NFL success isn’t just about talent — it’s about mindset, resilience, and survival. In this powerful episode of The Victory Degree, former NFL star John Abraham pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to make it — and last — at the highest level as a professional athlete. From his rise as one of the most feared pass rushers in football to his prime years with the Atlanta Falcons, John shares the unseen mental battles behind elite NFL performance. John Abraham reflects on his journey through the NFL, explaining why sacks are more mental than physical, how injuries test an athlete’s identity, and why effort matters more than perfection. As an athlete with 133.5 career sacks, John breaks down how preparation, mindset, and self-belief separated him from others trying to survive in the league. His time with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets gives rare insight into locker room culture, leadership, and the pressure that comes with NFL success. This episode goes far beyond stats. John opens up about growing up in a small town, being doubted early, and learning how fear of failure — and fear of success — shaped his career. He dives into the financial pressure many NFL athletes face, the responsibility of supporting family, and the reality fans never see behind the contracts. His story highlights why mindset is the foundation of long-term NFL success, both on and off the field. John also shares how he reframed adversity after football, how fatherhood changed his definition of success, and why mental resilience matters long after the game ends.

What if everything you think you know about success, hard work, and happiness is completely wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Dahlstrom — a former C-suite executive turned founder — who walked away from millions, rebuilt his life from scratch in Boulder, and discovered a radically different definition of success. We talk about the hidden cost of chasing prestige, why so many “successful” people are miserable, and the little-known exercise that helped him redesign his entire life. Kevin also breaks down why AI will reshape the job market faster than anyone expects, why hustle culture is quietly destroying people, and why most of us are living in the wrong place without even realizing it. We get into failure, luck, identity, purpose, and what it means to truly live a life you’re proud of.

In today’s episode, Legendary Coach Jim Johnson shares the unbelievable journey that led him from being fired at 25… to building one of the most consistent winning cultures in high school basketball. We talk about his unforgettable encounter with Magic Johnson, the leadership lessons behind 23 straight winning seasons, and of course, the iconic J-Mac game that shocked the nation and became a global inspiration story (over 1 million views on ESPN). Coach Johnson breaks down: - The mindset shift that saved his coaching career - How imagery, confidence, and mental training transformed his teams - Stories from Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and the Van Gundy family - What separates the top 0.1% performers from everyone else - Why the J-Mac moment still gives him chills to this day

In this episode of The Victory Degree, David Tyree opens up like never before. From battling addiction to nearly losing his NFL career, David breaks down the real story behind his journey — long before the famous Helmet Catch. We talk about the adversity that shaped him, the moment that changed everything, and the unseen battles he fought on and off the field. David also reveals what Eli Manning told him before the play, how Tom Coughlin built championship culture, and why timing, opportunity, and resilience matter more than raw talent in the NFL.

Jay Bilas joins The Victory Degree Podcast for an honest and thought-provoking conversation on confidence, criticism, and the evolving world of college sports. From his early days under Coach K at Duke to his insights on NIL, social media, and mental toughness, Jay shares the lessons that shaped his career as a player, coach, lawyer, and broadcaster. We talk about: - Why self-belief starts with hard work and mentors - How to handle negativity, criticism, and “you suck” comments online - Coach K’s biggest lessons on preparation and leadership - NIL, sports gambling, and how money is reshaping college athletics - What confidence really means — and how Jay built his - Who the best college prospect of all time is & much more...

Former NFL defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko (Chargers, Steelers, LSU) joins The Victory Degree to pull back the curtain on the truth about the NFL — from how politics decide who plays, to how mental health and self-belief define success long after the game ends. Breiden opens up about playing with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Russell Wilson, and what he’s learned about opportunity, timing, and resilience. We also dive into social media pressure, life after football, and why “delusional self-belief” might be the secret ingredient every athlete needs. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it — and stay — in the NFL, this conversation will change how you see the game forever.

NBA writer and best-selling author Shea Serrano joins Nik Atanackovic on The Victory Degree Podcast to talk about his new book, Expensive Basketball — a love letter to the moments, feelings, and players that make the game beautiful. From Ray Allen’s jumper vs. Joakim Noah’s, to Tim Duncan’s quiet dominance, Shaq’s unstoppable force, and Kobe’s poetic 60-point farewell, this episode dives deep into the emotional side of basketball — the kind of stuff stats can’t explain. Topics Covered: - Why “Expensive Basketball” is about feelings, not numbers - Shea’s defense of Steph Curry’s magic and Shaq’s speed - The pain of the 2002 Kings-Lakers series (and why it still hurts)* - Why Tim Duncan is Shea’s favorite player - LeBron’s rise from “great” to “greatest” - The beauty behind Kobe’s final game

After serving two years in federal prison for money laundering, Chad Dunn rebuilt his life from the ground up, transforming pain into purpose. Once a promising athlete turned felon, Chad used his time behind bars to redefine his identity, confront his demons, and build a mission around helping others overcome their limitations. Today, he is a certified behavioral change specialist with over 20 years of experience in health, modern fitness, and human performance. Chad has trained NFL players, NBA prospects, and individuals recovering from catastrophic injuries, while co-founding and building MOVE Physical Therapy & Human Performance Center in Chandler, Arizona with his wife and business partner, Jackie. In this conversation, we discuss: - Why you should do hard things & face your fears - How prison became the best thing that ever happened to him - What it takes to rebuild your life and business from nothing - The power of true redemption - Does money make you happy & much more...

Taybor Pepper sits down with Nik to talk about the real side of the NFL — from getting cut by the 49ers just days into free agency, to what it’s actually like inside a Kyle Shanahan team meeting. He opens up about the chaos of bouncing between teams, the pressure of fighting for a roster spot every year, and how mindfulness helped him stay grounded through it all. They get into everything: NFL free agency stories, life as a long snapper, Robbie Gould’s mentorship, battling mental health, the mental toll of football, and what it takes to survive nearly a decade in the league.

At 22, Mike Flynt was kicked out of college football for fighting. 37 years later, at 59 years old, he went back to finish what he started. This is the unbelievable true story of regret, redemption, and second chances. We talk about adversity, character, faith, and what it really means to never quit. 🎥 Watch The Seniors in theaters Sept 19 💪 Connect with Mike: mikeflynt.com In this episode: • How Mike turned his biggest regret into his greatest comeback • The power of adversity and why quitting is never an option • Lessons on faith, character, and choosing to be great • What a 59-year-old linebacker can teach us about life

Derek Sivers built and sold CD Baby for $22 million, walked away from fame, and chose a radically simple life. In this conversation, Derek shares the unconventional rules, frameworks, and mindset shifts that shaped his journey from overcoming fear to redefining success. If you’ve ever wondered how to find clarity in a noisy world, escape the trap of endless “inputs,” or design a life that’s truly yours, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: • The lessons Derek learned from selling CD Baby for $22M • Why fame is overrated and the hidden downsides no one talks about • How to turn fear into confidence with one simple rule • The dangers of consuming without creating and how to “run the program” • Useful vs. true: the mental framework that changes everything Derek’s perspective is both refreshing and deeply practical — equal parts philosophy and tactical playbook.

What does it really take to push human limits? Brett Hawke — Olympian, world-renowned swim coach, and coach in the Enhanced Games — joins me to reveal the uncomfortable truths about elite performance. From why “working harder” is the most dangerous advice in sports, to how recovery, self-belief, and even delusional confidence separate good athletes from great ones, this conversation will change how you think about success. In this episode, we discuss: - How comparison can unlock — or destroy — human potential - The dangerous myth of “just work harder” - How recovery became the real key to elite performance - The mindset shift that turns fear into Olympic gold

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Golub, the first legally blind Division I football player, to talk about his inspiring journey from being picked last in childhood sports to playing at Tulane University and becoming an NFL free agent. Aaron opens up about the adversity he faced, the lessons he’s learned, and why he believes anything is possible with the right mindset, hard work, and persistence. What we cover in this conversation: - Overcoming adversity: how Aaron’s blindness became the driving force behind his discipline, grit, and success - The value of failure: why rejection and loss can be the greatest teachers in sports, business, and life - Leadership and resilience: lessons from football, public speaking, and entrepreneurship - Self-belief and mindset: reframing fear, handling judgment, and setting goals with long-term horizons

Preston Rutherford, co-founder of Chubbies, joins me to share the unfiltered truth about building a $100M brand, the struggles behind the success, and what he’s learned about entrepreneurship, mindset, and resilience. In this conversation, we cover: - How four Stanford friends turned a joke into a $100M brand - The hardest moments building Chubbies and how they overcame them - Why self-limiting beliefs stop most people from starting - The balance between performance marketing and long-term brand building - Preston’s new venture Marathon and what he’s focusing on today

Former Seahawks center Justin Britt opens up like never before. From the highs of playing in the Super Bowl to the lowest moments of his career, he reveals the untold truths about football, mental health, and life after the NFL. In this episode, we discuss: - The Super Bowl XLIX play that still haunts him - His battle with depression and walking away from the NFL - Pete Carroll’s leadership and why it changed his life - The truth about playing with Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch - How he found purpose again through running marathons

From being overlooked and doubted to earning a $76M contract with the Buffalo Bills, Christian Benford’s story is a masterclass in resilience, faith, and relentless self-belief. In this episode, we dive deep into: - The tears, doubt, and sacrifices that fueled his journey - Why regret hurts more than failure - How faith gave him unshakable confidence - The mindset shifts needed to go from high school to college to the NFL - Why character development is more important than talent - Balancing football, family, and faith without losing yourself Christian opens up about the struggles behind the success, what it really means to “be you,” and how staying grounded in faith and love can transform everything. A real look at what it takes to succeed at the highest level, on and off the field.

From high school phenom to “Mr. Irrelevant” in the NFL Draft, Chad Kelly’s journey has been anything but ordinary. In this conversation, the Grey Cup champion opens up about growing up in a legendary football family, the politics of the NFL, and the lessons he’s learned from both his triumphs and mistakes. Chad shares inside stories about Patrick Mahomes, Andrew Luck, and Aaron Donald, breaks down what really makes a great quarterback, and explains why he still believes he’s one of the top 32 quarterbacks in the world.

In this raw and revealing conversation, former NFL quarterback Kyle Sloter opens up about the harsh realities of professional football—from the euphoric highs of unexpected opportunities to the hidden politics behind team decisions. Kyle dives deep into his unconventional journey, his unique mindset fueled by proving doubters wrong, and the pivotal role that luck, preparation, and timing play in achieving success. Discover why being "too good" can sometimes hurt your career, how NFL teams manage controversy, and the true inner workings of a quarterback's mind during critical moments. Whether you're an NFL fan or simply fascinated by resilience, mindset, and the untold truths of pro sports, this conversation is one you don't want to miss.

Eric Jorgenson — author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant — joins me for a deep conversation on ideas, growth, self-belief, and what it really takes to create lasting work. We talk about how to avoid audience capture, the difference between finite and infinite games, the power of cliche advice, and what it means to build something authentic. We also explore podcasting, social media, dating, and the quiet years of creative obscurity that often come before success. If you’re a creator, thinker, or someone searching for clarity in a noisy world, this one’s for you.

What if the future of sports isn’t about fairness but about becoming superhuman? Dr. Aron D’Souza is leading the charge with the Enhanced Games, a radical new competition where performance-enhancing drugs aren’t banned, they’re embraced. But this episode goes way beyond sports. We dive deep into: - Why Aron believes biology should never limit human potential - His formula for achieving outrageous success with limited resources - Why he tracks every gram of protein, fiber, and carb he consumes - How to write a life plan that bends time in your favor - The moral case for human enhancement and why he says it's inevitable - Why he believes history will remember his name If you’ve ever felt stuck, small, or like your goals are impossible, this conversation will challenge your beliefs and maybe even rewrite your future.