Raising A Pro with Annie Apple

In the final show of the season, Annie picks out some of her highlights and favourite clips from our stellar guests. It was no easy thing trying to whittle down so much wisdom... 

“We saw Ryan’s life change in an instant. It made us not take anything for granted..it can happen to anyone”Ryan Shazier is a former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers after being drafted by the team back in 2014. Fast forward to December 4th 2017, it was during a Monday night football game when hearts stopped all over the world as Ryan went down in a game against the Steelers, clutched his back and couldn’t get back up.  In this episode we hear from Ryan’s mother, Shawn Shazier. Shawn takes us back to the beginning of Ryan’s journey when he first fell in love with the game at just 5 years old, through his battle with Alopecia right up to his retirement from pro sports.  Speaking candidly about the moment she saw Ryan get hurt on the field, the incredible determination he showed throughout his rehab process and her unwavering faith that her son would heal and walk again. 

"I really believe that mental health is about safety and creating safety.  Emotional, psychological, social and interpersonal. As parents, we have to model that behavior"Today we’re talking about the importance of the emotional wellbeing of athletes. Annie is joined by Dr. Herb Martin, a clinical psychologist and mental health expert. He is the president of Peak Performance Consulting Group and Team Clinician for the Los Angeles Chargers.   

“We told him. It’s a business and you totally lose all of your childhood when you sign that contract. You are a man…”The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive captain, Cameron Heyward has been a Pro Bowler the last four seasons while also earning All-Pro honors in 2017 and 2019. He was drafted by the Steelers straight out of Ohio State in the 2011 NFL draft and he’s been with the team ever since. In this episode we hear from Cam’s mother, Charlotte Heyward, who is not only his biggest cheerleader in life but also works as Executive Director of The Cameron Heyward Foundation. She might also be the biggest Steelers fan you’ll ever meet..and long before Cameron joined the team. Charlotte takes us back to Cam’s early days on the field when she says he was not a typical recruit. We hear about his battle with asthma, why his draft day was his home coming and also the lasting legacy of his father, Craig Heyward, who also played in the NFL for 11 years  but sadly passed away in 2006.  

"It's ok to get accolades, you work hard and you happen to be one of the best at something - how many people can say that?" Nick Bosa is defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers, he was drafted by the team second overall in the 2019 NFL draft. His brother, Joey,  is also an NFL defensive end and plays for the Los Angeles Chargers and and was selected by the team third overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Both men cut their teeth playing college football at Ohio State after incredible high school careers. In this episode their mother, Cheryl Bosa chats to Annie and digs deep into their respective stories, both on and off the field. Sharing the highs and lows of a life lived out in the spotlight. We also hear from coach Larry Johnson, who talks about the incredible bond with the brothers and faith he's always had in their talent. 

"I was stressed every day, I got to a point in my fourth year where I was ready to get cut" Last month, former NFL wide receiver Greg Camarillo, found a series of tweets he posted about mental health in and beyond football going viral. He spoke honestly and poignantly in the tweets after learning about the sudden passing of friend and former team mate Vincent Jackson. In this episode, Greg talks about his college football days at Stanford, his shock and delight at being signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and his time playing with the Miami Dolphins and discusses what a toll working in such a high pressure high risk environment takes on both your physical and mental health. 

“He went into the weight room after his freshman year and he came out a linebacker”Geno Atkins was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft straight out of The University of Georgia. He has spent his last 11 seasons in the league with the team ever since and is now an eight time Pro Bowler. And his star keeps on shining.  In this episode we hear from his mother, Sandra Atkins as she takes us deeper into Geno’s story right back to his early football days growing up in Florida, right through draft day up to the present day. And all that’s fallen in between. Including how Geno is a carrier of the sickle cell trait and why - even in such a high pressure environment as the NFL -  he ensures he looks after his health first and foremost. 

Audrey Garrett and Robin Burrow join Annie to take a look back at a stand out season in NFL history. Together they dissect the highs and the lows of a season consumed with an unprecedented amount of injuries in the midst of a global pandemic. 

“I told them, I want you to retire the game before it retires you” Michael and Martellus Bennett have always been each other’s biggest cheerleaders. The brothers played football together at Texas A&M and both went on to become Super Bowl champions before retiring from the game and chasing their passions off the field.  Their mother, Pennie Bennett takes us on a journey through the lives of these close brothers, and how their unshakable bond has never broken in spite of difficult draft days and the pressure of outside comparison that had followed both men since they were young boys just starting out. 

“They told the agent, we will never have a black quarterback”  Donovan McNabb had a career as an NFL quarterback spanning 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was drafted by the team second overall in the 1999 draft out of Syracuse University and went on to lead the team to eight postseasons, five NFC East Division championships, five NFC Championship games and their first Super Bowl experience in 24 years.  He was and remains an iconic player. His contribution to Eagles’ history was immortalized when his No.5 jersey was officially retired by the team in a memorable halftime ceremony in 2013.  His mother, Wilma “Char” McNabb is no stranger to the spotlight herself after catapulting to fame in the infamous Campbell Soup commercials in 2002. In this episode, she talks us through not only Donovan’s rise to the top of his game but also how their family tackled issues such as racism in football as we hear about an era where seeing a black quarterback was still a rarity in football  and how they rose above it and pulled together to help Donovan achieve his dreams. 

“So I told him, Jerome, you're not going to speak out. You're not going to say anything. You're going to let them do this to you”  Jerome “The Bus” Bettis was drafted 10th overall in the 1993 NFL draft. His career saw him play through 13 football seasons, his final 10 played out with the Pittsburgh Stelers before he retired after the 2005 season. A decade later and he found himself on the receiving end of the ultimate nod from the league as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.   His mother Gladys “Mamma” Bettis takes us back to the beginning of Jeromes journey, growing up in Detroit. From his first years playing football, through college, draft days, the Super Bowl, right up to watching him give his emotional Hall of Fame speech.  Mamma Bettis has supported her son through thick and thin, even when that meant parking up field side to watch his High School games with an inhaler at the ready. 

Kicking off our series of interviews in celebration of Black History Month, Annie sits down for a deep and honest chat with Jemele Hill.   The host of the wildly popular Jemele Hill Is Unbothered podcast, writer for the Atlantic and co host of Vice TV’s Won’t Stick To Sports, opens up about her journey from a little kid growing up in Detroit sneaking a peak at the sports papers to becoming the NABJ Journalist of the Year in 2018 and beyond..  Jemele is a truth sayer, she doesn’t sugarcoat reality or shy away from difficult subjects and that is why it is a pleasure to hear from her on topics such as racism in football, that Trump tweet, her heroines and influences and the five main behaviours that for many black people, are drilled into us largely through a combination of historical prejudices and our parenting. 

“I didn’t see those injuries on the field. But i’ve seen him be hurt and it’s like your heart stops” You know Sterling Shepard as the dynamic wide receiver for the New York Giants. He played college football at Oklahoma and was drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. But there is so much more to this young man’s story than you might expect.  In this episode his mom, Cheri, joins us to discuss the journey of her son and watching in awe as his childhood dreams come true. His journey and their journey as a family is one that is tinged with tragedy. Cheri was widowed at the young age of 32 with three children to raise when her husband - former Redskins wide receiver Derrick Shepard -  tragically and suddenly passed away. But the Shepard family stayed strong and pulled together. We hear how Sterling’s father’s legacy lives on stronger than ever through his wife and his children, and how Cheri and the family deal with setbacks, concussions and whatever life throws at them, with dignity.  Sponsors:   Get 20% off your first order of Sakara’s Prenatal at sakara.com/RAP (https://www.sakara.com/pages/raising-a-pro) or enter code RAP at checkout Keep your mind sharp and have fun with Word Forest. Download from the Apple or Google stores for free today, and get ready to flex your brain muscles!

“It was crazy, but I just did it. I didn't drink, I didn't take drugs. I didn't smoke. I just got up every day. I look back now and I go, Oh my gosh.. but at the time, you just do it”  The name Gronkowski is no stranger to professional sports. All five of the Gronkowski brothers have made it to pro level with four playing in the NFL; including Tampa Bay tight end Rob Gronkowski.  In this episode we hear from Gordie Jr, Chris, Dan, Rob and Glenn Gronkowski’s mother, Diane.  Diane ran a tight ship when her boys were growing up, dividing her time between all of their sport commitments and ensuring they had everything they needed outside of sport too. She’s the fuel that kept the machine turning as each child pursued their passion whether that was hockey, football or baseball.  Diane takes us back to give us a glimpse of life behind the scenes in the Gronkowski household as she supported her children through their early days of practices, training, draft days, injuries, Super Bowl rings right through to life after sport.  Keep your mind sharp and have fun with Word Forest. Download from the Apple or Google stores for free today, and get ready to flex your brain muscles!

“We couldn't plan this journey for Malcolm. It's not ours. It wasn't ours. It wasn't scripted by us”  Malcolm Jenkins was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2009 and has had an incredible career ever since. Over a decade later and he’s got two super bowl rings to play with after winning Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints and Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles. He is now back with the Saints where he continues to be one of the best lines of defense they have.  Aside from football, Malcolm is a humanitarian, philanthropist and tireless campaigner for social change. He is outspoken on topics of racial and social injustice and his integrity shines through in all that he does.  In this episode his mother  - and president of the Pro Football Players Mothers Association - Gwen takes us back to Malcolm’s early days of football. She reveals just how Malcolm got his big break on the field, what really went down when he left the Saints for the Eagles and so much more about the man that she knows best.  

Ndamukong Suh was drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2010 NFL draft after playing college football at Nebraska.That same year he was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and 10 seasons later he’s currently holding things down as Defensive End for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The time in between saw him play his first Super Bowl in 2018 during a short stint with the LA Rams.  He is known for his size and fierce playing style on the field, but that couldn’t be further from the truth of his true nature off the field. In this episode, his mother Bernadette gives us an insight into the tight family bond of Team Suh and Ndamukong’s lifelong passion for football.  As you’ll find out, Bernadette wasn’t exactly thrilled with his choice of sports..  Thanks to Sakara for supporting this episode. For 20% off your first order of their Prenatal go to Sakara.com/RAP (https://www.sakara.com/pages/raising-a-pro) or enter code RAP at checkout.

“My number one piece of advice is to do everything in a manner that is true to yourself” Amy Trask is a sports Analyst for CBS, a lawyer and author of the outstanding book ‘You Negotiate Like A Girl: Reflections On A Career In The National Football League’. She’s also the current chair of the board of Big3, a 3-on-3 professional basketball league. But the achievements don’t stop there.. in 1997, Amy became the first female CEO in NFL with the Oakland Raiders, working with the team for almost 30 years after she cold called them for an internship while studying at Cal-Berkeley in the 80s. When she picked up that phone that day, Amy could never have dreamt where it might lead..  In this special New Year episode we hear all about the challenges Amy faced in the role, the hilarious mishaps, her long lasting relationship and respect for Al Davis and how sheer determination, motivation, adaptability and fair leadership skills have served her throughout her life and career.  If anyone can prove you don’t always need a five year plan, it’s Amy.  With thanks to Hello Fresh for sponsoring this episode. Go to HelloFresh.com/10rap (https://www.hellofresh.com/pages/podcast?c=10rap&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=30301515&utm_content=10rap&dm=meals) and use code 10rap for 10 free meals including free shipping

“It bothers me when someone says one of these players is trash.. because none of these guys are trash” Ezekiel Elliott is a star running back for the Dallas Cowboys after being drafted 4th overall in 2016. He played college football at Ohio State where he earned second team All America Honours in 2015.  In this episode his mother, Dawn Elliott, takes us through Ezekiel’s journey to the top, tracing the athletic gene through their family. Dawn opens up about Ezekiel’s heartbreak over the death of his friend Kosta Karageorge in 2014, broken ribs, draft days, media backlash and the aftermath of Dak Prescott’s devastating ankle injury.  With thanks to Betterhelp for sponsoring this episode. If you are struggling with your mental health or need some support this holiday season visit betterhelp.com/RAP (https://www.betterhelp.com/start/?go=true&transaction_id=1024edd7669a10d455ce76f215ef2f&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=1378&utm_medium=Desktop&utm_content=&utm_term=rap¬_found=1&gor=start) for 10% off your first month. 

“Everything in life has a setback..but sometimes you get setback for a greater journey” Saquon Barkley started playing football at just five years old and after an incredible showcase throughout high school and college, the running back was drafted by the New York Giants in 2018. His star has been growing ever since.  2020 has been a rough season for injuries across the NFL, and Saquon is no exception. A knee injury cut short his 2020 season so for now he is focusing on healing so he can come back stronger than ever.  And no one is more sure of that than his mom, Tonya Johnson. In this episode Tonya, talks about Saquon’s journey throughout his career at the NFL, family life, draft days and how to cope with injury when you feel as though your dreams might be snatched away. 

“It’ll never be easy to not see Zachary in an Eagles jersey...”  Zach Ertz is the Philadelphia Eagles’ tight end whose incredible game winning touchdown catch sealed the long overdue Superbowl win for the Eagles in 2018. Philadelphia is a city that had been crying out for that big win and Zach is very much a part of that success story.  In this episode we speak to his mom, Lisa Ertz, as she shares the story of Zach from his Pop Warner days, how his drive and determination to achieve and be ready for the next opportunity has always served him, right up to what his future holds with the Eagles.  When Zach was just a kid, Lisa was a single mom of four boys, and she has worked hard to support, nourish and be an anchor for her children even when the odds seemed stacked against them and speaks candidly about how they’ve handled the highs and lows together.  Our thanks to Sakara and Betterhelp for supporting this episode.  Go to betterhelp.com/Rap (https://www.betterhelp.com/start/?go=true&transaction_id=102d225cd8219a5a69229ccdeb2964&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=1378&utm_medium=Desktop&utm_content=&utm_term=rap¬_found=1&gor=start) for more details and visit sakara.com/RAP (https://www.sakara.com/pages/raising-a-pro) to get 20% off your first order.

“I didn’t really know the extent of your condition, until you told me and I realised I might actually lose you”  Eli Apple was drafted 10th overall in the 2016 NFL draft by the New York Giants from Ohio State after winning Fiesta Bowl MVP. He was then traded to New Orleans Saints where the team was one bad call away from going to the Superbowl in 2018. After a stint with the Carolina Panthers, Eli entered free agency in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.  In this special thanksgiving episode, mother and son sit down to talk about NFL heroes, navigating betrayal, the importance of self belief, coping with injuries and that oh so close you could touch it Superbowl.  Eli and Annie are not only mother and son, they’re also best friends that support each other through thick and thin. As you’ll hear when they discuss how they dealt with Annie’s traumatic brain surgery in 2017 and Eli’s own health issues and professional obstacles.  Our thanks BetterHelp and Hello Fresh for supporting this episode.  Use our special url at betterhelp.com/Rap (https://www.betterhelp.com/start/?go=true&transaction_id=102d225cd8219a5a69229ccdeb2964&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=1378&utm_medium=Desktop&utm_content=&utm_term=rap¬_found=1&gor=start) for more details   Go to HelloFresh.com/rap90 (https://www.hellofresh.com/pages/podcast?c=rap90&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=3720111111&utm_content=rap90&featured=family&mealsize=3-4) and use code rap90 to get $90 off including free shipping. 

“I remember him saying, i don't care that you can't see..i just want you there..”  DeAndre Hopkins is a star wide receiver of the Arizona Cardinals. He was selected in the first round, 27th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft by The Houston Texans, making him the second wide receiver in franchise history to be drafted in the first round. And his star has been rising ever since.  Like her son, his mother Sabrina Greenlee is a force to be reckoned with and she’s been DeAndre’s biggest cheerleader ever since she saw him throw a football at the age of 5. She knew he was special. And their bond is equally as special.  In 2002, when DeAndre was just 10 years old, Sabrina was the victim of a despicable acid attack by a former lover that nearly killed her and left her blind. In this episode, she takes us right to the centre of the tremendous heartbreak their family have shared over the years, and how they’ve come out the other side stronger than ever.  Our thanks to Sakara for supporting this episode. Get 25% off your entire order when you go to Sakara.com and enter code RAPBLACKFRIDAY at checkout.

“None of our personal moments should define us in the totality of who we are..” Myles Garrett is the man on defense for the Cleveland Browns after being drafted first overall in the 2017 NFL draft and he’s been terrorising quarterbacks ever since.  His mom, Audrey, has been there through it all. The highs of his career, the challenges, and the devastating lows including his suspension from the 2019 season after an on field altercation with Mason Rudolph of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  In this no holds barred conversation, Audrey guides us through Myles’ journey growing up on the gridiron as we trace his story from a dinosaur loving kid with a passion for poetry to the powerhouse we see on the field today.  And it seems he’s not the only one in the Garrett household that’s got a talent for athletics..  Our thanks to Green Chef for supporting this episode. Go to GreenChef.com/rap90 (https://www.greenchef.com/sign-up/welcome?ct=rap90&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=3120101010&utm_content=rap90) and use code rap90 to get $90 off including free shipping

“His coaches always said he had ice in his veins..even from the time he was little”  Joe Burrow is a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, picked number 1 overall in the 2020 NFL draft. The first ever virtual draft due to the restrictions of COVID 19.  Joe Burrow’s mom, Robin Burrow, takes us right back to when Joey first picked up a football as a boy, through his high school and college years right up to the man that we see standing on the field today. A man full of integrity, who is not afraid to stand up for what is right, as he proved when he delivered an incredible speech upon collecting his Heisman Trophy win in 2019. He took the opportunity to use his platform to drum up support and donations for food banks and under supported families in his Ohio hometown.  Our thanks to Care/of for supporting this episode. For 50% off your first Care/of order, go to TakeCareOf.com (https://takecareof.com/) and enter code rap50. 

Launching November 6th with new episodes released every Friday.  Hosted by journalist, storyteller, and NFL mom Annie Apple, Raising a Pro takes you beyond the gridiron to give you an intimate look at your favorite athletes. A glimpse through the eyes and experiences of those who helped star athletes become who they are. Make sure you subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or via your favourite podcast app.