NFL Players: Second Acts

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former receiver Matthew Hatchette joins Peanut and Roman for a lively, honest conversation about his unlikely football journey, his time with the Vikings’ legendary receiver room, and the second act he’s built through coaching, acting, and podcasting. Matthew reflects on being a late‑bloomer who went from Catholic school to an HBCU, and doubling down on his NFL dream after a classmate laughed at him for saying he’d make it. Matthew shares what it was like playing alongside Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Randall Cunningham, dealing with the 1998 NFC title game heartbreak with the Vikings, and the leadership gaps that kept that team from finishing the job. Hatchette opens up about the abrupt end of his career in Jacksonville, how he found his way into acting and spent a decade in classes, and why he and T.O. were early pioneers in the football podcast space. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, hall of famer Andre Johnson joins Peanut and Roman for a powerful conversation about his Miami roots, his rise to become the face of the Texans franchise, and the second act he’s building today. Andre reflects on starting football at age six, choosing the Miami Hurricanes over USC, and the coaches and teammates who shaped his mindset. The guys revisit joint practices, Andre’s 273‑yard game, his favorite DB matchups, and what it meant to become the first Texans hall of famer. Johnson opens up about his continued work with the organization, his aspirations to be a GM, and the pride he feels in the Houston community. A grounded, thoughtful look at a quiet superstar whose second act is still rising. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Jared Allen brings pure comedy in this conversation with hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper. He rolls through his Hall of Fame journey, the mullet on his bust, the Black Santa story, and why life went right back to normal after Canton. He breaks down his wild path to Idaho State, the yearbook scandal, playing with a chip on his shoulder, and his welcome‑to‑the‑NFL moments in Kansas City. Jared also dives into his second acts — chasing Olympic dreams in curling, and building his Full Ryde bourbon brand — all before revealing his personal Mount Rushmore. It’s vintage Jared Allen: loud, honest, hilarious, and impossible not to enjoy. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Hall of Famer Rod Woodson joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper for a conversation packed with football history, personal evolution, and the mindset that made him one of the greatest defensive backs ever. Woodson reflects on his journey from safety to corner, the coaches who shaped him, and the humility he carries even as a member of the NFL’s All‑Time 100 team and 75th Anniversary team. He shares stories from Pittsburgh and Baltimore — playing for Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher, learning to think about life after football, and joining the legendary Ravens defense. Woodson also opens up about his track career, his regret about not running in the Olympic trials, and how broadcasting lets him give fans a true backend perspective. The guys revisit memorable moments, including Woodson’s first game in Baltimore, Roman’s memory of Rod giving him his flowers, and Rod’s breakdown of the Peanut Punch. It’s a sharp, reflective look at longevity, versatility, and the second acts that follow a Hall of Fame career. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper to discuss what it was like to catch passes from Tom Brady and how he became one of only eight wide receivers to win the Super Bowl MVP. Deion breaks down why he was so successful in big games and shares his tips for staying focused when you’re underperforming. Then he explains why he decided to pursue coaching after football and how he ended up as the wide receivers coach at the University of Louisville. Deion discusses the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on the college game and explains how developing a personal relationship with his players helps them on the field and keeps them committed to Louisville. He closes the interview with a deeply personal Mount Rushmore. In this episode, Deion takes you behind the scenes into the logistics of winning Super Bowl MVP and coaching a NCAA football team. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper for a wide‑ranging, story‑packed conversation that spans five decades of football, family, broadcasting, and unexpected second acts. Dan reflects on still calling Chargers preseason games, his admiration for Justin Herbert, and how today’s protections would’ve added years to his own career. The guys dig into the evolution of the quarterback position, Fouts’ love for watching Drew Brees, and the full‑circle moment of giving Brees his Hall of Fame door knock. Dan shares vivid childhood memories of being a 49ers ball boy, working alongside his father Bob Fouts, meeting legends, and even getting yelled at by Dick Butkus on the sideline as a kid. The conversation closes with Fouts giving the show its flowers and revealing his cameo in The Waterboy — a perfect second‑act twist for a quarterback who’s lived multiple football lives. It’s storytelling, history, humor, and legacy all in one — a masterclass from one of the game’s most respected voices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, legendary Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper to discuss his recent induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Larry shares the highs and lows of his NFL career, considers whether he would trade his gold jacket for a Super Bowl ring, and discusses his long-time relationship with fellow Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss. Larry also talks about his charity work and what it meant for him to win the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He also shares his post-NFL work with the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation and the Larry Fitzgerald Enterprises, and explains how he decides what people and businesses to invest in. Larry also reveals the four people who invested in him and had the biggest impact on his life. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman sit down with former offensive lineman and media personality Ross Tucker for an episode packed with wild stories, football nostalgia, and unexpected celebrity connections. Ross shares how he gives Peanut his flowers during broadcasts for the “Peanut Punch,” and how Peanut’s technique changed tackling forever. From there, Ross takes the guys on a tour of his Pennsylvania hometown, sharing tales about growing up around Taylor Swift. Ross reflects on his unlikely path from Princeton to the NFL, his “welcome to the NFL” moment, earning respect from LaVar Arrington in practice, and blocking for Jeff George in his first game. The episode wraps with Ross’ hilarious confession: he peed his pants before almost every game of his career. It’s classic Ross Tucker — honest, funny, and full of great stories — with Peanut and Roman stirring the pot every step of the way. The NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts, Peanut and Roman sit down with Manti Te’o for a raw, reflective, and fun conversation about football, faith, redemption, and the second act he’s building with purpose. Manti shares his unlikely story of how a kid from Hawaii — a lifelong USC fan — ended up choosing Notre Dame at the last possible moment, and how his Polynesian roots and faith shaped the man he’s become. He takes us through his NFL “welcome to the league” moment, the vets who taught him the cerebral side of the game, and why he calls his time with the New Orleans Saints “JAY‑Z years. Manti then dives into his second act: broadcasting. He credits Kyle Brandt for sharpening his voice, recalls his “welcome to broadcasting” moment covering an Eagles game, and breaks down how he learned to tell stories instead of stats. The conversation closes with Manti’s reflections on retirement, smart investments, the documentary that reshaped public perception, the Polynesian Hall of Fame, and his personal Mount Rushmore. A thoughtful, honest, and uplifting episode — exactly what Second Acts is all about. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by former All-Pro Maurice Jones‑Drew for a fast, funny, and insightful conversation about the journey that shaped one of the NFL’s most unique running backs. Maurice talks about how taking ballet classes as a kid paid off for his NFL career, being part of the De La Salle High School dynasty, and the wild recruiting stories that led him to UCLA. He shares memories of Eric Bieniemy, his connection to Jackie Robinson, and how Kyle Shanahan taught him the West Coast offense through Madden. The guys revisit MJD’s “welcome to the NFL” moment, his bruising running style, and the time MJD got the “Peanut Punch” treatment. MJD breaks down the backs who inspired him, how he’s coaching his son today, and how broadcasting helped him transition into life after football. A sharp, energetic look at the mindset behind a true NFL original. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former kicker and two-time Super Bowl winner Matt Bahr joins Charles Tillman and Roman Harper on the latest episode NFL Players: Second Acts podcast. Matt explains what it was like growing up with an elite soccer player for a dad and how his dad made World Cup history. He shares stories from playing under Hall of Fame head coaches Joe Paterno (Penn St.) and Chuck Noll (Pittsburgh Steelers). Matt explains how kicking has improved in the modern game, why he thinks kickers get too much credit, and discusses his work with an ongoing Harvard health study of football players.The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Turner on how being an underdog fueled his fire, the time he busted Peanut’s lip, taking the NFL by story with the Falcons   On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by former Pro Bowl running back Michael “The Burner” Turner for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious, raw, and unexpectedly emotional. Turner opens up about his Chicago roots, the NIU days that put him on the map, and the famous moment he busted Peanut’s lip — a hit so real it became Peanut’s personal “Welcome to the NFL” moment. Roman jumps in with his own memories, including getting run over by Turner in college and the struggle of trying to tackle a back who was both big AND fast at every level. Turner reflects on feeling overlooked, being pissed on draft day, and spending years behind LaDainian Tomlinson while quietly building a chip on his shoulder the size of Soldier Field. He breaks down how he finally got his shot in Atlanta, replacing Warrick Dunn, validating himself in Week 1, and becoming one of the league’s most feared workhorse backs. The “what if” thoughts that still linger about his career Plus: Peanut and Roman relive the Saints–Falcons rivalry, the Pro Bowl “bigger pants” story, and the legendary Peanut Punch that happened right in front of Turner’s family. By the end, Turner shares why he walked away on his own terms, why he never wanted to wear another jersey, and why — despite every slight, setback, and overlooked moment — his journey was absolutely worth it. The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by Super Bowl champion and international NFL ambassador Osi Umenyiora Harper for a powerful, wide‑ranging conversation about survival, gratitude, and the global rise of the NFL. Osi opens up about the medical emergency that put him in a coma for five days, and the clarity he gained on the other side. The guys dive into Osi’s groundbreaking work with the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program, his mission to expand the game across Africa and Europe, and the ripple effect of the NFL’s international games. It’s a vulnerable, inspiring, and global‑minded episode with one of the most influential voices in football today.   The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.