Published May 11, 2026

Podcast

He Missed Every Friday Night Game… and Still Made the NFL

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Davion Taylor’s path to the NFL is unlike any football story you’ve heard before. Raised in Mississippi as a Commandment Keeper, Davion could not play Friday night high school football because of his faith. With no traditional exposure, he fought for an opportunity at junior college, earning a roster spot after competing against more than 150 athletes. That opportunity changed everything. Davion went on to earn a scholarship to the University of Colorado, became second-team All-Pac-12, ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, and was eventually drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles. But behind the success came adversity. In this episode, DT opens up about battling injuries, depression, isolation, and the emotional challenges that came with life in the NFL. Through every setback, his faith and family helped him keep perspective and continue moving forward. Now working with top NFL prospects at D1 Sports in Nashville, Davion is focused on helping athletes grow both on and off the field while staying ready for whatever comes next in his own journey. This conversation is about resilience, faith, purpose, and trusting God through every season of life.

In this powerful episode, former NFL linebacker Davion Taylor shares his incredible journey from Mississippi to the NFL, despite never playing traditional Friday night high school football because of his faith.

Davion opens up about growing up as a Commandment Keeper, keeping the Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, and how that shaped both his identity and football career. He talks about earning a spot at junior college after competing against more than 150 athletes, praying before final roster cuts, and eventually earning a full scholarship to the University of Colorado.

The conversation dives into his rise as an All-Pac-12 linebacker, running a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, and the emotional moment he was drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles.

But the episode also explores the difficult side of professional sports , injuries, depression, feeling isolated away from home, and struggling mentally after setbacks in the NFL. Davion shares how faith, family, and gratitude helped him navigate adversity and continue finding purpose beyond football.

Today, he trains elite athletes and NFL draft prospects at D1 Sports in Nashville, helping develop the next generation both physically and mentally.

This episode is a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, identity, and trusting God through every chapter of life.

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Transcript

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He Missed Every Friday Night Game… and Still Made the NFL

Davion Taylor’s path to the NFL is unlike any football story you’ve heard before. Raised in Mississippi as a Commandment Keeper, Davion could not play Friday night high school football because of his faith. With no traditional exposure, he fought for an opportunity at junior college, earning a roster spot after competing against more than 150 athletes. That opportunity changed everything. Davion went on to earn a scholarship to the University of Colorado, became second-team All-Pac-12, ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, and was eventually drafted in the third round by the Philadelphia Eagles. But behind the success came adversity. In this episode, DT opens up about battling injuries, depression, isolation, and the emotional challenges that came with life in the NFL. Through every setback, his faith and family helped him keep perspective and continue moving forward. Now working with top NFL prospects at D1 Sports in Nashville, Davion is focused on helping athletes grow both on and off the field while staying ready for whatever comes next in his own journey. This conversation is about resilience, faith, purpose, and trusting God through every season of life.

From Basketball to 11-Year NFL Career : George Fant’s Unbelievable Journey.

George Fant’s path to the NFL is anything but conventional. Before becoming an 11-year veteran, he was a four-year basketball starter at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with opportunities to play professionally overseas. Instead, he made a bold, faith-driven decision to walk away from basketball and pursue football, despite never playing the sport in college. In this episode, George Fant joins Sam Acho and Cliff Marshall to share how he navigated that transition, from mental burnout late in college to completely transforming his body and learning the offensive line from scratch. He reflects on going undrafted but still receiving interest from all 32 NFL teams, ultimately signing with the Seattle Seahawks and carving out his place in the league. George also opens up about adversity, including a knee injury during his time with the New York Jets, and the resilience it took to return and start again with the Houston Texans, reaching the playoffs. Beyond football, he discusses faith, family, financial discipline, and his plans for life after the game, including commercial real estate and becoming an agent. This conversation is a powerful look at risk, reinvention, and trusting the process when the path ahead is not guaranteed.

Underdog to NFL Prospect: INSANE Journey Of Max Pulley Before the 2026 NFL Draft 🔥

Not every NFL story starts with hype. Max Pulley started with no scholarship and no guarantees. He walked on at Western Kentucky, transferred to Wofford, and worked his way into a First-Team All-American. No shortcuts, just showing up every day, even when it meant long drives just to train. Ran a 4.4. Jumped 41.5”. Met with NFL teams. But what stood out most wasn’t just the numbers—it’s the consistency, the discipline, and the faith behind it all. Recorded just days before the 2026 NFL Draft. If you’re chasing something big, this is the part people don’t see.

Faith, Family & Football: Clif Marshall on Training NFL Prospects and Life Beyond the Game

Sam Acho sits down with strength coach Clif Marshall to talk about training NFL draft prospects, the discipline behind elite performance, and his return to hands-on coaching at D1 Training. They also reflect on the role of faith, family, and purpose, including a personal moment as Sam shares about baptizing his son, making this a conversation that goes beyond football and into living with intention.

The Power of Discipline and Faith: Insights from Miller Kopp’s Journey

Former college basketball player Miller Kopp shares insights on discipline, resilience, and faith, highlighting how consistency, daily commitment, and strong values helped shape his journey on and off the court. From prioritizing availability and recovery to learning how to say no to distractions, his story emphasizes that true success comes from aligning your actions with your purpose and trusting the process through every challenge.

“Born With Erb’s Palsy… Still Played Football (Here’s How)”

Born with Erb’s palsy affecting his right arm, Emmanuel faced physical limitations that many believed would hold him back from playing football at a high level. Instead of seeing it as a disadvantage, he chose to view it as motivation, building strength through discipline, mindset, and faith. His story is a powerful reminder that true limitations are often mental, and that resilience and purpose can turn perceived weaknesses into sources of strength.

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