Podcast Summary
Meeting NFL Stars at Kroger and Their Valuable Attributes: Meeting NFL stars at Kroger, hosts Travis and Jason Kelce learned about their unselfish attitudes, teamwork, and versatility, emphasizing the importance of these traits in professional sports.
Shopping at Kroger offers a wide variety of delicious meal options along with everyday low prices and additional savings through digital coupons and fuel points. The hosts of the New Heights podcast, Travis and Jason Kelce, shared their experiences of meeting NFL players, including rookie Dalton Kinkade and tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski was praised for his unselfish attitude and willingness to contribute to the team, making him a valuable asset in the league. While Travis was in Nashville for a tight end event, he met several quarterbacks, including Josh Allen and Sam Darnold, and noted that all three could have played tight end due to their athleticism. Overall, the episode highlighted the importance of teamwork, accountability, and the versatility of athletes in professional sports.
Using Size Effectively in Football - Travis Kelce's Insights: Travis Kelce emphasizes the importance of using size effectively in football, especially in route running. He encourages adjusting to coverages and using unconventional methods like towel drills to improve footwork.
Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, emphasizes the importance of using size effectively in football, especially in route running. He admitted that he's not a great teacher but found out that his insights on coverages and why certain routes are run resonated with other tight ends. Kelce also discussed the freedom he has in his offense to make adjustments and encouraged others to do the same. He tried to make his teaching more relatable to everyone during a seminar, even if they weren't tight ends. Kelce also mentioned using unconventional methods like towel drills to improve footwork and angle setting. Overall, Kelce's passion for football and willingness to share his knowledge with others shines through in this discussion.
The Tight End Position: Camaraderie, Growth, and Charity: The tight end position offers a unique blend of competition, improvement, social connections, and charitable opportunities. Veterans face challenges in transitioning from military to civilian life, and finding a new identity can be difficult.
The tight end position in football offers a unique camaraderie and opportunity for personal growth, both on and off the field. While the competition and improvement aspects are significant, the social connections and charitable contributions add to the overall experience. As for the interview segment, Alejandro Villanueva, a former NFL player, army ranger, and West Point graduate, shared his unexpected transition into farming after his football career. He discussed the challenges of finding a new identity post-NFL and how his family's farming background influenced his decision. The conversation also touched on the difficulties faced by veterans in transitioning out of the military and into civilian life.
Discovering Joy in South Florida's Fruit Farming Community: Speaker finds joy in owning a fruit farm, connecting with consumers, and learning about their preferences. Unexpected feedback from consumers is rewarding. Military background shapes his perspective and provides comfort.
For the speaker, owning a fruit farm in South Florida not only fulfills his passion but also provides a unique connection with the community and consumers. He finds joy in appealing to a specific market and learning about consumer preferences. Additionally, the speaker shares his love for traveling and the military, having lived in 18 cities for six months or more throughout his life. An unexpected perk of owning a farm is the new type of feedback he receives from consumers, which he finds rewarding. Despite his nomadic past, he has found stability in South Florida and hopes to provide his children with more stability than he had growing up. The conversation also revealed that the speaker has a deep connection with the military, having grown up in a military environment and serving himself. He finds comfort in military installations and celebrates the 4th of July there every year.
From military to NFL: A surreal and challenging transition: Despite the challenges of juggling military and NFL commitments, the speaker's determination and resilience allowed him to successfully pursue both careers.
The speaker's experience transitioning from the military to the NFL was both surreal and challenging. During his rookie mini camps with Cincinnati and Chicago, he was able to meet and connect with future NFL stars. However, when he joined the Philadelphia Eagles while still serving in the military, he faced unique challenges. He attended OTAs during the week and drove long distances to make it to military formations on Fridays. This demanding schedule continued until he had accumulated enough leave time to fully participate in training camp and potentially make the roster. The speaker's determination and resilience allowed him to pursue both his military and NFL careers simultaneously.
Transferring Military Skills to Football: Military leadership experiences can benefit football, but individual performance may impact opportunities. Military cultures and football locker rooms share similarities, but applying military tactics exactly may not be effective.
The experiences and skills gained in the military, particularly in leadership roles, can be valuable in various fields, including sports like football. However, the individual's performance in these roles may impact their opportunities for advancement. The speaker shared his personal experience of struggling in military assignments while focusing on football, which led him to question whether he wanted to put his family through the same instability. He ultimately decided to leave the military and pursue a different path. The military's competitive nature and emphasis on leadership, as well as the similarities between military and football locker room cultures, were discussed as potential reasons why military leadership styles could be effective in sports. However, the speaker acknowledged that the application of military lingo and tactics in football may not be an exact science. Overall, the conversation highlighted the potential benefits and challenges of transferring military skills to other domains.
Football and Military Training: Similarities and Differences: Military training's structured approach, use of values, and induction of stress influenced football and Kelce's personal growth. Despite initial challenges, attending a regional NFL combine led him to success.
Football and military training share similarities in their structured approach, use of values, and induction of stress. The military has historically been ahead of society in understanding the needs and wants of the population and adapting their training methods accordingly. The speaker, Travis Kelce, reflects on his experiences playing football and going through military training, noting the differences in leadership styles between the two and the role they played in shaping his career and personal growth. Despite the challenges and costs, Kelce's decision to attend a regional NFL combine, which he describes as a scam, ultimately led him to a successful football career.
Age is just a number: Unique stories from the NFL combine: Determination, unique backgrounds, and the right opportunity can lead to remarkable experiences in the NFL combine
The NFL combine is not just a platform for elite athletes, but also for those with unique stories and backgrounds to showcase their abilities. A 41-year-old bartender named Greg, despite knowing it was a long shot, tried out for the Super Regional Combine and surprisingly, an Eagles scout was present. Greg's military background caught their attention, and he was invited for a workout during his block leave. Although he didn't make the roster, he was able to participate in OTAs and training camp, making the experience unforgettable for him. This story highlights that determination, unique backgrounds, and the right opportunity can lead to remarkable experiences, even if the outcome isn't what was initially hoped for.
A difficult decision between military and NFL career: Fletcher Cox's journey from the military to the NFL was filled with support from friends and unexpected opportunities
The speaker, Fletcher Cox, faced a difficult decision between continuing his military career and pursuing an opportunity to play in the NFL. When he signed with an NFL team, it meant leaving the military and the close bonds he had formed there. Despite his lack of experience and being the first player cut, his brother and friends in the NFL supported him, ultimately leading to a memorable night out in Philadelphia. NFL coach Chip Kelly's unique approach to cutting players early gave Fletcher a chance to join another team. This experience emphasized the importance of brotherhood and the opportunities that can come from unexpected situations.
The Importance of Resilience and Perseverance: Even when faced with setbacks, believe in yourself and keep pushing forward. Hard work and determination can lead to success, no matter the circumstances.
Even in the face of setbacks and disappointments, it's important to keep pushing forward and believe in your abilities. The speaker shared his experience of being cut from the NFL, feeling devastated and unsure of what to do next. However, he received encouragement from coaches and teammates, and eventually received an opportunity to join the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. Despite his initial insecurities and lack of experience, he worked hard to improve and eventually found success. The experience taught him the importance of resilience and perseverance, and to never give up on his dreams. Additionally, the speaker mentioned how important it was to have role models and inspirations, like Jason Peters, who pushed him to keep going and strive for greatness.
The speaker's fixation on gaining weight during football career: Focusing on improving technique rather than size could have benefited the speaker in football career
The speaker's obsession with gaining weight to 340 pounds during his football career, driven by the belief that size could overcome technical deficiencies, led to numerous challenges and discomfort. He now recognizes that being too tall and heavy was not beneficial for him as a tackle player. Instead, he wishes he had focused on improving his technique and embraced his role as a tight end. The practice squad year in Pittsburgh, despite the challenges of sitting in the stands and being housed, was a memorable experience for him due to the energy of the city and its high concentration of Vietnam veterans, making it a significant transition from his military background.
Learning from NFL greats: Gaining confidence and improving skills through practice against NFL stars, like James Harrison, and observing their unique techniques and work ethic.
The military training received was based on Vietnam war strategies, but the real confidence and learning experience came from going against an NFL great like James Harrison during practice. Harrison's unique techniques, particularly his dip and rip move, helped the speaker improve his skills and prepare for potential opponents. The established and mature offensive line in Pittsburgh, with its strong work ethic and leadership, also provided valuable lessons in discipline and dedication, which the speaker applied to his own goals, such as pursuing business education.
Pursuing a dream despite obstacles: Determination and hard work can lead to unexpected opportunities, even when facing numerous obstacles. Never giving up can lead to personal growth and valuable experiences.
Determination and hard work can lead to unexpected opportunities. The speaker shares his story of relentlessly pursuing his goal to attend business school at Carnegie Mellon University, even while working multiple jobs and trying to break into the NFL. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including being an undrafted player and dealing with injuries to those ahead of him, he never gave up. Eventually, he got his chance to start in the NFL and was able to pay for business school. The experience was invaluable, not only financially but also in terms of personal growth and the opportunity to play against some of the best football players in the league. Mike Tomlin, his coach during his 7-year NFL career, was instrumental in his success and was a unique and inspiring leader.
Valuing diverse backgrounds and experiences in leadership: Mike Tomlin emphasizes the importance of hiring coaches with diverse backgrounds and experiences, as seen in his relationship with Jason, who had a unique upbringing in Belgium and was inspired by American football and Tomlin's leadership.
Mike Tomlin, despite his impressive leadership skills and charisma, sees value in coaches who have a diverse background, including those who have been to college. Tomlin's interest in geography and where people are from led him to form meaningful relationships with coaches like Jason. Jason's unique high school experience in Belgium played a significant role in his discovery of American culture and football. Both individuals have had a profound impact on each other's lives, with Tomlin helping Jason achieve his dreams in football and Jason being fascinated by Tomlin's remarkable leadership skills. The conversation highlights the importance of valuing diverse backgrounds and experiences in leadership roles.
Military's unique volunteer culture illustrated by football player's emotional response to 'Black Hawk Down': A strong desire to serve and help others, education opportunities, and the appeal of being at the forefront of action drew a football player to join the US military as a teenager.
The military is unique in having an all-volunteer force, and those who join have a strong desire to serve and help others. This was illustrated by a football player's emotional response to the movie "Black Hawk Down," as he felt helpless watching the events unfold and wished he could be there to help. This sentiment is deeply ingrained in the military culture, and it was a major factor in the speaker's decision to join. Additionally, the opportunity to receive an education while playing sports in the United States was a significant advantage for him, as it allowed him to attend prestigious military academies and pursue his dream of serving in the marines. Ultimately, the speaker was drawn to the infantry and the ranger regiment's culture of being at the forefront of action, and he made the bold decision to leave his home country and start a new life in the United States at the age of 17.
Competing to join a combat division in Afghanistan: Determination to join a high-deployment unit led the speaker to an active area of the war in Afghanistan
During his time at the academy between 2006 and 2010, the speaker found himself in a competitive environment among his peers to join a combat division before the war ended. He managed to secure a spot in the 10th Mountain Division due to its high deployment rate and its upcoming reassignment from Iraq to Afghanistan's most active region, Zari district in Kandahar. Kandahar, known as the de facto capital of Afghanistan, was a significant area of interest due to its strategic location between Asia and Europe and its rich history. It was also a stronghold for the Taliban, making it the most kinetic area in the war. The speaker's first deployment was to Regional Command South, which involved provinces like Kandahar, Helmand, and Zabul. The desert climate was hot and sunny every day, making it a challenging environment. The speaker's determination to join a high-deployment unit led him to a significant and active area of the war.
Discovering the Surprising Complexities of Kandahar, Afghanistan: Former NFL player Jason Witten learned the importance of staying hydrated in a desert climate and was surprised by the challenging complexities of helping the locals in Afghanistan.
The desert city of Kandahar, Afghanistan, despite its harsh conditions, holds fascinating history and unique agricultural practices. Jason Witten, a former NFL player, shared his experiences of being there for military service. He discovered that contrary to popular belief, staying hydrated is crucial, even in a desert climate, as dehydration can lead to sunburn and discomfort. The city is known for growing grapes without much water, similar to Napa Valley. However, Witten's tours in Afghanistan transformed his perspective. He realized that the complexities of the region made it challenging to distinguish friends from foes, and his mission to help the locals was not always welcomed. Witten's first deployment was particularly frustrating due to the resistance from the local population. Overall, his experiences in Afghanistan broadened his understanding of the world and its complexities.
Understanding Complexities of War and Nation-Building: Serving in a war zone exposes the complexities of various parties' motivations and objectives, challenging initial ideas about war and nation-building.
Serving in the military in a war zone like Afghanistan can be a complex and eye-opening experience. The motivations and objectives of various parties involved, including local populations, military personnel, and political leaders, may not always align. The role of military contractors and the blurred lines between winning and losing can challenge one's initial romanticized ideas about war and nation-building. The speaker shares a personal connection to the military, having been born from the sale of weapons and training of pilots. Despite the challenges and disappointments, the speaker remains hopeful for a positive outcome and a potential future relationship with Afghanistan. To become a Ranger, there are two versions: an all-volunteer force during World War 2, and a more modern version that requires completion of Ranger School, a rigorous training program for soldiers.
Joining the Ranger Unit: A Journey of Quiet Professionalism: The Ranger Unit, with its unique culture and rigorous training, produces skilled leaders who contribute significantly to the US military.
The Rangers, a specific unit in the US military, are known for their unique culture and rigorous training. They serve both in the conventional army and in their own regiment, with the goal of bringing valuable skills back to the larger army. The Rangers have a reputation for quiet professionalism and have created a leadership course called Ranger School, which includes a 3-month training program and evaluation. To join a Ranger unit, one must go through the Ranger Assessment and Selection Process (RASP). The Rangers have a rich history, with multiple regiments and a support training battalion, and have deployed frequently during times of war. Alejandro, a West Point graduate and former Ranger, shared his personal experience of joining the Rangers as a way to quickly return to combat leadership roles. The Rangers' culture is distinct, and their training is demanding, making them a valuable asset to the military.
The Power of Shared Experiences and Misery: Soldiers' complaints are more warranted due to their service and promises made to them. Shared experiences and misery can create strong bonds. The transition from professional sports to civilian life can be challenging due to athletes' deeply rooted identities with their sport.
Shared experiences and misery can be powerful bonding agents, whether it's between soldiers in the military or offensive linemen in football. The speaker also expressed that soldiers' complaints are more warranted due to the nature of their service and the promises made to them. The conversation then shifted to a lighthearted discussion about the number of holes in a straw and the need for using body wash or deodorant. The speaker, an organic farmer, shared his unconventional views on personal hygiene and consumerism. Lastly, the speaker reflected on the challenging transition from professional sports to civilian life, noting that for many athletes, their identity is deeply intertwined with their sport, making the transition more difficult.
Transitioning into a new identity involves losing certain privileges: Professional athletes, like Travis Kelce and Alejandro Villanueva, face significant changes when they retire or adapt to a new culture, leading to the loss of certain privileges. They found common ground in their experiences and the joy of simple summer activities like spikeball.
Both being a professional athlete and transitioning into a new identity, whether it's post-NFL or adapting to a new culture, involve a significant change in identity and the loss of certain privileges. Travis Kelce shared his experience of losing fans after leaving the NFL and the similarities between his life as a football player and a fruit farmer. Alejandro Villanueva discussed the differences between American and European summer traditions and their preferred summer activities. During their conversation, they touched upon various topics, including their favorite summer activities, which led to a lively discussion about spikeball. Travis shared his fondness for the game and even mentioned playing it with his teammate Chase Claypool during the COVID year in the NFL. Despite the differences in their backgrounds and current lifestyles, they found common ground in their experiences and the enjoyment of simple summer activities like spikeball.
Strategies for Success in Spike Ball: Serving and Intimidation: Unpredictable serving and psychological tactics like trash talking can help win in spike ball. Keep trying new strategies to find success.
Success in spike ball involves a strategic approach to serving and intimidating your opponents. The serve is crucial, and making it unpredictable can throw off the other team. Game theory and psychological tactics, such as trash talking about personal matters, can help intimidate and disrupt the opposing team. It's essential to keep trying different tactics until you find what works best. Remember, the most important thing is to stay engaged and enthrall your audience, whether it's through great conversation or competitive sports. The New Heights podcast, presented by Wave Sports and Entertainment, explores these concepts and more, so make sure to subscribe and tune in for new episodes.
