The Playbook: Sports & Entertainment

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Kyle Brandt, Co-host of Good Morning Football on NFL Network and host of The Ringer’s “10 Questions w/ Kyle Brandt”, shares his thoughts on: [2:18] - The serendipitous way that he ended up as a cast member of MTV's The Real World: Chicago  [4:56] - How he set himself apart and landed a job as a producer and writer on The Jim Rome Show [13:08] - The reason why he sa...

Justin Pugh, offensive guard for the Arizona Cardinals, shares his thoughts on what it’s like to play in a place like New York as a rookie, as well as how an athlete’s mindset and mental preparation impacts their life on and off the field. Pugh and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, chat about subjects including what Justin did with his first game check (and what he should have done instead), as...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Nicole Lynn, NFL Agent & President of Football Operations for Klutch Sports, shares her thoughts on: [4:35] - How she works to deal with unconscious bias in an industry that is typically male-dominated [7:24] - The one thing that every aspiring sports agent needs to do in order to succeed  [9:13] - Why she strives to “take up space” by being authentic [17:07] - The...

Austin Ekeler, running back for the Los Angeles Chargers, discusses what motivated him to start his own foundation to empower kids to chase their dreams, as well as how his interest in gaming and esports has evolved since using it initially to connect with his community. Ekeler and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer chat about a range of topics including how Austin got up the nerve to ask Coach A...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Lee Zeidman, President of the STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE, shares his thoughts on: [:27] - His initial reaction to the NBA shutting down due to the coronavirus [5:22] - The unusual way he ended up working in the sports industry and why he views informational interviews as essential for jobseekers  [6:15] - His best strategies for working your wa...

Tim S. Grover is the CEO of Attack Athletics, Inc., and author of the book, W1nning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness, shares his thoughts on: [1:48] - Why there are no easy steps to achieving greatness [5:54] - The reason that “balance” isn’t a part of the equation for the world’s top performers   [10:03] - Why having faith is more beneficial than just having a chip on your shoulder [11:19] - Th...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Vernon Davis, former NFL tight end, entrepreneur, actor, and producer, shares his thoughts on: [1:49] - Which of his skills from the football field translate best to being an actor [3:00] - Why passion is at the core of showing up every day to work as your true self [9:48] - The one question that determines whether Vernon will invest in a project or not [12:17] - H...

Chad Steele, VP of Public Relations for the Baltimore Ravens, talks about how an internship introduced him to the world of PR and how the growth of social media has changed the way that news travels. Chad and host of #The Playbook, David Meltzer discuss the necessary skills required to be successful in the competitive sports industry, including relationship building, and some of the misconceptions...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Paul Rabil, Co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), shares his thoughts on: [1:41] - How being a competitor is key to raising capital for your business [5:54] - Why he’s committed to getting “net new fans” and creating an entertaining product [11:31] - The belief that social media is overtaking traditional media in terms of its importance [18:18] - How spo...

Trevor Pryce, Owner of The Outlook Company (OVFX), shares the story of how a trip to a movie lot to sign a contract has led him to chase his creative passions, including writing and producing. Trevor talks about some of the ways that he leads his team of creatives by example, and why he’s a big believer in “competing to create”.  Pryce and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, chat about why Trevor...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Inky Johnson, motivational speaker and former collegiate football player, shares his thoughts on: [:59] - How growing up in a house with 14 kids taught him to ignore things and why he had to break that habit later in life  [3:04] - What being a captain for Tennessee taught him about how to lead by example  [9:53] - Why understanding serendipity can help you to face...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Brian Dawkins, Pro Football Hall of Fame Safety and founder of the Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation, shares his thoughts on: [1:00] - Why being a person with faith can help you remain grounded when facing the toughest obstacles [2:00] - How a video game mindset helped him to mentally deal with missed plays or mistakes on the football field [14:50] - Why it’s importa...

On this episode of the #ThePlaybook, Champ Bailey, Pro Football Hall of Famer, talks about: His reaction to being the first Denver Bronco defender elected to the Hall of Fame [1:49] Why he credits his teammates for all of his accomplishments, both on and off the field [3:40] Why he looks to learn from other athlete/investors like Magic Johnson and LeBron James [16:05] The main message he wants to...

Andrew D. Bernstein, Hall of Fame sports photographer, shares some of the lessons he’s learned from observing the world’s best athletes, talks about finding a passion for expressing himself through photography early in life and how going to a university without photography courses ended up to his benefit. Bernstein and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, discuss some of Andrew’s biggest career hi...

Description On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Rudy Ruettiger, motivational speaker and inspiration for the film Rudy, discusses: [4:51] Why getting inspired is a prerequisite for achieving your dreams and how he was inspired by the movie Rocky [8:29] How to better connect with others by practicing patience and refining your message [9:44] Why he didn’t let getting blown off by screenwriter Angelo P...

Adrian Peterson, future Hall of Fame running back, talks about some of the business projects he’s working on, as well as some of the lessons he’s learned through his record-breaking career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zack Steffen, the goalkeeper for Manchester City and cofounder of the VOYCENOW Foundation, sits down to discuss the steps he took in order to make a successful transition to European soccer and perform at a consistently high level, as well as how he’s working to ensure that there are equal opportunities for all. Steffen and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer, share their thoughts on a variety of...

Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer, All-Time Leading Receiver and owner of Driven Elite Health & Fitness, sits down to chat about his desire to create positive change in the world and some of the different ways he works to accomplish that goal. He also shares a bit about the childhood experience that made him want to be a certified public accountant. Driver and host of #ThePlaybook, Da...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Matthew Berry, ESPN’s senior fantasy football analyst, sits down to discuss: [1:05] - Why fantasy sports has become a gateway for fans to connect with their favorite teams and leagues, as well as with each other [3:37] - How answering a blind ad for a fantasy sports website led to the career he has today [5:09] - The hustling it took to build his blog without being...

On this episode The Playbook, Danica Patrick, barrier-breaking racecar driver and entrepreneur, sits down to chat about: How knowing your dreams is the most important step in attaining them  Strategies for detaching from outcomes and utilizing the Law of Least Resistance Why she feels like she is “cheating the system” Understanding the difference between giving up and letting go Learn more about y...

Ray Lewis, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and 2x Super Bowl Champion, talks with David Meltzer about the mindset that made him into one of the most feared players on the field and one of the most respected players off the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Chip Wilson, Founder of Lululemon and Hold It All, Inc., discusses: Why you should be authentic about your inauthenticities The most important skill he learned from sports: being present Why he follows a “Rule of Three” when bringing an idea to reality The truest definition of giving Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns running back, shares his thoughts about some of the differences between college and professional football, as well as his approach to leading by example. Chubb talks about how he’s always met challenges head-on with hard work and preparation and also discusses why some college football games are viewed like “off weeks”.   Chubb and host of #ThePlaybook, David Meltzer,...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Brandon Marshall, former NFL star, Founder of the House of Athlete, and Host of I AM ATHLETE Podcast, shares his thoughts on: [1:01] - His five pillars for living a happy life [8:19] - Why top athletes like LeBron James and Russell Wilson benefit by treating themselves as a walking corporation [10:45] - How perspectives on mental health in sports have shifted in re...

On this episode of #ThePlaybook, Eddie George, legendary running back and Managing Partner of the Edward George Wealth Management Group, sits down to discuss: [1:14] - How his football career taught him there are no shortcuts you can take in order to be great. [3:46] - Why his relationship with his father became a vital source of inspiration for him [7:45] - The mindset he used to set records in t...