each chapter. Colin shares how an unlikely phone call led to him putting off law school for a chance to play in th...

In this episode of NFL Players: Second Acts , Peanut and Roman sit down with former offensive lineman Cory Procter, who shares the unexpected turns his life has taken since leaving the field. Cory dives into his “Welcome to the NFL” moment and recalls battling Peanut in what would be his final NFL game. Cory also shares stories of playing for the legendary head coach Bill Parcells. He...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Super Bowl champion and versatile NFL athlete Isaiah Stanback joins Peanut and Roman to share his remarkable journey from the NFL to WWE to GMFB. He opens up about the challenges and mindset required to constantly switch positions during his NFL career. Isaiah also takes us inside his surprising pivot to attending WWE’s training camp and...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by former running back Chris Gronkowski. Chris discusses what it was like growing up with five brothers, four of which played in the NFL. He also explains How he defied the odds to make it to the NFL. Later, he explains what it was like playing with Tony Romo, and the demanding style of Peyton Manning. Chris then shares hi...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Super Bowl champion and offensive lineman Jeff Allen joins Peanut and Roman. Jeff takes it back to his roots in Chicago, where he began his football journey at King College Prep. He reflects on what it was like growing up in the city and the stark contrast between Chicago’s football culture and the football-obsessed environment of Texas....

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Colts running back Vick Ballard joins Peanut and Roman to share his remarkable journey. Vick opens up about starting his football career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before making it to Mississippi State and eventually being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. He reflects on his breakout rookie season and the devastating...

NFL Players: Second Acts hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with legendary Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown for a candid reflection of his Hall of Fame career. Starting with his iconic NFL debut kick return touchdown in 1988, Brown recounts the highs and lows of his 17-year professional campaign -- all but one of which being in silver and black. From vouching to have the team part ways...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht joins Peanut and Roman. Ben reflects on the moments that led to his NFL career and credits Tony Dungy for giving him his shot in the league. He shares what it was like competing with Peyton Manning and tells a story that sums up what it was like playing with him. Ben opens up about the concussion he sustained during pra...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey joins Peanut and Roman. Ed looks back at Super Bowl 50, where he served as a color commentator for the radio broadcast, and explains how he earned a fourth Super Bowl ring despite only playing in three. Ed shares what it was like getting cut by the Giants and how that moment pushed him to shed equipment wei...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman welcome former defensive back turned flag football pioneer Izell Reese to the show. Izell shares his journey from undrafted free agent out of University of Alabama-Birmingham to playing with guys like Deion Sanders, Darren Woodson, and Super Bowl MVP Larry Brown on the Dallas Cowboys. Izell later shares details of the brawl versus th...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl running back Warrick Dunn joins Peanut and Roman. Warrick describes the meetings he had with Falcons owner Arthur Blank that led to Warrick joining the team’s ownership group. He also discusses his work to eradicate generational poverty by building homes for families in need through his Warrick Dunn Charities. Warrick describes...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Jets defensive tackle Marty Lyons joins Peanut and Roman. Marty discusses what it was like to play for legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, and he takes inside the famous goal line stand against Penn St. in the 1979 Sugar Bowl to win the National Championship. Marty then tells stories of playing his entire career with the Jets, being pa...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks joins hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper for a discussion far beyond football. Brooks explains his work as an NFL appeals officer and the mentorship the position has allowed him to carry out. Brooks also reflects on the significance of receiving the first ever Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Later, t...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson joins hosts Peanut and Roman. Steven discusses his running style and shares the types of running plays that helped him become the Rams all-time leader in rushing yards. He also explains the significance behind wearing jersey number 39 and how it felt to lose in the AFC Championship game in his final season....

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson joins hosts Peanut and Roman. Patrick and Roman debate whether LSU or Alabama have produced better defensive backs and Patrick explains the significance of the number seven jersey at LSU. He also discusses some of the major battles he had against Cam Newton in college and the NFL, explains how he overcame his rook...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Pro Bowl lineman Jahri Evans joins hosts Peanut and Roman. Jahri discusses his Saints career and shares how he feels to be a three-time finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jahri shares his path from a Division II college to the NFL, reveals the toughest defensive linemen he faced, and talks winning Super Bowl XLIII with Roman. Jahri also expl...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins joins Peanut and Roman. Dion shares his thoughts on Bills quarterback Josh Allen winning the 2024 MVP award and what it will take for the Bills to beat the Chiefs in the playoffs. He also explains the origin of his “Shnowman” nickname and how he started his apparel company Shnow Store. Dion also talks about...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former fullback Chris Hetherington joins Roman and Peanut. Chris explains how he transitioned from a college quarterback to an NFL fullback, why he got his MBA after he retired, and how he ended up running a Japanese basketball team. Chris talks about become the CEO of Fathead, how they’re trying to increase fan engagement, and how he leverages...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick joins Roman and Peanut. Michael explains how he became the head coach at Norfolk State University and what he’s looking forward to in his first year as a coach. He shares the lessons he learned from his successful head coaches like Andy Reid, what it means to have two black quarterbacks play in the Super...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former wide receiver Michael Jenkins joins Roman and Peanut. Michael talks about playing at Ohio State University under Jim Tressel and making clutch catches in big moments. Michael explains how he became a medical device salesman and what it’s like to sit in on brain surgery. He also discusses the difference between catching passes from Michae...

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl cornerback Ryan McNeil joins Roman and Peanut. Ryan talks about playing at the University of Miami under Jimmy Johnson and then learning how to silence his ego and embrace the process as a rookie playing for the Detroit Lions. He also shares how he negotiated his rookie contract, why he approached his career from a business mindset, a...