The NFL with Nia Show

This week I had the opportunity to catch up with former NFL Wide Receiver Pierre Garcon. We talked about his journey to the NFL, his eleven seasons in the league, how it felt to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl and the transition between college and the NFL. Pierre talked to me about the importance of believing in yourself, staying in good health and life after the NFL, including some of the support the NFLPA provide to prepare players accordingly.

In this episode, I speak with The Football Gameplan Founder and former Louisiana Running Back Emory Hunt. We talk about the concept of The Football Gameplan, the origins of the 'Czar of the Playbook' nickname, his college experience playing as a running back at Louisiana and the recent NCAA changes. We also discuss Emory's experience of coaching football and what additional football knowledge that provided him with, the importance, from a player perspective, of working under a coach you truly respect and have authentic chemistry with, some of Emory's earliest memories of football and more. www.nflwithnia.com

In this episode, I speak with NFL Sky Sports UK reporter & NFL presenter Neil Reynolds, a regular guest of the show. We talk about the upcoming season, the first ever NFLUK Live virtual event, the hard work and dedication of UK-based American football athletes and the remarkable NFL Academy talent.We also talk about Neil's podcast, some of the moments he truly enjoyed over the last few months, despite the situation we are collectively in as a result of COVID-19 and some of the exicting teams and players to look out for in the (hopeful) upcoming season ahead. www.nflwithnia.com

In this episode, I speak with Michael Carlson - NFL pundit, commentator, writer, journalist and analyst. We talk about some of the best moments of his sports writing, broadcasting and presenting career so far and some of the great people he has worked with, including the late Kevin Cadle, Nat Coombs, Jason Bell, Mark Webster, Osi Umenyiora and many more. We discuss how the exposure and development of the NFL in the UK has progressed over Mike's 25 year career, the ways in which the game is recorded and commentated on, why it makes for such great television, what it's like covering the Super Bowl games and what makes football so damn special. www.nflwithnia.com

In this episode, I speak with former NFL veteran quarterback Jason Campbell. Jason was drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and spent ten years in the NFL, five seasons with Washington, two with the Raiders and a season with each of the Bengals, Bears and Browns. Jason shares his story with me. We talk about his earliest memories of football, his college experience, the emotional process of being drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, the best memories of his career, the importance of mentors and giving back, and more. To read the editorial, head to: https://nflwithnia.com/guests-1

In this episode, I speak with Social Media Producer and On-Air Talent for FS1's daily Speak For Yourself show, Darnell Smith. We talk about the journey of his career, what his typical working day looks like, what it's like working with Emmanuel Acho, Marcellus Wiley and the fantastic energy of the team at SFY. We speak about some of the best moments so far, including the day he was offered a segment on-air (and the time Lil Tunechi gave him a shout out), how much football means to Darnell, what it has taught him and the joy that has come with it. We also discuss about the upcoming season, including the excitement of seeing Cam Newton play in New England, the HUGE Patrick Mahomes contract, the future of Aaron Rodgers and the potential return of Antonio Brown. We also reflect on the sincerity of the NFL when it comes to making a long-term culture change and why it's so important for that to happen.

In this episode, I speak with co-host of The Herd and host of The Maybe I'm Crazy Pod, Joy Taylor. Our conversation focuses on social justice and the recent global protests following the killing of George Floyd. We talk about the protests and police brutality and the importance of those who are not particularly educated on these issues to inform themselves, to listen and to learn. We discuss the lack of diversity within the media industry and among NFL coaching and management levels and why it's so important for that to change, the NFL player video and the response that followed, the upsetting comments Drew Brees recently made regarding kneeling during the anthem and the ways in which Joy has managed her emotions through a difficult and mentally exhausting time.

In this episode, I'm joined by Denver Broncos cornerback Davontae Harris and NFL Network reporters Steve Wyche and Jim Trotter. Our conversation focuses on social justice and the recent global protests following the killing of George Floyd. We speak about the protests, the End Qualified Immunity Act, player empowerment, the case of Albert Wilson and the significance of Juneteenth. We speak about the amazing work of the Players Coalition, the NFL player video and the response that followed from Roger Goodell, the political ties between NFL owners and government, and we reflect on some of the encouraging things that have unfolded over the last few weeks, among the devastation.

In this episode, I'm joined by Washington's Offensive Assistant Coach Jennifer King. We talk about the journey of her career and her remarkable scope of achievements and experience, the responsibilities that come with her new coaching role over in Washington and player safety. We speak about what Ron Rivera is like as both a coach and a man, the importance of having mentors and role models, the players Jenifer is looking forward to working with and more.

In this episode, Tyrese Johnson-Fisher joins me to talk about football, life and his pursuit of a career in the NFL, by following in the footsteps of Tyreek Hill as he prepares to head out to Last Chance U's Garden City Community College, Kansas, later this summer. I learn about his goals, his vision and why his journey is about so much more than just himself.This episode is composed of a summary of highlights from our conversation. Read Tyrese's full story at: https://nflwithnia.com/guests-1/f/tyrese-johnson-fisher

In this episode, NFL Academy Running Back Toshane Boyce joins me to share his story. We talk about his journey to the NFL Academy, the importance of making the most of opportunities and having the right people and support around you, his workout regime, the importance of role models and representation and Toshane's experience of playing a range of sports, including athletics and rugby. I hear about about why Toshane chose the running back position, what the Academy has provided him with and some of the special memories so far including meeting players like Jerry Rice and Efe Obada, his first practice experience and more.

In this episode, London Blitz and Team GB Lineman Deejay Ogunkolati joins me for his first ever podcast interview. We talk about his experience of transitioning from playing at Brunel University to the London Blitz to Team GB, we discuss mental wellbeing and mental health among young men in the UK, the importance of representation particularly for the younger ones, Deejay's experience of participating in the CFL UK Combine earlier this year, the key attributes required to be a successful lineman, the physical toll that playing football can have on your body and dealing with pre-game anxiety. We talk about the family environment that teams like the London Blitz try to create, player empowerment within the NFL (or the lack of it), player rehabilitation, the Super Bowl and the coaching god that is Andy Reid and some of the best memories of Deejay's time on the field.

In this episode, I'm joined by the one and only Vernon Kay. We speak about his experience as a player for the London Warriors, how Vernon became a fan of American football, the enjoyment of truly understanding the strategy behind the sport, the character qualities you need to have to be a successful football player, the NFL Academy, what football rule Vernon would introduce or eradicate, the Wembley American football experience and the time he was at the 20 yard line when Malcolm Butler got THAT interception during the SB XLIX. We talk about how Vern would like to see the education of the sport expand out here in the UK, we speak about Efe Obada's journey and his fierce work ethic that took him from the London Warriors to the Carolina Panthers and we discuss the importance of the NFL looking at ways to expand across the UK outside of London, to include potential places like Bristol and Scotland.

In this episode, I'm joined by Yahoo Sports Writer & Analyst Matt Harmon. We talk about Matt's career and the journey he went on to get there, the gratitude he has for working in a field that he enjoys so much, the coaches he admires the most, the future of Cam Newton and the impact that the trade of DeAndre Hopkins will have on the Arizona Cardinals. We speak about some of his favourite memories so far, his Reception Perception series and what makes football such an incredible sport.

In this episode, I'm joined by Sky Sports Presenter, Producer and Reporter & Sports Broadcaster Hannah Wilkes. We talk about Hannah's career path, the importance of working with people you have great energy and chemistry with, the buzz of being on set for Sky Sports NFL, some of the most enjoyable interviews Hannah has hosted, dealing with discrimination and negativity on social media and the emotional experience of interviewing Efe Obada after his team secured a win in his hometown last season. We also talk about the 2019 season, the expansion of American football internationally, some of the best memories of Hannah's career and the importance of female representation within the industry.

In this episode, I speak with former Pro Bowl Tight End and back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Byron Chamberlain. We talk about the emotional experience that came with his Draft selection, the advice he'd give to young athletes paving their way through the industry today, the support he received from his mentor Shannon Sharpe and the importance of athletes building connections and planning ahead for a career after their time in the league. We speak about the emotional experience that came with winning not just one, but two back-to-back Super Bowls, what it was like playing with teammates such as John Elway and Terrell Davis, the tight ends Byron enjoys watching play today, what it's like to transition from one team to another and the Freedom Football League - a new league that Byron and a number of former NFL players are collectively launching.

In this episode, I speak with Digital Content Editor for NFL.com Lakisha Wesseling - an inspiring woman with inspiring conversation. We talk about the journey of her career and the obstacles she has overcome, what her typical day looks like, the importance of representation and of persevering, being your best self and staying motivated. We speak about the pending arrival of baby Wesseling, Chris and Lakisha's wedding day, the importance of learning about what NFL players are doing away from the field - including community action and charity work, the return of Gronk and the teams to be excited about in the months ahead.

In this episode, I speak with Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl Fullback and Defensive End Pat Ricard - the only true current NFL offensive and defensive players. We talk about the incredible 2019 Ravens season, his naming to the 2020 Pro Bowl roster at fullback, the Big Truss movement, the culture of the Ravens locker room, the Harbaugh way, the energy change of a regular season game versus a playoff game and the contrasts in playing on both sides of the ball. We speak about pre-game anxiety, the ruthless aspects of the industry including strict fining, who the funniest teammates and the best trash talkers are, Pat's recent wedding where he married his high-school sweetheart, his love for Star Wars and some of the things that people may not know about him.

In this episode, I speak with Nat Coombs - Sports Presenter & Host of The Nat Coombs Show. We talk about Nat's career, the creation of The Nat Coombs Show, some of the great interview experiences he's had (including the legendary Jim Kelly) and the international expansion. We talk about the importance of learning to grow and of building professional resilience. We also talk about some of the emotional moments of Nat's career, the highs and lows of the 2019 season and the teams to be excited about as things stand.

In this episode, I speak with New York Giants Correspondent, Super Bowl Champion and Former NFL Wide Receiver Brandon London. We talk about the journey of his career, the emotional experience of the Giants 2007 Super Bowl victory, Brandon's love for Chelsea and the importance of having a good support system around you. We talk about those who have inspired him placing a big focus on his father, the importance of movements like #MoreThanAnAthlete, Brandon's passing game clinic and some of the moments that have really shaped Brandon's life and career journeys.

In this episode, I speak with ESPN NFL Reporter Cameron Wolfe. We talk about Cameron's career so far, having covered the Broncos, Titans and Dolphins, the culture change coach Flores has brought to Miami, the importance of players using their voices and platforms to speak out against injustice and the great work of the NFLPA. We talk about the responsibility sports journalists have to shine a light on real life issues that impact athletes, why being uncomfortable is necessary, the moments of Cameron's career that have really stuck with him - including his interview with Kendrick Norton, following the tragic car accident, that resulted in Kendrick losing his arm - as well his interviews with players like Von Miller, Logan Ryan, Kevin Byard, Aqib Talib and Ryan Fitzpatrick and the progress of player empowerment and player safety.

In this episode, I speak with NFL Network Reporter Steve Wyche. We talk about Steve's career, some of the standout interviews he's had with players like Calais Campbell and Colin Kaepernick and coaches like Jimmy Johnson and the increase in players speaking out about things that go beyond the field, such as community changes and activism. We talk about what football means to Steve, some of the most emotional moments of his career, the powerhouse that are the Buffalo Bills, the heart of the New Orleans Saints and the future of the Cardinals and Texans in light of the trade of DeAndre Hopkins.

In this episode, I speak with NFL Films Senior Producer and NFL Matchup Executive Greg Cosell. We talk about Greg's forty years of incredible work within the National Football League, football as an academic and intellectual exercise, how the game has changed over the years and the transition of seeing football become a faster, more spread out game. We talk about Greg's love for reading, what life was like growing up in Queens, the impacts of non-football components on games - such as weather and stadium types and the emotional moments of Greg's career, including his work with Bill Walsh and the loss of his friend, mentor and colleague Steve Sabol.

In this episode, I speak with former New England Patriots Coaching Assistant and NFL Executive Michael Lombardi. We talk about Michael's time working alongside Bill Belichick and the football philosophy he helped bring to New England, the lessons learned from working with Bill Walsh, the experience of working with Al Davis at the Oakland Raiders, his scouting days with the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns and the transition from scouting, developing players and coaching to writing and public speaking. We talk about what it's like watching his two sons, Matt and Mick coach in the NFL, the belief system of stoicism and the importance of identity and culture within football teams.

In this episode, I speak with Co-Host of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Host of the Maybe I'm Crazy podcast Joy Taylor. We talk about the journey of Joy's career, including her time with Undisputed and her transition to working with Colin Cowherd, her dope podcast and the experience of seeing her brother Jason Taylor become inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We talk about films and music and that crazy ass Netflix show You, life in LA, the future of Cam Newton and the reinstatement of Myles Garrett.

In this episode, I speak with NFL Network Writer and Around The NFL Co-Host Chris Wesseling, to talk about about his lifestyle change from living in Cincinnati, to living on an island of 3,000 people, to adjusting to the hustle and bustle of LA life and his career as an NFL writer and co-host of the Around The NFL Podcast. We talk about his battle with oesophageal cancer, how that changed the way Chris sees life, what football means to him and how he met his wife Lakisha. We talk about 'football twitter' and the best approaches to take when dealing with difficult people on social media (block mode flex). We discuss the evolution of the quarterback position, the future of Cam Newton, the UK fanbase, the rise of Richard Sherman and the difference between a city lifestyle and one that is more nature-oriented. (January 2020)

In this episode, I speak with NFL Network Writer and Around The NFL Co-Host Marc Sessler, to talk about the journey of Marc's career, the success of the Around The NFL Podcast, life in LA, the agony that comes with being a truly loyal team fan, the importance of a team embracing their players and culture and the indescribable energy that comes with attending a Super Bowl. (January 2020)

In this episode, I speak with NFL Reporter and NFL Sky Sports UK Host Neil Reynolds, to talk about the upcoming Super Bowl, the adventures of Jeff and Neil, the time Jeff definitely did not secure the bag, the immortality of Larry Fitzgerald, the potential greatness of the Denver Broncos and Neil's new The Neil Reynolds Podcast. (January 2020)

In this episode, I speak with NFL Sky Sports Analyst and CFL Football Coach Jeff Reinebold, to talk about Sunday's championship games, the elite talent of Jimmy and Patrick, the struggles of young athletes, the beauty of football and the emotional success stories of players like Emmanuel Sanders. (January 2020)

In this episode, I speak with NFL Network Analyst and former NFL Offensive Linesman (Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts) Brian Baldinger, to talk about Brian's journey through the NFL as a player and an analyst. We also discuss the championship games, the exceptional 2019 season and life away from football.

In this episode, I catch up with NFL Sky Sports Presenter and Analyst Neil Reynolds, to talk about his recent road trip, his upcoming podcast and the season ahead.

In this episode, I catch up with NFL Player Jon Weeks, Houston Texans Pro Bowl Long Snapper, to talk about his game day preparations, family life and his recent trip to Disneyworld, who the best Joker is and what this season has in store for the Houston Texans, including their trip across the pond to London.