The Sam Acho Podcast

What happens when the thing you built your identity around is suddenly gone? In this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall dive into football, faith, adversity, success, and what it really means to discover your identity beyond the game. Sam and Clif begin with college football, breaking down the historic Texas vs. Tennessee matchup and discussing some of the loudest and most intimidating stadiums i...

What does it mean to live in God’s perfect will, find your purpose, and make choices that shape who you become? In this episode of the Sam Acho Podcast, Sam sits down with Clif Marshall for a meaningful conversation about faith, purpose, fitness, family, football, finances, discipline, and personal growth. Clif reflects on his birthday and the perspective he gained from attending a friend’s funera...

What if the instinct to pull away from pressure is exactly what’s holding you back? In this episode of the Sam Acho Podcast, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall sit down with Ben Creamer, Director of Sports Science for the Washington Huskies football team, for a conversation that starts with football and ends up being about something much bigger. Ben talks about his approach to training athletes, his backg...

Trayce Jackson-Davis joins Sam Acho and Clif Marshall for an honest conversation about life in the NBA, overcoming adversity, faith, family, and finding perspective when things get difficult. Trayce opens up about his NBA sophomore slump, dealing with criticism, choosing Indiana, navigating NIL and the transfer portal, and adjusting to life with the Toronto Raptors. He also shares the story behind...

What do surviving war, playing in the NFL, building wealth, and growing your faith have in common? Sam Acho and Clif Marshall go there, talking about adversity, money, football, family, and the mindset it takes to keep climbing when life gets hard. You’re not made for the mountaintop. You’re made for the climb. 🏔️ Watch the full conversation and discover why the hardest seasons might be shaping yo...

Sam Acho shares something he learned about fatherhood that made him stop and think about his own dad. He had been in a meeting where they were talking about the number of children growing up without their fathers being present. The statistics were heavy. But what stayed with Sam was how different his own experience had been. His dad worked hard. He provided for the family. But more than anything,...

At 12 years old, Hadley Ott was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and weighed just 53 pounds. He could barely keep food down, and for more than a decade, his life was shaped by medications, steroids, a feeding tube, biologic drugs, and eventually surgery to remove part of his intestine. But even after all of that, the symptoms kept coming back. By his early 20s, Hadley was still sick and still search...

What if the greatest tragedy isn't failing, it's succeeding at something God never called you to do? Too often, we measure our lives by accomplishments, achievements, and good deeds. But what if God is asking a different question: Did you become the person I created you to be? Drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, Sam Acho explores the difference between simply doing good and fa...

Summary: Heaven rejoices when even one person turns to Jesus. In this message, we reflect on God's relentless love, why Jesus left heaven to save us, and the invitation to seek Him above everything else. Featuring Luke 15:7, Matthew 6:19–21, Matthew 6:33, and John 14:6, this encouraging devotion reminds us that true treasure is found in Christ and that God is always calling us to come home.

What separates NFL players who make the final roster from those who don't? Former NFL linebacker Sam Acho and veteran NFL strength coach Cliff Marshall reveal what really happens during NFL training camp, from preparing in the weeks leading up to camp to competing for one of the few available roster spots. They explain why roughly 40–44 positions are already established, leaving a handful of oppor...

In this episode, Sam Acho, Cliff, and Dr. Sonny Acho have an honest conversation about faith, purpose, family, and living a life that truly matters. Dr. Acho shares how his work in Nigeria began after seeing the medical and spiritual needs of local communities. What followed became a mission that has impacted thousands of lives through compassion, healthcare, and the message of hope. In this episo...

What if just a few minutes each day could help you feel more present, less stressed, and more connected? In this episode, we explore a simple gratitude practice built around three daily questions: ✨ What are 3 things you're grateful for? 📝 What are 3 things you need to do? 🌱 What are 3 things you want to do? We also dive into the power of good neighbors, good friends, and good family, discoveri...

Fatherhood is more than a title. It’s a calling, a responsibility, and one of the highest forms of leadership. In this powerful Father’s Day conversation, Pastor George Awongo unpacks the biblical meaning of manhood and fatherhood, revealing why so many men miss the true weight of their role in shaping families, communities, and generations to come. Drawing from scripture and over 30 years of spir...

Former Indiana and Ohio State guard Gabe Cupps joins Sam Acho and Clif Marshall for a powerful conversation about faith, discipline, leadership, and the lessons he's learned throughout his basketball journey. From playing alongside Bronny James and learning from LeBron James, to becoming Ohio Mr. Basketball, starting in the Big Ten, battling injuries, and transferring to UIC, Gabe shares the minds...

We need to talk about praying for our kids, not occasionally, but constantly. School. Home. The car. Even when they're sleeping. Because there's a real spiritual battle happening around them. And if we're honest, a lot of us are tired and scared. But here's what changed everything for me: Deuteronomy says Yahweh is the Elohim of Elohim, the God over every spiritual force. That means the battle isn...

Former NFL linebacker Davion Taylor shares one of the most inspiring journeys in football. Raised in Mississippi as a Commandment Keeper, Davion observed the Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown,  meaning he couldn’t play Friday night high school football like everyone else. Despite missing the traditional path to recruitment, he fought his way onto a junior college roster after competi...

George Fant wasn’t supposed to be here at least not by the usual path. Before becoming an 11-year NFL veteran, he was a four-year basketball starter at Western Kentucky with real opportunities to play professionally overseas. But instead of taking the guaranteed route, he made a faith-driven decision to walk away and chase something far less certain: football. In this episode, George sits down wit...

This is one of the most inspiring underdog stories heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. From walking on with no scholarship to becoming a First-Team All-American at Wofford, this rising NFL prospect put in relentless work to get on scouts’ radar. In this episode, we break down: His journey from Western Kentucky to Wofford The daily grind (including 1.5–2 hour drives for training) Elite performance at...

In this powerful episode, Sam Acho sits down with renowned strength coach Clif Marshall to talk about life on and off the field. Clif shares insights from training 25 NFL draft prospects, the discipline it takes to maintain excellence, and why he chooses a more personal, intimate training environment for his athletes. They dive deep into Clif’s journey back to hands-on coaching after a decade, his...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to reach your goals, stay resilient amid setbacks, and maintain unwavering faith through life's challenges?  If so, Miller Kopp’s story offers valuable lessons. From his incredible durability on the basketball court to his deep spiritual journey, Miller embodies discipline, purpose, and faith.  In this blog post, we explore his insights into perseverance, the i...

Most people will tell you your limitations are excuses. Emmanuel disagrees. He was born with Erb’s palsy, his right arm weaker than normal. For years, it looked like a clear disadvantage. Something that should’ve ruled him out… especially in football. But here’s the truth nobody talks about: Your weakness doesn’t disqualify you, your mindset does. While training for college football, Emmanuel coul...

Unlock the timeless secret to a fulfilling life,  all in one powerful conversation. Discover why loving the wife of your youth, sharing generously, feasting in community, and chasing work you love can transform your happiness and purpose. This episode dives deep into what truly makes life meaningful, especially in today's fast-paced, achievement-driven society. Sam Acho shares personal stories and...

For years, I believed wealth was a result of making more money, but Eric Averill's story changed that. He lost his identity in baseball, then found purpose in serving others through his faith and family. His journey shows that wealth isn’t just about the dollars — it’s about purpose, trust, and aligning your money with who you truly are. When you understand your identity and mission, money becomes...

Creators & Guests Sam Acho - Host Clif Marshall - Host What does it take to chase the NFL when the odds say no? From First Team All American at the United States Naval Academy to missing an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, Landon Robinson’s journey is a powerful story of grit, faith, and relentless discipline. When the opportunity many expected did not come, he had a choice. Sit in disappoi...

What is justice, really? Is it just a word we use? Or is it something we live every day? This story talks about justice in a simple but powerful way. Justice is protecting people who need protection. It is being fair in daily life. It is seeing the value in every human being. It is helping others grow and live well. Justice is also about truth. It is about speaking up, even when it is hard. Life s...