On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by former running back Chris Gronkowski. Chris discusses what it was like growing up with five brothers, four of which played in the NFL. He also explains How he defied the odds to make it to the NFL. Later, he explains what it was like playing with Tony Romo, and the demanding style of Peyton Manning. Chris then shares his journey to creating his Ice Shaker brand, and how he got his big break on Shark Tank.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Super Bowl champion and offensive lineman Jeff Allen joins Peanut and Roman.

Jeff takes it back to his roots in Chicago, where he began his football journey at King College Prep. He reflects on what it was like growing up in the city and the stark contrast between Chicago’s football culture and the football-obsessed environment of Texas. Jeff also shares his improbable rise from a zero-star high school recruit to making it to the NFL.

The conversation turns to the infamous 2013 Wild Card matchup between the Chiefs and Colts, where Jeff opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of blowing a 28-point lead, a memory that still stings.

He talks about what it was like playing under Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and shares where he ranks Reid on his personal list of the greatest head coaches of all time. Jeff then goes on to tell the story of how Reid called him to talk him out of retirement and how he ultimately earned a Super Bowl ring in 2019 despite being released midseason.

Now in his second act, Jeff dives into his entrepreneurial journey with Cookie Society, the gourmet cookie brand he co-founded with his wife. He shares the hilarious story of posing as the company’s PR rep to communicate with Oprah’s team, an email that led to Cookie Society being featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things list. Jeff also gets candid about the challenges of building a business and what he's learned along the way.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Colts running back Vick Ballard joins Peanut and Roman to share his remarkable journey. Vick opens up about starting his football career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before making it to Mississippi State and eventually being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. He reflects on his breakout rookie season and the devastating injuries that derailed his promising NFL career. Vick talks candidly about the emotional toll of early retirement and how he channeled his drive into academics and a new profession. He walks us through his impressive post-football path—earning a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from UCF, then a master's degree from the University of Florida, and now working as an aeronautical engineer for Lockheed Martin. But Vick's goals in life aren't close to complete. His next challenge? Real estate development. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, reinvention, and never settling for less than your full potential.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartMedia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL Players: Second Acts hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with legendary Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown for a candid reflection of his Hall of Fame career. Starting with his iconic NFL debut kick return touchdown in 1988, Brown recounts the highs and lows of his 17-year professional campaign -- all but one of which being in silver and black. From vouching to have the team part ways with former coach Bill Callahan to his innate skills as a kick returner, Brown shares anecdotes that are seldom told publicly. The Hall of Famer even speaks of a time when he pleaded with then-Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Irvin in an effort to land with his hometown team. All that and more on the latest episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast!

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht joins Peanut and Roman. Ben reflects on the moments that led to his NFL career and credits Tony Dungy for giving him his shot in the league. He shares what it was like competing with Peyton Manning and tells a story that sums up what it was like playing with him.

Ben opens up about the concussion he sustained during practice that aired on Hard Knocks and how that experience led him to become an advocate for brain health and a spokesman for the American Academy of Neurology.

Then, Ben talks about how a foot infection led to the launch of his company, Sole Care Rx. He shares what he’s learned since becoming a CEO and the leadership lessons he took from Tony Dungy into business. Later, Ben shares how his passion for music led him to a career as a singer and songwriter, and how the people of Indianapolis got to experience him for his voice first before they saw him on the football field.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartMedia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey joins Peanut and Roman. Ed looks back at Super Bowl 50, where he served as a color commentator for the radio broadcast, and explains how he earned a fourth Super Bowl ring despite only playing in three.

Ed shares what it was like getting cut by the Giants and how that moment pushed him to shed equipment weight in order to get faster and prove he belonged. He shares how that mindset helped him fight for a roster spot with the 49ers, battling to back up Jerry Rice and going toe-to-toe with Deion Sanders in practice. He also breaks down the story behind his signature neck roll, the weekly superstition he carried throughout his career, and why he stuck to bare hands as a receiver. He also reveals his top three Super Bowl moments and the one play from Super Bowl XXXII that still replays in his mind.

Later, Ed talks about the lessons he learned from Jerry Rice, how he brought those to Denver, and what bringing the first championship to the Broncos did for the city and its fans.

Finally, Ed reflects on raising his kids and the approach he and his wife took to support them in chasing their passions without pressure.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman welcome former defensive back turned flag football pioneer Izell Reese to the show. Izell shares his journey from undrafted free agent out of University of Alabama-Birmingham to playing with guys like Deion Sanders, Darren Woodson, and Super Bowl MVP Larry Brown on the Dallas Cowboys. Izell later shares details of the brawl versus the San Francisco 49ers sparked by Terrell Owens touchdown celebrations at midfield. Izell has become a pioneer in the flag football space as the founder and CEO of RCX Sports, the official operator of NFL Flag Football. Izell shares the journey to bring the game to college athletics, championing the game for young girls, and what we can expect when flag football is unveiled at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Radio.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, former Pro Bowl running back Warrick Dunn joins Peanut and Roman. Warrick describes the meetings he had with Falcons owner Arthur Blank that led to Warrick joining the team’s ownership group. He also discusses his work to eradicate generational poverty by building homes for families in need through his Warrick Dunn Charities. Warrick describes dealing with the tragic death of his mother as a child and parenting his younger siblings while playing in the NFL. Warrick also shares highlights from his playing days, including the Falcons 2002 playoff win over the Packers, and the biggest plays of his career.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.