On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman sit down with former Steeler Rashard Mendenhall to find out how he went from a Super Bowl-winning running back to writing and producing HBO’s Ballers. Rashard explains why he started speed training at six years old and how he knew he could make it to the NFL. He also shares his favorite NFL memories, including going up against Ray Lewis and winning a Super Bowl as a rookie.

Then, Rashard reveals how an essay he wrote about retiring led to a deal with HBO to write and produce Ballers. Rashard gives a behind the scenes look at the writing process for a major TV show and explains how his life inspired the show.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by former All-Pro Maurice Jones‑Drew for a fast, funny, and insightful conversation about the journey that shaped one of the NFL’s most unique running backs. Maurice talks about how taking ballet classes as a kid paid off for his NFL career, being part of the De La Salle High School dynasty, and the wild recruiting stories that led him to UCLA. He shares memories of Eric Bieniemy, his connection to Jackie Robinson, and how Kyle Shanahan taught him the West Coast offense through Madden.

The guys revisit MJD’s “welcome to the NFL” moment, his bruising running style, and the time MJD got the “Peanut Punch” treatment. MJD breaks down the backs who inspired him, how he’s coaching his son today, and how broadcasting helped him transition into life after football.

A sharp, energetic look at the mindset behind a true NFL original.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by Super Bowl champion Mike Logan for a deep conversation about learning to open up and asking for help. Mike talks being a knucklehead in college and how his coach Garrett Ford Sr. helped him develop the discipline to make it to the NFL. Then he discusses returning home to Pittsburgh to play for the Steelers and what it was like to win a Super Bowl with the team.

But the high of the Super Bowl win was clouded by Mike’s personal turmoil. Mike opens up about why he decided to seek therapy and how he learned to handle anxiety and depression. He also speaks on the close relationship he developed for teammate Troy Polamalu, who he credits with “saving his life.” Tune in for an emotional conversation about managing loss and learning to ask for help.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.