• Kevin Mawae: Blocking for 1,000-yard rushers, How He Helped Change the Current NFL, Training Camp Pancakes
    Oct 1 2025

    On this episode of the NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with Hall of Fame center Kevin Mawae for a conversation packed with stories from the trenches and lessons from a career defined by toughness and leadership. Kevin shares his “welcome to the NFL” moments, from getting blasted as a rookie long snapper to battling Hall of Famer Cortez Kennedy in camp. He reflects on blocking for some of multiple 1,000-yard rushers, including Curtis Martin, Chris Johnson, and Chris Warren. Kevin also opens up about the transition from guard to center, the brutal diet that fueled his playing weight, and the camaraderie that made offensive line rooms so special. Beyond the gridiron, he talks about his role as president of the NFLPA, and as an advocate for players throughout his career. From pancakes at training camp to Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, this is Kevin Mawae’s journey through football and beyond.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • John Randle: The Art of Trash-Talking, Face-Painting Ritual, Mentoring NFL Legends
    Sep 24 2025

    Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with Hall of Fame defensive tackle John Randle to find out what made him the king of talking trash, what inspired him to paint his face for games, and the weirdest pre-game ritual that he and his teammates tried. John also discusses his work with the NFL Legends community and why it’s important to reach out to people when you’re having a hard time.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    52 mins
  • Darren Woodson: Cowboys Title Winning Secret Sauce, His Hall of Fame Case, Joining ESPN after football
    Sep 17 2025

    Dallas Cowboys legend Darren Woodson joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper on the latest NFL Players: Second Acts episode for a candid conversation about his life on and off the field. Woodson shares his “welcome to the NFL” moment, what it was like covering Michael Irvin in practice, and why he never left Dallas during his entire career. He opens up about Jimmy Johnson’s shocking exit, the transition to Barry Switzer, and why he thinks the Cowboys haven’t captured another Super Bowl since the dynasty days. Woodson also weighs in on Dak Prescott’s work ethic, the infamous T.O. fight, and his party days at Humperdinks. Plus, he talks about his post-football career at ESPN, his Hall of Fame hopes, and the personal Mount Rushmore that shaped his life.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    46 mins
  • Steve Largent talk his unlikely Hall of Fame path, stint as U.S. Congressman, Mike Harden payback
    Sep 10 2025

    Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with Hall of Famer Steve Largent for a wide-ranging conversation that spans his legendary NFL career, his second act in Congress, and the values that have guided him through it all. Largent reflects on his journey from getting cut by the Oilers to becoming the face of the Seattle Seahawks, sharing stories of his most satisfying season, his 100th touchdown, and even his payback hit on Mike Harden. He opens up about life after football—why he never struggled with retirement, how he became a licensed pilot, and his time as CEO of a telecommunications company. Largent also dives into his political career as the only Pro Football Hall of Famer to serve in Congress, recalling his “welcome to Congress” moment, the balance of family and public service, and why he’ll never go back. From humility to servant leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom and insight from one of the NFL’s true all-time greats.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    53 mins
  • Bill Cowher: Why Steelers football is different, the famous angry face, leading with compassion
    Sep 3 2025

    In this revealing episode of NFL Players: Second Acts, Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper to reflect on his remarkable football journey. From his early years as a special teams linebacker to becoming the youngest head coach in Steelers history, Cowher shares how he earned the trust of his players, managed generational talents like Troy Polamalu and Rod Woodson and built a blue-collar identity in Pittsburgh that led to a Super Bowl championship. He also opens up about walking away from coaching to focus on family, how personal loss reshaped his perspective, and the purpose he’s found in his second act as a broadcaster and mentor.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • LaDainian Tomlinson: his Walter Payton connection, the golden era of Chargers football, coaching Texas high school football
    Aug 27 2025

    Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper to talk football, family, and second acts. LT reflects on his journey from idolizing Walter Payton and learning moves from Barry Sanders, to becoming an NFL MVP and a Hall of Famer. He shares what it’s like coaching high school football in Texas, the lessons he learned from teammates like Junior Seau, and the impact of Marty Schottenheimer on his career—even after the controversial firing following a 14-2 season. LT also opens up about his transition into TV, keeping his competitive edge in broadcasting, and his special bond with Drew Brees. Along the way, Peanut and Roman swap stories about facing LT on the field—including a missed tackle in London—and dive into what made his stiff arm legendary.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    55 mins
  • Barry Sanders: Life After a Heart Attack, His Growing Legacy, and Leaving the Game at 99 Rushing TDs
    Aug 20 2025

    Hall of Famer Barry Sanders joins Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman on the NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation. Barry explains why winning the Heisman Trophy remains the most meaningful accolade of his career and talks about how his legacy has continued to grow in retirement, with many young fans discovering him through Madden and social media, and how he’s become more open to sharing his story over the years. Barry also opens up about recovering from a heart attack and his recently released documentary Making of a Heart Attack, which details that life-changing experience. The guys dive into the resurgence of the Detroit Lions and what it means for the city, reflect on Barry’s decision to step away from the game just one rushing touchdown shy of 100, and hear which of his records he believes will stand the test of time.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Jim Kelly talks beating cancer four times, changing the Hall of Fame forever, running the K-Gun
    Aug 13 2025

    In this inspiring episode of NFL Players: Second Acts, Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly sits down with hosts Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper and shares how enduring four straight Super Bowl losses shaped his perspective on the game and on life. Jim reflects on the leadership lessons from the Bills’ golden era, the bond with teammates that still runs deep decades later, and how his faith and family guided him through the most difficult chapters of his journey. He also talks about his commitment to honoring the legacy of his late son Hunter through his charitable foundation, and the purpose that drives his second act.

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    30 mins