Pivot Podcast

Growing up in Brooklyn in the 80s and 90s, kids did not have many role models in the media industry to admire, so sports became the main outlet and focus for Devale Ellis, who followed this path with football always being his plan B while acting and entertaining were his real dreams, Devale used the game of football to teach him about being a better man, better teammate and better person because The football player turned actor and Internet personality, joined Ryan, Channing and Fred to share an inside look into his journey through the ups and downs, beating underdog odds and eventually landing him on the big screen while amassing a large social media fanbase. Walking on to Division I football, making the team, being undrafted and making a NFL roster are rare instances but for Devale, it's just about outworking the next person and being the 1% of the 1% which is why becoming a star actor and YouTube phenom was never out of a reach with dedication and effort. Before making it to the NFL playing with the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, Ellis was a wideout alongside Marques Colston at Hofstra University. Having played basketball most of his life, Devale relied on his athleticism to perform at the college level, but he tells the guys about how his dream for a scholarship led to him wanting real money at the professional level.Starting his NFL career in Detroit, Devale's motivation to outwork people landed him a roster spot but as he peels back the layers of his experience, revealing his struggles mentally and emotionally, he opens up to the guys on how his addiction to painkillers began, turning to pills to try and mask his insecurities and frustrations with football. With his passion fading for the game, his Plan B quickly became his Plan A as he transitioned from the NFL to Hollywood, becoming an actor and entertainer. Today, Devale s best known as a family man who's a star on Tyler Perry’s Sistas show amongst other projects while creating a platform with his wife Khadeen that has become a hit. His social media framework is filled with a lot of positive messages while sharing daily experiences to allow people a peek into his life and the lessons along the way. Sharing with the guys how instrumental Tyler Perry has been in his career and as a mentor in life trying to navigate each day. Perry has helped him continue to grow with opportunity and fame, but Devale explains the importance of always supporting his people while taking the characters he plays on tv to set an example that there is always hope for a different outcome. While Devale posts lots of moments with his family online, he says the 1 min he shares out of the 1,440 minutes in a day is such a small representation of his life and who he is which is important to him to keep some aspects close to his heart. He stresses the importance of open communication between him and his wife as well as with their sons, allowing them to experience life as it happens and tackle tough topics straight on whether it be racism, bullying, work ethic or debunking false perceptions of black culture, Devale prides himself in setting an example by sharing life experiences and showing the world, even people who hit obstacles have a way of achieving their dreams. Life never works out quite as we planned or imagined, but sometimes it can work out even better and Devale has embraced the better and all the growth that has come with each success and even the failed opportunities too. As a father to young boys, Devale emphasizes how everything is centered around emotional maturity, having a strong family and the means to get by each day. Devale is honest about the paths he's walked, mistakes he's made and how each part of his journey has shaped him into the man, husband and father he is today. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year’s 2024 NFL draft class has received more noise than recent years’ pools of players, and it has mainly stemmed from one position- quarterback. Many teams are hoping to change the trajectory of their franchise in the first round, and the Chicago Bears are sitting in that top spot with one player a phone call away.  Ryan, Channing and Fred sat down with the NFL’s projected No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams to find out what it will be like for him to hear his name called first at next week’s Draft in Detroit. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner talks to The Pivot a few days before the life changing night, about what it will take for him to lead a team and how he has proven what it takes to win Lombardi Trophies.  A knock many people had against Caleb was that he lacked adversity growing up. Caleb shuts down these assumptions and explains how each of his biggest pivots came from losses and failures. Whether it was falling short in crucial games growing up or starting on the bench at Oklahoma, Caleb has dedicated his life to never accepting losses again.  Williams is built for the future of the game, and as Channing says he’s “built in a lab,” Caleb has approached football from a business mindset as well. His parents taught Caleb to sit back and watch then learn and adapt, and on and off the football field Williams has found ways to only get better.  The Bears trading away Justin Fields showed Caleb everything he needed to see, and the same way he changed the culture at Gonzaga High School and at USC he is hoping to revive Chicago football. He discusses with the guys how much he dreams of championships and the journey he’s taken to making that a reality.  Playing alongside Olu Fashanu in high school and against Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix in college has exposed Caleb to some of this year’s best talent. Yet he explains to Ryan how his leadership and focus is seemingly unmatched amongst the other players.  Before games Caleb tells himself he’s already won, and he is already picturing his name being called out on April 25th. Caleb hopes to cultivate a new culture in Chicago, and he has the confidence to make it happen.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In one of our favorite conversations on The Pivot, Ryan, Channing and Fred talk with NBA legend Jamal Crawford on everything from his basketball journey to Michael Jordan bond to fatherhood to life after the game and importance of legacy. Whether it is starting roles or years of advice, he’s given back a lot to the game he loves, and on this episode we get a rare glimpse of how one person can have so much love and gratitude for a sport. When people bring up the greatest ball handlers basketball has ever seen, there is a shortlist of guys who make that group, with most of the players being shorter point guards who have made a living off of facilitating NBA games and dominating other small defenders. At 6’5”, Jamal cemented himself as one of the best isolation players from the shooting guard position and adapted a “whatever it takes” mentality to win which led to Jamal being named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year three times and the 2018 NBA Teammate of the Year which meant the most to him because it was always about who he is over what he is that matters. As a young man growing up in LA and Seattle, Jamal shares how a random but timely interaction with Paul Pierce pushed him to be in school and approach his grades with as much love and detail as he did basketball, and once he started, the opportunities started flowing.  His natural ball handling skills and unique approach to the sport paved a path not many can walk professional sports, but Jamal did it was class and respect, being clear that playing basketball was never about changing his circumstances, rather it was always about his pure love for the sport and the magic feeling that took over his body every time he touched a ball.  It was after getting drafted where Jamal’s ability and basketball career truly took off and how meeting one man, forever changed his life. Sharing never-told-before stories to The Pivot, Jamal opens up how Michael Jordan took him under his wing and explains how their close knit bond on and off the court was formed. MJ deemed Jamal his go-to partner in summer ball and the duo never lost while attracting stars and celebs to their pick up games. By developing this life-long bond with the GOAT, Jamal understands how that bond changed his life on every level by just knowing he had the “Greatest Ever” in his corner, helped his career skyrocket and he even shares some off-the-court stories between the two from gambling to parties to hard lessons. After listening to Jamal talk his basketball journey, how he approached the game, his love for the sport and ability to easily talk any aspect and break down players and plays, Ryan called him a “Basketball Nerd”, a compliment to how much he truly loves the game.  Before closing out the conversation, Jamal talks fatherhood, what it’s like coaching his son and the lessons learned through this experience. The current on-air analyst gives his take on the current NBA playoff picture, his comparison of Kyrie and Jokic and how Wembley is the emerging face of the game for years to come. Crawford has always been an analyzer, hyper-aware of all that is going on around him, and his breakdown of any situation proves just that. He may not have an All-Star appearance to his name, but he tells the guys that’s part of his story of what he gave back to a game that gave him so much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the NFL Draft almost here, Football analysts and teams alike are saying the 2024 receiving draft class is one for the history books filled with top tier talent making the first WideOut off the board a mystery, as the top spot is up for grabs but Washington Huskies' Rome Odunze shares on The Pivot, why he believes that spot is his and why he's the Best Wide Receiver in the draft. And hard to argue...Rome's raw talent, accolades and numbers have projected to be a top 10 pick and his Combine performance captured the attention of not just coaches and teams but anyone who witnessed his heart and determination in every step, understands he's "different" than most. Sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred, Rome takes the guys through his football journey, childhood, record breaking collegiate career and NFL aspirations. The Las Vegas native is as big of a family man as they come, and whether it is representing his Nigerian name or working on his grandfather’s farm in Provo, Utah, he is proud of where he comes from. He talks with the guys about how he developed a humble nature and strong work ethic which is not a question after Rome refused to leave the field during the Combine until he got a cone drill perfect despite putting up outstanding football numbers and high marks in every category, finishing at his best and nailing the routine mattered to him. Yet as humble as he may seem, Rome Odunze has proven himself as one of the most dynamic and dangerous offensive players on the field and poses an extreme challenge to opposing defenders every time he stops on the field, not just skill set but his towering demeanor lends to blocking linebackers, catching slants and screens and even taking the top off of defenses. At Washington, Rome paired with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., he helped take the Huskies to the National Championship but football has taught him life lessons and being a part of something bigger than himself has inspired Rome since day one, and he discusses the role he seeks on his future NFL squad.  Rome may have fell in love with the game from Devin Hester highlights on YouTube, but the two-time All-American and Biletnikoff finalist is already making his mark on the game. Odunze means “Kings Ivory,” and Rome is already fulfilling his duty of standing for the family name. With confidence and an elite skill set, Rome has the potential to be an immediate contributor to any NFL team but more importantly be a guy in the locker room that his teammates can count on and respect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GloRilla, Rapper and Songwriter, has rocketed to the top of Hip Hop's charts and become a global star with her outgoing personality, her unique country accent and innocence through brutal honesty and always being her country self. Ahead of her music tour this summer and releasing a new mixtape, Glo spent some time with Ryan, Channing and Fred in NYC chatting about her journey into music, growing up, her inspirations and how a young girl from Tennessee made it out of the country onto music's biggest stages.   Born Gloria Hallelujah Woods, the Memphis native known as GloRilla, has carved a niche in the hip hop world doing it her way and by being 100% her authentic self, has written hits true to her life experiences and life perspective. Growing up being homeschooled and singing in the church choir, GloRilla lost her voice one day which prompted her to change from singing to rapping, still following her music dreams and performing aspirations. She shares with the guys that her first big hit came from heartbreak and in 2022, her song "F.N.F" went viral and later led to two nominations at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards.  Opening up to the guys about her dating life and how she feels towards men right now, Glo talks about her hurtful experiences which have made her look at love differently and even explore abstinence before realizing she didn't want to take her feelings that far but it did boost her songwriting turning her experiences into lyrics and being able to move a certain way of being unapproachable by men and dedicated to her craft.  Building off her early music success, Glo's 2024 single "Yeah Glo!" became her second song to reach the top 40, and continuing to broaden her reach, GloRilla is preparing to go on tour with Megan Thee Stallion, releasing a mixtape with collaborations with Megan, MoneyBagg Yo and other artists.   With the love of New Orleans food and a die hard Steelers fan, Glo and Ryan connect on the winning traditions, the Super Bowl win over the Cardinals and love for Mike Tomlin as Glo talks about recently getting to meet him and her expectations that with new Quarterback Russell Wilson, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be playing for ring number 7 in her favorite city of New Orleans this coming NFL season.   With no dream to small and artists like Beyonce, Rhianna and Justin Timberlake on Glo's wishlist to work with, there is no sign of slowing up anytime soon for the young rapper.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson sat with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his football career and personal life, transcending from his childhood to family values to his unique path to the NFL as well as shares some of his truths and misconceptions along the way. There is a certain weight professional athletes carry when they make it to the pinnacle of their sport. As is the case with certain players, though, the pressures can lead to emotions they’ve never felt before. For LaDainian Tomlinson, growing up with just his mom in a place that held so much negative history was the burden he bore.  Tomlinson was a fifth overall pick, played in five Pro Bowls and still holds the NFL record for rushing and scrimmage yards in a season from his 2006 MVP campaign with the Chargers. He was on top of the world for a stretch of seasons and after finishing college as a Heisman finalist, had dominated at each level of the sport. LT gets into the truth behind why he kept his helmet on during the AFC Championship game that he was sidelined for and shares one of his most disappointing moments in life. Growing up without a dad in the picture very much caught up to him, and left a hole in his life and a desire to get to know his dad more and have the opportunity to spend time with him, but when his dad passed in 2007, LaDainian felt like the chance was missed to get to know him and understand the man he really was. Through his faith and acceptance, he began a journey to learn about his ancestry, and soon found out that his relative’s home of Tomlinson Hill was a slave plantation his ancestors had worked on.  His career that he has described as “close but no cigar” had many iconic moments away from the game, and LT touches on his iconic Hall of Fame acceptance speech as well as his “A Football Life” feature.  With all of his jukes, hurdles and power moves throughout his career, LaDainian Tomlinson’s biggest pivots came away from the game. His championship moments will define his legacy, and his calls for unity represent both history and the future he is hoping to help build.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The WWE continues to grow to new heights as one of the biggest attractions in sports and entertainment, and this weekend, Philadelphia plays host to Pro Wrestling's Super Bowl as Wrestlemania takes over on April 6 & 7 and will be their grandest stage yet. Extending the event from one night to 48 hours with a WWE roster of superstars and storylines, two of the biggest names in the sport are sitting down with Ryan, Channing and Fred to share their unlikely journey to the top of wrestling and how it has shaped their lives in and outside of the ring from being apart of one of the fastest growing movements in the world to the battles they've overcome to be successful.  Bianca Belair and Montez Ford, the WWE superstar couple, talk about wrestling, their relationship on “Love & WWE”, finding the person they love while doing what they love and their storied journeys into their individual careers. Both former champions, Bianca and Montez have proven they have what it takes to succeed in wrestling and share how they have paved the way for other black men and women to have similar success and open up about how the spotlight away from the ring has affected their careers and personal lives.  Bianca opens up about how her highly competitive track career in highschool and college led to a battle with her diet, body image and eventual depression. The mental struggles mixed with her unhealthy relationship with food created a scenario where she was unable to perform at her best despite her insane amount of athleticism and talent. Afraid of failure, Biancaa leaned on her family and went back home to reset her life and eventually pivoted into a new endeavor, joining the WWE. For Montez, it was a different path, as wrestling was always a passion of his, and when he lost his older sister to a car accident in 2000, wrestling became a true escape and a way of life. Overcoming his own setbacks, Tez discusses how he was too skinny compared to other men in the sport when first trying out but it was his family’s motivation and philosophy to always max out in anything they do that motivated him to keep going.  The two's success opened doors for young men and women who not only looked like them to believe they can have success but all young people to believe that not all journeys are direct paths to the top. With Bianca being the longest reigning RAW world champion during her meteoric rise and Montez winning three different championships as a member of the Tag Team Street Profits alongside Angelo Dawkins, the couple has put on for not only themselves and their families but the black community too. Captivating fans worldwide with their skill and contagious personalities, their on screen love and support for one another has elevated the two into a different level of stardom.  Fred and Ryan can't help but ask the obvious question about the scripted reputation of WWE and ask how Tez and Bianca explain what they do to others and how they deal with their constantly changing storylines while keeping from one another too. Setting the record straight that WWE is non-scripted at its core and what happens from week to week is unknown to them as they go in-depth about how grueling the schedule is, how tiring the performing can be from high-octane jumps to painful moves on the ground, the sport is difficult on the body and mind. With Wrestlemania on the horizon, the two talk about the title fights they are supposed to have but how even being a few days away from being on the biggest stage in wrestling, the two don't quite know what's in store match wise for them.  Their chaotic lifestyle of the WWE is transparently shown in their new Hulu series, as the two figure out what fits their careers while making big decisions about having a family and what's next. Bianca’s Kiss of Death and Montez’s Frog Splash are two of the best finishing moves in the WWE, but this couple’s story is very far from over.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heading into holiday weekend, Ryan, Channing and Fred are sitting to talk about hot topics in the sports world and reflect before Easter Sunday. With March Madness in full swing and the NFL offseason ramping up, the guys talk through many of the big headlines and what ifs! When people mention March Madness, most thoughts may head to the men’s game, but this season that mindset has been shifted. Ryan brings up the emergence of Caitlin Clark and they break down how influential she has been for women’s basketball. Beyond Iowa’s superstar, though, Channing and Fred can point to more women’s stars this year with the likes of Juju Watkins and Angel Reese than they can men’s. While they were divided on their takes surrounding Ice Cube’s Big 3 offer to Caitlin, they agree that it is great marketing either way. In college sports branding has become huge, and the draft comments by Deion Sanders on his son Shedeur and Travis Hunter are evident of this.  Deion Sanders has the grounds to make claims on wanting his best players to go to specific destinations, but the pressure put on them to now perform goes beyond that. Channing says teams won’t really listen to Deion, but Ryan’s take on Shedeur going to the Cowboys could be a power play by Sanders. Easter is a time spent with close ones, and Chan pivots their conversation to the topic of family and the roles of parents. The Nickelodeon documentary “Quiet on Set” shined a light on the mistreatment of child actors, leading to the bigger topic of how to protect their children. Ryan points to instilling the right ideals into your kid while Fred looks at the importance of staying present and aware for your kids.  The Pivot typically focuses on moments in the past that shaped who people are today, but Ryan alters the question by asking what their biggest pivots moving forward should be. Whether it is wishing for more discipline, empathy or pride, the three all agree that nobody is ever perfect, but a good circle and strong morals go a long way.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In one of the biggest NFL off-season moves, Derrick Henry said farewell to the Tennessee Titans and became a Baltimore Raven, which was a bittersweet move for the superstar running back, but one he is embracing and understands what winning a championship would mean to him, his family, his football legacy and shares how wearing the color purple is a full circle moment. Derrick Henry’s grandmother took care of him for most of his life, so when he arrived in Baltimore wearing a purple suit, her favorite color, it was more than just signing a contract it was a sign from above that he was right he was supposed to be, doing what he loves while paying a tribute to to the woman who raised him and lead him to where he is today. Sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his iconic career and the moments that shaped the player, the man and the father he is, from high school records to a Heisman Trophy at Alabama, Derrick Henry has excelled at every level of the sport, but it’s not lost on him how hard the journey has been. In a world where the running back position has been recently questioned and even devalued financially by NFL owners, the guys discuss if it’s an end of the era of old-school running back style and the future of the position. Although Derrick is unwavering about his contributions and the importance of the position to any NFL contender, he admits that if he had a son, he wouldn’t let him play running back. In a surprising statement, the guys get into the why’s and perspective of the position. Continuing to defy the odds and running his way to NFL history books, Derrick has earned the reputation of one of the best to ever do it, which stems back to his high school days of 57 carries a game into his historic Alabama career as a Heisman winner and lessons from Nick Saban while cementing himself as a top running back among a power list of some of the best to ever do it as Ryan, Channing and Fred undoubtedly point to him as the best back to play at Alabama, although Derrick reluctantly accepts the credit. The NFL 2nd round pick to the Tennessee Titans had a slow start playing behind Pro Bowler DeMarco Murray for two seasons, but when Derrick finally got his opportunity to become the starter, it wasn’t a straight line to success and his preparation lacked what it needed for him to be where he wanted to be on the NFL level. In 2018, all that changed as he sparked one of the best 5-year runs of any player and tributes his new found motivation and success to spotting butterflies at practice, which are his grandmother’s favorite, giving him the extra motivation he needed and reminder that he was morphing into who he wanted to become on and off the field. In a funny back and forth between Ryan and Derrick, the guys talk about if Ryan could stop Derrick in certain moves and of course Channing can’t help but voice his commentary on a Ryan vs Derrick on field scenario. Humble and hardworking, Derrick Henry turns into a machine on the field, running through, around or over any defender in his way. He has gone through dark times at different stages in his life, coming out stronger from each one. Although his grandmother passed away in 2016, he still carries the memories and lessons she instilled in him.  Looking ahead to 2024 season, Derrick knows that winning a Super Bowl is most important to him and means the world and by joining the Ravens, he believes he is on the right squad to make a championship run as the Ravens are a team who’s hungry and has one of the best Quarterbacks in the game at the helm to lead the team. Derrick is eager to get working with the team, and do whatever he needs to contribute to make that Lombardi dream a reality. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the biggest football stories of the 2023 NFL season came out of Green Bay, as Quarterback Jordan Love led his Packers team to the postseason, knocking off the NFC favorite Dallas Cowboys on the road. In his first year as a starter, Love surpassed expectations and rallied a young team to be one of the last standing at the end of the season, coming up just short of playing in the NFC Championship. Love is sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his past year, quieting the doubters while building on the success of this year, free agency moves and Jordan takes us back to how his football journey started, sharing life events that made him question if playing quarterback was even something he could do.  When the Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers’ successor in 2020, they selected Jordan Love out of the state of Utah with the 26th overall pick, and although he was expected to come in as a backup, Jordan understood the responsibility of the long lineage of great QBs in Green Bay history that he was following and the unique opportunity in front of him to learn from one of the game's best to ever do it, in Rodgers. This past season, getting his opportunity to start after Rodgers left for NY, Love made his position known that he was no longer the back up as it was the start of a new era in Green Bay with a fresh style of QB play under center. Jordan let his on field play do the talking for him, quieting any doubters that he could be the next great Packers QB. Jordan threw for over 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns in his first season starting and led the Packers to the NFL Playoffs where they knocked off the Dallas Cowboys in an upset victory on the road, garnering league wide respect and earning top honors as one of the best QBs in the game. Coming up short against the 49ers one game shy of the NFC Championship, Jordan looks at the missed opportunities and certain plays he wishes he had back but knows it only makes him better prepared to take on adversity going forward. He shares the highs and lows of the 2023 season and also what he learned from playing behind Rodgers and how he used it to help him become a better leader on the field and a threat to opposing defenses. In 2023, game by game the football world could see Jordan’s confidence increase while putting up MVP caliber numbers with a young receiving core around him. Jordan talks about the team's progress and how to build off of it this season and is excited with Green Bay's new free agency pickups that only makes the team stronger. Jordan is confident about becoming the team to beat in the NFC North and uses adversity to propel him forward, becoming better each time on the field. No stranger to loss and setback, at 14 years old, Jordan lost his father, which left a hole in his world but he shares how instrumental his mother and three sisters were in his upbringing and the core of his world now. As a young player, he relied on a strong support system of family and coaches during the process of mourning his dad's sudden passing, but found strength in the adversity and learned to turn his pain into focus of living out his football dream in his father's memory. Expectations continue to rise around Love and the Packers and Jordan welcomes the pressure to shed the underdog stigma and show the world his team deserves to be respected as one of the top competitors in the NFL. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baseball has long been a game of tradition and unwritten rules that players are afraid to break. That was until this new generation stepped up to the plate and began to change the way players approach the sport. One young superstar is helping lead this charge.  Miami Marlins All-Star Jazz Chisholm sat down with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his baseball career so far and discuss what makes him so special. The MLB The Show 23 cover athlete has brought flair and fandom to Florida baseball, and he goes in-depth on what has led him to his current success.  Becoming the 7th Bahama-born player in Major League Baseball, Jazz had a long road to the majors. He has always been the youngest player on every team he plays on, and his move to Wichita, Kansas made him as isolated as ever. He was a high school senior at 16 years old and gave The Pivot guys an idea of what type of change it was for a young Jazz.  After his minor league move from the Arizona to Miami system, Jazz revealed how difficult his 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons were for him once he reached the MLB. From his habits to his fashion he butted heads with veteran players, and when his old idol Kobe Bryant passed away, he relied on part-owner Derek Jeter for some moral support.  With the new era of the Miami Marlins here, Jazz has a newfound love for the sport on and off the field. The clubhouse is packed with familiar faces and a positive energy, and for the first time he is arriving to Spring Training early and staying late. The music and anime lover may still have his downtime, but the team’s camaraderie has broken his independence. As his grandmother is still a Bahama softball legend and a family of 20 comes to many of his games, Jazz is loosening up on the diamond.  The Jordan Brand athlete knows a thing or two about how to look the part, but the ice-cold chains and stylish kicks are being worn by one of the hottest players in the game today. When the Marlins needed a leader, they looked to the Bahamian, and Miami will be glad with the MVP-caliber player they chose to rally behind.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taylor Rooks & Joy Taylor: Two Personal on The Pivot, Shedding the sports talk to tackle hot button topics and discuss issues personal to them by sharing life experiences and answering the questions everyone wants to know! In the ever-evolving world of sports media, Taylor Rooks and Joy Taylor continue to turn heads and establish themselves as rising stars in a competitive media space of sports and entertainment. Whether it is co-hosting shows, interviewing A-list athletes and celebrities, delivering sideline updates during games and headlining studio shows, the duo has independently created a niche as some of the most respected in the business. But now, they are teaming up together for a new podcast, Two Personal, a weekly series going beyond what viewers see on television, diving deep into the lives of them as close friends and media trailblazers. With equal parts humor and wisdom, they talk culture and social issues while fearlessly exploring complex topics like relationships and dating, body image, racism, sexism, mental health and more.  Sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred, Joy and Taylor share their vision behind the podcast, the barriers they are trying to break and why they are comfortable being unapologetic in their own voice with sensitive topics and public pushback. Channing has known Joy for over 20 years after playing along side her Hall of Fame brother, Jason Taylor and how exposure to his career helped shape her own journey in sports. As the current co-host of “Speak” and veteran Fox Sports personality, Joy opens up about how her perspective being shaped through her experiences, pointing to the ways in which audiences interact with her content. Taylor’s authenticity in interviews has made her one of the industry’s best, and she mentions how the choosing her words carefully enables people to let guard down and open up. Whether it is Bleacher Report, Turner Sports or Thursday Night Football, Rooks’ presence can be felt on any panel or sideline as a premiere talent, but that doesn’t erase her from pushback and public scrutiny. Working in broadcast media, Ryan understands the expectations that come with being on tv and being viewed certain ways but not nearly the struggles Joy and Taylor face as females in sports as the two speak very candidly on the frustrations of viewers focusing more on their appearance and clothing than their sports commentary, often contriving falsities about their personal lives based on the work they do. Another hot topic talked about amongst the group was their varying opinions on relationships and objectifying women in general. Joy and Channing talk about the preference of having a guy who has female friends with Ryan and Fred weighing in their thoughts while Taylor later expands the conversation to the media frenzy of public relationships. Debunking many mistruths and internet inaccuracies, Joy and Taylor express frustrations with public assumptions and explain why it’s sometimes difficult to be a respected female working in the sports world and have developed tough skin to rise above the noise. Both Taylor and Joy have worn many hats in their careers so far, but this candid podcast has shined a different light on them as people, revealing a side never seen before. New Pivot episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Be sure to check out Two Personal every Wednesday on YouTube and follow on IG @twopersonalshow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“There’s 2 sides to everything. And I’m a realist, so I’m always going to keep it 100.” Sauce Gardner  The NY Jets 2x All-Pro cornerback is setting the record straight, responding to verbal accusations about the organization and providing context to unanswered questions and speculation surrounding the Jets culture and future of the team.  Only the 3rd guest to make a repeat appearance on The Pivot, Sauce chats with Ryan, Fred and Channing about everything from growing up in Detroit to his love of music to being a leader in the locker room to what 2024 looks like for The Jets but most importantly, Sauce was strong in his purpose of letting the world know, the bull crap and false talk about his team, needs to come to an end. Stemming from a recent conversation The Pivot had with Mecole Hardman, Hardman spoke out against his former NY team, listing numerous reasons he was happy to have left the organization as well as revealed the inner workings from his experience that painted the team as complacent and a disorganized mess from the top down lacking leadership, treating star players differently than the rest of the roster and not being able to have success despite having extreme talent.  Sauce spoke out on social media after the Hardman did along with other Jets players who also debunked the claims sharing his side speaking in facts only about the team, their approach and the coaching. He was extremely clear on certain aspects of the season, spoke in detail about the locker room mentality and made sure it was known that the standard is the standard in NY and the team is not an ego driven program as described. Although frustrated with the narrative that Hardman and others have used about the Jets, Sauce is open about wanting others to succeed and believing everyone can eat if they work hard enough, he applauds Mecole for another Super Bowl win but says he should have taken the high road and not even mentioned his former team.  The 23 yr old, young in age but wise far beyond his years, carries himself more as a veteran in the NFL than the young rising star he is. The early expectations were not for Sauce to reach the level of stardom he has now, yet with all of the fame and success, he discusses the importance of humility and grace. With a 96 overall Madden rating, Sauce understands that it’s the little things that separate people from good to great which is why he explains making it a priority to learn something new as often as he can by chatting with everyone in the building from the GM to the cafeteria people to the groundskeepers to his teammates, understanding that’s the best way to sharpen your skills is through communication and never being too big to learn from anyone.  Playing in the biggest city brings a lot of attention and sometimes turmoil, which Sauce details one particular incident that highlighted his new reality while using his roots to handle the issue. This was the cause for roughing the waters between Sauce and Hardman, as he explains his former teammate’s involvement in the situation. Dealing with a hacking issue on Snapchat, false claims about his personal life, exposure of privacy on blogs while also being extorted, Sauce never caved from who he is at the core and never allowed the off the field chaos to affect his play.  The only player to be named First Team All-Pro in his first two seasons since the 1970 merger, Sauce has etched his name as one of the best at the position and is just getting started. Being touted as a future Hall of Famer comes with a lot of pressure, which is why he continues to focus on each day like it’s his first day. Sauce didn’t have a role model growing up, so he strives to set an example and be a voice to young guys who came up just like him.   With free agency underway and the draft coming up, Sauce says his team wants are simple, “I want Aaron to feel comfortable in the pocket and for Garrett to not always be double teamed.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Down in Florida for Channing's comedy show this past week, Fred, Ryan and Chan get together to have a conversation about life, all the new updates in each of their own careers and talk about what's next while looking back at the strides they've all made individually and as a group. Knowing your worth can take you a long way. Whether that be in sports, careers, relationships or within your own family, understanding your value is a key piece to life. But a life practice we often take for granted is never giving someone their flowers while they are here and sometimes it being too late, and the person never hearing while being alive. The guys talk about the importance of recognizing and sharing with others, celebrating the wins when we get them and showing up for one another to support. Chan’s 2nd comedy show was a success and he's really starting to pour his time into his craft and exploring this new venture. He says he may be better at comedy than football but the guys disagree and say it's a different calling and is just excelling differently in each. Ryan talks about Channing's gift to make others laugh and feel good and Fred says he's been impressed in the fast progress he's making which Channing says he owes to asking questions to OG's and never being too big or grown to ask for help and advice as he learns. Whether you are an athlete, a comedian, a singer, a coach or anything, never be afraid to look to those who came before you to ask for guidance and that's how the good ones become great. Getting their NFL starts all came differently as Channing and Fred were drafted and went to the NFL Scouting Combine while Ryan had a different path. The guys talked about the humbling experiences and also how it's different now with so many top draft prospects choosing to not work out much like Channing and Fred were instructed to do and guys talk about the records broken at this year's combine and guys like Jayden Daniels choosing not to participate while in Indy. Ryan reflected on how he truly learned about himself through the undrafted free agency process while Chan explains that football takes place on the field, and that if you can play, you can play, so you define your own value.  The biggest off-season Pivot news has been Ryan being a free agent again and finally re-negotiating a new 3 year deal with ESPN, something he negotiated and represented himself independently through. Ryan opens up about the process and describes having to fight for what he believes he has earned, through his platform and how this process was much different than his first go around to now but stuck to what he envisioned at this point and came to agreement where he was able to get most of what he wants but still knows there is work to be done.  Understanding relationships are everything, the guys turn to talking about their families, and how raising kids now is much different than when they grew up. Fred brings up the recent quote from Bradley Cooper in which he says he didn’t love his child immediately and how it was difficult in the beginning and the guys discuss being fathers and developing that instant unconditional love you would kill for. Each parent may be wired differently, but that loving instinct is what gravitates fathers and mothers to their kids. As the guys talk about this bond, Channing asks how they first talked to their children about sex and how he is handling it now as his kids are getting to an age of asking lots of questions. There's no parenting handbook for tough topics, but finding your own approach with each child is something the guys find works for them as fathers. Circling back to giving someone their flowers when they are here, the guys wrap up the conversation with an homage to ESPN legend Chris Mortensen who recently passed away, and Ryan shares his favorite story of Chris while talking through the strength of their relationship.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Highlights: Almost not making it to NFL  NFL’s fastest man, 2024/25 MVP?  Mahomes locker room vs Tua's Relationship with Andy Reid  Inside the Miami Dolphins & leadership Response to personal rumors & headlines  Finding Faith in family & marriage  8x pro bowler, Super Bowl champion and the fastest man in the NFL, Tyreek Hill sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred to reflect on being the highest paid receiver, going from juco to the pros, leaving Kansas City to play for the Miami Dolphins, restoring his faith to get back to football and how his marriage is in fact his strength, despite rumored headlines.  Calling himself the Kat Williams of wide receivers but known as Cheetah to the football world, Tyreek Hill prides himself in being an open book and sometimes too open but he’s always going to speak his truth. Tyreek shares what his life was like as a child, the bumpy road to the NFL, almost losing football and how one bad decision can cost you everything.  On pace to do record breaking numbers at the start of this past season, no one was catching Tyreek with his speed and electric route running which had him in the MVP conversation until injury slowed him up but he learned how to play through the pain to stay on the field. The Dolphins were front runners to win a tough AFC East and their on and off the field success documented in HBO’s Hard Knocks in-season show.  Despite falling short to his former team this season, Tyreek still believes the Dolphins were the better team over the Chiefs but fell victim to the “Any Given” Sunday theory that any team can rise to the occasion any week. Tyreek talks about playing with Mahomes and Travis Kelce, describes the locker room in KC vs the one in Miami now, why he believes the Dolphins are on the rise, praises Jalen Waddle and their offensive weapons and never forgets that he owes a lot to Andy Reid for the player and man he is today.  Bad decisions in college resulted in minimum exposure early on and little opportunity to show his skills early making his path seem unlikely, until Tyreek’s life changed with one phone call to be drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs which led to him being a household name, feared by defenses and ultimately as Super Bowl champion.  Looking up to Randy Moss and admiring Antonio Brown as the best in his position, Tyreek’s mindset has always been the same, to be the most dynamic player on the NFL field every week. Not allowing personal distractions interfere with his career aspirations, Tyreek has turned to faith and focusing on being the leader of the team as a trusted voice to younger guys as well as become the protector of his teammates.  Fred stirs the pot to give Tyreek a chance to explain his social media banter with RC after Ryan made some comments on Tua early in the season, and the guys have fun with it but also get into what kind of player and leader Tua is striving to be. Channing couldn’t let Tyreek go without asking him to weigh in on his former KC pals, how his relationship has changed with Kelce and Mahomes and if he ever saw Travis dating Taylor Swift and his answer is not going to get him canceled!  Before the fame, the man people know as cheetah today, grew up in Pearson, Georgia raised by his grandparents, Tyreek grew up in the church serving either playing the drums or praising dancing. Those early moments of his life in church instilled his love of God and faith, which later helped him transcend throughout his career.  From being a newlywed to divorce rumors to parental headlines to his family home catching on fire making national news, Tyreek knows he is constantly under the microscope and relies on the continued support of his wife, grandparents and kids to tune out the noise and let his play do the talking.  New Episodes of The Pivot with athletes, entertainers and more release every Tuesday at 12pm est on YouTube with early release on all audio platforms. Subscribe to The Pivot and Follow along on socials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Episode Highlights*Pregnancy, Family and Faith*Co-parenting & Dating as a single mother*Humble Beginnings & Moving to Dallas Town*Betting on yourself and winning *Stand Up Comedy & Opening for Martin Lawrence*Secret behind landing The Breakfast Club hosting seat Jess Hilarious, social media star turned comedian and the newest Breakfast Club host talks about her unique and raw approach to comedy and life experiences growing up in Baltimore, attending a college preparatory high school becoming a mother at an early age, and her quick rise to fame. Opening up for the first time publicly on how she actually landed The Breakfast Club spot, Jess shares her unconventional approach to success with Ryan, Channing and Fred so that others can learn her journey from being an internet sensation with, “Jess with The Mess” to her first real stand-up gig opening for Martin Lawernce in front of thousands to landing a seat next to DJ Envy and Charlamagne every morning on i-Heart's top daily show as she attributes her wins to betting on herself. As a young girl Jess grew up in the heart of West Baltimore, with a loving family but was exposed to the struggles of the city. Her parents wanting more for her pushed her out of her element and made her attend a college preparatory school where she no longer was the majority but the minority. At the age of 19, Jess became a mother trying to juggle the tough moments of motherhood while grasping the difficulties of childbirth as a black woman. Announcing her 2nd pregnancy over a decade later and the preparations to be a mother again brings excitement and curiosity to the experience now having guidance, proper healthcare information and the ability to make a plan to enjoy this part of life and not just be in survival mode through the process. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast When the Kansas City Chiefs scored the winning touchdown in Super Bowl 58, all eyes were on one player who hauled in the catch for the championship. That player was Mecole Hardman, but he has no recollection of the minutes after. The three-time Super Bowl champ sat down with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about the game and his career leading up to it. Only 25 years old, Mecole has already faced his fair share of adversity while in the NFL. Whether it was a short stint with the Jets that didn’t end on the best terms or five days spent stuck in bed when he was diagnosed with osteitis pubis, Hardman has had to beat several odds. Yet his big plays in the big games seem to make it all worth it. The Chiefs were a team surrounded by noise all season, yet Hardman talks about how Travis Kelce and Pat Mahomes were able to help pull everyone together in crucial moments. He may be a free agent this offseason, but Hardman has already found more success since being drafted in 2019 than many players get in their careers. With a son in his family and an empathetic perspective on life having worked with special needs children, Mecole expressed with the guys his gratitude for the positions he has been placed in. A fumble or a drop hasn’t defined his career thus far, winning has, and Mecole Hardman has proven that he will always find a way to bounce back. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Through all the wins, accolades and success, the champion boxer talks about the one loss he can't overcome and in a rare and emotional moment, Floyd Mayweather opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred on his struggles and how each day he tries to grow and be a better, stronger version of himself. Sitting with the Pivot 2 years ago when the platform just started, Floyd is back now and talking about the importance of these grown men conversations and the need for men to be able to express themselves freely and the impact that comes from these conversations. But one main message the Champion has is, that In a world where we try to be in our own control of things, there are certain things beyond our control that are the hardest to accept and adjust to, Floyd gets into the different levels of life and how each stage shaped him.  No matter the sport, no matter the athlete, very few individuals have had a similar level of stardom and success as Floyd Mayweather... The iconic boxer may be retired, but his day-to-day lifestyle seems even more fulfilling than when he was fighting. In a candid and heartfelt conversation, the greatest boxer of all time discusses the people and moments that helped him become a legend.  Despite still keeping a full schedule, Floyd acknowledges how important it has been for him to spend time with his children, grandson KJ, as well as his relationship with rapper NBA Youngboy, the father of his grandson. Floyd talks about why he's made it a point to support those who have his back, when it comes to both his family and team, and why Mayweather continues to help set them up for success and the future. Vegas has now experienced global sporting events like F1 and the Super Bowl but still nothing compares to the hype and electricity that city felt during a Mayweather boxing weekend. While his 50-0 record and 16 title defenses speak for themselves inside the ring, Floyd has accumulated wealth and fame outside of boxing as well. He talks about reaching his goal of being an employer instead of an employee. Starting from the bottom and earning all he has through hard work and dedication, Floyd shares how learning from his father's ways helped shape him into the man he wanted to be. Getting into a discussion on how it's easier for people in black culture root for the illegal ways of business vs the legal success, it's always been an uphill battle to be respected for New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the woman who lost her life during a senseless act on Wednesday afternoon and the multiple people and young ones who were injured during the parade in Kansas City when gun shots were fired and crowds of people scrambled to safety. We applaud the Chiefs players and coaching staff who helped people to safety and the law enforcement who sprung into action to prevent further tragedy. The guys discuss the tragic and all too familiar scene of shootings and how the value of someone's life has become to easy to sacrifice when people get into situations that this result becomes the answer is not ok. Understanding how a celebratory day now is tainted by loss and fear for innocent people around the world who have to ask and think is it safe to go out in public now? Ryan says how evil doesn't sleep and people will always allow their selfishness to prevail in times it shouldn't and Fred says how we take for granted waking up and returning home everyday as the world is a different place now.  Getting into the game and the defensive battle between the 49ers and Chiefs, Channing and Fred talk about the chess match but also push back on the lack of running plays in the first half when San Fran had control to do what they do best. Ryan looks at the big picture and reality of Patrick Mahomes etching his name in history as one of the greatest athletes ever to show up in big moments and perform under pressure. Putting him on the level of Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Alex Ovechkin, Floyd Mayweather...Mahomes is one of the rarities we've seen in our era of professional athletes. Before the big game was the big week, with parties, media, events and one of the Pivot's first live shows was 3 days before the game where the guys sat down with athletes, businessmen and entertainers for shows in front of an audience discussing current topics to sports moments. But in a split moment, all of that was gone and attention turned to creating great content to losing everything as the production crew was robbed of the equipment, footage, gear and once again reality crept in as the guys talk about how letting guard down for instance became a crime of opportunity for others. Ryan, Channing and Fred give praise to the Las Vegas Police Department and the detectives who worked tirelessly around the clock to bring the guy into custody and return some of the stolen items while also using the moment to discuss how relationships with law enforcement doesn't always have to be a negative experience. As football season comes to an end, Channing and Ryan reflect on season one of Inside The NFL while Ryan opens up on the bittersweet process of his ESPN contract being up and what's next for him whether he re-signs with the network or tests the waters on his own. Both Channing and Fred weigh in on the personal sacrifices they've watched him make to dedicate himself to his work and Ryan understands how much he's grown and is committed to continue to put the work in wherever that may be.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast When Antonio Pierce received the late October night call from Mark Davis, it took him three different times to answer. At the time, The Raiders seemed to be falling apart, on a slippery streak, dropping games and losing the locker room which spurred some massive changes within the organization. Parlaying his locker room leadership and unique life experiences, Pierce was able to reunite the players, the team and everyone in the building focusing on a common goal of winning together and unity, which landed him the interim head coach in a surprise move. The inner-city only child had always leaned on one person, his mother who passed a few months earlier before he became into his next challenge…Pierce shares a personal moment with the guys that while while he waited for the official news of his hire, he took a moment of quietness outside reflecting on his life and how far he’s come and ended up looking up on the sky seeing two shooting stars, reminding him of his mother and minutes later found out that he was being named Head Coach. Immediately the vibe changed in Vegas, and the Raiders seemed to start straightening out their previous issues. Josh Jacobs was getting positive yards, Davante Adams was making 50-50 catches and Maxx Crosby sparked a new fire amongst his teammates from attacking QBs with more fuel to smoking cigars celebrating a new energy for the black and silver. Although the off season has been filled with a lot of changes, trying to find the right people for coordinators, find a quarterback to build around and make sure everyone is in step from the janitors to the cafeteria workers to the coaches to the players…being accountable and responsive to the plan forward. Pierce lets us in on his motivation, what keeps him grounded and how he is able to be a friend to his players but an enforcer when it’s time.  The blueprint is laid out, Pierce is committed to getting the Raiders back to a Super Bowl and already have won a Lombardi trophy as a player is now looking to be a world champion as a coach too. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using http://dkng.co/defense or through our promo code DEFENSE. From commanding the field with the levels of Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes to sitting at dinners with Meek Mill, Kim Kardashian, Michael Rubin…CJ Stroud has had one helluva Rookie year and is just getting started.  Heading into Super Bowl week, the talk and hype is always around quarterbacks, with this year being no different as Brock Purdy and Patrick Mahomes headline Super Bowl 58…usually for QBs it’s experience that lands you in the post season but for CJ Stroud, the front runner for NFL Rookie of the year, seems to have defied the odds and made a name for himself as one of the elite QBs in the league and led the Texans to post season success. There is nothing basic about being a quarterback in the NFL and CJ is giving credit where credit is due and talks why Brock Purdy has earned where he is but why he is still taking Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in this Sunday’s big game. but more than anything, he is reflecting back on a historical first year in the NFL and it’s not lost on him where he comes from and how it all started. CJ who was drafted to the Houston Texans 2nd overall last year, perception pointed to this scenario as being the worst to go to for any of the rookie quarterbacks but CJ proved that theory wrong and let his on-field play and leadership, take the Texans to the playoffs. The Pivot crew sat with CJ at the 2023 NFL Draft and instantly knew this young man was different. Fast forward 10 months and CJ is now sitting with Ryan, Fred and Channing, as part of the league’s top players and eager to keep getting better and growing. Stroud forged his own path this season, and with staple wins against Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Tampa Bay, there seemed to be a unanimous call for him to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537 (AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NJ/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-522-4700 (NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/ME/MI/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY only. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Bet $5 Get $200: Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued in bonus bets. Ends 2/11/24 11:59 PM ET. Void in NH/OR. Bet Match: Valid 1 per customer. Opt-in req. Place a Super Bowl LVIII bet and receive one Bonus Bet based on amount of initial bet. Min. $1 bet. Min. odds per bet and max. reward varies by customer cohort. Bonus Bet issued once original bet settles. Ends at the conclusion of Super Bowl LVIII on 2/11/24. Rewarded Bonus Bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x before any resulting cash winnings can be withdrawn and stake is not included in winnings. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 02/11/24 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast The Super Bowl teams are set, and We are in Orlando with the late nights early mornings on the Pivot grind but love being able to chop it up with all the guys who earned NFL recognition for being the best of the best this season and we are soaking it all in.  Getting into Lamar Jackson and what being the front runner for MVP did for him but also coming up short in the AFC championship and what that means for his legacy on and off the field. Ryan Channing and Fred talk about Patrick Mahomes and the way he is seen by the world vs how Lamar is viewed which gets into the Mahomes vs Brady about the greatest QB of all time.  Playing opposite Mahomes next Sunday, Brock Purdy who as the QB of San Francisco sparks a lot of debate of where he falls in the pecking order of NFL quarterbacks on whether being a game manager or game changer. The guys are on different sides of the perspective and Ryan admits to the flack he received about his analysis but stays consistent in his thoughts. With so much of public opinion being at front and center of sports, the guys talk about how the power of our words affect people.  Ryan gets into the discussion about conflict and conflict resolution and how talking about how the early offseason for Dallas Cowboys has been a lot of in-house drama leaking to the public and how do they recenter and what’s importance of family ties and bonds. How does conflict affect relationships and how do we come back from things that are destructive.  Lightening the discussion Fred takes the conversation left and Channing brings it even more left as they talk about men having sex with women during the time of the month and we still can’t believe our producer let us keep this in but if you know Channing, you won’t be surprised. And then talk about the trend of older women dating younger men and how the roles reversed and what the guys think of this pivot.  Tap in today for a fun football conversation that get into a lot of fun topics and the guys just chopping it up about ball, life, relationships and a lot of laughs!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Super Bowl is coming and NBA is heating up! Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using http://dkng.co/defense or through my promo code Defense  Winning a championship is a long road for any athlete but for Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr, it’s been filled with a lot more bumps and stalled with some serious injuries. But through determination and commitment, MPJ has defied odds and became an intricate part of a championship team playing along side one of the best players in the world, Nikola Jokic.  A high school basketball stand out ranked Number 1 in the nation with a direct path to the NBA as a potential number one pick was in question as back surgeries sidelined him and delivered a dark prognosis of not just delving draft stock but possibly never playing again.  MPJ went through three back surgeries since then and some days doesn’t seem at his full potential, but the 1st round pick is no stranger to doubt, and his faith and confidence have kept him motivated since day one.  When MPJ was told by a Clippers doctor pre-draft that his back injury was more severe than they first believed, the former National High School Player of the Year fell from the top of the board to No. 14 where the Nuggets scooped him up.  He went on to become the first player from his draft class’ lottery to win a championship and has cemented himself as a max contract player in the league. Through his Christian faith and devout belief in himself, MPJ describes how the adversity he faced has helped shape the player and man he is today.  New episodes of The Pivot drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NJ/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). [3.5%/bold] Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-522-4700 (NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). 21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/ME/MI/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY only. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in winnings. Ends 02/11/24 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. See terms at dkng.co/ftball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with Bobby to talk about his insane NFL career despite setbacks and loss along the way and the Super Bowl champ gives his pick for NFC championship and talks why Lamar Jackson is a his year’s MVP. With Championship Sunday this wknd, Bobby speaks through experiences of playing the NFC West rival 49ers and why it’s Detroit he will be rooting for as well as 2 of the leagues best QBs going at it in the AFC with Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, he breaks it down with the guys. Winning a Super Bowl, Bobby knows the discipline and preparation necessary to be on that level and talks through what made his defensive unit one of the best in NFL history and also talks about how he felt it would last for years until his team came up short of another Lombardi trophy. He shares how much Pete Carroll helped him stay the course of his career and how an unexpected person outside of football taught him he needed to work harder to be the best as he shares the story of the night he watched Beyoncé perform and how it changed him. With a tough start in football and being underestimated, Bobby talks about how the loss of his mother has shaped the player and man he is today and why it’s equally important to be just as successful off the field as on. When Bobby was a freshman at Utah State, his mom suffered a stroke leading to her passing. Bobby talked to the guys about her impact on him and how she is his biggest motivation to always be the best version of himself. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast What is the four-letter word Gayle King loves that a man says? Ryan, Channing and Fred sat down with the CBS “This Morning” host to talk about her journey from childhood to a career in journalism and the relationships cultivated along the way.  Not many people have established themselves as a mainstay in the ever-evolving world of journalism like Gayle King has by accomplishing so much in a competitive and sometimes, unforgiving field. The long-time TV personality has a resume that includes dozens of A-list conversations, intriguing stories, unprecedented access and an even more impactful life as a mother, which she credits as her greatest role.  Going back to where it all started as a young aspiring female, Gayle King began her career as a production assistant in Baltimore when she met anchor Oprah Winfrey. Since that one snowy night, Gayle formed an unbreakable bond with Oprah and their tight-knit friendship has been surviving and thriving and for nearly 4 decades. Gayle shares a funny story about her and Oprah while describing their connection.  From Jay-Z to R. Kelly to Blake Shelton, Gayle has had a diverse array of guests she’s interviewed, and she discusses her approach when there are intense moments. In particular she describes the emotions and intentions around the lightening rod of a conversation with R Kelly as he was facing serious allegations and jail time. As Gayle speaks, she instills wisdom on the state of journalism today, mentioning that taking time to understand people goes a long way.  While her personal life is under the microscope a lot, Gayle opens up on life after her divorce and her ability to find a work life blend while being a single mother with a demanding career. Gayle touches on her current her dating history sharing a personal story of a recent encounter gone wrong while candidly speaking on what she wants in a guy, which catches Ryan, Channing and Fred off guard but creates nonstop laughter amongst the group.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using http://dkng.co/pivot or through our promo code DEFENSE. In life and sports, we are all judged on who we are in the biggest moments and for NFL players, now is that moment with only a few teams left in the final push to see who plays in the Super Bowl. After a wild first round, we head into the divisional playoffs and Ryan, Channing and Fred are making their picks, talking about the team's still left standing and of course Channing felt vindicated after all year of not believing in Dallas and seeing them upset by the Green Bay Packers. Before getting into the weekend ahead, the guys reflect on our last conversation with Dez Bryant and being grateful for him opening up, sharing his perspective based on his experiences and how he uses them to create a better life for his children and future generations. The impact from his words touched so many and helped lead the guys into a conversation on discipline and parenting, as they talk about how important it is to set an example for the future generations. Whether it is on TV or in a line at Starbucks, signs of respect go a long way. With the Dallas Cowboys’ loss during the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the guys speak on Dak’s season and agree that he has simply not performed in the bigger moments. Channing explains it the best way he can, which has the guys laughing in tears as he puts Dallas' post season success in "Channing" terms. Many thought this season was the one for the Cowboys to take the next step, but they are entering the offseason with more confusion than answers. Ryan emphasizes how players like Tom Brady were able to focus on the field when the spotlight was brightest and says that Dak was seeing the world instead. The conversation shifts to the NFL’s greatest quarterback where they debate the importance Brady and Bill Belichik each had on the Patriots. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NJ/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-522-4700 (NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). 21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/ME/MI/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Bet $5 Get $200: Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued in bonus bets. Void in NH/OR. No Sweat: Opt in req. 1 No Sweat token issued per day. SGP/SGPx bets only. 3+ legs req. Max. wagering limits apply. Must use funds from cash balance. Must select a token BEFORE placing a bet. Bet must lose after applying Token. Paid as one Bonus Bet based on the amount of losing bet. Tokens expire at the start of the last game each day when offered. No Sweat cannot be used to redeem Bet $5 Get $200 offer. Rewarded bonus bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in winnings. Ends 01/28/24 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. See terms at dkng.co/ftball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Dez will go down as one of the top Dallas Cowboys receivers to wear the star, but the stories and attention that followed #88 for a decade is what the former WR is sharing about dealing with pressure, expressing the disadvantages to succeeding in big D while in the NFL and lack of family support growing up motivating him to make a change in his own adult life. In an emotional conversation, Dez reveals never-heard-before stories and the inner workings of his life and career. Opening up about the dysfunctional relationship between him and former head coach Jason Garrett, the lack of locker room bond between teammates, the feeling of being set up to fail and his complicated bond with the Jones family, Dez talks about how playing for Dallas was a blessing and a curse in one. Bryant says that he was never given a fair opportunity to learn or mature when he reached the NFL, and the media’s portrayals of him stemmed from preconceived ideas of who he was.  In order to “X out the negativity,” Bryant became a three-time Pro Bowler and led the NFL in touchdown receptions in 2014. While he may be remembered most for his infamous no-catch against the Green Bay Packers in 2015, he shines a light on the troubles of that season and the pivot he made to survive. Talking about his childhood through his recent attempts to help the future of the game. Whether it was family, teammates, coaches, reporters or friends, Dez is candid about the relationships he cultivated over the years, remaining open and honest when it comes to misunderstood narratives.  Being raised in a different scenario of having a mother who was barely a teenager at his birth created a bumpy road for Dez early on, and with a complex bond to his father, Dez was often independent and trying to make it on his own. Football went from a simple game to his ticket to a new life, and with a mom or dad rarely in attendance, Dez had to self teach hard lessons while trying to find his way. With a life full of adversity, Dez remains himself to this day, and being away from the game as a player has allowed for him to focus on helping others and supporting his family in ways he couldn’t be supported as a kid.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast One of the most iconic moments in football history came from one of the game’s most prolific players, and it didn’t even happen during a play. When Michigan star Desmond Howard struck the Heisman pose against Ohio State in 1991, he cemented his legacy as a college football great and etched his name in football history books. Fresh off of his alma mater's big National Championship win this week, the former Heisman winner and MIchigan great Desmond Howard, sits with Ryan, Channing and Fred to chat about his life on and off the field from growing up in impoverished parts of Cleveland to his NFL legacy as a Super Bowl MVP for Green Bay to his proudest accomplishment, being a good husband and father. Witnessing the change of football over the years, especially at college level, Desomd talks what it means for the game with legends of Nick Saban and Bill Bilichick stepping away from coaching and how NIL has lessened the competition mindset and added to entitlement for young athletes. Today, Desmond is known as one of the most pleasant people in sports media and has become a staple on ESPN’s College Gameday broadcasts. However, in a recent scandal with the Sports Emmys, Desmond and his fellow co-hosts of College GameDay had their statues taken back from them when a scandal was uncovered by the television academy of listing fake names for talent to win in categories. Desmond opens up for the first time as the news is breaking and shares the one thing that really pushed him to the edge in the entire situation, Lee Corso losing his too. With divorced parents and an atmosphere filled with gangs, drugs and violence, Desmond’s adversity in high school and college only helped motivate him to outwork his situation. Yet as he was told in an impromptu meeting with famous Dr. Harry Edwards, there is a struggle that must be. A man whose biggest moments transcended college football forever is etched into the minds of fans both new and old. By approaching football and life with gratitude, he has no regrets, and the smile people see on TV is the same one Desmond Howard has away from it.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast With a first round bye in the postseason, the rookie wide receiver sits with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his journey from childhood to an underestimated WR in college to now breaking rookie receiving records this year. Zay and Channing share a special history as Channing was one of his high school coaches and was able to see his talent at an early age as well as play a strong role in keeping him out of trouble. Channing coached Zay at a private high school, and despite the adversity Flowers had faced, he kept a smile on his face at all times. Chan and Zay reminisce about some of their stories together as Chan shows his pride for the future star.  One of 14 children, Zay lost his mother at 5 years old and also lost his brother when he was in high school, which he never let that escape him and always used it as motivation to represent his 8 brothers and 4 sisters in all he did and show the utmost respect towards his father for all he instilled in him growing up. Last April, when Zay walked across the NFL Draft stage, he made a tribute to his entire family and how each of them played a role in his opportunities. Learning commitment and sacrifice from his father, working hard and being grateful for each day is the biggest thing he takes from his childhood and can't put into words his appreciation for his father holding it all together. Now, Zay has found a second family with this Ravens squad, and their Super Bowl aspirations are alive and well heading into the playoffs. Zay details what it's been like learning from OBJ, Coach Harbaugh's leadership and being grateful that Lamar is the one drawing up their plays and executing his offense's success. He shares with Chan, Fred and Ryan a glimpse of some of what it's like to be in that building and what it's like inside the huddle on game days, opens up on what the next few weeks will be like and why he is so confident this Ravens team is the one! Zay's dad’s 4 a.m. wake-ups and years providing for 14 children is undoubtedly paying off, and Zay is on a mission to keep proving his haters wrong and making his family as close as ever. The Ravens are off this wild card weekend and await hosting the divisional round next weekend. Make sure you subscribe to The Pivot and catch new episodes every Tuesday at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Marco Summers, known to the world as Funny Marco is a Kansas City kid, who struggled in school and rarely held onto a job for a long time (by choice) has transcended his life into comedic stardom and now at 30 years old, has managed to take over the internet comedy space with his viral celebrity conversations and extremely uncomfortable interview style. By maintaining good relationships and betting on his personality, Marco has interviewed some of the world’s biggest celebrities from Nicki Minaj to Chris Brown to Kevin Hart and more. The guys talk about Marco’s comedy style and how he understands what energy to bring to a specific moment and has learned through his own experiences about what pushes conversations too far and how to be edgy without putting himself in danger or being viewed too negatively. Marco opens up about one of his podcast episodes that had the potential to go very badly and how he was able to salvage it and stand up for himself by sticking to who he is and his approach. The comedian is known for his awkward approaches to interviews and creative narratives, and he discusses with Channing the importance of personality in comedy, but also the pressure comedians feel to always make people laugh. In a surprising role reversal Ryan puts on his best Funny Marco outfit from wearing the oversized coat to New Balance sneakers to tank top and attempts to interview the star with the same energy the comedian brings in each of his viral clips...Fred and Channing are laughing while Marco responds as you'd least expect, with tears. Marco is already putting his touch on the comedy world, and with each moment he pivots to bring audiences something they’ve never seen before. Experiencing firsthand the talent of Funny Marco, the guys understand how and why he has become an overnight sensation and whether it's with tears or laughs, Marco's authentic self is taking the internet by storm.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast “I don’t know if there is a more attacked player in the modern era than me….I open my phone and I’m being reminded of a moment every day, that shit feels like Chinese water torture, a little ping over and over and over again. When they say football is what you do not who you are, I don’t believe that, I feel like who and what we did under that helmet, sticks with you, that animal, that monster and for me it was a Samurai. It’s not the play, I played a million plays, I did the best I could, I’ve let go of the play, it’s how I’ve been treated since that I don’t feel like is fair and I finally had enough.” Rashard Mendenhall opens up about his fumble in Super Bowl 45 in today’s conversation on The Pivot. As we end a year, we are reminded that some of us carry burdens with us that we know nothing about and until we are able to open up and release it, the thought and feeling torments us. For former Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall, it’s one play he feels has cast a shadow over everything else he’s done in his career on and off the football field. In a heavy but necessary conversation, the guys create a space for a tough but instrumental discussion about life, letting go and owning up to a mistake. Ryan and Fred sit down with Rashard for a conversation that got to the root of recent controversial comments made by the Steeler great, focusing on how one moment in the running back’s career has caused a decade of torment.  Super Bowl 45 saw Ryan and Rashard’s Pittsburgh team fall to the Green Bay Packers, and the crew discussed how Mendenhall’s fumble played a crucial part in that game and his life beyond it.  Last week, Mendenhall made waves in the NFL media world with a Tweet that seemed to pit a potential all-white player team and all-black player team against one another.  Fans, players and personalities alike ran with the concept and made the hypothetical scenario become a little more real with debate and discussions, without the true context of why he said what he said and the root of it all. Ryan and Fred point out that NFL players are constantly in the public eye and there needs to be a disconnect from the media at times as it can have personal implications. Just last week Jonathan Owens and The Pivot team received scrutiny for the comments about Jonathan’s wife Simone Biles, yet as the hosts know, outside talk can always be insensitive as celebrities become a canvas and the guys reiterate how much love is between the young couple and encourage people to open minds to what’s reality vs what a false narrative creates. The situation in Denver has another player under the microscope as Russell Wilson has been benched by the Broncos, and the guys talk about Sean Payton and how Russ deserved better. Ryan isn’t shy about his thoughts on Payton’s moves from day one and how not only is it unprofessional but disrespectful in today’s game. One thing is certain, and it is that Freddy T is getting some of the love he deserves. Taylor was named a modern-era finalist on the upcoming ballot, but as Kobe says, “the job’s not done.” From our Pivot Family to yours, Happy New Year and we are ready for a full 2024 that’s going to be our best yet! New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Whether it was a young Joe signing with Def Jam Records or the extremely popular media host the world knows today…the rapper turned podcaster has a candid nature which draws in millions globally to his shows. Complex recently ranked Joe as the number one star on their inaugural Hip-Hop Media Rankings, but the Jersey native has long been an icon for his voice, inside and outside of rap lyrics themselves.  The guys speaks with Joe on his career and the massive pivot he took when entering the podcasting realm, a decision that has certainly paid off. Outside of the public controversies he is an artist’s artist at his core, but the reputation he has gained comes from his opinions of some of the game’s most notable names.  Ryan acknowledges the struggles that come with being a public figure and finding life after your first career as Joe touches on his mental health struggles. Joe talks on how he has found life balance from him looking to a higher power to find moments of peace in a hectic day-to-day lifestyle that’s ultimately made him rap’s most successful media personality. A day off at the age of 50 may be on the horizon, but until he smells the flowers it is 4 a.m. wake-ups and hours upon hours of research and working at his craft for Joe, always innovating and thinking of how to revamp the space. No matter what people have to say and understanding wholeheartedly that Joe Budden continuously makes waves in the hip-hop industry, the respect for how he’s navigated the space and earned the respect for his raw honesty and consistency, Joe is committed to keep going until he has turned podcasting upside down.  Addressing certain issues with artists and rumors over the years, Joe doesn’t hide from criticism and doesn’t back down from controversy. He owns his mistakes and doesn’t regret anything because it all has led him to where he is today. With recent P Diddy accusations, Joe opens up about troubles of his past and the lessons he learned from those tough times. From his hit song “Pump It Up” to nearly 700 Joe Budden Podcast episodes, he continues to march to the beat of his own drum with a focus of bettering himself each day and maintaining who he is day in and day out.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Ryan’s former teammate Rashard Mendenhall recently tweeted about an all-white person vs. all-black person football game that has sparked much debate online....the internet went abuzz and a seemingly controversial topic turned into fun banter between former and current NFL players. Countering former NFL player Will Compton who gave his takes on the "white" team, Ryan Channing and Fred shared their takes on the scenario with some competing opinions.  Getting into a little NBA, The guys were excited by the return of Ja Morant to the Memphis Grizzlies and how he made an immediate impact through his play making a statement on and off the court. The guys talk about Ja taking accountability for his actions and his importance to the league and Ryan says he can be the face in a different capacity as Allen Iverson became. Switching gears into another important topic, Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith was reunited with his father who was incarcerated 28 years ago. The former Dallas Maverick received help from owner Mark Cuban, and Chan brings up a conversation from two weeks ago about the importance of influencers having real influence. Prison reform is an important issue in today’s society, but having a strong support system is what can change people’s lives. The guys commend the joint effort from Nets and Mavericks to make something special happen. In sports and in life, Ryan Clark knows that success is subjective, so as the 2023 Steve Sabol award winner, Ryan talks about what the honor means to him. He also says dedication is what matters and Fred transitions into another team in the spotlight, the Dallas Cowboys. It seems as if they remain under a microscope week in and week out with a target on their back makes them an easy focus for the media, but after all the guys agree they are America’s team.  Touching on a tougher storyline of the week, The conversation goes into a deeper discussion about a King's G-League player’s recent confession to murder. The guys are surprised how very few people see the bigger picture of their actions in today’s society.  Before heading into the holiday, Ryan reflects on how the Pivot began two years ago as a platform for open and honest conversations, but being able to experience his daughter's graduation for her master's degree, the idea of a pivot became much bigger and more impactful. From all of us here at The Pivot family, we wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday and hope everyone understands that it's about time, people and making memories this part of year. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast It’s the best time of year - What an exciting season it’s been and now it’s the race to the @NFL playoffs as the game action is heating up! Don’t miss any moment and catch all your favorite out of market teams on NFL Sunday Ticket by clicking this link [https://yt.be/83SLj] now for as low as $39!! Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with the starting safety to talk about his journey to professional football and how he overcame adversity since day one.  Division II prospects rarely get NFL looks, and undrafted players often have to be the hardest workers on the field to even make practice squads. Yet with his back against the wall, Jonathan Owens proved he belonged in the NFL, and now he is a core defensive member for the playoff-chasing Green Bay Packers.  Jonathan and his Olympic star wife Simone Biles have become some of the biggest mental health advocates in the athletic space, and Owens becomes candid about his identity struggles after getting cut 5 different times. A story about how he and Simone met leads to a larger conversation about the importance of support systems in life, and by understanding paralysis by analysis, both he and Simone are excelling in their respective sports. Mentally, Jonathan and Ryan both went through the trials and tribulations of being an undrafted player in the NFL, and the two reflect on how much effort it takes to become a player coaches can’t take off the field.  From spending 6 hours alone in an airport after an unsuccessful tryout with the Indianapolis Colts to spending late nights practicing on beat-up fields across from the Arizona Cardinals facilities, Jonathan Owens has learned how to stay his course.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET. Check it out and catch NFL Sunday Ticket now on @YouTube & @YouTubeTV! Now as low as $39. The Lowest price on YouTube TV with Base Plan. Rest of 2023 season. Terms & embargoes apply. No cancellations. #Ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Before diving into the conversation...the guys want to know if Channing is ready as he prepares to try his hat in the comedy business with his first Improv show and he tests his material, shares his approach and plan for publicly telling his unfiltered stories, Fred and Ryan are excited for him and can't wait to use his "safety" phrase. Turning to sports, Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension came as a surprise to nobody given his actions against the Suns, but Ryan has a unique perspective on if Draymond is “crazy” or not. He deserves punishment for his poor impulse control on the court, but will counseling help a man who has a clean record off of it? One thing is for sure, Draymond was a game-changer for the Warriors’ championship teams, but the guys discuss whether or not Cam Newton’s game-manager comments regarding four of the NFL’s quarterbacks had truth to them. Beyond the words themselves, Ryan, Channing and Fred break down the backlash one of the game’s most dynamic players ever is receiving.  Some sports personalities played the game, others didn’t, but very few had the type of success that Cam had during his MVP-caliber seasons. So when Superman calls quarterbacks game-managers, why does he receive more negative feedback than other analysts? On the topic of MVP’s, LeBron James’ in-season tournament victory with the Lakers had fans questioning his celebrations. The guys compare LeBron’s ecosystem within basketball to that of Jordan and Kobe, breaking down the difference in their careers and legacies.  A few weeks back Channing made some remarks about Giants quarterback Tommy Devito, and since then the Italian has been a baller for New York. Chan still thinks that he shouldn’t be living at home, but the guys talk about Tommy and his agent’s recent fame. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking contract has taken over baseball news, but Fred and Channing disagree on whether or not deferring the bulk of the money was a smart business decision.  Fred shares his latest endeavor becoming a part-owner of the JAX USL soccer team as he talks about the importance of giving back to the Jacksonville community and his hopes for the team.Ryan wraps the conversation reflecting on his role as a dad, and the guys talk about how important it is for parents to show up for their kids. The Pivot hosts all have love for one another, but Chan’s new comedy performance “Uncensored” has a safe word that the guys have to drop as well. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast As Jayden Daniels took the stage in New York City Saturday night, he used his speech time to thank everyone who stood by him over the years. When he had entered his name into the transfer portal in February 2022, not many people predicted he’d end up a Heisman Trophy winner.  Ryan Clark was one of the few who did.  On Sunday morning, the newest member of the Heisman fraternity sat down with Ryan, Channing and Fred to discuss what his recent experience has been like and the journey that allowed for him to create his own legacy on college football.  When Daniels transferred from Arizona State to LSU, videos surfaced of teammates clearing out his locker. Instead of bashing them in interviews, Daniels knew that he’d just have to show out on the football field…and show out he did.  The LSU quarterback threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns this season while rushing for another 1,134 and 10 touchdowns.  The guys talk to Jayden about two of the games over the past two seasons that stood out the most, his overtime win over No. 5 Alabama in 2022 and his record-setting day against Channing and Fred’s Florida Gators in November of this year.  Despite all the noise, Daniels points to how his work this offseason brought him success and talks about training with his friends Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.  As he mentions in his speech, Jayden’s family is the biggest reason he is where he is today, and he tells the guys about his relationship he had with his grandparents while also touching on the sacrifices his parents made.  Jayden’s college career may not have gone the way he expected it to, but with faith and a solid support system around him he is now the 89th winner of the Heisman Trophy and the next SEC great headed for the NFL.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast On this episode of The Pivot, Ryan, Channing and Fred discuss separating the person from the artist while also providing their thoughts on the influence and impact that celebrities can have on culture and society. A lot of questions to discuss between the guys but one thing is for sure, Ryan declares Fred the unofficial mayor of Duval after attending a Monday Night football game and sharing how he saw firsthand the overwhelming popularity his co-host has in the city of Jacksonville.  Despite the Jaguars’ success this season, the state of Florida is mostly disappointed after Florida State was left out of the College Football Playoff. The guys have split opinions on whether or not the Seminoles deserved a spot to compete for the championship, but this brings about the idea of NCAA committees simply doing what they want to drive revenue.  The guys all agree that being in the public eye comes with a certain degree of fame but also a level of criticism. Similar to sports figures, artists face critique outside the realm of music because of their cultural significance. Whether it is Taylor Swift and her rise to being a global phenom or the potential fall from the top in the situation of Sean “Diddy” Combs…the constant spotlight can take one’s reputation in whichever direction the media or general public decides.  With Taylor Swift being announced TIME’s Person of the Year, the guys agree that she was deserving of the accolade and discuss her innovative rise to stardom. Freddy T welcomes a co-track between Swift and Beyoncé to really bring together two massive audiences similar to Michael Jackson’s “We are the World” song. Pivoting to a different aspect of conversation about the accusations against Diddy going deeper into how relationships and women’s stances in these type of situations, the guys gives their takes on how certain instance lead to a broader topic- of the difficulty of being a woman in today’s society.  From standing up for those who need defending to allowing for women to speak their truth, Ryan, Channing and Fred reflect on human culture and the importance of allowing everyone to have their story told.  There’s no grey area for the guys that they believe those who commit sexual crimes must be punished by law, but the questions lie within the relationships that are fractured by these circumstances.  A conversation covering tough topics in a way only the guys can…as we move from sports, culture and the social climate, and being able to remain candid when it matters most. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/defense or through our promo code: Defense Growing up in Louisiana, Ed shares a similar football path to Ryan and he talks how most people don’t make it out of where and how he grew up so he never took his opportunities for granted and kept his focus on football and leading by example. Looked up to man greats who he watched play before him and how Deion Sanders was instrumental to him to see how hard he worked and committed he was at all stages of his career. Many view Reed as the greatest safety of all time, but his journey off the field is spotlighted during this episode as he opens up and shares how certain moments tested him as a man and how football became the greatest medicine to pain. After the loss of his brother, Ed reflected on how important lessons are in life, especially when it comes to being able to help others.  Discussing certain coping mechanisms of life stress and pain associated with playing the game, Ed talks about drug use being frowned upon during his era vs now as it seems it’s more accepted but more abused. Fred asks Ed if he would be the same player in the game today with all the rule changes to a quick response of yes and may be even better. As the guys reminisce of their playing days, Ed says how facing each of them in AFC battles forced him to work harder as He knew games against the Steelers and Dolphins would always come down to which defense could make a stop.  Reed’s journey is not just about who he became, but the people he worked alongside. In discussing his biggest pivot, he points to how training with a key group of teammates helped keep him on the path to greatness and fully understand the sacrifice that comes with being the best. While speaking about his Super Bowl run and Hall of Fame induction, Ed praises his coaches and teammates who helped him reach where he is today. He even reveals how he tried to give up his Hall of Fame spot to someone he looked up to who wasn’t in Canton yet. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast From being bullied in school to facing opposition still today, Dee-1 has learned how to look beyond his fears and realize the importance of his mission. From labels to fans to fellow artists, Dee has found his place as a realist when it comes to the rap game, and his music reflects his love of God and humanity.  Hailing from New Orleans, Dee speaks on the hardships he faced while in college at LSU, such as friends getting involved in drugs, getting cut from the basketball team and losing his longtime girlfriend. Despite this adversity, he gets emotional when touching on his biggest Pivot, a moment that has evidently shaped him still today where he escaped being killed by seconds. Dee-1 knows firsthand the influence that murder music and the glorification of violence can have on society, and his lyrics provide an alternative message. He addresses the scrutiny and backlash from hip hop’s bigger names of Meek, Rick Ross and shares how he’s not worried about the Joe Budden’s of the world criticizing his approach because his message his far bigger than his ego and money. As rappers and fans continue to compare wealth, status and fame, Dee-1 preaches about the core of what makes us all human. So while rap stars may have words for the Louisiana native, he continues to make an impact his own way, by approaching the Goliaths with love.  By understanding that God had more planned for him, Dee has gone on to teach at a middle school, become a Louisiana governor appointee and even write a children’s book. His eleventh album is a testimony to his journey, titled “From the Hood to Harvard.” The Harvard University Nasir Jones Hip-Hop fellow keeps it real with the Pivot crew during this episode, pointing to difficult conversations as a solution to the difficult problems in today’s world.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast To tennis fans around the world, Nick Kyrgios is as unorthodox as they come. He is a trailblazer in a sport full of tradition, pushing the rules to the brink, wearing his emotions on his sleeve and stepping on the court with a flare never seen before yet his calm demeanor and laid back tone caught Ryan, Channing and Fred by surprise as they sat with him for a layered conversation of sports, limelight, family, mental health and surviving scrutiny. Kyrgios' antics during matches are a sharp contrast from the chill man sitting across from the guys and an example of an athlete’s reputation in the media not truly representing who that person is. Growing up in Australia, Nick had a unique childhood, spending a decade training from age 10yrs old working towards his goal of becoming a tennis star. His work paid off, and Nick became one of two tennis players on tour to defeat Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on the first try. Nick shares how expectations were low and he surpassed people's thoughts giving him the reassurance that he didn't need others approval but just needed his own self respect and worth. Not only did he have historical wins on the court, but he did it his way, with trick shots that were unfamiliar at the time and a style not supported by the Tennis faithful. With the holiday season underway, let us help you find the perfect gift for you or the ones closest to you. Check out Etsy marketplace, Use the code HOLIDAY10 for10% off your first purchase. That’s code HOLIDAY10 Maximum discount value of fifty dollars. Expires December 31st, 2023. See terms at Etsy dot com slash terms. We've teamed up with our friends at DraftKings and are helping new and existing customers get in on the action of sports all week long so Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app today and use our promo code DEFENSE when signing up!.  [5%/bold] GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). [3.5%/bold] Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-522-4700 (NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). [1.5%] 21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).Bet $5 Get $150: Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $150 issued in bonus bets. No Sweat: Opt in req. 1 No Sweat token issued per day. SGP/SGPx bets only. 3+ legs req. Max. wagering limits apply. Must use funds from cash balance. Must select a token BEFORE placing a bet. Bet must lose after applying Token. Paid as one Bonus Bet based on amount of losing bet. Tokens expire at the start of the last game each day when offered. No Sweat cannot be used to redeem Bet $5 Get $150 offer. Rewarded bonus bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in winnings. Ends 12/18/23 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. See terms at dkng.co/ftball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Happy Thanksgiving! Hope our Pivot family is celebrating and spending time with loved ones this time of year. We took the day to spend with our families too but still wanted to bring you guys something special today so we picked our favorite Pivotal moments of the year to share and hope it gives you a chance to reflect and realize there’s always time to accept, adjust and move forward. So sit back and hear from Travis Kelce, Deion Sanders, Snoop, Lil Wayne, Mike McDaniel, Ice Cube, Chris Paul, Gillie Da Kid, Steve Sarkisian, Mina kimes, Ty Lue, Dawn Staley and more. And be sure to visit our website as our Black Friday Merch is on sale all wknd! Check it out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Everything about quarterback Michael Vick’s game was electric. He was a human highlight-reel who made infamous plays in every game he was under center. And in 2003, he was named the cover athlete for Madden 2004. Little did EA Sports know that Vick’s legacy as a quarterback icon would face as many bumps as it did.  20 years later, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with legend Michael Vick to honor the anniversary of him being named to the Madden NFL cover.  Hailing from Virginia, Michael Vick always dreamt differently, thinking about a future of success from a young age. He tells the guys the difficulties of being a trailblazing quarterback at Virginia Tech, and about how being drafted to the Falcons was a blessing, even with its downsides.  Remaining close to home became detrimental for Vick, but the man who revolutionized the game had to reset himself during his time in jail. He tells a story of coach Tony Dungy’s sincere visit to him at a federal prison in Kansas, and how a meeting with Dungy, Andy Reid and Roger Goodell gave his career a second wind.  The 2010 Comeback Player of the Year truly reset his game, and life. Vick explains how he has become an animal welfare advocate while also holding football camps for kids. A young Michael Vick once had a goal of only being drafted to the NFL and he touches on how grateful he was to be named the Madden NFL 2004 cover athlete.  Ryan, Channing and Fred have played alongside and against some impactful athletes, but they talk about how Vick transcended the game with there being few comparable players ever.  The same kid who ran around the streets of Newport News, Virginia has been running around the screens of Madden users for over two decades, and despite his two-year absence from football, he will go down as one of football’s all-time stars. New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Sometimes analysts need to separate the player from the person, and in this episode Ryan, Channing and Fred touch on how volatile perspectives of athletes can be.  In the previous podcast episode with Devin Hester on Tuesday, the guys discussed the importance of providing an environment for their guests to open up. By speaking on Devin’s courage and reflection, they mention how blessed they are to be trusted with the platform for athletes and entertainers to speak their truth. With an open and honest environment, Devin was able to touch on aspects of his journey that he has not been public about before.  Switching to trending headlines, Ryan references the importance of being an impartial football analyst who looks at the player instead of the person. With Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury, they understand how easy it is to dwell on the negatives of people and blaming injuries on karma, but what if things are going well? Who do we credit then? Should the same theory apply when talking about positive impact off the field? Joshua Dobbs’ rise the past few weeks is an example of overcoming initial perceptions, which Ryan dealt with throughout his career as an undrafted player, always having to prove the doubters wrong. Fred loves the heart that Josh has been playing with even though multiple teams have given up on him before this. On the other end of the quarterback spectrum, although Channing is a mama’s boy, he dislikes the idea that Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito is starting in NFL games and still living with his mom and doesn’t hold back his thoughts!! The guys wrap up the episode talking the recent Draymond Green incident and the importance of fulfilling the enforcer role on his Warriors team but when is it too far or too much? Ryan and Fred have differing takes on this situation and share.  Whether it is Joshua Dobbs’ success story or the negative media light being shined on Draymond and Deshaun, Ryan, Channing and Fred know that these athletes are each under the microscope from the public. It’s a tough balance of Navigating the adversity while respecting public opinion but not living by it.  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Most well known for his opening kick off touchdown return in Super Bowl XLI, Devin Hester carved a unique niche in football as a specialist who flew his way to the top of the history books. Hester played eight of his 11 NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears and is known as the most prolific return specialist in league history, he holds NFL records with 19 kick-return touchdowns, 14 punt-return TDs and 20 return touchdowns, which includes punts, kickoffs, missed field goals, fumbles and interceptions. Growing up with turmoil and heartache as his father, who he never met until later in his childhood, battled an illness after being released from prison. In a difficult moment, Devin opens up sharing what the true cause of death was for his father after spending his life telling the world his dad passed away from cancer when in fact it wasn’t. The release of burden is heavy and the guys offer a sounding board. One of the University of Miami’s standout players during his collegiate days, Devin talks about his choice of going to school there and the controversy surrounding his attendance and how his playing days shaped his career. Talking with Ryan, Channing and Fred, Devin names his top 5 NFL players with Hurricane roots. Most thought, Hester would be a first ballot Hall of Famer, but Hester shares how he discovered he was the last one left off the golden list 2 years in a row but for him it’s no longer about the Hall of Fame it’s about the journey and never giving up after all the knock downs he had. Premiere Episodes of The Pivot release every Tuesday at Noon est with special football drops on Fridays at 3:30p est! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast This show hits a little differently with us as Chad is someone who was our first guest we had on The Pivot when we started but more than that, he’s our brother, friend and a supporter since day one. Chad has walked the path with us first on the field through the wins and losses of football and then life after as we experienced the highs & lows and have all been tested at our peeks as humans. This conversation covers growth, family, careers and how things work out the way they are supposed to be even when they seem to be off track at first. The vulnerability and raw emotion shares between Chad, Fred, Ryan and Channing resonates with us all as the men talk about how life humbles them when they least expect it and how the success they achieve now is often tested with more freedom and opportunities. The guys commend Chad that through his career and life he’s managed to uphold a positive persona and be one of the most liked people in sports. Ryan starts the conversation bringing up the recent Keith Lee situation and how the first time he saw the majority of folks mad at Chad and the guys get into the story as Chad explains his perspective and why he said and felt what he did. Chad understands how difficult it is for men and women of culture to succeed and how any little thing can knock them down to a point where some can’t recover and he always tries to come from a place of building up not tearing down. Talking about new age of coaching with Antonio Pierce’s role with the Raiders and how the post locker room celebrations shocked some, the guys discuss it was more about the team bond and fresh start than the actuality of winning a game. Switching over to talk about Deion and how the hype has slowly quieted as Colorado has not been winning and so many people are quick to call Deion a failure and the guys discuss why he could never been considered one and the impact he’s making with young people far surpasses his persona on and off the field. Chad opens up about how he had to lose the things he loved most in order to understand he may be moving the wrong way and that when the train falls off the track it’s a humbling process but a necessary one. Having football end before Chad was ready to hang up his cleats has always been a tough point in his life but he attributes the events surrounding that time as his biggest teaching moment to get discipline back in his life. Fred talks about losing loved ones and reflects on Chad losing his mom and how the recent passing of his grandma has impacted him as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Although young in age, Shakur's story starts long ago as he represented USA boxing in the Olympics and felt his first heartbreak as an athlete, a feeling he carries with him today to guide his approach to the sport he loves. He opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred on how that experience shaped him and something he considers the biggest pivot in his life because it taught him what he never wanted to experience again. Extremely confident and outspoken, Shakur has chosen to allow his work in the ring to do the talking for him and lives by a motto of never backing down from anyone.  Being mentored by some of the sport's greatest to fight, Andre Ward, Bud Crawford and Floyd Mayweather...Shakur has his sights set on becoming a legend and enshrined in boxing history as one of the best to ever do it. Understanding and prioritizing that training is all year round and being disciplined all the time, not just fight time, is one major takeaway Shakur has modeled his career after from his mentors. Having a marketing component is also his edge as he continues to build his super star status in the sport, recently signing a mega deal with Adidas, amassing a large social media following and working with entertainment A-listers Drake and managed by J Prince.  His upcoming championship fight is a defining one, but it's also necessary for Shakur to dominate his opponent in order to attract the bigger name fights of Gervontaa Davis and Devin Haney's of the sport, Shakur is not shy on speaking up that he is ready for these mega fights and believes he is the best fighter in the sport.  As a young father, Shakur talks about how having a daughter has changed him and motivated him even more, pushing him to be a winner but also a good man. Shakur's title bout vs De Los Santos kicks of F1 week in Las Vegas and is set for Thursday November 16, 2023 on ESPN,  The Pivot Podcast releases premiere episodes every Tuesday with audio available at 9AMest and streaming on YouTube at 12PMest. Fridays are special drops during football season at 3:30pest. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). 21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/MI/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). Bet $5 Get $200: Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued in bonus bets. No Sweat: Opt in req. 1 No Sweat token issued per day. SGP/SGPx bets only. 3+ legs req. Max. wagering limits apply. Must use funds from cash balance. Must select a token BEFORE placing a bet. Bet must lose after applying Token. Paid as one Bonus Bet based on the amount of losing bet. Tokens expire at the start of the last game each day when offered. No Sweat cannot be used to redeem Bet $5 Get $200 offer. Rewarded bonus bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in winnings. Ends 11/13/23 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. See terms at draftkings.com/ftball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Business is business and family is family, but with The Pivot the two go hand in hand.  While on the road traveling, the guys sit down for a personal conversation about life happenings. With the unfortunate passing of Fred’s grandmother, the guys prioritize doing a check in with him as his grandmother was instrumental in his upbringing and the heart of his family. Fred has always been vocal about the place his grandmother held and we know the loss of someone close to us is never easy. Coming together in Austin, TX with our friends at Draft Kings and brothers at All The Smoke, we were preparing for the opportunity to take part in a panel discussion about business, owning our own content, second acts in life, controlling our narrative and legacy. Part of having our own platform, earning respect and garnering success through our efforts, doesn’t always mean it’s an easy street because it does come with outside noise and sometimes taking the high road only takes us so far. We are all human so hearing false narratives and half truths become frustrating. Ryan, Channing and Fred address the Brandon Marshall comments and do their best to respond in facts rather emotion. Relationships can often be complicated whether it’s in business, friendship or romantic ones- but guys talk about how as long as you are your true self and act in the best interest of others then you move with good intentions. Channing talks about showing the faults or “crumbs” as he says is the only way you really know if you are dealing with the right person and can’t be afraid to show people who you really are. Excited for friend and former teammate Antonio Pierce for being named Interim Head Coach of The Las Vegas Raiders, the guys talk about the immediate respect shown for him from the locker room and excited to see what he does against his former team the Giants this Sunday. Guys also talk about former NBA player Joe Smith and finding out about his wife’s Only Fans page as they weigh in and share their thoughts for the entire situation and what reactions are warranted or expected if this is indeed true that he didn’t know. Also discuss James Harden’s legacy and the possible Pippen Jordan wedding and what it would mean for the two infamous last names! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through our promo code: Defense  One of football’s most decorated players at the professional and collegiate levels, Woodson played 18 seasons in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, racking up a list of accolades including Super Bowl XLV champion, 2009 Defensive Player of the Year, 1998 Defensive Rookie of the Year and the 2015 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, his first year on the ballot, and enshrined in Canton that August.  Ryan starts the conversation off by quoting Charles on an important message that he shared during his Hall of Fame speech, and asking the significance of the line, "They say a woman can’t raise a man, I call bullcrap, because my mom raised two men." Charles shares why it was important for him to put that message out to the world and let him serve as proof that strong men can be raised in single mother households and talks about his own experience of being raised by his mother and how his work ethic and his will to never give up is all from watching his mom and the values she instilled in him. As hard as the NFL is and as many ups and downs, injuries, bad days and the days that make you want to walk away, Charles always remained grounded by his mother's efforts and life approach which he used to sustain his own success. Channing doesn't miss a moment in poking a little fun at Charles' singing comparing him to Demarcus Ware's recent performance, as Charles chose to sing a tribute for his mother at his Hall of Fame induction which gives the guys some material for a fun conversation.  Prior to his professional career, Woodson was a two-time All-American at Michigan and led the Wolverines to an undefeated season and national championship in 1997, the same year he became the only individual to win the Heisman Trophy while playing on both sides of the ball. Fred asks about playing with Tom Brady during those years at college and what type of player he was then and the difference in Brady during the early years vs becoming one of the best to ever play in the NFL. With all the surrounding controversy around Michigan football today, Woodson remains loyal to the program and doesn't find any foul play with the information he is aware of that's gone on.  Woodson goes on to talk about his own NFL career and later on playing against his college teammate sharing how a day doesn't go by where someone doesn't ask him about the infamous loss to Brady in the 2002 postseason, where Charles sacked Tom who fumbled to seal the win for the Raiders yet, it was overturned due to the "Tuck rule" and the Patriots went onto win. A moment that haunted Woodson for years which is why winning the Super Bowl with Green Bay Packers meant so much to him later on in his NFL tenure. Talking about how some of the greatest cornerbacks are often compared to Woodson, he reiterates how and why people view him as one of the greatest defensive players to step on the field with no argument on this from Ryan, Fred or Channing as they reiterate Woodson's achievements and go on to say that he himself often looks back at some of the things he did, and can't believe he did it either.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through our promo code Defense  As authentic voices of media on various shows weekly, Ryan understands his responsibility when analyzing sports and how to approach certain situations as it’s important to him to always talk about the player and the production not the athlete as a person or their intentions. Channing agrees it comes with a certain level of people weighing in where Fred feels new media is so different now compared to days when they played and it was just about numbers, production and results. In recent social media banter, Former QB Brady Quinn made a statement trying to be slick about QB Deshaun Watson’s play on the field using his off the field issues as a way to describe it. Ryan and Channing feel it was completely uncalled for in the way to take shots while Fred says it should never come to that when talking about a player who you don’t know the real reasons production on the field.  Transitioning into another topic of talk, The guys speak about the recent public news of Dwight Howard and legal implications of personal relationships as well as his private relationships being revealed. Although not a huge surprise of sexual relationships with men, it is still something he didn’t voluntarily share with the world but became revealed through other ways, now under the microscope for allegations of sexual assault and battery. Channing says how it doesn’t matter what someone does in their private life or with who, as long as it’s legal and not of forced. Ryan says how it’s normal and accepted in society where as in it’s still new and unfamiliar to talk about in locker rooms.  Wrapping the show on a lighter fun note, the guys dive into the popular topic of dos and donts of first date places to go…and you already know how Channing feels but it’s definitely a part of the conversation not to miss!  New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on YouTube, with audio available on main streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon. Pivot Partners: For all merch and to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness, visit www.pivotpodcast.com Head to www.FACTORMEALS.com/THEPIVOT50 & use code THEPIVOT50 to get 50% off. That’s code THEPIVOT50 at FACTOR MEALS dot com slash THEPIVOT50 to get 50% off! Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through our promo code Defense  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast The king of R&B, known for his love songs and timeless hits, Ne-Yo sits with Ryan, Fred and Channing for in-depth conversation about music, family, fatherhood and finding balance in the public eye, Trying to emulate the R&B legend, Ryan is singing his music to start the show as the guys all get a laugh talking about wardrobe choices, in particular Ryan's so-called R&B outfit and lightening the tone before diving into the deep layers of who Ne-Yo is as a person and wildly talented artist.  Dating back to how his career started, how it took off and how he has been able to maintain his level of excellence and always staying motivated, Ne-Yo talks about how it's not just producing and performing his own music but it's relishing the power of his pen by writing some of the biggest hits for Rihanna to Beyonce to Usher and more. Understanding success comes with living under a microscope, Ne-Yo explains how he's navigated the waters all these years and being able to tune out the opinions of others while putting his faith in himself and his family to validate his work. Channing makes the joke about how females expect Ne-Yo to be the guy singing and writing those love songs in his actual relationships and asks if there is pressure to be that character over his everyday persona.  Out of all the accolades and #1 hits, he shares his biggest accomplishment is being a father and will always put his children first before anything else. He clears the air on misconceptions of him in his personal life and opens up on what life is really like away from the music. Despite being separated from his children's mothers, Ne-Yo has managed to maintain co-parenting duties and understands the importance of a family upbringing. Ne-Yo shares with the guys how he grew up in house full of women with his mother, sisters, aunts which he credits for helping to shape him into the man he is today,  Ne-Yo reflects on his biggest Pivot which he remembers clearly how a long time ago when he first started doing signings at a record store, a young man came up to him and thanked him for saving his life with is music and how the guy was struggling mentally wanting to take his own life, and something in the lyrics and flow of Ne-Yo's music, the young man found comfort and  Most recently, over the summer, Ne-Yo headlined President Biden's July 4th concert at the White House, 24 hours after performing a private celebration at Michael Rubin's Hampton's event with exclusive guests form Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Jay Z, Tom Brady, Kevin Hart, Leonardo DiCaprrio and many more. Ne-Yo just released his brand-new single "Link Up" which will be featured on his 9th album coming out in 2024. The Pivot Podcast releases premiere episodes every Tuesday with audio available at 9aest and streaming on YouTube at 12pest. Fridays are special drops during football season at 3:30pest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott known by his stage name as Joey Badass, has created a brand for himself as a musician, actor and philanthropist hoping to inspire young people not just of similar backgrounds and culture but everyone. Ryan, Channing and Fred sit with Joey in admiration of what he's accomplished at a young age and encouraged by his philosophy and approach to everyday life through his work and commitment to give back to younger people. Being fans of his work, the guys really hone in on his success and how for being so young, he has such an old wise soul.  A native of Brooklyn, Joey talks about how from a young age the NY greats Biggie and Jay Z were two of the men who had a strong influence on him and how trying to be extensions of their approach really shaped the artist he wanted to be. Believing that music is one the most powerful forces in the world next to love, Joey has intentionally wrote lyrics and created a style of music that can try to change people's perspective the other way and not glorify the streets and growing up in a way that holds young people of color back rather, he encourages them to break down the barriers and soar to new levels.  Through all the music, shows, performances Joey has been a part of, one of his most proud accomplishments is creating the ImpactMENtorship program for men of all color to have an opportunity to shadow and receive guidance from people who started with similar goals and aspirations as himself. Joey makes it clear, he may not care about a lot of things but he cares about what's important and what's ultimately affecting our children and next generation is extremely important to him.  In an open discussion about life, trials and tribulations, Joey reveals how he first turned down acting roles not to fall into a certain niche of only playing roles that glorify the streets, he explains why he felt he was ready to embark on his acting journey and how he embraced the role of Unique in Power Book III: Raising Kanan which elevated him to be considered one of the more respected in the industry.  Starting his career at a young age, Joey has had many experiences and Being a father and empowering black love through his own relationship, he hopes to inspire other men and women of color to embrace the same. Dating actress, Serayah, Joey expands on their relationship in the public eye and how he's ok with it being out there to show his respect and appreciation for black love.  Ryan asks with all he's accomplished at such a young age, what's the end goal and Joey shares his hopes and how his biggest Pivot in life was about putting himself first and how that has changed his life forever in ways he can't even quantify with words. Premiere episodes of The Pivot release every Tuesday at 12PMet and special episodes release every Friday at 3:330pm est.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast October Is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month with October 10th being World Mental Health Day, it’s important to check in on our loved ones and those close to us, not just today or this month, but as often as we can.  Sometimes those who look like they have the perfect life and everything going for them are the ones struggling the most on the inside. This conversation is a powerful story but a tough one to hear and even a tougher one to share but through clarity and courage, Drew Robinson is opening up to hopefully help others not suffer through what he and his loved ones endured.  Former MLB player Drew Robinson is a good looking, athletic man, and was achieving success at the 1% level of playing a game he loved professionally…but what people didn’t know at the time was the mental health struggles Drew faced everyday. Baseball exposed cracks in his facade of his stability, his adoration for the game wavered as he described loving baseball one day and loathing it the next. Drew detailed his life, family, friends and career path as Ryan leads into ask: What was the moment on April 16, 2020 that led him to make the choice which forever changed his life.  Suffering from severe depression, Drew made up his mind he no longer wanted to live and attempted to take his own life after he wrote a good bye note, he reached for his gun and shot himself in the right side of his head, intending to end his story but it didn’t. For the next 20 hours, Drew lived in his own blood, pain and the mystery of how he was still alive. Finally almost a day later of drowning in the confusion and aftermath of the gunshot, Drew had a decision to make, take one more shot or call for help…Drew dialed 911.  Today, sitting across from Ryan, Channing and Fred, you see a man in Drew, who on the outside may look different but on the inside, is stronger than he’s ever been. So many questions as the guys try to understand and make sense of it all…How did Drew live for nearly an entire day with a hole on the right side of his head, and another wound where the bullet exited on the left side, with no medical attention? Few people survive self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the head, but even rarer are those who emerge with clarity and purpose as Drew has done.  Despite the loss of his right eye, Drew’s vision hasn’t seemed more clear. He has spent the past few years after baseball working on himself, speaking publicly on Mental Health, talking to athletes and teams sharing his story to hopefully help others not go down the same path. So much has changed and so much was lost but now a few years later, Drew is realizing how much was truly gained.  Gambling Problem? Call1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR) or www.1800gambler.net (WV). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MA/MI/MD/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in NH/OR/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in any winnings. Ends 9/18/23 at 11:59PM ET. Sponsored by DK. See terms at dkng.co/ftball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find The former Las Vegas Aces teammates Sydney Colson and Theresa Plaisance hava leveraged their friendship and WNBA opportunity to create a different path to stardom and success. Better known as Syd and TP, the world champions and bench warming besties are determined to become the faces of the WNBA, despite the fact that no one asked them to and far from the top of the A-list star players in the league. Maintaining an honest perspective about each other and their spots on WNBA rosters, the two found gratitude in their opportunities and found ways to stand out amongst the league's top talented players.  Embracing their comedic personalities and love from their teammates as being the go-to's for the little things on and off the court but also the ones who lighten the mood and make the sport more fun, Syd and TP took their everyday approach to life and turned it into a tv series and social media sensations.  Understanding their role as team players and non-starters for their respective teams, the two forged a bond last season when they were a part of a championship roster who didn't see much playing time but gained popularity through their personality. TP talks about doing the little things as an athlete but also as a teammate which has helped her stay in the league for so long while Syd talks about making the most of her opportunity to be on the highest level doing what she loves everyday while mixing in her other talents and just being her authentic self.  Playing with stars like A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, the team doesn't lack stardom and Syd says adding her balance to the roster is something valued by her teammates. TP talks about how her mom being a basketball coach helped shape her love for the sport at a young age yet she didn't really fully embrace her talents until college years at LSU. The two besties have allowed their vulnerability and talent to create their own lane in a sport that landed them a second career.  Ryan, Channing and Fred ask about the discrepancies of women's sports on a professional level between the wage gap, different levels of exposure and treatment across the board but Syd and TP chime in on how women's sports are on the rise and gaining traction with more broadcast deals and sold out arenas. The ladies detail how last year's championship parade exceeded expectations and truly was an unbelievable experience with fans lining up blocks of Las Vegas Blvd to celebrate their championship run.  Syd, currently on the Las Vegas Aces, who are taking on the NY Liberty in the WNBA finals is one game away from winning back to back titles. You can catch "The Syd + TP" Show on Mondays at 9pm ET/6pm PT on the Maximumeffort Channel on FuboTVOfficial. Premiere Episodes of The Pivot release every Tuesday at 12pm ET and special episodes release every Friday at 3:330pm est Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find The 2x Super Bowl Champion has been battled tested on and off the football field and developed a sense of gratitude for life as he continues on his path to pursuit greatness and always giving back. The All Pro Defensive End earned a reputation of grit and physicality early in his NFL career, coming off the edge as a key member of the Giants defense defeating Tom Brady in the 2012 Super Bowl. After a July 4th fireworks accident happened where JPP lost two fingers from explosives blowing up in his hand, so much of his life came into a clearer focus as the All Pro fought to find his way back on a football field. Learning how to manage simple tasks like tying his shoes and writing, JPP developed a mentality of making the most of every situation and being grateful for life. Looking up to his father for inspiration and motivation to work through the adversity, JPP shares how his father being blind and never complaining kept him grounded during the hard times and showed him that no matter what life puts in front of you, there’s always a way forward. Earning his way back on the field, JPP worked towards another Super Bowl win, this time with Tom Brady as his quarterback and led a young defensive core to get his second ring. A few sacks shy of 100 total in his career, JPP is looking to call another NFL team home this season and sees how much the game has changed, how much tackling has changed and wants to be the veteran voice in a young organization. Going back to his younger years of college and leading a life where trouble always seemed close by, JPP opens up on how those days shaped him into the man he is today while teaching him tough lessons that only made him stronger along the way. The Pivot Podcast releases premiere episodes every Tuesday with audio available at 9aest and streaming on YouTube at 12pest. Fridays are special drops during football season at 3:30pest. Gambling Problem? Call1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR) or www.1800gambler.net (WV). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MA/MI/MD/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in NH/OR/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in any winnings. Ends 9/18/23 at 11:59PM ET. Sponsored by DK. See terms at dkng.co/ftball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find A Friday with The Pivot as the guys get together to talk about some heavy things going on in and around their lives and reflect on how life can never be taken for granted. Returning from London, Fred joins Ryan and Channing to catch up about his trip and travel as the guys get ready to head to Arizona tomorrow to watch Ryan’s son Jordan play against Deion’s Colorado State. Ryan shares how he’s been consumed with his son’s last year playing college ball and staying healthy has been at the forefront of his everyday as Jordan had to deal with some unexpected health struggles to start the season. Yet, with the attention there of worries, Ryan opens up with some guilt of sweating little things in life as he emotionally shares how their close family friend, LSU senior Greg Brooks, was recently diagnosed with a rare brain cancer after a tumor was removed and now fighting for his life. In a somber moment, Fred and Channing listen as Ryan tells about his recent visit to see Greg and just how tough it really is and the road ahead even tougher as the community is coming together to support his medical efforts as well as form a support system for the family to lean on during this time. Putting into perspective how life sometimes has no answers for the things that we encounter but can only prepare us to make most of each day. Ryan, Channing and Fred discuss to create a fund to help Greg’s family be able to be with him during this time of treatment and rehab. Switching topics, guys get into the personal effects and the business side of sports and how trades affect athletes and their families with Lauren Holiday recently speaking out about her husband being traded while he was sleeping without notice to a city they gave so much to. Fred also brings up mental health side of sports and guys talk about Chandler Jones and how people are always so quick to blame CTE as if it’s a joke or a cover when it’s really a serious matter. Heading into the wknd and wrapping up the episode on a lighter note, Ryan brings up a recent trend he was reading about how men are sending Venmo and cash app requests to first dates if there isn’t a second one or it doesn’t go well as in they want them to pay for half of the date! The guys have a good time discussing this one, let us know what you think Pivot Family! The Pivot Podcast releases premiere episodes every Tuesday with audio available at 9am est and streaming on YouTube at 12pest. Fridays are special drops during football season with audio at 1230pm and premiere at 3:30pest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through my promo code PIVOT This episode is brought to you by Better Help. Visit Better Help today to get 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/THEPIVOT Former NFL player Anthony "Spice" Adams who is often called by his peers and followers "The funniest guy I know" joins Ryan, Channing and Fred for a colorful conversation covering everything from football to family to finding a second act with a new career. We often hear people say how various forms of comedy are often ways for individuals to hide insecurities or make up for areas they try to keep hidden from the public and then there are those unique humans who just have a special glow and ability to lighten any situation they find themselves in...Spice Adams is that guy. Sharing with Ryan, Fred and Channing, Spice opens up on how having his dad go to prison when he was 4 yrs old affected his childhood and created a tight bond with his mother who encouraged him to always be himself and never give in to those who made him feel less than. His love for football started a young age and it gave Spice purpose and the meaning of what it was to really love something and uphold commitments. From his youth teams to playing at Penn State to getting drafted in the league to playing eight years in San Fran and Chicago as he was known as locker room guy and the one everyone could count on to keep the team's spirits up or find a way to brighten someone's day. Spice took this gift and turned it into a 2nd career, filming his stories and everyday life which has now become a viral social movement and a lifestyle. With an abundance of gratitude for his family, life and lessons he learned growing up, he talks how he wouldn't trade it for anything, even the hard times of not having his dad around growing up but today is able to say how proud he is of his father who was able to start over and create a life for himself when he was released at prison after 2 decades and was able to even make it to watch him play football with Chicago. Known as a Mama's boy by his friends and former teammates, Spice talks about his rock in life and shares the story of how he met his wife early on in college and how forming a strong friendship was the foundation of a lasting marriage and the keys to what has made them work through it all. Focused on being an amazing dad and always present, Spice prides himself in being the best father he can always showing up for everything, big and small, so his children never know what it's like to not have him apart of their life as he had to experience for so many years as his dad was locked up. The Pivot Podcast releases premiere episodes every Tuesday with audio available at 9aest and streaming on YouTube at 12pest. Fridays are special drops during football season at 3:30pest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find On today’s Pivot Podcast, Ryan Channing and Fred talk Usher Super Bowl, It’s easier to hate than love, double standards of men & women, why America loves the bad guy With the hectic schedule of football season, Ryan, Channing and Fred take some time to catch up on life and chat about various happenings and get into what it emotional philanthropy means. From Usher performing at the Super Bowl and the buzz surrounding his performances and what the guys are looking forward to vs what some other people are saying about his risqué routines. Fred and Ryan are looking forward to it while Channing has some questions of what the February Las Vegas show will entail and the funny banter of how some fellas will react to their ladies watching the extravaganza. Which leads into the guys trying to break down how women and men are viewed and treated in relationships, in sports and in society, the guys discuss differences using their own personal relationships as well as get into some of the experiences of women athletes such as Sha’carri Richardson and how the world roots for her losses more than the wins sometimes, going further into the fascination of why America loves the bad guy and is it to see them fail and why. Finding balance between being there for people and helping the ones close to us when they have bad days, rough moments, and exploring emotional philanthropy of when we give of ourselves and how we handle situations of when we see people who are down or going through something. Channing weighs in on his approach with Ryan and Fred both having a varying point of view on how to handle. Fred is off to London to watch the Jags play Sunday morning and the guys make their picks for the wknd! So Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through my promo code PIVOT Tap in now for a conversation filled with perspective, laughs, emotion and stories as the guys catch up on the past week of life on and off the field! Premiere episodes of The Pivot on Tuesdays at Noon est and special Friday episodes at 3:30pmest. Subscribe to Pivot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through my promo code PIVOT Download the Gametime app or go to https://www.Gametime.co and use PIVOT at checkout for $20 off your first purchase A true story of regret, reflection and redemption in athletics and how losing it all and learning the hard way ultimately changed a life for the better.  The former Ohio State star, Maurice Clarett captivated the country with his running back skills in early 2000s and was on pace to be one of the best ever to play but his fall from the top was far and the world never got to see what could have been for football’s favored back from Youngstown, Ohio.  Ryan, Channing and Fred reminisce about how amazingly talented Clarett was on the field and size, stature and running back skills were something the game has never seen before. Detailing his path fast tracked from highschool to playing at Ohio State to winning a National Championship in 2003, However, no one knew that his game-winning touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl would be the last time Clarett touched the football on a major stage. Growing up with gangs and hustling to make his way, Clarett lived on his own from his teenage years and found football as a means of getting him out of his surroundings and into a different level of living. With all the talent and work ethic needed, Clarett could write his own ticket straight to the NFL in a short time with the accolades and perception surrounding him.  Using the fame and fortune of his overnight stardom to a disadvantage, Clarett ran the streets and allowed his upbringing to be at the forefront of poor decisions and criminal activity which ultimately cost him his career and freedom. Clarett reveals what really went on with his football suspension from OSU, his mental health struggles, details of his aggravated robbery, dodging death, missing out on the NFL, embarrassment and finding purpose through pain in prison.  Although his football career and life was a tragic tale of an athlete at the top of the world who lost it all and never got it back, it’s also one of triumph as Clarett uses his life experiences to better himself, fuel his passions and everyday try to impact and make a difference in someone's life. The Pivot Podcast releases premiere episodes every Tuesday with audio available at 9aest and streaming on YouTube at 12pest. Fridays are special drops during football season at 3:30pest.  Gambling Problem? Call1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR) or www.1800gambler.net (WV). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MA/MI/MD/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in NH/OR/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. Bonus bets must be wagered 1x and stake is not included in any winnings. Ends 9/18/23 at 11:59PM ET. Sponsored by DK. See terms at dkng.co/ftball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find It’s Friday, and what better way to spend it than with the fellas! That’s right, Ryan, Channing and Fred are sitting down talking everything from Deion effect in Colorado and with young people in general to late hits with Nick Chubb’s injury to the pressures of a packed schedule to new season of changes and Channing answers for his comments about the Dallas Cowboys and the man who plays quarterback for them, Dak Prescott.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find No greater remedy to life’s stresses than laughter and being able to make light of tough moments is not just a form of entertainment but a gift. And today we sit with someone who’s found a way to separate himself in the crowded space of comedy as one of the younger, more successful entertainers of this generation. Desi Banks joins The Pivot to share his journey with Ryan, Fred and Channing about his rise to fame, staying true to his purpose, and how stand-up comedy changed his life forever. Growing up and being raised by his grandma in the Eastside of Atlanta, everyone around Desi knew his calling was comedy despite his passion and a dream of playing professional football but when football didn’t work out as planned, the setback led him to find his true purpose. Desi shares a candid moment and calls his mother during our conversation for her to confirm the story he’s telling about while she was pregnant with him, he would kick nonstop when he heard the Arsenio Hall show on tv and would happen often like clockwork. Desi’s grandmother always said the white noise most kids listen to was not for him but if she ever needed to settle him her goto would be putting on the Martin Lawrence show to soothe him.  Starting his career off by becoming well-known for his comical skits on social media, Desi recalls the time where his first video went viral in 2012 on Vine and since then, he has amassed millions of followers across all social media platforms and successfully turned his life experiences into a million-dollar business. Although everyone around Desi saw the gift he had of comedy, he had other things in mind for what he wanted his future to look like. With aspirations of becoming an NFL player, Desi played the WR position at Morehead State and Georgia State. Post-graduation all Desi had was a job at Smoothie King, his phone, and a crisp lining haircut. His girlfriend at the time, didn’t believe in his comedic calling and kicked him out which turned out to be his pivotal moment as he moved in with his grandmother again and found a gun wrapper that captivated him by the saying which in turn became his mantra and later a lifetime of making others laugh while touring the world.  Opening up about his relationship with God and how he’s kept purpose as the guide of his journey, Desi talks about believing he was born to spread light to others and he’s continuing to put in the work to elevate as a comedian. Thanks to our friends at Celsius for giving us the boost to always empowering us to be our best selves. Go to the Celsius Amazon store to check out all of their flavors #CELSIUSBrandPartner #CELSIUSLiveFit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Prior to kicking off the NFL season, Coach McDaniel found some time for us to sit with him and talk about life lessons, football and what's ahead. A man who had a dream from a young age and passion for football took his dream and parlayed it into a head coaching job in the National Football League and has created something special with his team in South Florida.  A Yale graduate, making him an unique candidate and person for being a head coach in the NFL but also makes him stand out and be someone who captivates people and his players with such a different coaching style and his young age also generates a lot of buzz but all factors that McDaniel said he embraces. The conversation and wisdom in his words is something players latch onto but also his academic analyzation of Xs and Os is something that makes Miami a team with an aggressive offense and team that problem solves to only get better each week.  With the Miami Dolphins projected to be one of the top teams in the AFC, McDaniel talks about how he welcomes the competition and says if you can't play against the best then what's the purpose in the long run. In a tough division with the Bills, Jets and Patriots, McDaniel says it's a title up for grabs and any team can win and focusing on the present and each day is a chance to be the best. Fascinated by his coaching style and relationship with players, the guys dive into what has shaped McDaniel and his coaching approach and what is the mindset into each day, each game and with different players.  Talking about life Pivots, McDaniel further expounds on his time away from the NFL because of his alcohol related issues and how losing something you love is painful but carrying that pain of the loss is something that motivates you everyday to be the best you and make the most of every opportunity. He also talks about becoming a father has been one of the most moving and powerful experiences that keeps him going each day and wanting to be the best him.  Tap in every Tuesday at 12p Eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special football drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming Pivot special episodes and check out our clips channel for behind the scenes moments and extra content.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Nasir Fard better known as Gillie Da Kid joins The Pivot for a conversation storying his life from being a young man in Philadelphia streets serving time in prison for armed robbery to being one of the original innovators in the podcast game and an OG in the rap game. Most well known for his culture platform Million Dollarz Worth of Game, which he created with his cousin Wallo 267, Gillie shares how his objective was to always get out the streets and he was determined to make it. With hiccups along the way, Gillie says that going to college was one of the most transformative experiences in his life. This experience broadened his horizons and showed him that your destiny is in your hands and not in the white men, a myth that many people in the Black community believe.  Gillie becomes emotional and opens up to Fred, Ryan, and Channing about the recent loss of his son, YNG Cheese, a well-known Philadelphia rapper. He says the loss of his son has left a black hole in his heart that could never be replicated. A trying time for Gillie and his family, and he admits that revenge is on his mind. However, with the help of his amazing support systems, he’s managed to keep his purpose first and chose to remain a role model for those within the community. Ryan acknowledges that Gillie inspires many people and he’s done an amazing job by allowing the world a front-row seat into his growth as a man. Gillie shares a candid story about a fan seeing them and becoming emotional, insisting that listening to Million Dollarz Worth of Game stopped him from taking someone else's life. Gillie says these are the moments he lives for and his favorite part of the show. Philly native, it would be remiss if Ryan didn’t ask Gillie’s thoughts on if the Philadelphia Eagles will win the SuperBowl this year. Gillie assures Ryan that they will and they have the best defense in the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find With the NFL Season kicking off, The guys are happy to be back in routine and excited for our regular shows to be coming back although we can't stress enough what a tremendous experience our Training Camp tour was and the amount of good stories and conversation we had with players and coaches this summer. Bringing everything back around, we just wanted to sit down with The Pivot family and have a show catching up on all things work and personal and look ahead to what we have going on this season. Started off talking some hot topics including Deion Sanders and college football, Ryan’s exchange with Tua, and balancing success with life at home. Ryan, Fred, and Channing look back on the progress they've made individually as well as a group and the respect they’ve continued to earn by being authentic and always having conversations with honesty and vulnerability. As the guys usually talk without holding back, Ryan opens the conversation by discussing the strides Deion Sanders has made in 6 months by turning the University of Colorado’s football program around. Although Channing hasn’t always believed or agreed with Deion’s approach, he admits that Shedeur Sanders' game has translated over perfectly to being on the national stage and that Travis Hunter is one of the best athletes we are witnessing to play the game. Not only is Deion impacting the University of Colorado’s reputation but he’s paving the way for other Black coaches to be their true selves after his reign. Ryan talks about how with more exposure comes more responsibility and with more success comes more accountability. Using the situation with Tua Tagovailoa and how something he would have casually said before received more scrutiny now and required a different approach than Ryan has had to do before...Fred and Channing weigh on the topic and offer perspective that maybe the world is just becoming too sensitive and when is it time to have tough skin and when is the time to push back. Wrapping up the conversation, as the season is upon us and more demands and work schedule increases, the trio talks about the challenges of balancing success and family life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find The NFL Season is finally upon us and we are wrapping up our training camp tour with a NFC East contender New York Giants kicking Sunday night football off this week in the Big Apple. With a lot of offseason noise and contract uncertainty at running back, one position the Giants solidified in the spring was Tight End by signing one of the best in the league, Darren Waller.  A familiar face to The Pivot family, Waller a guest on the show last offseason, has undergone a lot of changes since sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred but is embracing the journey and turning the lessons into leverage as he is ready to make an immediate impact on Big Blue’s offense.  Marrying long time girlfriend Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces, Darren talks about the strength and comfort he finds in Plum of having a professional athlete as his partner who understands the demands and mental focus and preparation it takes to be great. Coming off his honeymoon, receiving a call about being traded wasn’t the first thing Darren Waller expected. Despite the uncertainty and stress this abrupt change brought on, Darren tells the guys he’s grown so much from last season and learned more from the setbacks and disappointments than any success he’s ever had.  With high expectations capturing the headlines in New York, Darren is unwavering in his commitment to carry whatever load the Giants ask of him, a sacrifice that doesn’t come without the belief in his teammates but most importantly the will to compete and culture created by head coach Brian Daboll, who has really helped turn the locker room around.  Daboll is accepting of guys having other passions in life and understands that keeping balance isn’t alway easy or comes natural, but Waller finds ways to stay grounded and make the most of his opportunities when presented. Oftentimes when we refer back to the greatest players to ever touch the field, the one commonality they all have is being completely focused and all in on football where Waller is one of the most successful to ever do it but also finds balance in life as a husband, a podcast host, mentor and music artist but come Sunday, being a leader on and off the field for New York is the priority.   Excited for the season to start, Waller is setting the tone early with high expectations for Big Blue and believes they have the talent on offense and defense to come out on top in the NFC East. First game is Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys and Waller welcomes the rivalry and is confident in his team to get the job done.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find The Pivot Training Camp tour is coming to an end but couldn’t end without a stop to visit Houston, home or a Roomie QB and the NFL’s highest paid tackle!!  Joining us today on The Pivot is Laremy Tunsil, one who is no stranger to the spotlight and one of the best left tackles currently in the NFL. Laremy sits down with Ryan, Channing, and Fred to talk about his journey of overcoming adversity since his days at Ole Miss, charity work for single mothers, the truth behind draft night and what he believes will determine his legacy as a NFL player.  The Texans are a team that Fred believes arguably had the best night out of all 32 NFL organizations this past offseason. With the addition of #2 overall pick QB CJ Stroud, focus will be on the offensive line more than ever. In 2016, ten minutes before the NFL Draft was set to start, Tunsil’s Twitter account was hacked and showed a video of him wearing a gas mask and smoking from a bong. A moment Tunsil considers his biggest pivot thus far, but a moment that forced other teams to pivot and select other players over his projected #1 overall pick. Laremy says this moment was a teachable one but also one that motivated him to give his all to whatever team took a chance on him, which ended up being the Miami Dolphins. Still beloved by Dolphins fans as his trade to Houston resulted in them getting several key players that now make that team a Super Bowl contender in the AFC, Laremy is ready to solidify his legacy not just to be one of the best at his position but to win a championship too.  Getting further into the X’s and O’s, Laremy says that he’s excited to see what the Texans can do this year and is dedicated to giving his all to winning the AFC South Championship. As captain of the Texans, Laremy talks about how he supports CJ Stroud and what his encouragement has been to the highly anticipated rookie. Tunsil reassures the guys that CJ will do well and that he has the correct mindset. However, one thing Tunsil isn’t sure about, is his legacy career wise if he doesn’t win a championship for the Texans. As a result of various controversies including one with Lindsey Miller, his ex-stepfather, Tunsil has been more reserved in terms of developing trusted relationships and allowing new people into his life. Two of those individuals who have remained through his corner through it all have been his mother and brother. Motivated by his mother’s support and loyalty, every year he makes it his mission to help single mothers within the community. Make sure to subscribe and check out our clips channel for exclusive content from our NFL training camp visits as we have a sideline view of practice, drills, sit-down conversations with key players, and an experienced outlook of what it’s like playing in the NFL. Tap in every Tuesday at 12p Eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special Training Camp drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming Pivot special episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find The Pivot Training camp tour continues and as we make our way through the East Coast, we’d be remiss if we didn’t make it to arguably the most talked about NFL team this offseason, the NY Jets. A team that is completely stacked with talent, a pivotal piece of the puzzle is Quinnen Williams. Williams, one of the league's best Defensive Tackles and a very wealthy football player, sits down with Ryan, Channing, and Fred to talk about his journey to the league and how he’s aiming to hold the Lombardi trophy at the end of the season. Losing his mother at an early age to breast cancer was no easy feat for a young man everyone considered a “momma boy”. Quinnen opens up about his mother’s passing as his biggest pivot thus far and shares a few of the many lessons he learned from her that he still applies to his daily life. It takes a village to raise children and Quinnen knew the importance of holding his village close while nursing his dreams. As a result, Quinnen de-committed to Auburn and committed to Alabama because it was closer to his grandmother who served as a mother figure in his life. Quinnen talks about how every football player's goal is to win the Super Bowl and the Jets organization is more confident due to the new additions to their team which includes Aaron Rodgers. Williams describes acquiring Aaron as a “golden ticket” and the leader they needed. He shares his thoughts on how the Jets defense plans to go from the #4 defense last season to #1. Part of this comes from studying and developing a brotherhood that allows teammates to critique each other, which includes his brother Quincy. Getting into the contract extension he recently signed in the off-season, Quinne stands firm that he probably wouldn’t have reported to training camp until the deal was solidified. Speaking of organizations’ shifting mindsets, Quinnen decided he’d switch his and stop thinking like the 3rd guy. He’s chasing the #1 stop which includes getting past Aaron Donald and Chris Jones, a feat he believes is attainable. Make sure to subscribe and check out our clips channel for exclusive content from our NFL training camp visits as we have a sideline view of practice, drills, sit-down conversations with key players, and an experienced outlook of what it’s like playing in the NFL and how players navigate the way. Tap in every Tuesday at 12p Eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special Training Camp drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 p.m.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Couldn't do a training camp tour without stopping to see the defending NFC Champs in Philadelphia and we sat with Eagles playmaker, Louisiana native and former Alabama star, Wide Receiver DaVonta Smith.  With expectations flying high in Philadelphia, DeVonta opens up that last year's success doesn't mean anything and remembers the feeling of losing in the Super Bowl but not holding onto it come week 1. September starts a new year for one of the NFL's top tier teams and the young offense is balanced by some strong veterans on defense. Motivated by the leadership and talent of quarterback Jalen Hurts, DeVonta believes having another year playing together under their belt will only make the offensive duo that much stronger this season.  Often criticized for his size being smaller than the typical wide receiver, DeVonta has never allowed that to hold him back and continues to let his play on the field do the talking for him and quiet his naysayers. Confidence is never lacking and rising to the highest when fueled by competition DeVonta is ready to take on the NFL's best this season and finds it a waste of energy to talk trash so it comes down to maximizing his abilities and outplaying his opponents.  DeVonta also talks about the close bond developed while at Alabama between the wide receiver room and that no matter the different paths the guys have taken in life and in their careers, their brotherhood has remained solid. With the recent happenings of former college teammate and friend Henry Ruggs, DeVontaa talks about why it was important to be there for him as a friend during his difficult time and even missed a day of camp to attend his sentencing hearing in Nevada.  DaVonta is excited for the season to be underway with high hopes for his Eagles team to make a Super Bowl run again and also looking forward to another big moment in his life, becoming a dad soon.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find The NFL Training Camp Tour continues and we have come to one of The Pivot's favorite stops...visiting our Pittsburgh Family, Steelers Camp, we are like the Uncles who never go away when we are here!  Sitting down with the 2nd father and son duo drafted to the same team, the first being Channing and his father to Miami and now Joey Porter Sr and Joey Porter Jr to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Finally, we made the trip back to Fred’s NFL home!! Duuval!! And Not only did we make it to Jacksonville and get an inside look to the Jaguars organization, but we sat down with the man himself, Trevor Lawrence!  Coming off a wild run to the playoffs last season, Trevor Lawrence is confident Jacksonville is ready to compete with the best of the best in the AFC and have the talent and discipline to carry the team deep into the post season. Being named one of the top 10 NFL QBs heading into 2023, Trevor doesn’t feel pressure to win but welcomes the challenge of being better each time he steps on the field, capitalizing on the chemistry he’s building on offense and the team’s tough defense. Excited about the addition of Calvin Ridley, Trevor talks about his energy incredible talent & versatility he brings to the offense and just one more reason Jacksonville could be considered a Super Bowl contender.  From 5 star high school recruit to National Championship QB at Clemson and being apart of one of college football’s most talented teams, Trevor Lawrence is used to the football spotlight but opens up on how hard it was his first couple seasons in Jacksonville adjusting and helping to establish a winning culture. Sharing what kept him grounded during the roller coaster times, Trevor says how Coach Doug Pederson was the unwavering voice for him, never losing focus and approaching everyday with consistency and the same energy no matter if it was a 5 game losing streak or 5 game win streak.  Although football is his passion and fuels him everyday, Trevor fully understands it’s just a game and that there is more to life in which he finds his balance through his family and faith. His brother who’s his best friend is an artist and barely watches football which Trevor finds peace in that bond as well as with his wife Marissa, who has been on this journey with him since high school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find The Pivot Training Camp tour continues and As we make our way through the AFC North, we had to sit with Cleveland’s Running Back Nick Chubb, who isn’t just one of the best in the AFC but is he the best in the NFL? We think so.  A man of few words and often know as the quiet one, opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred, sharing how he’s always let his work on the field do his talking for him and how he continues to focus on being the best teammate, leader and overall back in the league.  Suffering a horrific injury as a college player, many thought Nick Chubb would never play again let alone play at the elite level he is today, but he continues to suppress expectations and quiet doubters with his numbers and consistency on the field.  Nick talks about how the team’s focus is on being together, playing with the same intensity and having high goals this season in a very tough division. With Deshaun Watson starting at the quarterback position, Nick is confident the Browns are a full arsenal and ready to compete with the leagues best and make a post season run.  Getting into the contract debates of this season and how the running back controversy is tough for a position that is expected to do so much yet receive so little because of wear and tear on the field, Nick opens up on his thoughts and words he shared with others back around the league as well as owners. His message is unwavering and he’s always been one to ignore the noise to keep his head down and be the best the position has seen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find As our Pivot NFL Training Camp tour continues, our west coast travels brought us to Oxnard, CA, the summer training spot for America’s Team.  Yes, we went west to catch the Dallas Cowboys in action as the expectations remain high for a Super Bowl run with a roster filled with stars and focus more dialed in than ever.  The Boys’ defensive leader Micah Parsons, recently named one of the top 10 players in the league, is not holding back with his thoughts and hefty goals for the 2023 season higher individually and as a whole, stating his team isn’t just the best team in the NFC East but the best in the league.  The Star defensive player jokingly revealed, "I'm tired of watching SuperBowls in suites. It’s cool being with all the celebs, but man F them, I want to be the one they are clapping for."  Although only entering his 3rd year, Parsons is hungry for the big game in Feb but understands it’s all the little steps, the work, the preparation and the repetition that will make the team much better to withstand the ups and downs of a season.  Setting a standard of only wanting his team to give up less than 10 points a game and ready to take accountability for anything that doesn’t match that intensity and production each week. Confident that Dak Prescott is the leader the team needs on offense, Micah doubles down on the confidence and trust him and his teammates have in one another as they don’t want to feel the way they did last year leaving the field against San Fran.  Trying to balance personal and his football life, being a young father has taught him a lot of patience but also serves as his daily inspiration as he wants his kids to know him as the best to ever do it. A Hall of Fame caliber player and man, Micah wants to earn the respect of the men he lines up against each week and more importantly the respect of his teammates and coaches. And as we wrap the conversation, Micah puts it all on the line and says he is coming for it all this year, the Super Bowl, Defensive Player of the Year and even MVP, although he laughs at his own ambition.  Make sure to subscribe and check out our clips channel for exclusive content from our NFL training camp visits as we have a sideline view of practice, drills, sit down conversations with key players and an experienced outlook of what it’s like playing in the NFL and how players navigate the way. Tap in every Tuesday at 12p eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special Training Camp drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming Pivot special episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find NFL Training Camp tour continues onto the West Coast as we visit our South California friends sitting down with Rams Head Coach Sean McVay who is the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl and looking to get his team back in winning form after last year's 5-12 season.  Transparently, McVay shares with Ryan, Channing and Fred on how the process has been from battling trials and tribulations as a young coach while climbing the ranks quickly and successfully, but with all the highs come some lows to accept, adjust and move forward from. Reflecting on the Super Bowl run and a roster full of talent for that 2021 team and how winning the Lombard is the pinnacle for that year but isn't the only measurement of success overall.  McVay talks about how the Rams losing season last year grounded them and offered a reset to start the journey again. Being reminded of why he loves coaching, his purpose in the game and impact on the players and coaches is what keeps him motivated and going back to the daily grind.  With more than 35 rookies on the roster this camp, McVay is excited about the energy and chance to mold these players into winning ways and learning from veterans on the team. Ryan asks about the special players on past rosters and in particular they talk about Odell Beckham Jr and what made him rare, both on and off the field. McVay shares some insight into OBJ and shares a differet side of him that most people don't realize.  With QB Matthew Stafford working through injury to get back on the field, McVay understands the expectations that come with returning to the big game and wants his coaches and players all working for the same goal.  Tap in every Tuesday at noon eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special Training Camp drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming Pivot special episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find As our Pivot NFL Training Camp tour is underway, we make a stop at the nation’s capital to visit with the Washington Commanders under new ownership as the franchise works to restore the winning culture in DC.  Sitting down with the leader of the team. wide Receiver Terry McClaurin, Ryan, Channing and Fred gain an entire new perspective on the team and the direction they are headed since new hires in coaching positions and under a new regime of owners including Magic Johnson.  After years of ups and downs and a black eye over the team from previous negative ownership attention, Terry shares his excitement about the future, his confidence in the young explosive roster and how Eric Bienemy’s arrival as offensive coordinator has changed the trajectory of the team’s goals and standard level of play. Understanding that Washington has a previous reputation of being overlooked and a weak team, especially in the NFC East, Terry assures the guys that his team will be back this year and no longer the one that media and fans write off early in the season. Believing in Sam Howell as quarterback, Terry shares his excitement in the upcoming season and comparing him to the similarities of Joe Burrow.  Terry talks about the sudden passing of former teammate and friend Dwayne Haskins and how losing his friend changed his outlook on life and how he struggled to make sense of him no longer being able to live his dream out of playing football. Mental health is something Terry has embraced, taking seriously and opened up about his vulnerabilities which he feels has changed his frame of mind on and off the field, expressing that it’s ok for you to go to therapy, especially for men.  Make sure to subscribe and check out our clips channel for exclusive content from our NFL training camp visits as we have a sideline view of practice, drills, sit down conversations with key players and an experienced outlook of what it’s like playing in the NFL and how players navigate the way.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through my promo code PIVOT As one of the first duos to take locker room talk to sports podcasting, NFL free agent Taylor Lewan and former teammate, Will Compton created Bussin’ With The Boys, a platform promoting open conversation, vulnerability and a place to share the good, the bad and ugly about life on and off the field.  With the podcast space becoming crowded and everyone starting one, talking to Taylor and Will on how they were one of the originals, how they adjust to changing times, competition and constant evolving.  Last year we had the chance to sit with Taylor during Titans playoff push and we came back to Tennessee this summer to chop it up with The Boys as both our platforms have evolved and we as men, continue to adapt to changing times professionally and personally.  This conversation is full of laughs, tough moments, misconceptions, clearing the air and sharing our own experiences that have shaped some of the choices we made on the field, with our families and our football careers.  In the midst of retiring and still playing the game we love, Taylor still wrestles with what life looks like to walk away from the game we love and how injury last year mentally affected him and the way he pulled himself through dark times to get to the other side while Will knew that it was his time to focus on making plan B plan A when he realized he was thinking more about this next phase of his life and the media opportunities fueling his passion.  Ryan shares his own journey and adjustments of dealing with pressures from others expectations and learning to focus on where his feet are before getting ahead of himself as Fred adds in some of the takeaways having this platform has helped him deal with some of the changes of routine and playing football. Channing also opens up on how he wished he approached his career a little different now as he looks back with some regrets.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through my promo code PIVOT Stakes are high, talks are quieted and now it comes down to the two men in the ring Saturday night in Las Vegas! Ahead of the most anticipated boxing match of the year this Saturday July 29th on Showtime Pay Per View fight against Errol Spence Jr in Las Vegas, Bud Crawford sat down with to talk about directing his childhood anger into boxing and being an underdog his entire life. Tough times and close calls are nothing new to the WBO welterweight Champ, who after being shot in the head early in his pro career, said the moment changed his life and redirected the course of his path. It was also the moment he realized he needed to reevaluate his circle and change his surroundings before he jeopardized his future. After being doubted his entire life, Bud makes it clear that he will never let the politics of boxing affect the belief in himself or his will to continue to compete. With a record of 39-0 and 30 KO’s, Bud can still hear the voices of doubters despite remaining victorious.  Voices of which Bud has learned to tune out in preparation for the biggest fight of his life. Bud reassures Ryan, Fred, and Channing that he has much respect for Errol Spence Jr. however he’s confident he will leave undefeated. Crawford is dialed in on focusing on himself and letting his work speak for itself, With family and fatherhood his number one priority, proving himself to be the best in the sport is still at the forefront of Crawford’s mind. Tune in this Saturday and don’t miss the Showtime PPV title bout that everyone has been waiting for…Crawford Vs Spence!!  Gambling Problem? Call1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MA/MI/MD/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in NH/OR/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $150 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/mmaterms. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Ends 8/20/23 at 11:59PM ET. Sponsored by DK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Ryan, Channing and Fred visit Cube in his studio as they go down memory lane from the infamous movies, to the songs to the commercials to everything that make O'Shea Jackson an icon in the entertainment and business world. We get into the lessons of growing up in the industry, staying off the streets, to getting into film and music, to being a father, to entrepreneur and his passion for starting the Big3 League.  Cube shares how his vision for the BIG3 was to create a league for basketball to live on beyond the NBA giving the game's past and future legends a chance to be apart of a sport they love while still making a living doing it. He expresses his frustration with the NBA's lack of support and says that this could be a stain on the legacy of Adam Silver for not helping this organization be successful.  Fred asks about maintaining business relationships and always being on the up and up while Ryan gets into any of the controversial movements Cube has been associated with as he explains why it's important for him to treat all people the same no matter the title or affiliation because at the end of the day it's about progress not perfection.  Of course the conversation is filled with some laughs and memorable stories that will have you talking for days as we go inside the life of a legend who's impacted the culture more ways than we can count.  Tap in every Tuesday at noon eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special seasonal drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming Pivot special episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Sitting down with the guys may be a 2nd time move for Errol Spence Jr but the man we talk to and the conversation we have is on an entire different level as we see a side of Spence that hasn’t been shown before.  With the welterweight title bout vs Terrance Bud Crawford is upon us on July 29th in Las Vegas, confidence is at an all time high as Spence explains to Ryan, Channing and Fred how when he steps in the ring it’s about legacy and leaving no doubt who is the undisputed champ at 147 pounds.  The Spence Crawford fight is the most anticipated boxing match over the past few years and the one fans and the sport has been asking for and needed to answer.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find After winning NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning 1st Team All Pro rankings in his debut season, Sauce Gardner is looking to get back with his team and become a leader not just on the field but one outside of football through his work ethic and lifestyle.  With an unprecedented rookie year for the Jets cornerback and the first rookie in 41 years to make 1st team All-Pro, Sauce attributes his playmaking abilities and consistency to playing the game with passion and focus. With a young roster full of grit, Sauce said the team is more motivated and committed to winning after coming up short last year and putting the pieces in place for that success.  Being one of the core people who helped draw the attention of Aaron Rodgers to New York, Sauce has developed a close bond with the quarterback and talks how being in the Jets’ locker room has made him feel young again and the team is ready to make a Super Bowl run.  As the summer was filled with buzz of whether or not the Jets would be featured on the NFL’s Hard Knocks series, the league announced this week that the team and NFL Films are moving forward with the Emmy award series returning back to New York. The now 2nd year corner back weighs in on his thoughts and how the team will be perceived with cameras around 24/7.  Sauce shares how his upbringing and relationship with his mother shaped him into the man he is today and how having some adversity young motivated him to be more focused on his goals as he advanced.  Tap in every Tuesday at noon eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special seasonal drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming Pivot special episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Today’s show is like sitting on the back porch in New Orleans just chopping it up with your uncles and reminiscing about the journey through the untold stories except we are in LA and it’s after midnight, but any chance to sit with Lil Wayne is one we make happen.  Reconnecting with his Louisiana roots, Ryan is excited to have Weezy join him, Fred and Channing to talk about life, lessons, losses and making music along the way. Becoming one of music’s biggest icons over three decades, Lil Wayne says he’s never worked a day in his life because everything he’s done in music is for the love of it.  Storying his journey from starting at 7 yrs old to now, talking about the highs and lows of his career, sharing the untold stories, the ins and outs of life changing experiences, his time in prison, the night an off duty police officer saved his life and how he’s maintained and sustained success at the highest level in the industry all the while earning the praise and accolades from fans and his peers.  Never for the money and always for the respect, Lil Wayne Flashes back to childhood days of when he first started in music and reflecting back on how his mom and grandma supported him from day one not just to pursue music but more importantly to always be a good man and one he could be proud of. This conversation is a side of Lil Wayne we don’t get to see very often as he let down his walls and opened up like never before.  Tap in every Tuesday at noon eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special seasonal drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming Pivot special episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Going from undrafted to playing his way through summer league into an All Star Point Guard and NBA Champion with Toronto Raptors, Fred VanVleet tested the free agency waters and landed himself a $130M contract with the Houston Rockets and is sitting down with Ryan, Fred and Channing to talk about his journey and what’s next.  Sharing his story about how at age 5 VanVleet’s life changed after his father was killed and struggling with the pressures of not going down same path and creating a different life for him, VanVleet has always approached the game of basketball with a chip on his shoulder and betting on himself.  This approach led him to score the most points in a championship game by an undrafted player in the 2019 NBA finals and help lead his team to a title.   Struggling with the choice to stay in Toronto or have a fresh start with a struggling franchise, VanVleet accepted the challenge to start over in a new city and hopes to make an immediate impact as a leader with the young Rockets’ roster.   Ryan asks him what he does for fun and if he ever smiles, as he’s known for his serious all work attitude but as usual Channing and the guys get him to break the ice and share a few laughs and stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Spending July 4th in Tennessee at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg a few miles up the road from where Country Music Star Dustin Lynch grew up. Kicking off Summer by bringing together different lives, telling stories & doing life with people you’d never dream of hanging with, the guys are sitting down with Dustin for what is one of the more surprising and entertaining conversations we had as we learn what it takes to be that 1% in music.  Going through med school, Dustin was on path to be a doctor when his passion for songwriting and performing led him to Pivot into country music, risking the steady and safe option to chase his dream. And the chase paid off as Dustin sits atop country music charts with his current hit “Thinking of You” while playing to sold out crowds across the world with Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett and more. Dustin shares with the guys that urge to go after the ‘what if’ that lives in all of us and how sometimes taking that unlikely path is the one that we are meant to take.  From playing 4 hours on Broadway for 35$ to mowing grass to make ends meet to playing local parties to practice performing, Dustin spent over a decade writing and side jobs before he got the call that changed his life and he opens up to Ryan, Fred and Channing on what the journey has really been like. We see the big crowds, hear the songs on the radio, sold out tours, lines of women waiting to meet him but it’s what we don’t see that made Dustin who is he is today.  Dustin shares a jaw dropping story about one night in Vegas involving Bruno Mars and Halle Berry which leaves Ryan, Fred and Channing speechless and even Fred a little bit jealous.  A diehard Florida Gators fan, Dustin, takes a little heat from Ryan after LSU just won the College World Series as Fred and Channing jump in to go back and forth about their prideful alma mater. Channing tries his singing skills with Dustin and messes up the words to a famous like as Ryan wears a different hat in this one and embraces the conversation of how 3 former NFL players can sit with a country music star and have so much in common.  Tap in not to miss this episode filled with so many life gems and stories that will have you in awe as we learn how it’s never too late to give up on our dreams and create the life we want to live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find After attending the Hollywood Unlocked Awards in LA, Ryan, Channing and Fred were up late and had a lot on their minds to talk about in sports, culture, life and everyday pressures we face. As they normally do, the trio doesn’t hold back and shares their perspective mixed with own experiences on certain topics, their own lives and how to navigate daily stresses and pressure we put on ourselves to be the best we can in all areas of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Accept, Adjust and Move Forward is the basis of any life pivot and this episode shares a story of making a big pivot from being at the top having it all, losing it and coming out on the other side of it better. Not only is this one of the most entertaining and wild conversations, we've had, but it's truly one of the most impactful discussions about overcoming adversity and the lessons learned along the way.   Artist and entrepreneur, Bobby Shmurda, born name Ackquille Jean Pollard, sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred for a conversation covering everything from his music success to how his upbringing shaped his mindset to how he remained positive through tough moments and how he approaches everyday day and building for the future. In 2014, the young man from Brooklyn gained international fame as he found himself at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 charts with his hit single "Hot Nigga" followed by a record deal and his EP album Shmurda She Wrote. A few months later he was arrested in NYC and charged, along with several other members of GS9, with conspiracy to murder, weapons possession and reckless endangerment and ended up doing seven years in prison from 2014-2021.  Regaining his life and freedom, Bobby shares what kept him hopeful while being locked away and his approach to life that completely changed the man he was to the man he is today. From his babysitters being drug dealers and him growing up in the streets, Bobby took his early childhood experiences to help mold a different outlook for while creating a new path for himself.  Telling Ryan, Fred and Channing that change starts with our youth and how his real flex is making money but doing it legally and being able to brag about his investments and success the legal way vs what he used to do now gives him true validation. Ofcourse the guys address the rumor mill of his personal life and Bobby doesn’t deny having a sex addiction and opens up on the incident that caused him to seek therapy and change his ways.  A conversation that could continue for hours with the laughs and gems dropped, Bobby shares how music and hip hop has lost its authenticity and that he only respects a few artists now which is why he is hesitant to get back into the business but leaves the door open for new music on the horizon.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Once one of major league baseball’s biggest stars, Torii Hunter, a.k.a Spiderman joins The Pivot to discuss how he refrained from being imprisoned by his upbringing and achieved success. A young man growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, no stranger to poverty, Torii was angry that an impoverished childhood chose him. He didn’t know that his pain would eventually serve as schooling and motivation to become one of the MLB’s biggest stars. Torii sits down with Ryan, Channing, and Fred to talk about overcoming the imprisonment of his pain, learning to be of service to others, and the role money plays in your relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find The Pivot took a trip to South Bend, Indiana for a special visit to one of College Football’s most sacred programs and truly gained an entire fresh perspective on the Irish’s historical winning lineage.  Yes that’s right, Ryan, Fred and Channing are sitting with Head Football Coach of the Fighting Irish, Marcus Freeman on his home turf, for an inside look at the football program, a special tour of campus highlighting the rich history and for an in-depth conversation covering Coach’s journey from young man to football player to father to husband to head coach.  Being named as only the second black coach in Notre Dame history, Freeman embraces the challenge to get the Fighting Irish back to championship traditions and build off last season’s winning streak after a bumpy start as the head coach. Pulling from his roots and focused on family and faith, coaching was never something Freeman dreamed of doing but rather it became his calling after his playing career took a turn.  As one of the most respected defensive players in college football and a NFL 5th round draft pick, Freeman’s professional career had a lot of promise until a few months in and results from a physical showed he had an enlarged heart valve and he would be unable to compete at the NFL level due to medical reasons. Leaning into his close relationship with former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, Freeman reached out immediately and the next day was mentoring as a college football coach, the start of a journey to becoming one of the most sought after defensive minds in football and now head coach of one of the most storied collegiate programs.  Fred asks about the values instilled in players and focus as a leader for Coach Freeman while Channing asks about the pressure of getting it right at such a prestigious school and reestablishing winning ways. As a father of six children, Coach Freeman shares with Ryan the importance of a work life blend and how he uses same approach to unify his melting pot of children at home as he does to lead the locker room of young men and his coaches. Showing by example is far more impactful than just using words.  Looking ahead to next season, Coach Freeman is ready to pick up where the team left off and continue to make an impact on and off the field.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find In an exclusive conversation, Former NFL player and Florida State standout, Travis Rudolph sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred a few days after being acquitted of all charges surrounding an April 2021 fatal shooting in front of his Florida home. In an emotional discussion, Rudolph opens up about how hard it's been on him from losing his father to gun violence to struggling through injuries in his football career to death of his nephew to the life altering incident in April 2021, where he took another man's life while injuring others in an attempt of self defense being attacked at his own home.   The shooting on April 7, 2021, came after an altercation between Rudolph and his then-girlfriend Dominique Jones. Not long after, Rudolph was confronted at his house by four men. It ended with Rudolph firing 39 shots in the direction of their SUV, leaving one deceased and three others injured. Rudolph claimed that he killed a man and almost killed three others in order to save his own life. After a two-week trial, It took Jurors four hours to find Travis Rudolph not guilty of first-degree murder and cleared of three counts of attempted murder from the fatal shooting outside his home in Lake Park, Florida.  Taking Fred, Ryan and Channing through the series of events that led up to the shooting, Rudolph emotionally explains how his then girlfriend was upset over some text messages she read in his phone and contacted her brother and his friends to go shoot up his shit which led to them arriving at his home, first beating him up then drawing guns. After being arrested and facing charges, Rudolph spent time in prison awaiting his trial and a year on house arrest during a time where he went through a lot of loss and reflection. He explains how he's been grief stricken from the loss of his father who was shot and killed while he was working and his young nephew who passed away in a car accident while trying to stay strong in his mindset fighting for his life since April 2021.  The former New York Giants and Florida State wide receiver, filled with tears, tried to put into words what the past few years has been like and the toll it's taken on him, his family especially his mother who was there the night of the shooting which prompted him to go into survival mode.   Rudolph, who was signed as an undrafted free agent out of college and spent the 2017 season with the Giants, but his career was stalled from injury before signing with a CFL team before 2020. Now that he is acquitted of all charges, Rudolph is looking to get his life back on track and try to get back into football and fulfill his aspirations of playing professional football, a path he started down years ago as a young high school star.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Living with the good, the bad and the ugly in front of the world while still finding a way to be great living and playing through the good, the bad and the ugly. Being a public figure or star athlete comes with a lot of highs but it also comes with a lot of eyes when living your life for all to see. Today we are sitting with MLB All-Star Chicago White Sox Short Stop Tim Anderson who has earned the respect on the field as one of the top players in the game and also become a well known face in Chicago for his efforts in the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find A young man growing up in Brooklyn and could have taken many different avenues chose to pursue his passion for competition and made a career out out of living on the edge and taking the sport of BMX to all new heights. Nigel is sitting down with Ryan, Channing and Fred to share his journey on how he got into bike riding, how he used the sport to turn himself into a star and secure financial success along the way developing his persona as a brand the world adapted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find A future first ballot hall of famer, CP’s storied basketball career from Wake Forest to the NBA to Olympic gold medals to being a 12x All-star to leadership as union President to trailblazing the fight against social injustices while creating a legacy far beyond the court, truly makes Chris Paul one of the most impactful athletes of our time. Opening up about these moments, sharing how he’s celebrated the good and learned from the bad, dealt with the heart aches of loss, injury, trades and the passing of his friend Kobe Bryant, Chris doesn’t shy away from answering tough questions and setting the record straight on rumors over the years and giving us a court side seat to his 18+ years of evolving as a man and teammate to earn the respect and carry on making the name on the back of his jersey one we will never forget. Reflecting on childhood moments that helped shape him as the man he is today, Chris emotionally remembers the strength and work ethic he learned at an early age from his grandfather who he tributes so much of his growth and success to. Scoring 61 points after his grandfather’s passing in his honor seemed serendipitous to the story of family and the foundation he would continue to build upon as his career and life evolved. Recognizing how fortunate he was to grow up with both his parents and maintain a close bond, Chris has prided himself in always being a hands on dad and takes that job the most serious and with the most joy. And of course Channing couldn’t let CP slide without asking him about the infamous Banana Boat photos that surfaced years ago…definitely don’t want to miss this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Ryan, Channing and Fred talk to The Professor about how a young boy from Oregon ended up on the most popular basketball tour of the early 2000s. He explains how he went from community college to playing JUCO levels and by chance attended a tryout that forever changed his life. Sharing details about the journey of being on the And1 and Mixtape basketball tours, Grayson talks about the success but also the pitfalls of the having fame and money overnight. Adapting to changing times, he turned his street ball skills and fame into a YouTube sensation amassing over 7M subscribers for his channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find There were lots of cheers but also some tears as Ryan, Channing and Fred acknowledged the reflection and recognition of the journey. The words exchanged, stories shared and the emotions opened up to a very honest and vulnerable conversation about life as men, fathers, providers and just everyday humans who struggle with things too. Ryan is very candid about his experiences in broadcasting and what motivated him to get to a level he's at now and how being recognized was rewarding but putting the hard work in everyday is the true reward. He openly shares his journey and some of the moments that helped shape his career after football. Fred and Channing talk about some of the things they have learned from Ryan and also take a trip down memory lane about their favorite off camera Pivot moments. Definitely have some laughs and talk about the evolution of the show and them as men over the past year. As they talk about their families, they lead into the discussion about parenting and a story Kim Kardashian shared about how she cries herself to sleep some nights questioning herself as a mom. Channing who was raised by a single mom, weighs in on it as Ryan offers his perspective as a father and someone raised in a two parent household as Fred's story is different being raised by his grandma, As the conversation is winding down, Ryan asks Fred how he's doing with him first answering "I'm good", then there is a moment of silence followed by tears and eyes filling up as Fred discloses some personal struggles he is dealing with and Channing follows up with some of his own thoughts. A very powerful conversation today between men, brothers and friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Today we are bringing you a special show and are extremely grateful to New York Jets Defensive Tackle, Solomon Thomas for opening up and sharing his story with the world on how tragedy struck his family and using that loss to help others work through depression, anxiety and understand mental health affects us all, no matter how strong we are. As the 2017, number 3 overall NFL draft pick, Solomon entered the league filled with positive expectations and a path of promise with the 49ers when a year later, his beautiful sister took her own life after struggling with depression, anxiety and PTSD. Solomon courageously and emotionally shares how his sister struggled with certain sides of her mental health and how her life ending tragedy became a painful lesson and teaching tool for his life’s purpose beyond playing football. Dealing with the aftermath and fighting through guilt while overcoming the stigma that being a NFL player makes him tough or not allowed to feel certain emotions, Solomon created a foundation and dedicated a large part of his life to helping others and being an advocate for mental health in his sister’s memory. Relying on his NFL family to keep him grounded and football still being his number one passion, Solomon formed a special bond and turned to Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott who shared a similar family tragedy as him, and used the strength Dak portrayed to help guide him on his purpose outside of the NFL. Dak showed Solomon that it’s ok to not be on certain days and helped inspire him to turn his loss into faith for others who may be helped by hearing his story. Although this conversation is a tough one to have, it’s an important one filled with vulnerability and accountability in overcoming certain life obstacles while maintaining the strength to accept the emotions associated with struggle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find “A toast to success and nothing less…here’s to a room full of Happy Dads” A living legend and someone Ryan, Fred and Channing have always looked up to, first for his music but more so for his business endeavors and approach to life and being a family first man.  Talking about Pivots, sustainability and mental health, Snoop opens up about his own vulnerabilities and why it’s ok to ask for help and that there is no shame in talking to someone if you are struggling. Being at the top is hard to maintain but Snoop says it’s easy if you do right by people and just always remain you no matter what the majority says.  Sharing stories of Suge Knight to Master P to Dr. Dre, Snoop opens up about learning the game of life and the same values and lessons he tries to instill into young people today.  Of all the accomplishments and nicknames Snoop has had over the years, being called Coach is one that rings with so much love and pride as he explains to the guys that playing that key role for young men is one of the things that motivates him everyday. Talking about some of the top NFL players who started off in his youth programs gives him so much joy to see the mature men they’ve turned into.  Looking to expand his mark in sports, Snoop is in talks to purchase a NHL team and looks to make hockey a premiere sport by breaking barriers for more young black men to get into the game and equal the playing as well as elevate the fandom around the sport!  Revealing a special Kobe Memory, the lifelong Lakers Fan that Snoop is talks about a memorable moment he had with the late legend. Tap in now for a conversation covering decades of stories and memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find A new bridge in Brooklyn, NBA star Mikal Bridges landed with the Nets after a blockbuster trade and finished season with most points of his career and being named to the 2023 All Defense 1st team..the newest New Yorker is sitting down with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his future in the NBA, leadership qualities he’s learned, the NBA finals and who he sees winning it all as well as what makes some of basketball’s best players so tough to shut down!  The NBA Finals are heating up and playing in both conferences, Mikal shares his thoughts on what teams he thinks has the edge and who will be left standing at the end. He dives into what makes Jokic so hard to contain and how Jimmy Butler evolved into a new role and it’s working for him and he’s just flat out going off! But despite those two dynamic players, Mikal is leaning towards Boston to finish it out (if they can stop bullshitting and letting teams stick around) or it could end up the Lakers despite being down 2 games heading back home.  Breaking down the trade that sent him to Brooklyn, Mikal has adapted a positive mentality of making the most of every opportunity and although was disappointed at first to leave behind what they were building with his Suns’ teammates, he’s wholeheartedly welcomed the NY spotlight and looking to next season to build upon what he was able to get a taste of the last couple months with the Nets. Becoming a better leader and working at his game everyday, Mikal says he took parts of what he’s learned playing with all the talent he’s been surrounded with and from afar, watching Stef Curry’s leadership capabilities and how he works with his teammates and earns their respect is something he continues to strive for.  Growing up outside of Philadelphia, Mikal was a hometown favorite with a stand out run at Villanova before being drafted by Sixers and immediately traded to Phoenix. He credits his humble mentality and living each day with gratitude to his mother who he says “does not play around” and has always kept him on the straight and narrow path! Ryan talks about Ja Morant’s current situation and how Mikal has worked to be on a different path and how vital your surroundings are and you are only as strong as the company you keep!  Tap in every Tuesday at noon Eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special NFL seasonal drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on an upcoming Pivot special episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find The 29-0 young fighter has managed to become a face of the sport and doesn't back down from big fights and seeks out opponents who will continue to challenge him and keep his name atop boxing's best. Ryan talks to him about mastering the strategy and sweet science of knowing when to be aggressive in the ring and when to out smart his opponent with defense. The guys ask Devin about overcoming adversity in the ring, with Haney honestly giving his assessment of how he bounced back from being hurt with a punch for the first time in his life in his 2021 battle against Jorge Linares. With potential blockbuster fights in his future against fighters such as Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, Ryan asks Devin what separates him from those fighters and his upcoming foe, Vasyl Lomachenko. Often criticized for not having knock out power, Devin fires back that those who say that about him are not in the ring with him and he knows his abilities and will continue to pursue the path of etching his name in boxing legacy long after he stops fighting. With success, comes fame and Devin has experienced his life in the public eye and has altered his lifestyle to adapt to the constant changes of social media and paparazzi trailing his moves to create stories. Staying grounded is something his father instilled in him from a young age and being over cautious in his personal life and outside of boxing has helped him stay on a clean path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Under the ownership of Dwayne Johnson and Dani Garcia, the XFL has flourished in its first year and generated a buzz amongst players, coaches and fans for the league and excitement for what’s to come! Ryan, Channing and Fred had the opportunity to host a a game day show sitting with players and coaches from both championship teams as they prepare to face off in San Antonio tomorrow for the XFL title. Seeing a lot of familiar faces from former teammates turned head coaches, past NFL and College coaches and sitting with former NFL stars who are now the faces of the XFL…this special episode features a wide array of conversations bringing light to the passion for the sport, the respect for the league and the love of the game for those who play it and for the fans who get to enjoy it. The Arlington Renegades take on the favorite the DC Defenders in what’s expected to be a competitive match up with a sold out crowd airing on ESPN. After talking to both sides and so many people involved in the league, we are sharing with you stories of second chances, opportunities and most of all hope in fulfilling life long goals and dreams. Tap in now and listen to our conversation as we sit with everyone from legendary coach Bob Stoops, Gregg Williams, Fred Kaiss, Reggie Barlow, Marquette King, Luis Perez, XFL President Russ Brandon And offensive player of the year Jordan Ta'amu ahead of tomorrow’s big showdown in San Antonio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Taking a trip down memory lane to what it was like growing up as an only child and having the dreams to play in the NFL one day, The Rock shares with Ryan how he never imagined being where he is today and frankly never wanted this life either, he just had other goals that led him to where he is now. Fitness and being in the gym is an obvious part of The Rock's life, but the motivation is far beyond the physical aspects it provides as he opens up that its symbolic to his relationship with his dad and their time they had when it was just the two of them. After heartache and bouts of depression in his younger years and missing out on playing professional football, The Rock shares how getting in the family business of Wrestling saved his life, and years later realized how it saved four generations of the Johnson family. Looking back, The Rock says not making the NFL was the best thing to happen to him and led him on a journey that no one could ever script. Dealing with divorce, loss, heartache, tough times never fell short on him and he still lives with a survival mentality everyday never taking for granted his success and looking to his daughters as his source of pride and happiness. The Rock shares how his upbringing and determination to never be broke and always have more than $7 Bucks has fueled his success over the years. Never straying far away from his first love of football, The Rock talks about how ownership of the XFL gave him the opportunity to create opportunities for young men who were just like him shares his first conversation with Roger Goodell and how the league took off in it's first season! From a personal stance, Fred takes the opportunity to express his gratitude to The Rock for his commitment to helping others and for saving his son's football dreams. As someone who is a Jack of All Trades, Channing asks The Rock what does he believe he’s the best at? Let's just say the answer has Channing doing his own dance in his seat!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Don’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through my promo code PIVOT Fresh off the Super Bowl win in Feb, Justin shares how the past couple months has been a whirlwind of emotion and experiences with his Kansas City teammates that has embodied certain perspective and captured the celebration of being world champions but also added motivation to repeat as champs next season. Justin shares the ups and downs his life has handed him and how all the tough times and let downs served as lessons for him to move forward but also use as teaching moments with his teammates to keep them grounded and focused. Crediting his family and growing up in Louisiana as the backbone of not just the player he is but the man he’s become is an important part of his legacy. Channing can’t let him slide without mentioning the active lifestyle of being a young Super Bowl champion and what type of fun that brings into the mix. Becoming an internet sensation through his comedic videos and impersonations- Lou Young talks about how playing football was always his dream and getting a chance to pursue his NFL career gave him the work ethic and clout to spin it into a 2nd act of making people laugh by showcasing his personality. Lou is big on putting family first but has made a living by putting himself out there entertaining millions on a daily basis and interacting with star athletes, coaches and organizations. Lou does some of his impressions and also shares which ones have found him in hot water over the years and which ones have changed his career trajectory. Don’t miss out on this fun episode that leaves you some gems but also makes you laugh! The perfect wknd watch! Gambling Problem? Call1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MA/MI/MD/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in NH/OR/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $150 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/basketballterms. Ends 5/28/23 at 11:59PM ET. Sponsored by DK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices