The Athletic

No Free Lunch with Ndamukong Suh

Sports EN ↓ 105 episodes

No Free Lunch is your unexpected guide to business and finance hosted by one of the world’s true double threats: NFL legend and entrepreneur Ndamukong Suh. Suh will explore how the most successful people in sports are building long term wealth, and what we can learn from their experiences. In every episode, Ndamukong will talk with athletes, experts, business leaders, and recurring contributors about their personal journeys to success, and explore the latest business ideas and trends — all filtered through the world of sports. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Thursday, wherever you get your...

Author

The Athletic

Category

Sports

Podcast website

www.nytimes.com

Latest episode

Jun 30, 2026

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Episodes

Whats The Biggest Price You've Paid For a Breakthrough? 30.06.2026

On this episode of *No Free Lunch*, Ndamukong brings together some of the most powerful answers to one of his favorite questions: "What's the biggest price you've paid for a breakthrough?". Hear lessons from guests including Gary Vaynerchuk, Richard Sherman, Cam Jordan, and more! No Free Lunch releases new episodes every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Like, comment, and subscribe to the show! Follow us a...

Why Looking Rich Keeps NFL Players Broke 25.06.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong breaks down the critical difference between looking rich and actually building wealth. While professional athletes often earn life-changing contracts, many struggle to turn that income into lasting financial security. Ndamukong shares why wealth is built through discipline, smart decision-making, and long-term investing—not expensive purchases and lifest...

Kurt Warner's Hall of Fame Career Was Built Long Before the Super Bowl 23.06.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner to explore one of the most remarkable stories in sports. From being an overlooked quarterback at the University of Northern Iowa to becoming a Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, Kurt shares the mindset that helped him stay prepared when opportunity finally arrived. He also discusses the importance of plann...

How NFL Players Can Turn Access Into Opportunity 18.06.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong shares why many professional athletes miss out on their biggest advantage, access. While playing at the highest level opens doors to influential people, valuable networks, and life-changing opportunities, most athletes never fully capitalize on them. Ndamukong explains how leveraging relationships, learning from successful people, and thinking beyond the...

How Mo Wells Became the Go-To Trainer for Elite Athletes like Ja'Marr Chase and Ja Morant 16.06.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh sits down with renowned trainer and coach Mo Wells. Mo shares how transferring to LSU as a track athlete created opportunities that would ultimately connect him with some of the biggest names in sports, including Ja'Marr Chase, Bijan Robinson, and Ja Morant. Mo breaks down how he earned the trust of elite athletes and strategically built a business t...

Why Smart Athletes Think Differently About Loyalty 11.06.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh shares how genuine relationships have been one of the most important drivers of his success, both on and off the field. From teammates and mentors to business partners, he explains how trust, consistency, and follow-through have opened doors throughout his career. Ndamukong also challenges the idea that proximity equals connection, revealing how bein...

How Christian Johnston Is Reinventing the Jewelry Business With GLD 09.06.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with Christian Johnston, founder of GLD, to unpack how he turned a small dorm-room hustle at Duquesne University into one of the most recognizable jewelry brands in the game. Christian shares the early days of bootstrapping the business, the discipline it took to grow without outside capital, and why building slowly allowed GLD to scale the rig...

Why More Money Creates More Problems for Athletes 04.06.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh breaks down why making more money in sports often creates even bigger challenges. While fans assume a massive contract solves every problem, the reality is that wealth brings new pressures, greater responsibility, and a whole new set of expectations. Ndamukong shares how bigger paychecks can lead to increased demands from family and friends, more fin...

Adam Breneman Lost Football but Found a Bigger Opportunity 02.06.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch Ndamukong is joined by Adam Breneman! Adam is a former All-American college football player and coach, who shares his journey from aspiring to play professional football to building a successful media career. Adam talks about his early life, growing up in a football-centric family, and his experiences playing at Penn State and UMass. He highlights the challenges he...

Why NFL Players Crash Out in the Media 28.05.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh breaks down why some NFL players “crash out” in the public eye. From emotional interviews and on-field outbursts to constant media scrutiny and viral headlines, Ndamukong explains the unseen pressure that comes with life in the NFL. He shares how coaches, locker room dynamics, public narratives, and nonstop criticism can push players to their breakin...

How Jaylon Smith Turned Adversity Into Opportunity 26.05.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh sits down with Jaylon Smith to discuss the unlikely journey that took him from University of Notre Dame superstar to the Dallas Cowboys. After entering the draft as a projected first-round pick, Jaylon faced a devastating injury that not only threatened his football career, but his ability to walk again. Jaylon opens up about the mindset it took to o...

How Bad Relationships Cost Athletes Millions 21.05.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh breaks down how professional athletes can maximize a career that often only lasts a few years. From building meaningful relationships to leveraging access, influence, and networking opportunities while still playing, Ndamukong explains why so many athletes leave millions on the table long after the checks stop coming. He also shares the strategies th...

Devon Kennard’s Real Estate Empire Started With One Smart Move 19.05.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Devon Kennard opens up about how growing up with a Super Bowl champion father shaped his mindset around discipline, work ethic, and financial responsibility from an early age. After arriving at USC Trojans football as the top recruit in his class, Devon faced major adversity that tested both his career and character — ultimately still finding a way to reach the NF...

Your Inner Circle Is Your Biggest Investment 15.05.2026

On this episode of *No Free Lunch*, Ndamukong Suh breaks down the biggest mistakes athletes make when building their inner circle. From agents and financial advisors to personal assistants and business partners, Ndamukong shares how he intentionally built a team designed for long-term success both on and off the field. He explains why trust, accountability, and alignment are critical for protectin...

How Drew Bledsoe Built a Wine Empire With Family 12.05.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with NFL veteran Drew Bledsoe to discuss the life-changing moment of being selected first overall by the New England Patriots after growing up in Washington State. Drew reflects on the pressure of stepping into Boston as a young quarterback tasked with rebuilding one of the NFL’s most demanding franchises. He also shares how his biggest investm...

Why NFL Coaches Value Trust Over Talent 07.05.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh breaks down the traits that determine who stays in the NFL and who gets cut before reaching their prime. At the center of it all is trust — the foundation of longevity in the league. Ndamukong shares how trust is earned, how quickly it can be lost, and why it has played a defining role throughout every stage of his career — on the field, in the locke...

How the 0-16 Lions Changed Cliff Avril’s Work Ethic 05.05.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh sits down with former NFL teammate and Super Bowl champion Cliff Avril. Cliff shares his journey from Green Cove Springs, Florida, to Purdue University and the unlikely path that led him to a successful NFL career. The conversation dives into how Cliff used the platform and relationships that came with the NFL to open doors far beyond football — help...

The Secret Behind Ndamukong Suh’s 13-Year Ironman Streak 30.04.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong Suh reveals the mindset, preparation, and recovery routine that helped him never miss a game because of injury throughout his 13-year NFL career. He breaks down why athletes need individualized training, recovery, and nutrition programs to maximize performance and extend their careers. Ndamukong also shares the investments he made in his body that gave h...

How Marshawn Lynch Rewrote His Narrative Beyond the NFL 28.04.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch , Ndamukong sits down with Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch for a real conversation about legacy beyond football. Growing up in Oakland, Marshawn shares how his roots shaped his mindset, his identity, and the way he moves in business today. He breaks down how he flipped the narrative around his public image and turned it into a powerful personal brand and media platform...

The Untold Side of the NFL Draft 23.04.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong pulls back the curtain on the NFL Draft—revealing the real gap between first-round money and undrafted free agent deals, and the business behind negotiating your rookie contract. No Free Lunch releases new episodes every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Like, comment, and subscribe to the show! Follow us at: Instagram: @nofreelunchshow TikTok: @nofreelunchshow Nd...

Jarvis Landry & Leonard Fournette Join No Free Lunch 21.04.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch , Ndamukong sits down with Jarvis Landry and Leonard Fournette of the 4th & South podcast. The two reflect on their similar upbringings in Louisiana and how their roots ultimately led them to LSU. They open up about life after football, sharing the realities of transitioning into retirement, the mental health challenges that come with it, and how those changes...

The Secret to Keeping More of Your Money - Even After Tax Day! 16.04.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with Mark Notarainni, EVP & General Manager of Intuit’s Consumer Group, to break down how athletes and entrepreneurs can leverage the right tools to reduce their tax burden and maximize their returns year after year. They also discuss how young people with little to no credit can build a strong financial foundation and take the first steps...

Tax Strategies Used by Athletes and Entertainers | with Karlton Dennis 14.04.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong is joined by tax expert Karlton Dennis to unpack how athletes and entrepreneurs can keep more of what they earn. From proven tax strategies to the new realities of NIL, Karlton breaks down what every high earner needs to know in today’s changing landscape. No Free Lunch releases new episodes every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Like, comment, and subscribe to t...

The Harsh Reality of NFL Earnings 09.04.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch , Ndamukong reveals the truth about NFL money. For every $100M quarterback contract, there are hundreds of players grinding it out on salaries that look a lot more middle class than millionaire. Host: Ndamukong Suh Executive Producers: Andrea Scott Producer: Danny Sellers Editor: David Caputo Follow us at: Instagram: @nofreelunchshow TikTok: @nofreelunchshow Ndamuk...

Vernon Davis Broke the Mold - On AND Off the Field 07.04.2026

On this episode of No Free Lunch, Ndamukong sits down with Vernon Davis to uncover the mindset behind his success—on and off the field. From his deep passion for creativity and art to the principles that guide his life, Vernon shares a side of himself most people never see. He breaks down how creativity shaped the way he played the game, and why love and loyalty have been non-negotiables in both h...

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