Pivot Podcast (It's Never Too Late To Pivot)

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 one of the most unique careers in professional sports, Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem is set to say farewell to basketball after a 20-year career and is sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred ahead of his last week of regular season play to talk everything basketball, life and what’s been most important to him. Not holding back in any areas, this conversation journeys a young boy from Liberty City and how he beat the odds and turned his opportunities into a two decade long career embracing his role on the Heat and continuously finding ways to benefit his teammates. Winning three championship titles with the Heat, Udonis has played with some of the game’s best players from Lebron to D Wade to Shaq to Chris Bosh to Ray Allen to many more and attributes his long lasting career to the relationships he sustained over time and his endless work ethic. As the guys dive into his childhood and early playing years, UD reveals the pain he felt losing his mother, who he just recently reunited with, and how the loss of his father led him down a different path and approach of opening up to people and asking for help when he needed it. He stressed the importance of finding balance and how his three rings mean the world to him but he’s most proud of his work giving back in the community. As the OG of the league, UD shares his thoughts on this year’s NBA MVP, which he feels should be Joel Embiid or Giannis, as they are above and beyond on the court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three unbelievable years of The Pivot Podcast filled with strong storytelling, authentic exchanges, vulnerability, laughs, wild moments and in-depth conversations with the top guests in the world. The podcast has evolved into a movement in sports, music, entertainment and become the number one destination for A-list athletes, coaches, artists, Hollywood elite and business leaders to sit and have deep, unfiltered discussions that have transcended the podcast space. Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder have shaped an unique identity through this platform with their voices resonating with listeners and viewers around the world creating a community unlike any other. Thank You Pivot Family for rocking with us and we can't wait to continue working hard to bring you the most impactful content possible in the year to come. Don't forget to hit the Subscibe button on Youtube and comment on the guests and stories you want to see us bring this year. 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

"For me personally, I think I needed that. It built this dog within me...For me growing up, there was no plan B...There was no 'what if.'" Frances Tiafoe Proffeesional Tennis Player Captivating the world with his undeniable talent, charismatic ways and his unique energy on and off the court, Frances Tiafoe shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in tennis today. On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan, Fred, and Channing chop it up with Tiafoe about how it all started and how life has totally changed for him since winning more which has led to his ever-growing fame. The guys talk all things tennis with Frances, explaining how training works, the mindset necessary and how the current landscape is the perfect opportunity for Frances to rise in sports. Elevating the attention of tennis over the past couple years, Frances' matches have become a magnet of entertainment and unwavering outpour of support, from receiving daily texts of A-list athletes to getting private invites to hang with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to defeating the sport's megastars on global stage has shaped Tiafoe's path in ways he never thought possible. Despite the star-studded encounters, Frances keeps it real, always remembering his roots and the community that's had his back from the start. He's focused on the bigger picture—winning key matches, staying true to himself and pouring into the people and things he loves. With a chance to rewrite history books. Frances opens up about how Venus and Serena Williams have been huge influences on his game, not just as players but as role models. He shares how the pressure to succeed is heavy but carrying that weight has led him to have unimaginable highs such as defeating Rafeal Nadal and going toe to toe with the best players in the world. Never shying away from competition, Frances explains how losing his cool in the heat of the moment or seeming unfocused stems from the passion he has for tennis, not a lack of respect or arrogance toward the sport itself. Looking back at one memorable match that stands out to us all, Frances reflects on how it felt like he was being made an example of and he felt he had no choice but to stand up for himself. He admits to the guys it wasn’t his best moment, but it was a learning experience and something he’s grown from. While he tries to keep things light and avoid getting too wrapped up in the intensity, he admits it’s not always easy. The competitiveness in tennis can make it tough to have authentic relationships, but Frances is committed to staying true to himself and loyal to his day one support system. Don't forget to follow us on all audio platforms and hit the subscribe button for more conversations like this! Hey Pivot Fam!!! Special offers for you to stay safe and secure as we kick off 2025! Go to https://expressvpn.com/pivotyoutube and find out how you can get 4 months of ExpressVPN free! And don't get boggled down, Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to http://rocketmoney.com/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 With a lot of buzz this season around the Philadelphia Eagles team to not only win the NFC East this season but make a Super Bowl run, Cornerback Darius Slay welcomes the pressure and says the team is ready to make a run this year. From Juco to 4x Pro-Bowler, Philly's cornerback Darius Slay, joins The Pivot to talk about the Eagles this season, personal goals of legacy and hall of fame and how being a young father shaped the man he is today. At the age of 13 years old, Darius' mother gave birth to him and he was raised mostly by his grandma but extremely close with his mother throughout his life to this day. Darius, a young father himself, expresses how his upbringing of community and love taught him the importance of how it takes a village to raise a child and helped him transition into being a father. Darius opens up to the guys that without his son, he wouldn't be where he is today because becoming a young father served as motivation and helped change his course from getting in trouble, jail time to hearing his name called in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. As the conversation moves toward football, Darius talks about how making it to the NFL gave him the opportunity to right the wrongs of some of his off the field troubles and the resources to help give back to the community that raised him and that taught him about life. Ryan asks how he feels about the NFC East rival losing Dak Prescott early and how it affects their mindset in the division. Darius, who is friends with the Cowboys quarterback from college days, hates to see a team lose its heartbeat but also is disappointed since he misses his chance to pick his old friend off this year. Ranking as one of the most elite cornerbacks in the league, Darius talks about his journey from Detroit to Philadelphia and how it hasn't always been smooth but hoping that strong leadership helps lead his current team on a path to a championship. Impressed by Quarterback Jalen Hurts and his transcension to the Eagles leader, Darius thinks that Jalen is the one who can keep the offense firing this year and Darius says the defense is ready to match the offensive efforts. Darius feels the team has all the pieces in place to be a super bowl contender and gets goosebumps thinking about the team's potential. Join our new DraftKings partnership, get ready for football talk and sports conversations throughout the coming months and for us to bring you some can't miss opportunities to make free money by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook App and checking out the special offers using the promo code PIVOT. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 9/19/22 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See T&C at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. #1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps 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 Raised in Collins, Mississippi in a single mother household and with the help of his grandparents, DeMario lacked a consistent male role model and became a product of his environment early on in life. DeMario walks Ryan, Fred, and Channing through the three strikes that could’ve jeopardized his career and ultimately ended his life. From stealing in high school, being sent to an alternative school, and being jailed during his collegiate career, Demario was being tested at every stage. He credits his faith and God to the one relationship that transformed his life. Ryan inquires about DeMario’s transition to the NFL and career trials and tribulations. DeMario talks about discovering that the key to consistent performance was not just his talent and work ethic but relying on his knees for faith every step of the way. After this discovery, he’s been training like a DB, a decision that has ultimately led him to being named a 2023 Pro-Bowler and sheds some light on what the future of the Saints looks like and his long term goals as he prepared for next year this off season. Gambling Problem? Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 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 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/MD/NI/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 pregame moneyline bet. Bet must win. $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. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Lines and Odds Subject to Change. 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 You asked and we delivered- It’s Super Bowl week and we are in Beast Mode. An exclusive sit down discussing the highs and lows with Marshawn Lynch. Marshawn joins Fred, Channing and Ryan this week on The Pivot for an in-depths and wide open conversation ranging from childhood to becoming International BeastMode. Talking off the field troubles, to family life, to infamous media battles to his running back fame to winning a Super Bowl...the discussion spans over a decade into reflection and perception of who the real Marshawn Lynch vs what the world sees. Not holding back, Fred, leads the conversation and gets right into it asking Marshawn how he has been able to parlay his story and career, the good and bad, into global stardom. “Most Athletes wouldn’t part with a check to be themselves but the path you’ve taken is just that..” He explains that loyalty is the most expensive thing he’s received in his life and opens up on how and why he treated the media a certain way while also detailing the biggest Pivots he’s had to make. Ryan asks about his approach to brands and controversial answers he’s given wondering if it was all part of the plan to distinguish himself in the light he has. Asking the tough questions and admiring his journey, the guys sit back and allow Marshawn to tell his side of things and answer the questions we've all wanted to know over the years. Marshawn opens up about the one thing that truly made him second guess his actions and that was the short time he didn’t speak with his mom, he realized how his life was off and that being a Mama’s boy is him inside and out. Channing closes out the show sharing a story of how him and Marshawn would hang nights before games but then go at it hard on the field every Sunday! 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 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

"I'm a living testament of a guy with PTSD who's been on the ledge, and I haven't let that stop me not only helping others, but getting to that point where I can help myself." As we kick off Men's Mental Health month, we bring you a special conversation with 2x Super Bowl Champion and Chiefs star running back, Clyde Edwards-Helaire as he opens up and shares his traumatic but powerful story of tragedy and healing. This past summer, Clyde courageously shared his journey of PTSD, stemming from an unfortunate event in 2018 when he was forced to act in self-defense to protect himself and his best friend. That incident happened while he was playing for the LSU National Championship team, which Clyde describes as the best time of his life on the field and the worst year of his life away from the game. On today's episode of the Pivot in partnership with Fanatics, Ryan, Fred, and Channing sit down with Clyde to unpack the impact of that day and everything he’s been dealing with since—from the mental and physical toll of PTSD to how he’s coping and finding his way forward with help from the Kansas City Chiefs, specifically Coach Andy Reid and best friend teammate, Travis Kelce. Clyde speaks candidly about the intense aftermath, describing a rollercoaster of emotions, hospitalizations, and a period when he only felt safe and like himself wearing his helmet on the field. That struggle to maintain normalcy away from football and the pressures he’s faced since that day have been challenging. He describes wrestling with guilt, constant turmoil and internal battles that trauma brings. Cleared of all legal charges, the split-second choice of being shot or pulling the trigger in defense is something that haunts him to this day: "It was either save my friend and myself or an outcome we may not be here to talk about today." Struggling with the aftermath of that choice, understanding he did what he had to do, the star running back has tried to continue to move forward but Clyde confesses that when he started to question his purpose and became physically ill day after day. Despite being the first round pick and core part of the Chiefs Super Bowl winning teams of late, his mental health battle was no longer something he could hide which caused him to face the pain head on and seek the help he needed, even if that meant putting the game he loves aside. One of the things that’s helped Clyde hold on is the support he’s received from people who truly care- like Coach Andy Reid and Travis Kelce. Reid has been a rock for him—giving him some of the biggest, most reassuring hugs and urging him to take the time he needs to get the help he needs now to set him up for a better future. Kelce, too, has been like a big brother, always by his side and lifting him up during his toughest moments. Their friendship, built over five years with the Chiefs, has become a vital part of Clyde’s journey. Having that kind of support has not only helped him heal but has also shown him how valuable it is to feel seen and supported through difficult times. In talking to Ryan, Fred, and Channing, Clyde reflects on his path forward, recognizing that this experience is part of his story—one he hopes can help others facing similar struggles. He’s learning to find peace within himself, accepting that while the trauma will always be a part of him, it doesn’t have to define him. Clyde is committed to raising awareness about PTSD and mental health, hoping that by sharing his truth, he can offer encouragement to others who feel alone in their battles. His story reminds us that even our heroes—athletes we watch and cheer for—are human, with their own complex lives and personal journeys to healing. Tap in for more from this inspiring episode only on the Pivot Podcast, and be sure to hit that subscribe button! 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 Ahead of his April 16th Showtime Pay Per View fight against Yordenis Ugas at AT&T stadium, Errol Spence sits down with The Pivot to talk his revival in life and the journey he overcame to get back in the ring. The 32 year old undefeated welterweight champion invited Ryan, Fred and Channing to his Dallas gym a week before his boxing comeback. After suffering a bad car accident where Spence was ejected from the vehicle and thrown in the middle of the road- the young champion wasn’t sure if he would ever step in the ring again, especially at a high level. After spending months in the hospital suffering severe injuries to his body and head, Spence worked tirelessly in therapy and rehabilitation to find himself back in the ring. It was a wake up call for me said the young fighter, I was surrounding myself with the wrong people and worried about the wrong things. Spence said getting a second chance in life helped him reconnect with family and his first love, boxing. With the opportunity of a lifetime on the line, Spence was set to fight Manny Pacquiao, for what would have been the fighter’s biggest match up and pay day of his career this far, only to be forced to back out days before the bout when he discovered having a torn retina. “The entire time I was trying to figure out how I could still fight and determine if it was worth it to only have one working eye the rest of my life…that’s how much it meant to me,” Spence emotionally explained when Ryan asked about that moment. With family and fatherhood his number one priority, proving himself to be the best in the sport is still at the forefront of Spence’s mind heading into Saturday. 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 Embarking on a journey of a lifetime, next week’s NFL draft is a monumental occasion filled with a range of emotions, nerves, excitement and kore as it will forever change the lives of many young men and their families. With all the talk swirling around the Alabama standout, his fate will be decided in the coming days but Bryce says he isn’t worried about being number one or any number he goes, he just wants to get on a team and start playing. With a lot of questions about his height and stature affecting his ability to stand tall on NFL fields may affect his draft stock, Bryce isn’t phased by the comments and has been hearing those same things all his life and always quiets his critics with his talent and capabilities. Not short on confidence, Bryce shares how he’s managed to keep composure and avoid nervous energy when stepping onto the field all these years and describes how it’s a dream every time he touches the ball so he embraces it which helps him shed any worries or fears when playing. Channing asks Bryce to recall the moment he knew he had the “it” factor that made him different than other players on the field as Bryce takes us through some of the plays he felt most confident as Ryan shares the one play he saw that made him associate the word “magical” with every time Bryce touches the ball. Bryce talks about CJ Stroud and other QBs in this draft and what makes them first rounders as well as breaks down his own play of how he would describe himself as a player and man on and off the field. Bryce’s father joins the conversation as the guys poke fun at his alleged story of a 4 month old Bryce with a grip on the football as he has now and they jokingly talk about seeing his talents from a young age and the closeness the two share along with his mother too. Having a strong foundation and good character is an asset in this day and age for teams and Bryce’s father is most proud of the man he raised and the quarterback in him is just extra. Transitioning from college super star to NFL leader, the guys talk to Bryce about what it will be like stepping into a role as a leader of grown men and controlling a locker room as a 21 year old. Bryce is excited for the opportunity and looking forward to getting to know his new teammates and the new city he lands where he will call home for hopefully years to come. And with the first pick of the 2023 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers select…. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"You need to see what you are made of. I think everyone needs to go to the top and take a dip....Falling down really determines your true success. How do you get back up?" Timbaland    You know how it goes Pivot Family- 'It’s been a long time, we shouldn’t have left you, without a dope beat to step to'....Well we have that beat, as we welcome entertainment icon, Timbaland to The Pivot as he delivers a masterclass in music, resilience, and reinvention. The Grammy-winning producer sits down with Ryan, Fred and Channing to talk about his legendary career, the price of success, overcoming addiction, and the future of the industry.   Raised in Virginia, Timbaland didn’t come from a major music city, but that only made him hungrier. He breaks down how growing up with limited resources forced him to use anything available to him to create a sound that had never been heard before. As a teenager, he was shot in the neck, leaving him temporarily paralyzed on one side, but it didn't slow up his creative drive, it only sharpened his focus, clearing the way for one of the most distinct musical paths.  Ryan recounts how Timbaland, a musical mastermind, was a soundtrack to life growing up and is behind some of the most memorable hits of our times. With over 18-GRAMMY nominations, 4 GRAMMY wins and 200+ ASCAP Music awards, he shares with the guys how he understands his contributions to the music world and is grateful for working with some of the most successful and legendary artists who always brought out the best in him.    From Jay-Z’s effortless flow to Missy Elliott’s visionary and creativity, Timbaland shares what makes "the Greats" different. He breaks down how he and Missy discovered Aaliyah’s “Try Again” beat, the chemistry behind Justin Timberlake’s biggest hits, the songs he wished he released differently, his in-studio process with Jay Z and why some artists just have an energy that can’t be duplicated. Timbaland opens up on his dark times, discussing the moment success became too much and admits that at his peak, he let his ego overpower his talent, which allowed addiction to give him a false sense of power. He recalls out-of-body experiences that made him confront how far he had fallen, the loss of reality and how ultimately, it was deep self-reflection, faith and his wife’s voice that brought him back.   Despite decades of prominence and success, Timbaland isn’t stuck in the past. He’s studying the next wave of producers, embracing change, and keeping his sound ahead of the curve. He talks about the impact of Versuz's platform that he co-created with Swizz Beatz, how new artists are still trying to replicate his blueprint, and how the secret to true success isn’t about longevity, it’s about knowing how to adapt and elevate.   This conversation takes us on a journey through music but also sheds light on lessons of falling, rebuilding, and coming back stronger than ever. As in music and in life, Timbaland’s story is proof that the real beat never stops, sometimes, you just have to find the rhythm again. Don't forget to like and follow us on your audio platform of choice.  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 Former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, sits down with The Pivot Podcast ahead of his fight on Oct 15th at the Barclays Center vs. Robert Helenius, which is his long-awaited return after suffering two straight knockouts from Tyson Fury. Traveling to Tuscaloosa, Deontay's hometown and place where he's been training- Ryan, Channing and Fred are blown away by the journey and growth Deontay expresses and how he's dedicated the past few years to finding himself. From his environment shaping the man he is today to the impact becoming a father has had on his career to his experience with ayahuasca to his plans left in boxing. Considered one of the most prolific boxers of this era, the guys respect his journey from being a small town guy to global stardom and how his upbringing and need to protect himself and loved ones as a means of survival mode shaped him to one of the most successful athletes in the sport. After struggling with suicidal thoughts and suffering from mental health fears, Deontay took the initiative to start rebuilding and healing from the personal and professional trauma experienced. With highs, come lows, and Deontay opens up to the guys and talks about his suicide attempt. A decision lots of athletes face, Wilder explains how he overcame his lowest point, and why he embraces everyday...thankful for being alive. eContinuously on a journey of self-discovery, Deontay talks about ayahuasca and credits his experience with changing his views on life and refocusing his mind on boxing. The birth of his daughter, Naieya Wilder, served as his inflection point and greatest source of motivation. Naeiya was diagnosed with spina bifida in March of 2005 and Wilder turned to boxing as a way to release his family from the shackles of poverty. He quickly learned that his childhood fights served as a master class for his natural-born gift when he sparred with a professional and won. Ryan asks if Deontay has respect for Tyson Fury which he immediately says no while sticking to his story that Fury didn't win that fight naturally and created an unfair matchup. When asked why he didn't speak up more vocally on his thoughts, Deontay honestly responds he didn't want to mess up his opportunity financially and entertaining fans around the world. In recognition of his impact and growth, his home town of Tuscaloosa recently honored Deontay with a statue in the heart of his hometown, which he cites as his biggest accomplishment. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 pregame moneyline bet. Bet must win. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 11/20/2022 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. #1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps 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 FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Not often do we get to tell the stories behind success but today, we sit with two young men who set out to change the game not just in sports but with their entrepreneurial skills too. Earl Cooper and Olajuwon Ajanaku, two minority business owners share their unique journey from humble beginnings to stardom and success. Earl, a PGA professional and O, the founder of East Side Golf, sit with Fred, Ryan and Channing sharing the back story on how the duo got involved in the sport of Golf, a predominantly white sport, and infiltrated the industry, changing the culture and impacting fashion along the way. Coming from a HBCU background, O used his education and business skills applying it to his passion to carve out a niche in the gold industry. Catching the attention of stars like Michael Jordan, Chris Paul, Tiger Woods, Fat Joe and many others, their style and ideas for fashion have created a buzz not just in golf but in all walks of sports and entertainment fashion. On the heels of their recent Hulu docu-series Grails, the two young entrepreurs are sharing the journey of how turning an idea into a business has not only set out to change the world of golf but also made a cultural impact. The conversation is guided by the story of East Side Golf and its quest break into the world of sports fashion and sneaker culture but also it stories the journey of how a two young men go from humble beginnings to landing a deal with the top brand in the industry. The conversation is filled with bits of humor and wisdom as the guys open up to Fred, Channing and Ryan about the process, the obstacles and the feeling of finally "making it" after so much of the blood sweat and tears is poured into their passion. Sharing personal conversations and moments they have had with big names along the way who not only have inspired them but supported turning the dream into a reality. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 pre-game moneyline bet. Bet must win. $150 issued as six (6) $25 free bets. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. Ends 12/30/22 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 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 Enthralled by the journey of a young man who made it out of Mexico, Missouri, Ryan guides the conversation from Coach Lue’s upbringing to his close relationship with his family to the power of sacrifice and finding success through gratitude. Because of that, his responsibility to take care of his family, especially mother and grandmother, fuels his work dedication. Coach Lue recalls the moment his life was changed when he was drafted to the league and how it became his purpose to take care of his family and continue to evolve as a man through playing in the NBA. Playing with basketball royalty in Kobe and Jordan, Ty never took for granted his opportunities but also learned quickly the value of hard work. Lue explains the infamous Allen Iverson “step over” moment and how he attributes the longevity of his career to that play. Using his leadership skills from being a teammate and playing with some of the biggest personalities and most skilled in the game, Ty talks about how he got into coaching and who gave him the final nudge pushing him to know that he would be a great fit for the job. From experiences with Kobe, Shaq, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Doc Rivers and many more, Ty Lue shares personal stories that truly highlight his career and the respect he has for them game and the game has for him. Being known as more than just a coach, Ty Lue is focused on being an example that young black and brown kids can be something special and make it if they work at it. Winning a championship with the Cavs, Coach hopes to duplicate that success in the west with the Clippers and is very confident with his team in the post season. 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 multi talented sports journalist and broadcaster, Taylor Rooks, joins the Pivot to talk all topics from working as a female in sports, to dealing with physical appearance being a career factor to overcoming questions about her personal life while trying to keep the headlines focused on her interviews, not who she’s dating. Taylor shares her story and how she carved a niche for herself as one of the top females interviewers in sports media and how the climb in the industry is a struggle everyday. Channing comes right out and addresses the rumors swirling the internet about her personal relationships which she says is frustrating but always false! “Just because I stand next to someone or have chemistry in an interview doesn’t mean I’m dating them,” Taylor responded. Fred dives into the what they future holds for Taylor and if motherhood is something she is worries about affecting her career and Ryan talks about how the industry is changing and the respect Taylor has earned from the exclusive access to interviews she’s done. Tackling each day, Taylor shared wisdom she took from Serena Williams about always striving to be be better from one day to the next. 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 meeting Jason Lee during Super Bowl week and becoming fascinated with his story and impact in media and culture, Ryan, Channing and Fred asked him to sit down to talk about how he’s disrupting the industry and breaking down barriers for black media in Hollywood. Completely uncensored and unfiltered, this conversation journeys a young boy from Stockton, California surviving a rough childhood, growing through grief and overcoming adversity to become a pioneer in the business. From Floyd Mayweather to Cardi B to Rhianna to Tiffany Haddish, Jason talks about how he was able to leverage close relationships to make a solid name for himself and go from blogger to reality tv star to podcast host to author to entrepreneur to media mogul as he continues to disrupt the norm of Hollywood and unlock stories that entertain millions. Jason acknowledges his brand, image and approach in the industry is sometimes questioned and comes off intrusive but he assures the guys it’s one he’s comfortable with because he’ll always prioritize authenticity over a check. This style of storytelling is often unpopular among Hollywood’s elite but it also has led to his company having a nearly 50M evaluation in a few short years and positioned himself as a trusted source of information. As Ryan, Channing, and Fred dive into the experiences that have shaped his journey, Jason opens up and reveals that witnessing the murder of his brother completely destroyed his feelings. Working through the effects and emotions from it all, Jason turned his pain into purpose and used his survivor mentality to cultivate the industry. 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 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

"It's okay to start over, but it's not okay to complain about what it takes to start over." Michael Bennett Super Bowl Champion On this episode of The Pivot in partnership with Fanatics, we’re sitting down with Super Bowl champ and 3x Pro Bowler Michael Bennett. Building a reputation in professional sports for being unique, Bennett shares with Ryan, Channing and Fred his journey from a young man growing up in Louisiana to getting into football to his close bond with his brother to being outspoken for black men and culture to the highs and lows of winning and losing a Super Bowl....but now life looks a little different for Michael —he’s living in Hawaii with his family, traveling the world, and diving deep into architecture and design. But being able to start over took some time, as Michael shares with the guys how he struggled to step away from the game he loved so much but knew deep down his worry about his brain and fear to never walk his daughter down the isle pushed him to retire from the NFL and refocus his efforts differently. Michael talks about how much he loved every moment of the game, but ultimately made the selfless decision to say good bye to it so he could stay healthy knowing football was his passion but family is his purpose. Michael was part of some of football's toughest defensive cores in NFL history and part of building the 2013 Super Bowl Championship team in Seattle as he breaks down some of his top ranked defenses of all time and gives his thoughts on today's game. He gives his take on one of the biggest enigmas of Seattle's Super Bowl loss, which is why did Marshawn Lynch not get the ball as the game winded down with a chance to win a 2nd Super Bowl...Michael shares the inside talk of what really happened that play call and what he saw happening if Marshawn was given the ball that play. Considered a controversial career by some, Fred, Ryan and Channing commend him for always taking a stand on important issues and ask how Michael found the courage to stand up for black people, being in locker rooms where his outspokenness was often frowned upon by fans, the franchise and teammates. Michael explains how growing up him and his brother would receive punishments to read encyclopedias, so learning was always a key part of their lives. That intellectual curiosity shaped how he approached football, and his love for the X’s and O’s as He didn’t just want to be a great player; he wanted to study the game and master it. But his interests stretched way beyond the field which Michael became known for speaking out on important issues, from activism to social justice, never afraid to stand up for what he believed in or try to spread his message in creative ways not hostility, even writing a book, "Things that Make White People Uncomfortable". Since retiring from football, Michael's focused on spreading a different message: the importance of design, especially in black communities, and creating opportunities for his culture. Humanizing black men, making it okay for them to be vulnerable and emotional is one of his main goals as he explains how, as an athlete, people try to put you in a box, but for him it’s all about breaking those stereotypes. To him, intellect and emotion are just as vital as the toughness and grit it takes to make it in both the NFL and life after the game.  Tap in now on YouTube to watch full episode and hit Subscribe. New episodes every Tuesday at 12pm est and Friday at 3:30pm est. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"You've got to kind of get quiet with it every once in a while because you have so many people telling you what you're supposed to do with your life...And just know for yourself." Sterling K. Brown This Thanksgiving week on The Pivot Podcast, Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with someone who knows a thing or two about family, both on-screen and in real life, the highly respected and decorated: Sterling K. Brown. Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actor from This Is Us, The People v O.J. Simpson, Black Panther, Army Wives and many other iconic roles, but in this holiday episode, the conversation goes way beyond his career. The guys, all big fans (especially Ryan, who binge-watched This Is Us in just three weeks), go behind the acting wall and discover all the things about Sterling that not only make him a phenomenal actor but also a grounded, family man with strong values.  Going through his journey and career, starting with his childhood in St. Louis to attending Stanford to NYU to the big screens of Hollywood…Sterling opens up about losing his father at just 10 years old, how that loss shaped his view on family, and how he honors his dad's memory—both through their shared name and in his portrayal of Randall Pearson on This Is Us. He talks about the strength of his mom, who raised him as a single parent while encouraging him to chase his dreams, even during tough times and questionable paths.  The conversation becomes centered around Sterling’s trailblazing career as He talks about the “magical” six years on This Is Us, the joy of representing Black love on-screen, and the responsibility of telling authentic stories both in front of and behind the camera. The guys also get into the cultural impact of Black Panther, the intensity of The People v. O.J. Simpson, and why Sterling gravitates most toward roles that challenge him. Balancing Hollywood success and family life isn’t easy, but Sterling shares how his wife and two sons are the source of his humility and reality. He compares acting to being an athlete in many ways, explaining how the physicality and focus of his craft help him connect with his characters while staying present for his real-life family. Touching on the importance of representation and seeing people who look like him star in inspiring roles, he hopes his work will continue to open doors for future generations. Sterling talks about how timing is key and the power of saying no or walking away from what doesn’t feel right to hold out for what feels more complete is what guides his career. He shares wisdom about giving yourself grace, staying present, and finding connection—even in a divided world. In the the hit series,  This is Us one of the most iconic episodes of the six seasons, is Thanksgiving episode which holds a special place in all of hearts for the portrayal of true family, emotion, turmoil, triumph and hope.  So as we Kick off the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to sit with the man who impacted lives and made us all think about our families and evolution within our lives.  Tap in now for a wholesome, laugh-filled episode and hit the subscribe button on YouTube or listen to our show on all audio platforms. And during this Thanksgiving week, we all take a moment to reflect on what we are grateful for and to thank each of you for being such a core part of our Pivot Journey. Happy Thanksgiving Pivot Family!  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 Considered one of the most influential R&B artists of all time, Ryan, Fred, and Channing dive into Musiq’s path to this point and discuss his transformation to stardom. Musiq opens up about his upbringing which he attributes to a lot of growing pains over the years. Dropping out of college and leaving the house at 17, Musiq talks about being forced to grow up quickly and the impact it had on him personally and professionally. From Musqi’s perspective, it was all a big risk for him to pursue his passion and he questioned himself every step despite the success and quick climb up record charts! Inspired by the sounds of similar artists such as D’Angelo, Musiq talks about how he worried if his sound would be accepted by the majority. Learning more about music and using his pain to produce legendary songs, he reflects on his process of writing songs and what moved him to produce this style. Ryan, Fred, and Channing reflect back on their days of listening to Musiq’s songs and the romantic tone it set, especially his big hit, Love. Musiq lets the guys know that Love was actually a therapy session for him and a product of searching for his definition of love. Fred goes down to the path of what it’s like to be in the industry limelight and how the journey affects him. Despite his 20+ years of experience, Musiq shares how he still gets nervous under the bright lights and even still gets nervous with every performance. He talks about his struggles balancing being an introvert and having an extroverted profession. Inspired by Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, Musiq plans to continue to make music that’s a soundtrack to life. Fred, Ryan, and Channing don’t shy away from letting him know that he’s a legend in their book and that his music has forever impacted moved them. 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 This Saturday, former IBF champion, Caleb Plant, challenges Super Middleweight star David Benavidez on Showtime Pay Per View in a geated rivalry that stems beyond the ring. Ahead of his title bout, Caleb sits with Fred, Ryan and Channing to talk about his journey and why this fight means so much to him and opens up on how the emotion surrounding the two fighters isn’t just for entertainment but is real. Growing up life wasn’t easy and boxing wasn’t a hobby, it became a way out for Caleb and now, it’s a way of life for the former champion as he continues to etch his name atop the sport. Detailing his heartbreak of his young daughter’s illness and her passing, Caleb emotionally shares how his life changed and how he was able to find strength in family and the will to keep fighting inside the ring. Losing his daughter Alia and also his mother shortly after, Caleb’s motivation to be one of boxing’s greats was fueled by his love of family and support from his best friend and now wife, Jordan. The foundation of his marriage is the structure if everything he does and fights for after recently welcoming their newest addition to the family, daughter Charly. Coming off a win in the fall after a loss to Canelo Alvarez last spring, Caleb understands what’s at stake and is prepared to go to war this Saturday to win in the title and hand Benavidez his first loss. Caleb knows the sport comes with a good amount of trash talking but when someone talks about another man’s wife or children, it’s not reversible or forgotten…and Caleb is on a mission to let his opponent know there’s no coming back from what was said. It’s not enough to stand across from someone, it’s about having your hand raised when the final bell rings. Tune into Showtime Pay Per View Saturday March 25th at 9pm est for the full card of fights ending with the main event between Plant and Benavidez. 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

"From what I've been through, from what I've seen, I never thought I'd be in this position where I'm at right now." 2x Super Bowl Champ L'Jarius Sneed As we continue to make our way through NFL Training camps, we are nearing the end of the tour which means Football season is around the corner and we are sitting with star players from around the league getting inside scoop, hearing never-told-before stories and going inside the locker room mentality of the 32 teams as they prepare for the 2024 season. Tennessee made big moves this offseason by revamping their secondary, acquiring two-time Super Bowl champion L'Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs who is embracing his new role with the Titans as the cornerstone of the team's defense. During our Pivot training camp visit, Ryan, Fred, and Channing were eager to sit down with the new Titan, not just for what he's accomplished on the field but the odds he's beat off the field to be where he is today. On this episode of the Pivot Podcast in partnership with Fanatics, the guys listen and learn more about the man behind the champion and how L'Jarius' path to the NFL was anything but easy. In an emotional conversation, Sneed reveals the motivation behind his gritty play, his relationship with his parents, near death experiences, the loss of his brother and how his life has transformed since his championship run in Kansas city and even more so after signing a four-year, $76.4 million deal this offseason. Never did Sneed believe as a young boy born in jail, with both his parents in and out of incarceration through his childhood, that he could go onto achieve the highest of dreams playing the game he loves and eventually changing his entire family generation and dynamic. Through loss and heartbreak, Sneed has developed a certain on-field instinct that makes him one of the most dynamic players in the game and through forgiveness, he's learned to appreciate the great moments and fulfill a promise to always take care of his mama. Switching gears to the Xs and Os, Sneed was sad to leave his Chiefs teammates behind on an often underrated defense but looks forward to this fresh start with the Titans and isn't letting up on the gas after his back to back Super Bowl wins, he feels he is just getting started. The guys ask him about his shut down plays that have made him one of the best while Sneed gets honest about the Chiefs trade, the fiery competition between him and Ja'Marr Chase, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, the Zay Flowers play that sent his Chiefs team to the Super Bowl and even sharers his thoughts on the Taylor Swift takeover. While Sneed may be a man of few words in the locker room, he leads through example and allows his play on the field to talk for him. Make sure to subscribe to YouTube for hints on upcoming cities, guests and follow along for more training camp content. Big season ahead!! 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 Use code PIVOT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/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 From the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft to never making another NFL roster 3 years later, Jamarcus Russell joins The Pivot to finally tell his side of the story about what really went on to cause such a short NFL career for the quarterback who had so much potential. This conversation covers everything with emotion filled losses, tension filled frustrations and honest reflection of one of the most disappointing stories in the sport's history.  Jamarcus, the highly successful LSU alumni and MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl, shares the Tiger ties with Ryan and reached out because he felt after all these years, it was time to answer many of the stories that shadowed his career and ultimately led to his downfall. Giving him every opportunity to explain and take accountability for what went on- Ryan, Fred and Channing ask the tough questions to find answers we all want to know. Getting right into it, the guys ask him about substance abuse stories, not watching film, missing team meetings and relationships with coaches and teammates on the Raiders during his years there. Ryan asks Jamarcus if he considers himself the biggest NFL Bust of all time to a response that may come as a surprise but he also makes it clear where he stands financially after getting 35 million guaranteed and addresses rumors of the former quarterback being broke.  Not overlooking his ability to play at a high level, Channing asks Jamarcus how his talent led to losing seasons and not a lot of playing time as Jamarcus talks about his regrets, relationship with Al Davis, Nick Saban, Tom Cable, Hue Jackson and others in the organization who he feels played a role in his short NFL career. Reflecting back on a lot of "What Ifs', Jamarcus tells Fred he often wonders what it would have been like and how the course would have changed if Randy Moss was never traded to New England the year he was drafted and dispelling the rumors of his beef with Jeff Garcia and why he never made it on to another NFL roster.  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

"Your response to adversity, negativity, rejection, are truly the moments in life that you grow...Growth comes when things are torn down and have to be rebuilt.” Ryan Clark  It’s Friday and your favorite trio is back for a special episode of The Pivot, to kick off the weekend with the fellas talking all the biggest headlines and storylines in sports this week and giving their perspective both personally and from their playing days as athletes in similar scenarios. Ryan, Fred, and Channing start things off with this week’s episode of the first ever NFL in-season Hard Knocks, which gave an inside look to the famed AFC North division, the inner workings if each team and highlighted the true persona of figures like Coach Mike Tomlin, doing what he does best. Tomlin's leadership and ability to connect with his players has always been top-notch, but the world witnessed just how special his approach truly is. The biggest thing to shine through was how Tomlin handles bringing out the best in his players and inspiring positivity- which Ryan knows first hand from playing for Coach but the guys are impressed seeing 13-year veteran quarterback Russell Wilson interact with his new team. As Ryan says, Russell Wilson has "found his Russell Wilson" in Tomlin, which has solidified a new identity for the Steelers this season.  But the guys admit their favorite AFC North quarterback isn’t Wilson or the stellar play of Joe Burrow or 2x league MVP Lamar Jackson but its Browns star Jameis Winston. His outspoken faith and wholesome personality have made him fun to watch, a fan favorite and even more entertaining to hear, as we're all praying with him, to “deliver me from these pick-sixes!”)  Moving to the AFC south, Fred talks about being at the Jacksonville vs Houston game this past Sunday and witnessing in person the devastating hit on Jags Quarterback Trevor Lawrence by Aziz Al-Shaair as Ryan and Channing have strong opinions on the hit but more so on the three-game suspension.  With two former hard-hitters in Ryan and Channing, they both offer perspective on what it means to play hard but fair on defense while standing up for a player in the NFL brotherhood who’s been mislabeled. Ryan goes in deeper on the league's reaction and says it’s irresponsible to ostracize one of our own so harshly, especially when the demoralizing words come from a former player who used to be known for dirty hits.  Wrapping up the sports storylines, the guys take time to reflect on family, especially in light of heartbreaking tragedies like Trent Williams and Charvarius Ward losing their children. With so much focus on the 49ers disappointing season and key injuries, Ryan turns attention to the true devastation felt in the San Francisco locker room. The guys open up and get real about how athletes—no matter how much money, fame, or accolades they have—are just like everyone else when it comes to protecting their loved ones. Channing says there is no such thing as real life superhero’s…in an emotional conversation that reminds us of what really matters. The guys take a moment to share how as grown men, fathers and husbands, they acknowledge the lessons they still learn daily as Channing talks parenting teenagers, Fred talks emotional control and Ryan on how life continues to challenge us and forces us to grow through adversity.  One of our more in-depth and layered episodes with sports, life and vulnerability at the forefront. As the year winds down and the holiday season underway, we thank you for rocking with us at The Pivot and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button on YouTube as we hear 1Million subscribers!!  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 a stunning and unexpected loss this past August against Leon, Kamaru was dominating the entire match until Leon landed a kick to his head that knocked the Nigerian Champion out and gave Leon a come-from-behind upset victory. Never experiencing such an outcome, it was a struggle at first to rewatch it but Kamaru talks about the hardest part was seeing his daughter sad which in turn altered his mindset reminding him he needs to show her it’s ok to fall once in awhile but getting back up is what matters. With many worried that the mental toll of the loss and gravity of it is something difficult to overcome, Kamaru isn’t concerned with that part and confidently says that he knows who he is and what he’s capable of and needs to remind Leon who he is, a fighter that was down the entire time and dying on inside and got lucky landing one move. Refocused and more than ready, Kamaru understands the stakes this bout offers and is ready mentally and physically to regain his spot atop the ufc world. The final match of the trilogy match between Leon and Kamaru is this Saturday on ESPN+. 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 pause on our NFL Training Camp tour before we roll out the remainder of our camp episodes next week, We pivoted to this wknd as thousands of young men across the country take the field to chase their dreams! That's right, with all the excitement and buzz around college football kicking off, we had the opportunity to sit down with two of the nation's top players, Ohio State's CJ Stroud and Texas' Bijan Robinson. Ohio State starts the season hosting Notre Dame Saturday and Texas hosting LA-Monroe. Stroud, a front runner for the 2022 Heisman and possible No 1 pick in next year's NFL draft, is poised and excited to lead the Buckeyes to a winning season. Sharing his upbringing and opening up about his father not being around to watch him play now is an emotional but uplifting story of a son who is not just working for his team but for his family's future as the head of his household too. Texas, once known for a rich history of college football and top draft picks, went 5-7 last season and Bijan is on a mission this year to restore the school's winning ways and looks to be a top running back selected in next year's draft. Bijan talks about the current NFL guys he looks up to and watches, hoping to model his play after guys like Zeke, Saquon, Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor, who he feels should have been the league's MVP last year. A man of a faith, Bijan tells Fred that he is ready to run his way into history books for Texas while CJ shares with the guys that this year is the best he's felt about his teammates and the chemistry in the locker room. With NIL deals changing the college landscape, CJ and Bijan explain to Channing, Ryan and Fred how although seven figure deals are rolling in, they are still able to stay grounded and motivated by the love of the game and their teammates, not the money. Ahead of Ohio State's first game, CJ gifted each of his teammates $500 to buy a new suit and look the part to start their college season together as one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an athlete, part of the climb is reaching the top and often, fame and wealth steal the spotlight, but what's not really discussed, is how a simple game can shape one's identity and provide purpose. In a recent conversation on The Pivot, former MLB All-Star Matt Kemp joins Ryan, Channing, and Fred to unravel the multifaceted journey of life as a professional baseball player. Kemp shares a blend of funny anecdotes and honest reflections, providing a glimpse into the complexities of his career from a small town guy to the big lights of Los Angeles, and the extra pressures that came with playing in the limelight of a big city. From the challenges of adapting to life in various cities to the weight of fame under the spotlight of Los Angeles, Kemp's experiences paint a picture of the highs and lows that come with being a professional athlete. As Matt navigated the transition into retirement, He compares that time in his life to mourning a family death, juggling all the emotions of losing something you love while facing the uncertainties that lie ahead. In 2011 Matt Kemp finished second in National League MVP voting to Ryan Braun, and he talks about his reaction to later finding out Braun tested positive for PEDs that season. He won the Hank Aaron Award that year, though, and Kemp reflects on being biracial in baseball as well as the African-American mentors he had in the sport. Still tough to rationalize missing out on that feat, Matt talks about life now, and leaving the baseball to pursue mentorships and other business endeavors. Throughout the episode, Kemp provides valuable insights into broader themes such as race, identity, and the ever-evolving landscape of rookie vs veterans in the locker room. Playing for the LA Dodgers came with high expectations between living in Hollywood, access to celebrities combined with a fast pace lifestyle while putting up a league high MLB numbers, Matt shares how the pressures sometime were too much to handle and only increased as his personal life took center stage to media outlets and blogs. The guys chat about Matt's adjustment to fame- from the media’s accountability to the dating scene, which Channing can't help but ask about his relationship with superstar Rihanna. From his mom and dad helping him choose baseball in Oklahoma to Torii Hunter and Don Newcombe guiding him once he reached the majors, Kemp gives praise to the many people who helped him reach the success he had. Yet today he is no longer an active baseball player, and he talks about the unknown struggles of retirement and entering a new chapter as a dad. 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 New York City, come meet us at Fanatics Fest NYC! We’ll be recording our podcast LIVE with some special guests, signing autographs, meeting fans, taking photos and more. We’re excited to be at FFNYC alongside some of the biggest names in sports such as Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Kevin Durant, Sabrina Ionescu, and more. FFNYC is happening August 16 –18, 2004 at the Javits Center. Tickets are on sale. Visit https://bit.ly/3yw2qAm to learn more and https://bit.ly/3R0f8hn to buy your tickets now!” GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER(CO/IL/KS/KY/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 orccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org(MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or1800gambler.net (WV). 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 NFL and NBA action this week at DraftKings! Sign-up using http://Dkng.co/pivot or USE Promo Code: PIVOT. Extremely talented as a football player, the offers and potential for Martellus to be one of the top Tight Ends in the league was present from day one, but his heart was always on the quality of life and how he would be remembered not for playing a game but for making an impact. One of the most well-rounded and intellectual Black men under the umbrella of the NFL shield, Ryan, Fred, and Channing dive into Marty’s journey and why he may just be the NFL's top creative mind. Marty opens up about his childhood with a single-parent father for the first nine years of his life before his mother, Penny, who provided the perfect balance between playful and stern, joined in his upbringing. Martellus tells the guys the greatest lesson he learned from his parents was to be present. In 2014 during his tenure with The Chicago Bears, Bennett got into a scuffle with teammate Kyle Fuller. He sets the record straight on The Pivot as to why the situation took place and how he’s a man that stands on principle. However, Martellus tells the guys that core values aren’t always taught to young athletes. Taking the stance that coaches only develop athletes physically rather than mentally, Martellus reflects on the importance of his diverse experiences as a kid such as being a Mathlete. Marty talks about his experience venturing into various projects such as samurai training, founding his creative agency, and becoming an author. Channing inquires about where this change in mindset stems from and Marty refers to always looking to update his “software.” He attests his evolution to three things; reading, traveling, and life-changing experiences. Always cognizant that there is more to life than football, Bennett admits that he almost retired from the league after his third season. Channing asks if that awareness resulted in an early career end which Marty admitted that it did play a major role. After taking a sabbatical to Japan, it was a realization about priorities and passion for Martellus when he realized he'd walk 50,000 steps for his love of curiosity and Arts but not for a NFL check. Towards the end of his career, Marty was one of the very few individuals to first take a knee during the National Anthem. But quickly realized that this form of activism wasn’t the best for him and he’d rather use his pen to improve his surroundings. Turning to his creative agency and love for the Arts, Marty describes the etymology of the name of his small creative agency and his mission to restore imagination and playfulness into society. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 pregame moneyline bet. Bet must win. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 11/20/2022 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms.#1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps 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 Wallace Peeples better known as Wallo 267 joins The Pivot in a conversation storying his life from a young man growing up on the streets of Philly to serving 20 years in prison to being one of the original innovators in the podcast game and now considered a global influencer, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and marketing phenom. Most well known for his cultural platform Million Dollaz Worth Of Game, which he created with his cousin Gillie Da King, a legendary Philadelphia rapper, Wallo shares his business model that has transcended the podcast game and made an impact around the world. With over 7 million + social media impressions weekly, Wallo has successfully turned his tough experiences, life lessons and natural business instincts into a multi million dollar collaboration. Sharing with Fred, Ryan and Channing how he ended up in prison and his mindset growing up of what he thought earned respect and was the way to success, Wallo taps into an emotional side of his life that is painful but a lesson he applied since. Wallo shares with the guys how his two decades in prison prepared him for life as if he went to school so that when he came out he knew what his calling would be and how he wanted to be a person that he wished he had as a mentor growing up. Admitting that the scariest day of his life was the day he was released from prison with the choice of what to do next and how to get back into society, forging a different path. In his message, Wallo explains how less than 5 minutes of criminal activity cost him so much and landed him 20 years in jail and in his new life that same 5 minutes of energy landed him the opportunity of a lifetime. Ryan acknowledges how Wallo inspires so many people and his enthusiasm is endless around making an impact and always working but feels there is a hole in his heart as he never talks of what he does for himself or that brings him joy. Channing chimes in that Wallo's life habits seem as if he is still institutionalized, keeping a regimented schedule and not very social unless it is for work. Fred is most impressed with the turnaround and Wallo's ability to build, sustain and leverage his social platform into a multi-million opportunity. Opening up about business practices, supporting one another in the black community and following through on basic principles, Wallo gives insight into his brand building and tips on how anyone can make something from nothing. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 pre-game moneyline bet. Bet must win. $150 issued as six (6) $25 free bets. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. Ends 12/30/22 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 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

"I don't really believe in failing. I believe in just lessons, you learn from it and you move on...It's I got your back you got my back mentality, and I think it''s a beautiful thing we have right now and that's why you see me slowly starting to find my groove." Saquon Barkley Eagles Running Back On this episode of The Pivot Podcast in partnership with Fanatics, Saquon Barkley gives a raw and personal look into his ups and downs through the NFL and life beyond the game. Pivot family, Saquon opens up to Ryan, Fred and Channing about the pressure of being in the spotlight, and how everything can be transformed into clickbait these days, shaping a narrative that doesn’t always reflect who he is-as seen with his most recent mic'd up viral moment against the NY Giants, a moment he wished stayed private but only shows more of who he really is at the core. Life in the public eye tends to be a lot, but for him, it’s all about staying focused on the bigger picture—his team, his work ethic, and staying true to himself. Coming off the game against his former Giants team, the Eagles star player shares how the the Boo's in NY may have caught him off guard but only fueled his motivation and how he finds strength in moving forward, believing in his talent and staying true to his core. Saquon speaks on the power of self-confidence, but also how critical it is to look outside yourself and have a strong support system of family, friends, teammates, and coaches to steady his journey. Despite an opportunity to break several rushing records, Saquon opted to sit out towards the end of the game to let younger guys get playing time and he reflects back on that choice sharing how he never wants a single moment to outweigh the mission and always moves with humility and a full heart. That humility was born out his family's openness to making mistakes, which gave Saquon the tools necessary to learn from his own. Although he was on top of the football world this week, last month, he felt the pressures of Monday football, with a missed opportunity on a play he makes 10 out of 10 times, Saquon talks about bouncing back from that and the reaction from Quarterback Jalen Hurts and the entire vibe of Philadelphia's locker room. Ryan asks about the current relationship between the team and Head Coach Nick Sirianni in which Saquon responds in a way you wouldn't expect but even more reason to appreciate his authenticity and perspective. He gets honest with the guys on how his relationship with Siriani taught him to never judge a book by its cover, and he's truly an incredible coach and great listener with an open door policy that's seriously affected his game. Being at the center of one of the NFL's biggest offseason sagas, Saquon takes us inside the real business of the league, where the fun of playing the game often meets the harsh reality of negotiations, contracts, and drama. He tells Ryan, Fred, and Chan his version of how the dealings in NY really played out and digging deep to find peace in his growth not to expose it all during the process but somberly shares how the reality of it can sometimes kill the spirit of the little kid in you who just wants to play the game. Saquon realizes how blessed he is to be healthy and doing what he loves as He breaks down the differences between New York and Philly- from the one thing he misses about the Giants and what he has bought into with the intensely passionate Philly fan base. And of course, We couldn't let him go without asking about the league's current rusher and how he views the success of his fellow running back Derrick Henry...a wholesome but true competitor's response. For more conversations like this, tap in every Tuesday at 12pm and on Friday's for special conversations with the world's top athletes, entertainers, leaders and a unique first person perspective on all storylines from sports to music to culture to news and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For so long, so many of our Pivot followers have asked when we will interview each other and share our own takes on certain personal questions we often wonder about but never have time to dig in and find out ... .so we are finally doing it! That’s right, on this episode of the Pivot, in partnership with Fanatics, Ryan, Fred, and Channing switch it up and dive into one another’s stories by interviewing each other, leaning into their own vulnerabilities while learning the how and why of who they are today and where they see themselves in the future.  The conversation kicks off with football, talking about the early youth years to how each got their big NFL break to the things they would have done differently to any regrets and how their respective teams shaped their legacy. Ryan opens up about his undrafted journey to battling Sickle Cell to winning a Super Bowl, and how those experiences furthered his "underdog mentality"—something that still fuels him today. Fred is honest about missing the game and wishing he could still play while Channing doesn't miss it at all. Channing finds it ironic that Fred feels a void because in the history books, Fred is one of the best to ever play his position. But despite Fred's legendary career, he opens up on his own struggles, through dealing with the "Fragile Freddy" stages to not yet making the Hall of Fame and the emotional toll public perception took on him. Channing gets real about the balance (or lack of) between football and everything else he did away from the game…revealing some regrets about the choices he made and how it affected his career.  Understanding that life always moves at a fast pace, doesn't mean we shouldn’t stop and realize the reach of our choices is far beyond the field and what we contribute each day is how we will be remembered long after we are gone.  On the eve of Ryan’s 45th birthday, he reflects on where he is today and the mission he tries to live out in all his life moments not wanting his Super Bowl win to be the single accomplishment everyone references with more focus on the impact he makes each day and how he’s seen for his contributions as well as how he’s viewed by the people closest to him. Ryan shares a personal story of a childhood friend recently passing away and how age is creeping up on us and that when it’s all said and done, he doesn’t want to be defined by his past or a single accomplishment but by who is today and his current mission.  Posing the same question to the guys, Ryan asks what the future holds for each of his co-hosts. Channing shares his vision about making the Crowder name mean something, both for his family and business, while Fred’s focus is on his kids and teaching them to be strong minded and live with integrity. The depth of vulnerability and authenticity displayed in the voice of Ryan, Channing and Fred is something that will resonate with all of us as we continue to Pivot through our own lives and journeys. Make progress towards your financial goals with Chime. Visit https://www.chime.com/PIVOT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I became world champion in a year and a half. People ain't been on my level. I’m more than special.” Fred Kerley  Fred Kerley’s speed on the track is matched only by the intensity of his mindset and the strength of his journey. Sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred- the guys are taking back by his serious demeanor and no-play attitude.  From a football and basketball hopeful to one of the fastest men in the universe, the Olympic medalist and world champion sits down with The Pivot crew to talk about the twists, turns, and challenges that shaped his career.   Kerley doesn’t hold back as he reflects on the defining moments of his life, Growing up in a tough environment, being adopted, and making a life-changing decision to leave Texas to pursue a professional contract, which he credits to helping him mature faster and avoiding the pitfalls that trapped so many around him.   Kerley opens up about handling various pressures of being an elite sprinter and how hundreds of hours of preparation comes down to less than a minute and how your whole life and career can change in 9 seconds. Building up mental resilience to stay focused and achieve success is the goal every second of the day.  While Fred dominates the track, he shares his thoughts on life beyond racing—his love for farming, his dedication to his kids, and why he believes track and field doesn’t get the respect it deserves compared to the NBA and NFL.   Of course, Kerley doesn’t shy away from the rivalries that fuel his competitive fire, taking direct aim at Noah Lyles: “Go look at the record books, look who got more wins.” Whether it’s lining up against the best in the world or proving his critics wrong, Kerley is confident in his abilities and unapologetic in his approach. With high expectations swirling around the 2028 LA Olympics, he’s determined to go out on top and spend his next 2 years regaining his title as fastest man in the world.  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 Eric Dickerson, The NFL's most iconic running back, joins The Pivot for a legendary conversation talking the Pony Express scandal, SMU's football death sentence, his NFL career and current running backs in the league today. The LA Rams hosted Channing, Fred and Ryan in the "Rams" Hollywood House for an evening of great conversation and memorable moments. Wasting no time, Ryan and Channing get right into Dickerson's days at SMU and the money scandals that followed him and his college teammates during that time and the infamous Trans Am story. Sharing what really transpired back then, Eric opens up about how all of that really played out and how it has affected his legacy. Fred talks the skill set of the NFL running back position during Eric's playing days and asks him who the #2 and #3 Rams running backs are in history and who the top 5 current backs today. Considering himself a Ram for life, the foursome discuss how Dickerson never wanted to play for another team, the current Rams roster with recent super bowl run and what really went on with the talked about ticket situation with Dickerson's seats. The Pivot Podcast releases new episodes on YouTube and all audio platforms every Tuesday at Noon eastern with special drops on Fridays at 3pm Eastern. Find exclusive Pivot merchandise and stay connected with us at https://www.pivotpodcast.com. 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

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

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 The long anticipated reveal of Channing’s new teeth and the woman behind the magic is here! Watch the process of Channing going into his pre surgery appointment to getting fitted to the end results! The process is fascinating and leads into Ryan and Fred finding out more about the person tasked with this challenge. The guys invite the renowned Dr. Amira Ogunleye to sit down with them and share her success story from humble beginnings to being raised by her father to creating her own niche as one of the most sought after dentists in the world. Working with many well know A list celebrities and athletes, Dr. A has established herself as one of the most prominent women in the business. A true inspiration as a working mother and immigrant, Dr. A’s story is one we can all take away and learn from. 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 sit down with the 20 year old superstar to talk about her fast-track to the top of the sport and how she handled life changing quickly going from a high school student to College student to NCAA champion to Olympic gold medalist to world champ in less than two years. Her meteoric rise and unprecedented success has Athing’s name in conversations with top athletes around the globe and expectations continue to grow which is both a good and bad thing for the young star. Unbeaten for 13 races, Athing is considered the future of of American sports and the most exciting runner in track and field at the moment where that pressure can seem overwhelming, especially for a young woman, but Athing takes everyday day with stride and realizes she is running for herself, focusing on her personal growth with each challenge she faces. The guys are blown away by her confidence and complete belief in herself to avoid the pressures and stress other athletes in her position may go through and just flat out compete. With her family migrating from Sudan before she was born, Athing doesn’t forget the sacrifices her parents made for her and although she runs for the United States she represents her homeland every time she steps on the track. Her passion for running is matched with her dream of walking the runways one day as a fashion model and with all the confidence, Athing believes she has room for both in her life and looks forward to the day she gets to trade her cleats for heels and step into that part of her realm being seen as more than an athlete. Gearing up for competition, Athing is currently training with Bob Kersee, husband of track phenom Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and is learning not just how to be a pro on the track but in life too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You might not have everything you want, but you're gonna have everything you need.” Tristan Wirfs on powerful words from his mother    In this episode of The Pivot, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit with Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro tackle and Super Bowl champion Tristan Wirfs who discusses his journey from Iowa to NFL stardom as he shares what it was like protecting Tom Brady year one vs Baker Mayfield now, talks the personal struggles he’s overcome and how fast life changes if we don’t adapt.  Immediately as the conversation starts, the energy is high, and the guys realize Tristan isn’t the typical offensive lineman personality wise as he jokes with the guys, joins in on the fun and delivers a refreshing perspective to football, family and life.    Wirfs reflects on the high expectations placed on him as a rookie tasked with protecting one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He shares with the guys invaluable advice from his coaches that taught him importance of discipline and consistency as well as the one thing Tom Brady said to not let happen!  Opening up about the mental struggles he faced transitioning in the league, revealing that nightmares and anxiety crept in as he doubted himself, especially as he was tasked with switching positions and the pressures he felt being on this level. His bond with Baker Mayfield and his offensive line helped pull him through the dark times and now he’s looking to lead his team back to a championship.    Wirfs’ motivation and mindset stems from the strength he received from is his mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for him and his sister as a single mother. He shares an emotional story of calling her to tell her she no longer had to work and how meaningful the sacrifices she made back then are now.    This past summer, Wirfs welcomed his first child and it immediately changed his perspective, bringing deeper joy and responsibility into his life. He speaks on the rewarding experience of giving back, whether it’s participating in Iowa’s Hawkeye Wave tradition, and how special it’s been to see so much unexpected talent come from his Alma mater from Caitlin Clark to Cooper DeJean to Riley Moss and more…   Wirfs journey is a testament of not just chasing a dream but fulfilling it through hard work, mental resilience and gratitude. 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 NFL and NBA action this week at DraftKings! Sign-up using http://Dkng.co/pivot or USE Promo Code: PIVOT. In an emotional and at times, high-tension conversation, Mike & Maurkice Pouncey sit with Ryan, Channing and Fred for a different type of Pivot episode than we are normally used to where the men discuss controversial topics, have extremely heated debates and reveal truth in some scrutinized situations that they've been associated with over the years.  Mike, former Miami teammate of Channing and Maurkice, a former teammate of Ryan's in Pittsburgh, known for being two of the best Centers to play in the league during their prime began their NFL career both as first round picks and retired on the same day in Feb of 2021. Extremely talented, the brothers always were at the center of controversial topics and extremely loyal to causes they believed in which a lot of times went against cultural norms and often against their peers in the locker room.  Mike and Maurkice received a lot of backlash for their public support and loyalty to former Florida teammate and friend Aaron Hernandez after he was accused of murder and found guilty of several charges involved with serious off the field situations. For the first time since the death of Aaron Hernandez, the brothers publicly cleared the air and set the record straight on how their support was for the person, not the actions. Detailing the days of trial and leading up to finding Hernandez dead in his jail cell, many rumors and speculation circled about what really happened to Hernandez and both Mike and Maurkice share their personal insight into the situation. Fred also chimes in saying how he spoke to Aaron the night before he died as well and his thoughts on the overall feeling surrounding the incidents.  Playing college football at Florida, the Pouncey Twins played for Urban Meyer, who they credit for helping them develop into mature men at an early age. Mike shares his thoughts on why Coach Meyer was not as successful at the NFL level as he was in College. Fortunate to play for Coach Mike Tomlin, Maurkice spends time explaining why Tomlin is the greatest leader of men and how he doesn't get enough credit for the impact he has made on so many who have played for him. Ryan asks Maurkice about the infamous conversation that him and Big Ben had on the bench after the playoff loss in the 2020 season and what went through his mind that night to lead to early retirement. In a tearful explanation. Maurkice shares what that moment represented in his life and why it was so important for him to leave the NFL at that moment and also walk away from the game he loved with his brother on the same day.  If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 pregame moneyline bet. Bet must win. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 11/20/2022 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms.#1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Figuring out what version of Dion I wanted to be. Definitely came with a lot of mistakes and definitely came with a lot of eye-opening experiences.” Dion Dawkins NFL Pro   Pivot Family, ya'll definitely want to tap into this episode! It is a true example of “Accept, Adjust and Move Forward” as Ryan, Fred and Channing sit down with Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl tackle Dion Dawkins to go beyond the surface of who he is as a player and learn more of his life journey as he opens up with honesty and accountability, going from young athlete to NFL star despite some off field obstacles.  As the core of The Buffalo Bills team, Dion has become one of the faces of the franchise and community for his leadership, dominant play and boisterous personality. Dawkins has high praise for MVP teammate Josh Allen, calling him “one of one” and revealing what makes him a great leader that the world doesn't get to see. He keeps it real about the Bills’ Super Bowl drought, saying they have the key to the door but just can’t seem to open it. Although making peace with their painful AFC Championship loss this season and jokingly sharing what or rather who the team needs to get to the big dance, Dion voices his opinion and confidently claims that Buffalo would’ve put on a better show than Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX. Dion is unapologetically himself and approaches life with 100% confidence and explains you can still be a dawg on the field and a nice guy in real life. A few wrong-time wrong-place type decisions early in his life led Dion to revamp his path the man he wanted to be and living out his vision. He shares how he always knew he was built differently, from shoveling snow for money as a kid to being the last one on football field taking extra reps to adhering his cousin’s warning of the pitfalls that the streets offered.    Suffering from a variation of survivor’s guilt, Dion explains how the complicated relationship with his father heavily weighs on him as he opens up on why the two have failed to make peace and the root of the hurt. He talks about being the one who made it in life but is rather ridiculed for it than celebrated. Transparent with his challenging family dynamic, Dion is also an open book with some of his early mistakes that he made navigating his football talents while learning through tough moments that caused others' pain and himself. Reflecting on his college suspension at Temple, Dawkins talks about the humiliation of watching someone else take his reps, the one part of that experience he hasn't reconciled and his message to young athletes about second chances.   This conversation is filled with so much honesty, humility and proof that not everything is what it seems and sometimes those who portray a certain persona have a story to tell because often the things that shape us, are not what define us. Tap into this conversation and make sure you give us a 5 star rating if you enjoy listening to these discussions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“I’m never out here trying to prove to others who I am. I’m out here proving to myself that I’m exactly who I said I am.” Natasha Cloud WNBA Champion   Pivot Family, We have had a lot of great conversations but this one is up there as one of our favorites because it’s so personal, covering so many life aspects we don’t talk about often and truly reveals the inner character of a remarkable woman who stands on strength and is fueled by passion and purpose. Ryan, Fred and Channing sit with former WNBA champion and Connecticut Sun point guard Natasha Cloud. Cloud, joins the guys for an emotional and powerful conversation about her journey through basketball, identity, social justice advocacy, and the fight for equality in women’s sports. Through her battle scars and experiences, we get to know the real side of this strong woman who found her voice at a young age and has never hid from who she is to use it.    Growing up biracial, in a predominantly white household and community, Cloud reflects on feeling like she existed in a “gray area”…never feeling fully white, never feeling fully black and how that shaped her outlook. Shedding some tears, she shares how much her parents mean to her and how they embraced her wholeheartedly even though it wasn’t always easy times. Cloud opens up about her self discovery to understanding her Blackness, the difficult conversations that came with it, and how her white parents made a constant effort to support her experience as a Black woman.   Energized and excited about the success and competition of playing in the Unrivaled league- Cloud is now gearing up for their next battle as she is at the forefront of the WNBA’s fight for better pay, benefits, and respect. She speaks passionately about the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement, the need for pensions, and the growing investment in women’s basketball. She also discusses this past WNBA season with the increased viewership and doesn’t shy away from speaking on aggressive play being criticized as something other than basketball.    Candid about her personal relationship with fellow WNBA player Isabelle Harrison, Cloud takes us through the challenges of being a Black gay woman, and how she struggled to reconcile her faith with her identity while balancing societal pressures and criticism. By overcoming constant battles, Cloud finds strength in embracing who she is through thick and thin and never lets what others think be of influence.    The guys talk about Cloud skipping the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice, the burden of constantly speaking out on important issues, and how she’s learned the importance of self-care, acknowledging that while she wants to fight for change, she also understands that she can’t pour from an empty cup.   This episode is about courage, resilience, and standing firm in who you are. Natasha Cloud’s story is a beautiful one of pride, courage, love, family and proof that playing basketball is bigger than sports. Finding purpose in using her platform for change, she’s a proven leader, and willing to stand on the shoulders of those who came before her to leave the game and world better for future generations of young women.  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 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 FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find NBA legend and Tracy McGrady welcomes Ryan, Channing and Fred to Houston for a conversation covering his hall of fame career, brotherhood with Kobe and the darkest times he experienced on and off the court. Sharing tales from his storied career and some of the All-Time greats he played with or met along the way that helped him mold his on court play from Michael Jordan to Penny Hardaway to Kobe Bryant to his coaches to his teammates. Being ranked as the best player in the nation at 18 years old, adjusting to money and fame was part of the transition process. Never winning a championship, Tracy's career was defined by his hall of fame talent and one of the best wings to every play the game known for his shooting skills, scoring, dunking and aggressive defense. In an emotional moment, reflecting back on his career, Tracy opens up about the struggles he faced waiting his entire life and working so hard to be apart of a championship team and how his injury kept him from being apart of the run, ultimately sending Tracy to a very dark place where he didn't talk to anyone for months. Tracy describes the moment he realized he wasn't the player he once was capable of being due to injury and age, and the blows he took to his ego leading him down a path of despair. Being selected to the Hall Of Fame is the one thing that helped make all the painful moments and losses suffered along the way less of his focus and learned to relish in the moments of his success and understand the power of his legacy. Tracy's proudest moment has always been earning the respect of his peers and the guys he spent his life playing along side, especially a forever impactful statement from one in particular...the last interview with Kobe Bryant when he shared that the best player he ever faced was Tracy McGrady. Our partnership with DraftKings continues and special offers to check out for this wknd's football games. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 pregame moneyline bet. Bet must win. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 11/20/2022 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms.#1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan, Channing and Fred sit with JJ Redick to talk about how his life has revolved around hoops since an early age and as many aspects have transcended and faded over time, his love for the game and desire to be close to the sport still drives him everyday. From Duke to the NBA to basketball analyst to podcaster, the guys get JJ to open up in ways he hasn't shared before diving into his who, his why and his how and what's helped propel a white boy from Tennessee to sustain a reputation of respect and stardom in a sometimes unforgiving world of professional basketball and now broadcast television. The recent launch of his podcast “Mind the Game” alongside LeBron James shines a light on JJ's basketball IQ, but on this episode of the Pivot, the guys go far beyond his success on the court and break down where JJ's mindset comes from. With the recent buzz around JJ's next basketball move in possibly becoming the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, the choice may not be an easy one as the sharp shooter turned media star is fully aware of who he is and the life he's created after basketball through his various platforms and authentic relationships with current and former players alike. Redick knew he wanted to be a Blue Devil after watching the 1992 NCAA championship between Duke and Kentucky, but without cable TV and money to put towards the game, he felt somewhat detached from it, but it was his family who continued to support him to fulfill his childhood dream. JJ found pride in working out of adverse situations, and he talks with the guys about how he developed his motivation and never lost that chip on his shoulder. Channing jokes with JJ about his A-hole type persona that he gives off, understanding Duke basketball players are often viewed as the enemy as JJ shares how he became the center of hate during his time with the Blue Devils. Despite his NCAA scoring title and notoriety, Redick was underestimated coming out of Duke and struggled to find a secure place in the NBA for his first few years but managed to prevail with a 15 year career. Often looking back on what he didn't do vs what he did do, JJ points to several points in his life that he faced hardships, but his awareness, ability to constantly adapt and will to never be out-worked has brought him to the position he is today. Whether it was a missed shot in the 2004 NCAA finals against UConn or a 2009 Orlando Magic NBA Finals run, JJ has always had to bounce back from hard moments but one thing that has never been questioned is who he is as a leader on and off the court. A trusted voice during dark times, an advocate of right vs wrong and an innovator in the media space has elevated JJ to a place of respect and confidence that no matter what he says or does, he stands on it even if it's controversial or the unpopular thing to say. Sharing many similarities with Ryan in his approach to media and journalism with respect to athletes and stories surrounding the game, JJ was the first active NBA player to start a podcast in 2016, and since has become one of the most respected and watched tv analysts. As his massive rise in sports media continues, JJ is now a part of ESPN's No. 1 crew preparing to call the NBA Finals which if he had to predict could be a Denver vs Boston series, although he's not counting out Minnesota just yet. New episodes of The Pivot Podcast premiere every Tuesday at Noon est and Fridays at 3:30pm est. Make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube Channel and wherever you listen to your podcasts so you don’t miss a single episode and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for all the best moments from the show 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 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 In a special edition of The Pivot Podcast, Chad Johnson joins Ryan, Fred and Channing to talk everything AB and provide a player, friend and teammate perspective to the situation. Chad makes it clear that he loves AB while the guys don’t disagree with his playing ability but wonder if this time Antonio Brown has taken it too far and played his last down in the NFL. Chad, a new father, of baby girl Serenity, enjoys his first moments out of the house chopping it up with the fellas and gives a lot of laughs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Save 50% on your system, plus a free indoor security camera and your first month is free when you sign up for Core Monitoring. Visit https://SimpliSafe.com/pivot to customize yours! Try SimpliSafe risk-free. If you don’t love it, return it for a full refund within 60 days. "Black men have feelings. Black men hurt. Black men are in pain...and sometimes we feel like we're dealing with it alone..." Cory Hardrict Actor and Producer On this episode of the Pivot, in partnership with Fanatics, the guys have a conversation about the ups and downs of life, dealing with trauma and changes we never expected and how to find strength in our families and passions while celebrating the wins with gratitude instead of guilt.  Cory Hardrict may seem like an overnight success but he's been climbing his way to the top of the box office for over two decades, he’s made a name for himself with roles in films like Never Been Kissed, American Sniper, Netflix’s Brotherly Love, and most recently, Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black with costar Meagan Goo. Cory prides himself in always evolving and his dedication to perfecting his craft, and committed to being a role model—not just for other actors, but also for the Black community and his own kids. Beyond the bright lights of Hollywood, the guys touch on some real talk—being a Black man in today’s society, toxic masculinity, and the importance of uplifting fellow Black men. Cory shares experiences about overcoming hardship, staying focused, and using his platform to inspire others...While also getting honest on his divorce and moving forward in the most positive way.  Cory lets his walls down and opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred that everyone struggles from time to time and it shouldn’t be looked down upon for men, especially black men to cry, express themselves or ask for help. In a recent panel, Cory opens up on how he cried almost everyday for over a year as he adjusted to so many changes in his life from dealing with a high profile divorce from actress Tia Mowry to public misconceptions about his character to being strong for his children while focusing on his demanding career. Not shying away from the difficulties of headlines or public splits, Cory keeps it real saying he believes in unconditional love and that everything from this point on is for his kids and no room for mistakes or missteps.  His divorce may have kept his name in tabloids for the past 2 years but his acting career has kept him atop the box office with several star roles. Working with Meagan Good has challenged him as well as lifted him to a different tier to be seen as a character who can play any role. Despite his love for acting, Cory shares his perspective on always proving yourself as a black man in Hollywood and staying grounded. He also opens up about growing up in Chicago, losing both his brother and mother, and how those pivotal moments pushed him to build a better life for his own family. Tap in now for this conversation that pulls you in and makes you look at life differently with the glass half full rather than half empty. All new episodes of The Pivot release every Tuesday at 12:00pm est and Friday at 3:30pm 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 Dana White shares his dark moment around the sale of UFC, his relationship with Trump and addresses Jake Paul in an open and brutally honest discussion this week on The Pivot. The UFC President and Business Icon invites Ryan, Fred and Channing to UFC headquarters and doesn’t hold back as he talks tough topics with the guys. As Ryan asks Dana about his mindset during the business dealing of the UFC, Dana breaks down in a vulnerable moment saying how he shut down and went through a very dark time when the sale of the UFC was happening- “I locked myself in a hotel room off the radar and was really F’d up for a few days,” as he explains the moment. Dana goes on to share with Fred and Channing how when the UFC was a nothing brand yet that no one wanted to deal with, one person had his back and let him host events and that was Donald Trump. He discusses his long relationship with the former President and goes on to explain how we all have friends who we don’t always agree with on everything but it doesn’t change us from being their friend. Getting into the pay scale of fighters and often criticized business end of UFC, Dana explains his “eat what you kill”’motto which is something Channing is a big proponent of. One important message he gets across is that you don’t have to like everyone to do business as Dana explains his disdain for the likes of Tito Ortiz, Bob Arum and Jake Paul but doesn’t let his personal feelings get in the way of closing a deal. By the end of the conversation, Fred recognizes the respect level he has for Dana and explains how media misconceptions led him to have a pre-conceived notion about Dana but his openness and honesty changed that. 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 anticipation of Israel's upcoming Middleweight Title fight in UFC 281's main event against Alex Pereira, Izzy is sitting down with Ryan, Fred and Channing a few days ahead of his biggest fight in one of the most candid and entertaining conversations. A global star and one of the top UFC fighters int he sport, Israel knows what's at stake and is embracing it, saying he is going to make this upcoming fight, "A Horror Movie".  Fully understanding the energy around this fight knowing that he has lost to Pereira twice in kickboxing, Izzy isn't worried about what others think and knows who he is as the champion and isn't worried about outside pressures. Israel says, people think he is joking when he says, he is prepared to die and prepared to kill, but once he steps into the cage and it lock behind them, it's on. Using the Lion King reference, he explains that sometimes you have to remind yourself who you are like Mufasa did to Simba, and now he is reminding himself who he is, and he knows he's a mother f**cking savage.  Getting into how some of his training has changed for this fight and how each of his past bouts have helped him grow and expanded his mind mentally and physically, Izzy shares what it's like preparing for battle and how his outside passions and interests shape his approach to battle, often watching cartoons and reading for motivation and inspiration. Izzy uses the analogy that pressure makes diamonds, and there are moments in a man’s life where he has to step up and this is one of those for me. The last three fights I showed up and made each camp better than the last one and this will be no different.  Channing asks him about some of the charismatic traits of his persona, wearing pearls, watching anime cartoons, theatrical fight entrances and why all of these unique aspects of him are important to who he is inside and outside the fight game. Freaky Fred puts some meaning behind his own nickname and asks Izzy about why he has an Only Fans account and what kind of material he puts out there to need one. The friendly banter continues as the guys talk about admiring greatness in other sports and athletes and how it takes a great one to admire a great one. Israel isn't just fighting for himself, he's fighting for his entire team and plans to give it all come Saturday night, even if that comes with physical sacrifice.  We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content.If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 pregame moneyline bet. Bet must win. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 11/20/2022 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms.#1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps 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 we are chopping it up or as Channing says- just your uncles sitting on the back porch talking about life and what's going on in the world. Many of you have asked for a show with just us, so we figured it's a good time to do that, catch up and talk amongst us OG's. And without a guest, we don't have to be on our best behavior so anything goes in this conversation! We are coming off a heart break after watching our guy Israel Adesanya lose his belt this past Saturday and speaking of Saturday, we also are talking Indianapolis Colts and the controversial hiring of their new head coach, Jeff Saturday along with other news around the NFL including the return of Deshaun Watson and also discuss some other questionable situations going on in sports. Ryan opens the conversation by discussing Izzy's recent fight in which was Fred's first time experiencing the UFC in person and how his emotion had him feeling like he was back on the field. Channing says how he took Izzy's loss personal since the fighter was just on the show while Fred took it personally that people were saying he shouldn't be doing interviews before a fight of that magnitude almost blaming it on a lack of focus instead of the actions in the octagon. This leads into a conversation about superstition and debate between commitment vs routine. Channing, Fred, and Ryan agree that they don’t believe in superstitions but they do believe in preparation. Transitioning to a conversation about the NFL, the guys talk Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, Jeff Saturday's hiring by his friend and former boss, the Rooney rule and return of Deshaun Watson to the Browns facility in an official capacity. Ryan firmly believes that Saturday's hire isn’t a race issue but rather one of familiarity and nepotism while the guys continue the tough conversation of how Deshaun's return will be received in the locker room as well as by Cleveland's fans. Fred thinks as long as he wins, people slowly forget what you were in trouble for but losing often magnifies the trouble surrounding someone. Being connected to controversy isn’t new for professional sports teams and seems ongoing as Fred asks the guys their opinion about Mitchell Miller, the Boston Bruins NHL Hockey Player. The guys get into a deep discussion on whether Mitchell’s career should be over and ruined due to his poor choices and actions as a young boy. Regardless of the outcome, Ryan makes it clear that any situation like this whether innocent or guilty, right or wrong, that athletes or people in the public eye can't ever escape the cloud that follows them with incidents like this. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 pregame moneyline bet. Bet must win. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 11/20/2022 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms.#1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I was at the lowest point, I didn't know what I wanted. I didn't even know if I wanted to be alive at the time.” Michael Carter-Williams Former NBA star  In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, former NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams sits down with Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder to share the untold story of his journey through the highs and lows of professional basketball, the quiet moments that almost broke him and uncovering resilience. From instant stardom to injury setbacks and battling to stay in the league, Micheal opens up on how he found the mental toughness needed to keep pushing when the world counted him out and shares how he found peace and joy again. From rock bottom back up to the fullest he's been in his life, Michael talks about the pressure of early success, the lessons learned from adversity, and how fatherhood and personal growth reshaped his mindset both on and off the court. This conversation is raw and honest about identity, perseverance, and finding purpose beyond the sport. He reflects on growing up in a wealthy town but not having wealth, navigating the feeling of being an outsider in both predominantly white and Black spaces, and how basketball became his outlet.   Michael takes the guys through the surreal moment of winning Rookie of the Year with the 76ers, only to be traded the next season. He opens up about being coached by his childhood idol Jason Kidd, their fallout, the challenges of bouncing between five teams in five years, and the mental toll of trying to live up to high expectations.   At one of the lowest moments in his life, Michael reveals how he lost both his NBA job and his fiancé in the same week, sending him into deep depression and self-doubt. He admits there was a time he didn’t even know if he wanted to be alive. But through therapy, self-reflection, and rediscovering his purpose, he found his way back, eventually re-earning the trust of his now-wife and securing a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic.   Transitioning into the next phase of his life, Michael talks about his role as an ESPN analyst, the importance of teaching athletes about business, and why mental health is still taboo in NBA locker rooms. He hopes to change that narrative by starting real conversations something he wishes had been available to him earlier in his career.   This episode of the Pivot is about survival, self-worth, and embracing the journey, no matter how unpredictable it gets. Michael Carter-Williams’ story proves that success isn’t defined by awards or contracts, but by the ability to fight through adversity, rebuild, and come back stronger than before. Don't forget to comment, follow and like for more conversations like this! 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 We sat down to talk to Michael Beasley about basketball and ended up having one of the most powerful and honest conversations... The former Number 2 NBA pick, Beasley opens up about his life without basketball and how he feels helpless and alone in a world once filled with money and fame. Breaking down how everyone in his life has stolen from him and created a narrative based on their own judgements of his reactions, Beasley tell Ryan, Fred and Channing how he’s done trying and ready to give up. Fighting through emotions, the guys talk his nba career, the loss of his mother, relationship with Kevin Durant and his current mental health as they try to work through what comes next for the once NBA superstar. Beas finds it important to talk about his own narrative instead of letting everyone think they know what goes on his life. Never judge a book by its cover, we all have stories and journeys that lead us to where we are in life. No matter who we are, we all need help along the way. We commend Beas for opening up and sharing his story and for the vulnerability to help impact others. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out and talk about it, holding things in does none of us any good. Mental Health is not something to take lightly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 "Obedience is greater than sacrifice...When you stay obedient to whatever it is that you're doing in life, there is no sacrifice, because even when you lose stuff, you gain so much more." Titus O'Neil As we head into the Holiday season, Ryan, Fred, and Channing sit down for a conversation covering a unique life journey that set out seemingly destined for one thing but through some major pivots, turned into something one could never imagine. WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil, known away from wrestling as Thaddeus Bullard, takes the guys through his unlikely path from young boy dealing with traumas and confusion to his dream of playing in the NFL to a popular career as professional wrestler to ending up in the WWE Hall of Fame but marks his biggest achievement has been being a dad. Going back to college days, Titus played with Fred at the University of Florida, as the two reminisce stories and funny moments of their playing days as he goes on to open up to the darker moments of his journey as he was raised by a single mother and shares unimaginable adversity when discovering how he was conceived. Most would crumble and give up or hide in shame and fear, but not Titus, he used his traumas to create a stronger foundation and formulate clear perspective on his faith, being resilient and finding his true purpose. In this deeply personal conversation, Titus opens up about discovering the difficult truth of how he came into the world and how that shaped his mission in life. While football provided a way out of tough circumstances, his aspirations always went beyond the game. He talks about his determination to create a legacy and become the kind of father he never had, inspiring not only his own kids but everyone around him. Titus's perspective on turning life’s challenges into opportunities is both moving and motivating. Appreciating the wonders of the world that WWE afforded him while traveling country to country and amassing a global fanbase, Titus admits wrestling was one of the hardest things he had to do in life but also one of the most fulfilling. Reflecting on fatherhood, Titus shares powerful testaments to his faith and credits his kids with saving him, giving him a reason to push through pain and not give up. A few years ago, Titus was named Celebrity Dad of The Year, something he takes great pride in being recognized as. Going through a divorce is always difficult, but especially in the public eye, as Ryan asks how he handled the grief and words of advice he could share with others embarking on difficult journeys. Deeply rooted in prayer and faith, Titus is a believer in grace, second chances and being able to pivot when life turns upside down on you and make the most of any opportunity by living a life of significance. A truly inspiring conversation of reflection, hope and healing. Tap in now for a conversation we all can take something away from. Happy Holiday to you and yours from our Pivot Family. 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 This past Monday's match up between the Bills and Bengals will forever be a night we all remember as we watched one of our brothers, Damar Hamlin go into cardiac arrest on the field as team trainers worked tirelessly and performed CPR for nearly ten minutes before getting him into an ambulance. Since that moment, the entire country united behind Damar and has been pulling for his recovery through prayer, his community endeavors and his family. Receiving positive medical updates in the past 24 hours about Damar has lifted everyone's spirits and allowed his teammates, friends and brothers around the league to refocus and somewhat prepare to play the game they all love again this weekend.  Knowing Damar almost his entire life, Jordan talks about when he watched his friend fall to the ground, how hard it was to watch and the amazing outpouring of support for his friend. Sharing with Fred, Ryan and Channing, Jordan talks about Damar's love for football, his dedication to the community and how bringing joy to others has always been his focus and the type of man he is. He knows that his friend would want him to go out and play Sunday and still be a physical player and that is what Jordan plans to do as he honors his long time brother and friend. Echoing the same sentiment as Damar's family, Jordan says Damar wouldn't want his Buffalo teammates to play for him but he would want to bring positivity to them and have them come together as a team and fulfill their season goals of winning a Super Bowl.  Growing up in Pittsburgh, Jordan reminisces about playing against Damar and becoming college roommates and teammates in Pitt and the two forming a lifelong bond and brotherhood both wearing the number three jersey as their NFL careers have taken off. Jordan shares with Channing, Fred and Ryan his plans for after the regular season is to go spend time with his friend and help him recover and hopefully still take the trips they have planned for the off season.  Winning a Super Bowl with Tom Brady as part of the Bucs core defensive unit, Jordan has taken what he learned during his time in Tampa, especially the leadership skills and worked to bring them to his Jets team as the young defense shaped out to be one of the toughest and most dominant in the league this season. Following in the footsteps of his cousin and future Hall of Famer Darelle Revis, Jordan's on field play is earning him the reputation as one of the best Safeties in the league and talks about just falling short of making the playoffs this year.  If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 pre-game moneyline bet. Bet must win. $150 issued as six (6) $25 free bets. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. Ends 2/12/23 at 11:59PM ET. Sponsored by DK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

"Mine wasn't one of alcohol or drugs, it was an addiction of needing to be validated by others." Peter Rosenberg In this episode, Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with radio legend and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg, a man who has spent his life connecting with audiences through music, sports, and culture. New York’s long-time Hot 97 radio personality, Rosenberg, grew up a Jewish kid who immersed himself into the hip-hop culture, forging an unlikely path into music, sports and living his truth even in a world where he didn't fit the norm. Defying the cultural optics, Rosenberg paved a way into media by using his voice to make an impact and resonate with listeners around the world as his words came to life through his passion and respect for all things music and sports. Growing up in the suburbs of Maryland, Rosenberg has been a life long Washington football fan, even through all the team's low points as he shares his thoughts on this new regime led by Head Coach Dan Quinn with Quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm. With the NFL wildcard weekend upon us, Ryan, Channing and Fred talk football and get Rosenberg's inside picks on who will make it through and his sure choice for Rookie of the Year. From breaking new artists on Hot 97 to becoming a staple in WWE commentary, Rosenberg shares his journey of staying authentic in an industry where the spotlight can be unforgiving. Battling stereotypes and criticisms, Rosenberg never gave up on his dream to be a voice for everyone and found that place through sharing his vulnerability and learning from shortcomings, not allowing them to define him. Rosenberg discusses his failed marriage, the feeling of almost losing everything and opens up what his turning point was that allowed him to let go of the past, ignore public perception and move forward again with faith and finding joy in unlikely situations. On the verge of becoming a first-time father, Rosenberg shares his how he's looking forward to parenting with the love of his life and reveals his fears of not having a child, but the delivery room. In a funny moment, Channing offers words of wisdom in ways only Channing can do that has all of the guys laughing. Continuing to make noise in the media space, His admiration of Beyonce backed with his facts and love of history led him to start a podcast dedicated to her unique stature in entertainment. Being someone who is not only respected in the music field but trusted, He gives his inside perspective about Kendrick Lamar's upcoming Super Bowl Half Time show. Discussing all the key moments in Rosenberg’s career and personal life, this conversation explores what it truly means to Pivot and find promise in pain and discover hope in despair. Tap in and hit the subscribe button on YouTube to be the first to know special guests and exclusive shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"A lot of those kids watching me growing up...they saw so much hope when they saw me. So I was like, let me go feed my soul and complete the mission God put me here to do." Teddy Bridgewater coaching & winning High School State Championship  On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, fresh off a huge milestone, Teddy Bridgewater sits with Ryan, Fred, and Channing to talk about his full circle journey—how a kid from Miami went to Louisville, paved the way for black quarterbacks becoming an NFL All Pro then after a decade in the league, returned to his old high school this season to coach the football team to a state championship.  After 10 years in the NFL and enduring devastating injuries to come back and play in the league again, Teddy realized he had something bigger left to give the game he loves so much…which led him back to his hometown.  Teddy’s not just shaping athletes; he’s inspiring an entire community, one game at a time. For Teddy, coaching isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about giving back to the kids who grew up just like he did. He talks to the guys about what it means to help these boys grow into men on and off the field, build a culture of tough love but more importantly create an unbreakable bond of unity and belief in the community. The monumental moment of winning is a priceless feeling for Teddy, but now see says he’s ready to return to the NFL and show those same young men he coached, how passion and hard work can lead you to your biggest dreams.  As the conversation continues, the guys get into the personal side of Teddy’s story—the moments that shaped him, the values that keep him grounded and how witnessing first-hand his mom’s strength during her toughest battle against breast cancer, is when he truly learned the power of prayer and resilience.  Although Teddy keeps his life private, he isn’t shy about the lessons he’s learned from all the great coaches who influenced his life and inspired his journey. Teddy takes the time to open up about his bond with MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, another Louisville legend who credits Teddy as one of his biggest inspirations. For him, watching Lamar take the league by storm is more meaningful than he can put into words and he's proud to have been a role model for this next generation of quarterbacks.  Whether you’ve been a fan of Teddy since his Louisville days, followed his NFL journey, or just enjoy a good story about resilience, heart, and community, this discussion is filled with gems and unforgettable stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Pivot Podcast on YouTube and follow us on all audio 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 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 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

"When you see a man fall, don't laugh at him, learn from it." We can learn and sometimes laugh our way through life as long as we do it with respect and humility. Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with media mogul Nick Cannon to talk about his journey through the music, film and TV industries as well as his life behind the scenes with 12 children and a hustle that continues to pay dividends for him. From stand-up comedy sets making $7 an hour with a free dinner to music producer to actor to hosting, Nick Cannon is able to do it all. And on the latest episode of The Pivot, he opens up about his upbringing, his unique mindset, managing expectations and creating a lifestyle of fame and fortune but a life often crafted by headlines as the entertainer navigates his complex personal path with a booming professional journey. Nick has worked for everything that he has today, and he reflects on where that sense of motivation came from, pointing to his unique childhood situation. Always on the move, he talks about early opportunities and the moments that sprung his career forward. He is most known for his juggling of many different professional hats, but he also gives insight on his family life, even swapping jokes about his $10 million testicle insurance policy. Keeping an open mind and having sone laughs with the guys, Nick speaks from the heart and with honesty about his choices to father several children. With 12 children from 6 different mothers, his life off-screen is a testament to his dedication and love for family. Despite the complexities, Nick sheds light on the fulfillment he finds in fatherhood, sharing moments and special ways to make Father's Day unforgettable for each and every one of his kids. With one son passing from a brain tumor at 5 months old to another growing up today with autism, he opens up about supporting each child in the best way he can to give each of his children the best parts of life and put them all in a place to experience their time differently. Sharing insight into his marriage with Mariah Carey and private intricacies of their relationship, Nick doesn't shy away from personal struggles he faced with his dream girl and is able to reflect, pinpointing the painful moment he realized he had to Pivot in order to regain himself. From creating Wild N’ Out to his days on America's Got Talent to now hosting The Masked Singer, Nick has a long list of self-accomplishments on his resume, but amidst the accolades, he remains humble, touching on how he continues to learn daily, especially from comments he made that got him “canceled.” Nick credits Will Smith as being the one person who mentored him and explains the tremendous upside of that relationship while shedding the downside of mounds of pressure put on him as well. Before wrapping, Ryan asks Nick how he handles the sensitive situations around very public Hollywood friendships he had with R Kelly and P Diddy and without hesitation but poise and grace in his tone, Nick addresses the situations directly and how he has explained the recent revelations to his children. 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

No greater event than one of sport and today we are talking a real live David vs Goliath title bout as we chat with the man who knows he's the underdog but believes he's built for this moment. Undefeated Boxer Frank Martin looks to become the new WBA Lightweight World Champion pulling off the upset win over Boxing's best and biggest star, Gervonta "Tank" Davis on June 15th at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. In partnership with Fanatics, The Pivot Podcast shares an exclusive conversation as Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with Frank "The Ghost" Martin as he prepares to step in the ring with Tank Davis, 29-0 and 27 KOs. Both undefeated talents in their own right, Martin opens up about being an underdog, his anticipations for the showdown, and the pivotal moments that shaped his journey to the ring. Despite boasting a perfect record of 18-0, Martin remains criminally underrated within his division, a fact he confronts head-on as he discusses his mindset approaching what is undeniably the pinnacle of his career. Delving into the origins of his nickname "The Ghost," Martin dissects the nuances of his fighting style and its potential and favorable impact when he faces Davis, Alluding to the last time the two fighters met in Vegas, a few years ago in a sparring match at The Mayweather Boxing Gym, Martin reveals what really transpired that day and how the man himself, Floyd Mayweather, pulled the two fighters apart after several grueling rounds.  Martin shares with Ryan, Channing and Fred the advice Mayweather has given him over the years and the one key piece he has kept at the forefront of his training, work when your opponent is resting and become mentally strong not just physically. Addressing the false narratives from the press conference and the trash talk spewed from his opponent, Martin turns the words into motivation and confidently tells the guys, "people think they know who I am and what I'm capable of, but have no idea, but soon they will see who Frank Martin really is." Calling the city of Detroit home, Martin's upbringing created his resilient mindset and unique athleticism, qualities that have raised his current status to become one of the sport's top talents and he explains how working with renowned boxing trainer, Derrick James, has edged even more, increasing his speed and athleticism to a level unlike anything Tank has experienced before. Martin says this moment is more than just a fight, it's for all the people who felt lost, misguided and not good enough, to know the good guy does win sometimes and this night is about the underdog.  Stay tuned for new episodes of The Pivot, premiering Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube, with audio available on all major streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. New York City, come meet us at Fanatics Fest NYC! We’ll be recording our podcast LIVE with some special guests, signing autographs, meeting fans, taking photos and more. We’re excited to be at FFNYC alongside some of the biggest names in sports such as Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Kevin Durant, Sabrina Ionescu, and more. FFNYC is happening August 16 –18, 2004 at the Javits Center. Tickets are on sale. Visit https://bit.ly/3yw2qAm to learn more and https://bit.ly/3R0f8hn to buy your tickets now! ”GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER(CO/IL/KS/KY/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 orccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org(MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or1800gambler.net (WV) 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 Champion and actor/entertainer Victor Cruz joins The Pivot for a conversation about being the underdog, his evolution as a man and how playing football shaped his purpose and led him on a path to stardom and success. Going from an undrafted rookie to impressive back to back early seasons with the Giants, winning a Super Bowl and becoming widely known for his touchdown celebration salsa dance moves, Victor used his on field success to help carve a niche for him in the Big Apple, finding himself in the spotlight with fashion, film and philanthropy. Growing up in Patterson, NJ attending boarding school, having some troubles in and out of college and losing his father, Victor credits his success to becoming the man of the house at an early age and to his upbringing watching his mother work hard made him want to do the same. No stranger to adversity, Victor made a career of overcoming setbacks and after suffering a very serious injury on the road in Philadelphia where he tore the patellar tendon in his right knee, the wide receiver documented his recovery process and shocked the world when he returned to the field a year later. Ryan, also undrafted turned Super Bowl Champion, talks about how the journey through the league is different for guys who don't get their number called on draft day and Victor echoes that sentiment and opens up on why his story means so much, especially to young people who are chasing a dream. Creating a legacy for his family and the young people of his hometown is most important to him and he shares with Fred why giving back and showing today's youth what is possible is most important. Channing isn't going to let him off easy and comes right out and asks about his very public break up with Karrueche Tran and how he landed the actress and model to begin with. Victor talks about dating in the public eye and the effect it has on his relationships, the headlines his daughter reads from it and how he navigates his personal life looking to be in a long-term relationship again. With the recent playoff run by his New York Giants, Victor shares his excitement around the team and gives his Super Bowl pick but Ryan couldn't let him off the hook without asking for the real story around the infamous boat trip Victor and his teammates took the morning after winning a playoff game a few years back that received public backlash and nicknamed a curse of a trip as the favored Giants ended up losing the next round. We get the real story on the infamous boat outing with Trey Songz! If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 pre-game moneyline bet. Bet must win. $150 issued as six (6) $25 free bets. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. Ends 2/12/23 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 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

“What it all comes down to is for a lot of these young guys, choices, decisions, consequences. You got a choice not to participate.” Fred Taylor on young athletes’ decision-making  Pivot Family, Your favorite trio is back with a new Pivot Friday talking all the biggest storylines in sports, culture and trying to make sense of life through our own experiences. As always Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder keep it 100 as they speak candidly about everything from NBA criticisms to NFL Combine to Hooters closing to men aging gracefully as the guys realize they aren’t the young bucks they once were…In that, the OG’s share advice for this new generation of athletes to act responsible with women, sex, money and how to avoid falling in traps that will negatively impact them.  Does the NFL Combine still have the same allure it once did? The guys dive into how big name players choose to skip the drills and choose to participate at their school’s pro day vs in Indianapolis. With heightened attention around Shedeur Sanders not throwing, Ryan points out that Shedeur faces more scrutiny than other QBs because of his last name while Channing says the Combine is more for the cusp guys or athletes trying to have one last shot to grab a team’s attention to separate from the pack since so much film and data is already compiled at this point.    Former NHL star, PK Subban, recently made comments on NBA players lacking passion for the sport which has sparked a national conversation on sports and NBA competitiveness as Fred breaks down where he sees the comments originating. Ryan admittedly feels the sports world, including himself, have disrespected our generation of legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, constantly nitpicking instead of appreciating their greatness. With the rise of international basketball stars, have we given enough respect to our own US born elite?   The conversation shifts to choices, decisions, and consequences, with Fred warning young athletes about making better decisions with women and their money. Channing keeps it real, saying, “You didn’t get cuter, you just got richer,” explaining why athletes should be smarter about who they let into their lives. Ryan emphasizes the importance of learning what a healthy relationship looks like and breaking the cycle of broken homes and settling for mediocrity personally. Channing makes a funny but valid comparison of how the internet has his financial status marketed and how he approached women as he was the young athlwt   Shifting the conversation to saying farewell to a once national treasure, Hooters, as Fred talks about it being a sign of the times with all these staple places closing up shop. Ryan has his cultural thoughts on why Hooters should have evolved with their customer service catering to the demographic who loves wings while Channing shares his personal interactions over the years adding his storytelling flare to the conversation that has everyone laughing in tears!   With the recent Eagles rumors of visiting 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue after the Super Bowl, The guys talk about the tradition of athletes visiting the White House, with Fred believing it should be a personal decision while Ryan agrees but says some players no longer see the White House as a symbol of unity, comparing it to how locker rooms represent true diversity, equity, and inclusion.  And stick around to the end as the guys discuss the state of Boxing, with Gervonta Tank Davis’ recent comments about Floyd Mayweather prior to his championship bout vs Lamont Roach this wknd. Per usual, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and deep discussions about sports, culture, and life. From the NFL combine to NBA players getting flack to young athletes making mistakes to Channing’s shenanigans over the years, The Pivot trio delivers another must-listen conversation. 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 Former Rutgers star Football player Eric LeGrand became paralyzed making a tackle during a game in October 2010…since then Eric has used his experience to impact people all over the world and inspire perseverance during tough times. Filming this episode prior to Damar Hamlin’s incident, Ryan went back and visited with Eric to get his reaction and thoughts watching that Monday night game to include as part of the original episode. Visiting Eric in his home state of New Jersey, Fred, Channing and Ryan had the chance to sit and talk with the young man about his love for life, passion for football and will to help others. Eric described the play on the field and the moments after where he felt like his life was over followed by the realization that not only would he never play the sport he loved again but he’d never walk again either. Taking us through the trials and tribulations of that time, Eric has since parlayed his experience into an entrepreneurial spirit and created a legacy of motivation for anyone who knows his story. From Creating different brands around his name, to signing with the Tampa Bucs as an honorary player to being a sports broadcaster to opening his own coffee shop back in his home town…Eric has never spent a day feeling sorry for himself, only trying to become better and find more opportunities. Eric’s story is one everyone should hear and Ryan, Fred and Channing are extremely grateful for the opportunity to share his story and spend time with a young man who is a true role model and epitome of strength. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 pre-game moneyline bet. Bet must win. $150 issued as six (6) $25 free bets. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. Ends 2/12/23 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 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 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

"What I'm going to say, people are going to hate...But you have to not care what happens. You have to not care what the result is, get completely past the wins and the losses." Cooper Kupp Super Bowl LVI MVP  As we continue to make our way through NFL Training camps, we are a little over a week away from Kick off, and we are sitting with star players from around the league getting inside scoop, hearing never-told-before stories and going inside the locker room mentality of the 32 teams as they prepare for the 2024 season. On this episode of the Pivot Podcast in partnership with Fanatics, we catch up with the 2022 Super Bowl champs, the Los Angeles Rams, and who better to sit with than the former Super Bowl MVP and Triple Crown winner, Cooper Kupp. It's been two years since the wide receiver has played a full season. But 2024 is different. He's finally healthy again, and ready to bounce back stronger than before.  Ryan, Fred, and Channing chat with Kupp for a look back on his journey and insight into the 2024 Rams, and how Kupp is trying to mentor the young roster while remaining one of the NFL’s best every Sunday.  Kupp gets honest about the entirety of his career, the Super Bowl runs, the injuries derailing some of his success, playing along side stars like Odell Beckham Jr and Aaron Donald and how Head Coach Sean McVay has given unprecedented guidance and leadership not just on the field but beyond football.  The star wide-receiver reveals the locker room secrets and team game plan going into Super Bowl LVI, including a never-heard-before story about how the game was set up to showcase veteran receiver OBJ. And, even though Kupp won MVP, he shares what really made that night special for him. Although his mindset on football has shifted over the years, Cupp Is more committed than ever to the game he loves and the people he works with. What used to be a do-or-die mentality has evolved into a more balanced approach—he’s all about preparing, staying healthy, and giving it his all on the field, without stressing over what certain tv analysts say or people outside the building think. A lot of that "slide off your back" mentality stems from Cupp’s tight-knit relationship with his wife, who has been by his side since meeting at a high school track meet. The two got married with just $3 in their joint bank account, and while that number has grown, their bond has stayed rock solid. He shares how this relationship has always been his biggest motivation, keeping him grounded no matter what life throws their way. As for the upcoming season, he’s pumped about what’s ahead. He’s focused on providing guidance for younger guys like Puka Nacua, but don’t think for a second he’s done leaving it all on the field—he’s got his eyes on another Super Bowl run. Make sure to subscribe to YouTube for hints on upcoming cities, guests and follow along for more training camp content. Big season ahead! 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 We can’t do a NFL training camp tour if we don’t include the best, so we made a pivot stop to check in with the AFC Champions and had the privilege of sitting down with the league’s top wide receiver trio in Cincinnati. We know how demanding camp is, so for these three young guys to give us so much time in between practices and meetings was truly a special conversation. The prolific Bengals offense boasts targets Ja’ Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd who did record breaking numbers last season while turning an organization around from 4-12 to AFC champions in one season. Coming off a Super Bowl loss to the LA Rams, the three guys talk about the disappointment but also the motivation to want to get back there and take another crack at it. Focused on the team goals, the three guys said the key to their continued success is the overwhelming unselfishness in the locker room and how everyone wants each other to excel. It’s unique to have this much talent at one position and the guys explain how well the team has connected over the past year on and off the field. With QB Joe Burrow healing from a medical procedure, the guys explain how the team is staying focused and positive looking ahead to the games. Ja’ Marr doesn’t hesitate to admit that he would take a super bowl ring over his rookie of the year honors as Tyler Boyd continues to stress how zero selfishness exists on the team which is why they have confidence to not only repeat their success from last season but surpass it. It doesn’t take long for Channing to realize all three young star players are single as he dives into the personal life and what it’s like being a young single man with so much success so early in their careers. The three receivers talk about the NFL defensive backs they consider the top players at that position with a specific one coming out their division rival Cleveland Browns. 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

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

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 From unknown and unranked to NBA All-Star, Memphis Grizzlies Point Guard Ja Morant joins The Pivot to share his journey to stardom, his family's influence on success and what his goals are for this upcoming NBA season personally and for his team. Sitting down with Ryan, Fred and Channing, the conversation spans everything from family to basketball to legacy. Ryan opens the conversation, inquiring about Ja's father, Tee Morant and his influence on Ja's career. Known for his infectious energy and continuous encouragement court side during Ja's games, the Morant Family is no stranger to the public eye. And with the increasing spotlight, comes increasing scrutiny...which Ja attributes to navigating by keeping his circle small and being loyal to the ones who've been with him from the start.  Getting into basketball talk, Ja reflects on his accomplishments this past season which include NBA All Star, Most Improved player, post season semi finals but also acknowledges falling short of his two main goals- winning Most Valuable Player and the NBA championship with his team. Focusing on staying healthy and being available for the season, especially as it gets into the postseason is most important for Ja who is joined by his trainer Mo Wells. The two discuss how they are using this offseason to maximize his availability, overall health and continued focus on being the best player on the court.   From transparency about the NBA’s competitive environment to the inspiration Ja receives from his fellow brothers in the league, Ja doesn't hold back opening up about his go hard and ask for forgiveness later mentality as well as the trash talking he does to keep himself and teammates in their opponents heads. Foreshadowing to the game against the Warriors on Christmas Day, Ja says his gift came early and that playing on Christmas is every NBA player's dream and to have this match up again is everything his team is looking forward to.  Join our new DraftKings partnership, get ready for football talk and sports conversations throughout the coming months and for us to bring you some can't miss opportunities to make free money by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook App and checking out the special offers using the promo code PIVOT. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our youtube channel and check out https://www.thepivotpodcast.com. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 9/19/22 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See T&C at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. #1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I am complete. It was a storybook ending."  Being able to walk away from any career on own terms is something we all want when we are ready for that next chapter but to say farewell to football, a game you love and dedicated your life to, feeling satisfied, complete and accomplished is truly more than one could ever dream of and after 8 Pro Bowls in 10 seasons, a Super Bowl trophy, and a decade of memories, future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald reflects on how his career was more than just football... Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with recently-retired Aaron Donald, one of the best to ever put the pads on, to go through his football journey, from the 5yr old kid who just wanted to compete to becoming the respected man who led his team to two Super Bowls while having a family-first mentality of being a father and husband...Aaron opens up about much more than we saw on the outside and his process that guided him to stepping away from the game after 10 seasons. From the outside, Aaron Donald's career resembles as close to perfection as can be, but AD shares with the guys that there were a lot of tough moments for him mentally, personally and physically that he endured while accepting the role as not just the face of a franchise but the face of the NFL. Experiencing the lows of LA's Super Bowl 53 loss to the highs of the team's Super Bowl 56 victory, Aaron talks about the importance of him reaching that key team accomplishment in the game which surpassed all of his individual accolades he achieved. Going in-depth about key relationships from Coach Sean McVay, to teammates, to his parents to the bond he has with his wife, Aaron touches on the struggles and emotional rollercoaster during certain moments and reflects on the memories his illustrious career provided. Sharing inside locker room stories and never-told before stories, Aaron opens up on every aspect of who he is and strived to be as the player, the son, the father, the husband and the teammate.  On the field, the world saw one of the fiercest football players to ever play the game, but during this vulnerable conversation, the guys peel back the layers of a man who wore his heart on his sleeve and how he became synonymous with hard work and dedication to his craft, ultimately retiring as one of the best defensive players in the history of the NFL.  Coming out of high school, coaches thought AD was undersized, and he only had only 3 scholarship offers for football but Aaron made the most of his opportunities and played with a chip on his shoulder proving the position is about strength, skill and technique not just size. Aaron shares how he developed his alpha mentality at a young age and relied on his family, father and brothers to help instill character, work ethic and a survivor mentality which motivated his mindset from early days as a Pitt Panther through his last game as a Los Angeles Ram.  Walking away from what you love is never easy, but Aaron has no regrets and certainly no unfinished business as for him it was never about playing for a paycheck, it was always about the passion for the process and yearning to be the best. Entering his first summer without training camp, AD doesn't feel the void of football as he feels his life is complete in so many areas that his next chapter might be his best yet. It's about family now, as he credits his wife and kids for being a big part of his career and expresses ultimate gratitude to his wife Erica for always having his back and putting his well-being first all these years which leads to a deeper conversation about mental health, and not being afraid to open up and share when times get dark.  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 FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find As our NFL Training Camp Tour continues, we make a special Pivot stop in the Big Apple to sit down with one of the top running backs in the league. Sidelined by injuries and blurred by the noise from critics and media, Running Back, Saquon Barkley has more than a chip on his shoulder, he has a burning flame to remind the world just who #26 really is on the field. The running back says it’s no secret how quickly people flipped the switch on him from being the best they’ve seen to forgetting he could even play the position. Fred has a moment with his fellow running back and shares some of the tactics he used to regain his mental toughness and confidence after injuries that stalled him early on. Saquon talks about the importance of family and how his young daughter has helped keep perspective of what matters and his overall legacy. Ryan and Channing remind the young player all he’s accomplished and all that’s ahead of him personally and on the field. After an explosive rookie year in 2018, the world watched Saquon terrorize opposing defenses and run up yards and the score and in 2022, his contract year, it’s about leaving his mark in NFL history books. Excited for a new coaching staff and the accountability in the Giants locker room, Saquon is optimistic that Big Blue is ready to reclaim the NFC East. 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 NFL training camp tour continues, we continue to bring you the best of the best…And not that we ever need another reason to touch down in Vegas but visiting the Raiders training camp gave us a good one. In a rare sit down opportunity, Raiders Wide Receiver Davante Adams joins The Pivot for one of the most intriguing and open conversations we’ve done this summer. Allowing us into his mindset by sharing the little details that separate him from other receivers making him a true a 1 of 1. After creating a name for himself in Green Bay and becoming the league’s top receiver, Davante is ready for his next NFL chapter as a Las Vegas Raider. Understanding the foundation that the Packers gave him, Davante talks about his time playing with Aaron Rodgers, who he considers to have the Michael Jordan effect, making the people around him better and play differently just by being around them. Now, after signing with the Raiders and being reunited with his former college teammate and good friend QB Derek Carr, Davante believes the opportunity to win is inevitable and the talent on the team’s roster is loaded at each position. He breaks down his mindset and approach to each play before he lines up and shares what makes him such a threat to opposing defenses Channing pushes back on the “Best” label and says he sees other young guys who edge Davante out as being number one. But that’s one thing Davante has perfected, tuning out the noise and criticisms by letting his on field play do the talking for him. Signing a lucrative $140M deal, Davante is living differently these days but has never allowed the money to change him or make him forget where he came from. The star WR also shares how he recently sent a message to new head coach Josh McDaniels thanking him and acknowledging him as strong leader and someone who can turn this talented roster into a championship team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Music has helped me through difficult situations because… it lets me get through them…if you’re going through hell why stop there?" Fabolous Throughout history, music has been a timeless aspect of society that connects people and has the ability to document the times through lyrics and style. Hip Hop has always connected with sports on another level as a form of expression and often celebration of athletes. On this episode of The Pivot, in partnership with Fanatics, Ryan, Channing and Fred chop it up with one of the most respected and iconic rappers from the early 2000s – Fabolous. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Fab reminisces about releasing his first album in 2001, and the motivation behind creating the chart topping record. To put it in perspective on how it resonated, Fab shares a story on how he saw Tom Brady this past summer and first thing Brady referred to him as is one of the original 01' boys, reiterating what Fab's music represented during that era and Fred recalls the one line that was even about him during that time. While Fab may be underrated to some, the guys double down on why he's one of the most respected artists of all time in hip hop and for the culture. Fab’s got six albums and over three million records sold in the U.S., but it’s not just the numbers that tell his story, it’s his experiences that have truly shaped him. Relying on OG's in the rap game, Fab always was looking to learn and take chances to get where he wanted to go. He shares some words of wisdom with the guys reflecting on his journey, talking about the rap game then vs. now, what he’s learned about himself as an artist and more importantly as a man and describes how a generational shift in hip hop is shaping today’s music scene differently. Fab talks about how the intersection of music and sports goes hand in hand and inspired his creativity and lyrics. He breaks down Knicks vs. Nets, plus legends like Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, and Muhammad Ali—icons who shaped his take on sports and celebrity and shares a story about his son with Steph Curry which is a lesson on opportunity and making most of every chance, an approach he lives by and credits to his music career taking off. With music being a whole different vibe in the early 2000's vs today’s social media-driven world, Fab opens up about how music helped him overcome tough situations and rise above negativity while discussing how accessibility influences sustainability, especially in a competitive space. Tap in now for a conversation that starts with music and weaves in and out of 25+ years of stories, experiences and keys to getting to the top and staying there from a legend. And for Pivot listeners and subscribers, a special offer with Mint Mobile. Find out how easy it is to switch to Mint Mobile and get 3 months of premium wireless service for $15 a month. Go to www.MintMobile.com/Pivot to find out more information on this offer. 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 American actor and singer, Olurotimi Akinosho, a.k.a Rotimi sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred for a conversation covering everything from his Nigerian roots, music, acting, and his ongoing strive for excellence. Most recently recognized for his work playing the character, Dre, on the hit series Power, one of the most prolific shows over the past decade; the guys dive into Rotimi’s journey to this point and transformation to stardom. He opens up about his upbringing and being raised by immigrants which he attributes to the work ethic he has today. He tells the guys that his mother had a dream when she was 7 months pregnant that Bob Marley spoke to her and said, “Your son is going to finish my legacy.” This dream served as an inflection point for his future and his parents guided him towards entertainment because they believed it was his calling. Inquiring about Rotimi's Nigerian roots and how his values impacted the roles in his life that mean the most which is centered around family. He pays homage to his fiance', Vanessa Mdee by stating how influential African women are and their natural ability to take care of their partners. Africa serves as the motherland for POC and Rotimi suggests that everyone visits to feel connected to their roots. Leave it up to Channing to ask about how he met his now fiance, and to how they keep their relationship spicy! Pivoting back to work life, Ryan asks Rotimi what are his goals moving forward which Rotimi, openly says being self-aware that music is his passion, he plans to continue to serve as a bridge from Africa to America through his music. Inspired by African musicians Burna Boy and WizKid, Rotimi's focus is to become one of the greatest talents to walk this Earth. Wrapping up the conversation, Rotimi switches into his infamous Mr. Butterscotch character that captivates his following. Join our new DraftKings partnership, get ready for football talk and sports conversations throughout the coming months and for us to bring you some can't miss opportunities to make free money by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook App and checking out the special offers using the promo code PIVOT. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 wager. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 9/19/22 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See T&C at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. #1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps 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 being one of the most premiere sports leagues and a lucrative form of entertainment to people all over the world, but to many, it is still considered a job, especially the men who play the game. Today in a special edition of The Pivot, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with the man who is at the helm of the NFL's Player Union- DeMaurice Smith for an in-depth conversation covering the state of the union, player's contracts, injury clauses and the relationship with owners and the commissioner Roger Goodell. Ryan starts the conversation going back to working as player rep before the lock out in 2011 and how the league has changed from then and continues to evolve every year. De talks about how he got involved as the head of the union and his passion behind his purpose and explains why he is often seen as an adversarial figure between the players and the owners and league. Fred and Channing ask a lot of questions around injury clauses after what we saw happen with Damar Hamlin a few weeks ago as well as guaranteed contracts around quarterbacks and specifically ask about Lamar Jackson and what the future looks like for him as well as learn why it takes a unified front to go against a multi-billon dollar business. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 pre-game moneyline bet. Bet must win. $150 issued as six (6) $25 free bets. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms. Ends 2/12/23 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 Fired up to sit down with one of the most iconic athletes in sports, Ryan, Channing and Fred welcome one of their long time idols, Hall of Famer and thirteen-time All-Star, The Cincinnati Kid, Ken Griffey Jr. to the Pivot Podcast for a candid conversation covering his upbringing, relationship with his father, highs and lows of his career, the game of baseball today, becoming a pilot, and much more! Known as one of the most prolific home run hitters baseball has ever had, Griffey Jr paved the way for many young black athletes to chase their dreams and became a global icon for his elite play, charismatic attitude and approach to the sport of baseball. Starting the backwards hat trend, earning nicknames of the natural and Cincinnati Kid were all part of the larger than life persona that fans idolized about the young athlete.  Following in the footsteps of his father, Ken Griffey, the young Griffey knew playing professional baseball was something obtainable at a young age. Ryan asks him about his experiences with his father growing up and Griffey Jr tells the guys that his father was a “normal” dad. An individual who took pride in household structure and spending quality time with his children. At home, he was dad and on the field he was my teammate. It’s no secret that this father-son duo was historic. Ryan asks about the lack of diversity within MLB and what Griffey believes to be one word- money. Baseball serves to be a challenging sport for minority communities due to financial obligations. They guys speak on the reason behind why he wore #42 and how Griffey Jr understands that his legacy wouldn’t exist without Jackie Robinson’s ability to withstand. Fred and Channing ask about the use of steroids in the league and the effect it has had on the game and players as well as a personal whether he’s ever been affected by not winning a World Series, Ken lets the guys know he’s content because he gets to write HOF after his name and that to him is everything. With not too much left on his bucket list, there is one moment that Griffey Jr is looking forward to seeing, and that is the day where Lebron James may play with his son on the same NBA team. Griffey Jr. shares how he already told Lebron that both him and his dad will be in attendance that day to see them make history.  If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. Bet must win. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Sponsored by DK. Ends 1/15/2023 11:59 PM ET. Eligibility restrictions apply. See T&C at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms#1 Rated Sportsbook App based on Eilers&Krejcik (2Q22). Product Analysis: Testing, Scoring, and Ranking U.S. Sports Betting Apps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It’s there for the taking, if we put it together it’s literally all on us. We just have to go out there and do what we’ve been doing our whole lives.” Jevon Holland Miami Dolphins Safety on 2024 team goals. The Pivot Training Camp tour is in full swing as we visit NFL cities sitting with players and coaches around the league bringing you exclusive interviews and sideline conversations to get you ready for the football season. From the AFC north, straight down to another AFC powerhouse in the south, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit with Miami's Jevon Holland, for a conversation covering his upbringing, cultural roots, how everything he did as a child helped prepare him for the NFL and how he mentally and physically bounced back from injury. After returning a 99yd interception for a touchdown against the Jets on Thanksgiving Day, Jevon injured his knee later in the game which took him from the highest of highs to a disappointing low, sidelining him for remainder of the year. Now, Heading into this season, Jevon is looking to make a name for himself as one of the top defensive players in the league and believes now is the time for his team to make a Super Bowl run. The Miami Dolphins Captain and once 36th overall NFL pick from University of Oregon, Jevon approaches everyday the same, with a chip on his shoulder and soaking up anything that can give him an advantage against opponents. His pops was a CFL coach who helped tutor him both on and off the field, teaching him work ethic, discipline and focus. What some people would call "woke", Jevon called leadership as he was outspoken and during times of uncertainty in our country and used his platform to raise awareness. He shares with the guys the characteristics of the greatest safeties to play this game and expresses his gratitude for how Jalen Ramsey who has helped take his game to the an entirely new level. Jevon is happy Tyreek Hill got his money and believes that Tua Tagovailoa can lead their team to the promised land, and he's remaining patient for his new contract and believes he will change generations of his family with money made from doing what he loves. He knows that it's time for the Dolphins to put up or shut up, he's paid his dues to the football Gods, reedy for his next chapter and enjoys the bonds he has with teammates. Jevon is the type of leader to invite you over his house any day of the week, but don't mess with his cats and be sure to take your shoes off at the door!! We’re half way through our tour, and will continue to bring sideline views and locker room conversations as we gear up for the return of the NFL season! Don’t miss out as we continue to visit teams and connect with players, coaches and meet fans on each of our Pivot stops! Make sure you subscribe to YouTube for hints on upcoming cities and follow along for more training camp content, only on The Pivot in partnership with Fanatics! 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 Use code PIVOT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/PIVOT It's Football Sunday and start your day with The Pivot! Our friends at Seat Geek are waking you up with the top football storylines around the league and giving you access to the best of the best! Heading into Week 9 of the NFL season, it's about that time to see what rosters have the talent and depth to finish the season strong and Ryan, Channing and Fred are breaking it down for you. With one of the most active trade deadlines we've seen, the league's top teams didn't stray away from making moves to keep them in contention for the big game come February. Channing is big on Miami and the team's roster moves and feels strongly about Tua's performance that he is not only one of the top talents playing the position but could have been a MVP candidate if he didn't miss two games. Comparing his comeback after injury to Dak Prescott's return in Dallas, Channign says Tua is the better quarterback while Ryan feels that the two will be measured differently as Tua is more on his individual success while it's either Dallas goest o the Super Bowl or Dak and big D is considered a major let down. Getting into Dallas' running back situation and the explosive play of Tony Pollard, Ryan asks Fred to share insight on Pollard vs Zeke Elliott and if there is room for both to share the load or is this a passing of the torch situation. Fred reflects on his time in Jacksonville in similar scenarios and how he sees it playing out. With so many young quarterbacks stepping up with strong numbers and winning ways, the guys talk about if this is the end of an era of greats such as Tom Brady and Arron Rodgers as we see some of these younger more mobile quarterbacks top the league. As the discussion plays out, Ryan also shares a message about criticism he has received recently when speaking about Tom Brady and makes it very clear how he feels about #12 and the success he has had along with his contributions to the sport are unmatched but doesn't take away from his performance this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Last year it was 'let's prove everybody wrong', but now this year it's 'let's prove everybody right." Tank Dell, Houston Texans Wide Receiver NFL season Kicks off next week and our NFL Training Camp tour is coming to an end and we've been sitting with star players from around the league getting inside scoop, hearing never-told-before stories and going inside the locker room mentality of the 32 teams as they prepare for the 2024 season. In this episode of The Pivot Podcast in partnership with Fanatics, we visit H Town, where Ryan, Channing, and Fred take a look at the resurgence of the Texans while learning more about a young receiver who caught everything thrown his way, including the respect of head coach DeMeco Ryans and the attention of Quarterback CJ Stroud, who say Tank Dell is one of the league's top 5 doing it right now. The 2nd year NFL wide receiver may be underestimated around the NFL, but the Houston Texans know what he's made of and that his talent speaks for itself. Tank's not worried about his underdog status, saying he's worn that "underdog" title his whole life and it just adds to the chip on his shoulder of not proving people wrong, but proving the people RIGHT, who took a chance on him. Returning from injury and starting on a team that has overcome their own dark horse reputation, Tank Dell is more than ready for the spotlight in the 2024 season and eager to show the football world, just who he really is on and off the field while helping his team chase a Super Bowl. For those closest to Dell, they will tell you that football's not just everything to him, it's the only thing. The often forgotten man around the league is the fuel that ignites Houston's offense and ready to contribute anyway he can alongside stars Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, as he shares the team's plan to balance the star power and make every play count. Peeling back the layers of Dell's tumultuous background from high school to college to now, the 24 year old, shares with the guys how relying on self belief and his faith helped him overcome obstacles and push through setbacks, leading him to make the necessary changes to separate himself from a questionable off the field path. A massive life scare this past off-season, Tank explains what happened the night he was shot in Florida and more importantly, what he learned from the entire situation. While physically he has recovered, mentally he has a fair share of healing to do but is growing in the right places while moving forward with the right people in his corner . He's motivated by getting back to football, using the game to support his healing journey while his confidence in himself and his teammates, reigns high...because Dell is certain the Texans are destined to be champions with the Super Bowl as the ultimate goal. Make sure to subscribe to YouTube for hints on upcoming cities, guests and follow along for more training camp content. Big season ahead! 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

It's Friday and the guys are back as we Pivot our way through all the hot topics of sports and entertainment starting with our own storylines straight through the top headlines of recent. But as usual, you can expect honest, authentic conversation and that locker room type of talk as Ryan, Channing and Fred will always keep it 100 even on the tough topics and being on opposite sides of issues. In partnership with Fanatics, the guys sit down with another three-man show where they talk about recent controversial comments from an NFL veteran to the state of young players entering the NBA and WNBA and more. The guys may not agree with Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s recent comments during a graduation speech, but they discuss the football world’s responses to a fellow NFL player speaking their mind. Ryan talks about why he disagrees with the speech itself and they each give thier takes on what it is like being a teammate to players whose beliefs don’t align with their own, as Ryan talks specifically to Jason Kelce being a good teammate, fresh out of the locker room, trying to make light of the situation and the media world reacting to it in an unnecessary way. With all of the talk surrounding Bronny James as a prospect in the NBA Draft, Channing defends the use of nepotism for Bronny to get opportunities, but he and Ryan both touch on how he has to earn his spot in the league. This is similar to Caitlin Clark and the WNBA rookies proving their stardom, and the guys discuss the WNBA’s spotlight with the league’s heated competition so far this season. The NCAA’s new regulations allowing schools to put money directly into NIL for their athletes is a boost for Power-5 student athletes, but Ryan talks about why he thinks this should have already happened. Channing and Fred also touch on the importance of financial literacy for these athletes to succeed in the long run. Just like in the NFL, NBA or any professional league, The Pivot and their team is a family, and the guys finish the show talking about the importance of checking in on one another given the recent news about PGA golfer Grayson Murray’s death.  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 New York City, come meet us at Fanatics Fest NYC! We’ll be recording our podcast LIVE with some special guests, signing autographs, meeting fans, taking photos and more. We’re excited to be at FFNYC alongside some of the biggest names in sports such as Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Kevin Durant, Sabrina Ionescu, and more. FFNYC is happening August 16 –18, 2004 at the Javits Center. Tickets are on sale. Visit https://bit.ly/3yw2qAm to learn more and https://bit.ly/3R0f8hn to buy your tickets now!” GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER(CO/IL/KS/KY/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 orccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org(MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or1800gambler.net (WV) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices