Hall of Famer Warren Sapp Talks Early Symptoms of CTE and How He Manages Each Day

"When you stand on what matters, everything is going to fall into place for you." Anthony Ramos One's journey is never a straight line and often the path we think we are destined for is paved with lots of ups and downs that lead us to where we belong. In this pivotal conversation, Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with multi‑talented actor, singer, and storyteller Anthony Ramos, to explore the twists, turns, and lessons that have shaped his journey. From humble beginnings of the New York streets to Broadway stages, from major film sets to music studios, Anthony shares how he’s navigated shifting expectations, risk, and growth — all while staying rooted in identity and purpose. He shares the impact that starring in Hamilton had on his life, the wisdom from Busta Rhymes, the excitement of Spike Lee, being on set with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, his most transformative role as well as his most challenging and gives a sneak peek at some big projects in the works. It's a reflective and honest conversation on the little moments and decisions that led him to chase his dream down an unlikely path overcoming poverty, sharing how the streets taught him to act and maneuver the challenges of a rough upbringing and why pursuing a passion is often out of reach for people like him. He talks to Ryan about dealing with race and cultural barriers, staying authentically himself while balancing Hollywood pressures, choosing to be on the right side of his beliefs, betting on himself and taking risks to chase the big roles. He talks to Channing how he mended the relationship with his father before he passed and explains to Fred saying no is hard but being loyal to his roots matters the most, which he explains turning down the chance to work with J.Lo. The guys get into what “pivoting” really means when your life is already in motion as this episode goes beyond the highlight reel to dig into the grind, the doubts, and the quiet breakthroughs. Whether you’re in creative fields or facing your own pivot point, Anthony’s transparency and mindset offer resonance and inspiration. Tap into The Pivot Podcast on YouTube, hit the subscribe button, like, comment and let us know what you think! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Sep 1h 3min

“Just being able to see you are still just a person because being a superstar is like a mask, it’s like a representative, when you get in jail and fighting for your life, you realize this shit is all an act, it’s all just a mask.”  Young Thug In one of the most raw and captivating episodes of the year, Young Thug sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred for an unfiltered conversation in which he opens up in like never before after beating Georgia's biggest case, enduring a trial that shook the hip-hop world and reflecting on the emotional toll of incarceration, how he navigated leaked phone calls, and the impact it all had on his family and mental health. From the moment the guys start talking, Thug is full of emotion, remorse and takes accountability for all that he's been through and put the people closest to him through- he longs for a fresh start but doesn't waiver on who he is, his manhood and doubles down on loyalty. Ryan asks Thug how things got to where they did and why he turned to the streets, despite his overwhelming success, dating back to his childhood and growing up in a house with his father as an example of family. Acknowledging the weight of the world on his shoulders, he reveals how he's been coping, exploring the range of emotions he's experiencing and understanding ways to deal with depression. He speaks candidly about his relationship with his girlfriend Mariah The Scientist and how they survived through the storm, expresses gratitude for fatherhood, and shares what kept him grounded when his future looked uncertain.In a moment of vulnerability, Thug reveals the people who didn't turn their back on him during the dark times, including Drake, Lil Baby and how Kanye and Kim Kardashian are the ones who gave him his biggest break. Thug gives fans a glimpse into his creative mindset, impact on culture, life codes, details behind his new music and how his experiences have transformed his sound and purpose. Going through  emotional—now is Young Thug’s most pivotal moment, as he tunes out the negative noise, ignores the criticism and embraces the chance to start over.  Thank you to Toyota and as you heard, we talked about Toyota's all in partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Sep 1h 11min

“I still haven’t got over that Super Bowl, I have yet to watch that game through because it’s that painful and I was that close to getting my ring. I hate the Super Bowl. I hate February.” Charles "Peanut" Tillman On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, former NFL star Charles "Peanut" Tillman joins Ryan, Channing, and Fred for an unforgettable conversation that goes far beyond the football field. Known for his legendary "Peanut Punch" and Pro Bowl career with the Chicago Bears, Tillman opens up about the highs and lows of life in the NFL, the mental grind of competition, and what truly defined his time on the gridiron. He shares how it's still difficult to think about coming up short in two Super Bowls and how it pains him to this day to watch football in February. He takes the guys through his infamous career, some of his legendary plays and how he was the only player close to reaching a historic NFL milestone, of the 40/40 club with 44 forced fumbles and two picks short of 40 interceptions.  But his story didn’t end with football. In a tremendous pivot of honor, Peanut talks about his decision to join the FBI after NFL retirement—a rare and inspiring path for a professional athlete. He shares what drove him to serve in a completely different arena, the challenges of the transition, and how discipline and purpose continue to shape his life. Growing up with his father in the military, he always had a passion to serve the country and joining the bureau was his way to make an impact. But recent changes and demands in protecting the homeland led Peanut to abruptly leave the FBI after eight years of service, which he opens up on and shares why for the first time.  Peanut also reflects on the most important role he’s ever played: being a father. He gets deeply personal about his family, including the emotional journey with his daughter’s health, and how that experience changed his entire perspective on life, love, and prayer. Fred deems his storytelling as his favorite share in our Pivot history.  The guys wrap up talking ball, sharing career moments and reminisce he plays we never live down! This is an episode about resilience, reinvention, and real priorities. Don't miss this raw and heartfelt sit-down with a true game-changer—on and off the field.  New episodes every week — Comment, let us know what you think and don't forget to subscribe-- so you never miss a Pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Sep 1h 20min

"What's true, what's not true, the world is changing right in front of us." Fred Taylor In a world filled with uncertainty and questionable times, Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor come together for this 3-man conversation on what unites us all- humanity, sports and laughter. This week in sports, nothing is a guarantee — and that’s what makes ball great, you have to play the game to see how it shakes out. We break down the NFL's most debated questions heading into Week 3: Is Patrick Mahomes still on top, or is Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson closing the gap? Why did Shedeur Sanders not want to play in Baltimore? How is Tom Brady's dual role between owner and broadcaster affecting how he does is job and the advantages vs disadvantages of his presence. RC weighs in on player and non-player perspectives in media while Channing and Fred talk through the frenzy of it all from last couple weeks. And we get into ring talk, following Bud Crawford's victory vs Canelo and where does it rank the undefeated pound for pound champion with the greats, did this move him up on boxing's throne high enough to take Floyd Mayweather’s GOAT crown? We discuss. Pivot Bets are paid with college football rivalry wins in our family and the guys open up on sharing thoughts and feelings around all that's going on in the world today. Tap in to kick off your weekend with your favorite trio. Thank you to Toyota and as you heard, we talked about Toyota's all in partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Sep 55min

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but you don't get to take the crown off." Steve Harvey Pivot Family, we have a special episode with this one for you, get ready to step inside the life of one of the most prolific figures of our generation. In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, comedy icon, TV mogul, and entrepreneur Steve Harvey sits down with Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder to talk about the pivotal moments that shaped his life — from homelessness to the Live at the Apollo to big screens of Hollywood. He shares the keys to not giving up, how becoming successful is one feat but staying there is true fulfillment. With his signature blend of wisdom and wit, Steve opens up about the grind behind his success, the faith that kept him grounded, and the mindset that separates the great from the average. But beyond the fame, Steve gets deeply personal — reflecting on his upbringing in Cleveland, the sacrifices his parents made, and how his father’s discipline and his mother’s prayers laid the foundation for everything he’s built. He speaks on how their influence still drives him today, especially in how he leads his own family and honors their legacy through purpose-driven work. In an emotional revelation, Steve shares with the guys the depth of his bond with his father and how the closeness is something that can never be replicated and how the loss still sticks with him today. Steve's ability to use humor to discuss tough topics and address some of the darker times in his life is a masterclass on legacy, resilience and betting on yourself. Steve unpacks his biggest pivots — including walking away from secure paychecks to follow his calling, navigating public criticism, and balancing fame with responsibility. He also drops gems on generational wealth, manhood, and what today’s young men need to hear about purpose, respect, and staying true to who they are. From generational wealth and black fatherhood to choosing purpose over popularity, Steve delivers game and vulnerability in equal measure. He talks about his own children, especially his daughters and how difficult it is to protect them while in the public eye but also where to draw the line between fame and privacy. This conversation goes far beyond words — it’s a blueprint for building a meaningful life. Thank you to Toyota and as you heard, we talked about Toyota's all in partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Sep 1h 25min

“I think it was important in my highest moment, to talk about my lowest moment because if it wasn’t for God’s work in my life, I wouldn’t be who I am now…. Going into that season, my mind was so cloudy and cluttered, I didn’t have the right focus and I knew I needed to get help.” -Jaylon Johnson In one of the most humbling and revealing episodes of The Pivot Podcast yet, Chicago Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson sits down with Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder for a conversation that dives far deeper than football. With a new contract as one of the highest paid cornerbacks in the league, Jaylon is revitalized by the Bears culture under leadership of new head coach Ben Johnson and believes his accountability to players is helping Quarterback Caleb Williams lead the team better with emphasis on competition and execution. He breaks down the tough wide receiver match ups he faces, who his style of play is modeled after and the games he has circled on the 2025 schedule. But beyond Xs and Os—Jaylon dives deep into his personal growth, fatherhood, giving back through his foundation, and what it really means to stay true to yourself in a league that tries to mold you. Known on the field as one of the NFL’s rising shutdown corners, Jaylon opens up about the battles he’s fought off the field — including his deeply personal struggle with porn addiction and the role his faith in God played in his journey toward healing and freedom. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares how he reached a breaking point, leaned into scripture, and found strength through surrender. Jaylon also talks about growing up in Fresno, the loss of his close friend and how it fueled his mission, becoming a father at a young age, and why his purpose now goes beyond interceptions and contracts. Jaylon’s life is guided by something bigger than football and this conversation is about redemption, resilience, and redefining manhood—as he opens up like never before, proving that true strength starts within. Thank you to Toyota and as you heard, we talked about Toyota's all in partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 Sep 59min

“It’s been so gratifying, not just the accolades but how I’ve been able to show up. Learning how to love myself, learning what my voice is, and being able to trust that, stand tall and stand true in that it’s enough.” Taylor Townsend on evolving  Taylor Townsend Joins The Pivot Podcast for an exclusive, deeply personal and powerful conversation after her 2025 US Open breakthrough. Days after captivating fans with her deep run and emotional performances at the 2025 US Open, American tennis star Taylor sat down with Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder for one of the most heartfelt and unfiltered interviews in the show’s recent history. The episode opens with the hosts giving Townsend her flowers, celebrating not just her performance on the court—where she reached the fourth round in electrifying fashion—but also her unapologetic authenticity, her resilience, and her long road back to center stage. From the jump, Townsend came through with that signature mix of grace and grit. “I've started setting goals and not being afraid of failure...I finally get to be myself and not hide from who I am,” Townsend said, reflecting on her resurgence. Over the course of the hour-long conversation, Townsend opened up about her heated post-match altercation with Jelena Ostapenko, breaking her silence and addressing the viral moment head-on, being proud that she used her words to control her emotions and how she stood firm on not tolerating disrespect, as her father raised them not to be punks but also to always stand up for themselves which led Taylor to telling Jelena- “Don't ever put your finger in my face again."  Taylor continues to open up with her childhood dreams, looking up to Serena and Venus and how despite being competitors, Serena took her under wing when she was pregnant and helped prepare her for this gratifying yet extremely difficult journey. Her battles with body image and bias in the sport, especially how early narratives in her career tried to box her in and tell her she could never excel in a sport that wouldn't accept her certain stature and build. Sharing how she lost 95 pounds in 10 months coming back after pregnancy but that motherhood and identity have impacted her life in meaningful ways. Revealing intimate details about balancing elite competition with raising her son, Adyn, which she credits to teaching her what true love and sacrifice is as she opens up on the mental side of her journey, including moments of doubt, therapy, and the role of her support system.  One of the most powerful moments came near the end, when Townsend addressed she's been on the pro tour for 13 years and been hiding for twelve of them and is now finally able to show up as herself.Taylor points to her recent loss as her most pivotal moment, in a place where her career is going to skyrocket, with her confidence, faith and motivation higher than ever. The conversation flowed like family catching up, as Taylor made the joke she felt like she was sitting with her uncles with Channing bringing the laughs, Ryan dropping wisdom, and Fred reflecting on what it means to carry a legacy in a sport that hasn’t always been built for athletes like Townsend. The episode has a lot to unpack, filled with many viral moments, drawing praise from across the sports world for Townsend’s honesty, charisma, and unshakable sense of self.  We talked about Toyota's partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Thank you to our friends at Monarch Money for sponsoring this episode, Check them out here and use code PIVOT to get 50% off your first year. https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Sep 1h 8min

"The chemistry between Travis and Patrick is ridiculous, with one look, they just know what the other is thinking." Xavier Worthy on learning from his teammates Ahead of YouTube streaming its first NFL game live from Brazil between the Chargers and Chiefs, Ryan Clark sits down with Xavier Worthy to go inside the mind of this playmaker and what's ahead for the Kansas City Chiefs. This episode offers a glimpse into the mind of a young star determined not just to bounce back and continue to build — but to rise to the level he knows he is destined to play at. As the Chiefs prepare to face the Chargers in a pivotal AFC West matchup to start the season, Xavier Worthy sits down with Ryan Clark for a raw and revealing conversation about life after a break out Rookie year, the Super Bowl loss, his bond with his mother, overcoming personal distractions and stepping into the spotlight as the Chiefs top wideout wit Rashee Rice out for the first 6 weeks of the NFL season. As a first round draft pick in 2024 and making headlines by breaking the NFL Combine record for the 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.21 seconds, even catching the attention of pop star Taylor Swift's excitement that her fiance's team added him to the offense, Xavier welcomes the pressure and responsibility that come with being a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL . From building chemistry with Patrick Mahomes and learning from Travis Kelce, Worthy is prepared to show the NFL world, he isn't just a fast wide out, he's an elite one and can match up vs the top defenses week in and week out. Worthy shares how his team was on an all new level during training camp this summer as they went back to the basics to rebuild their championship ways. He reflects on what he’s learned from former mentor Travis Kelce, the standard of greatness set by Patrick Mahomes, and how those experiences shaped his own approach to leadership and preparation. Worthy doesn’t shy away from the personal, speaking candidly about the internal battles he's fought off the field — and how confronting those struggles has made him stronger, more focused, and more dangerous between the lines. With all eyes on Kansas City as the season kicks off, the Chiefs are more focused than ever with one goal in mind, to finish the job they started last year, winning another Lombardi Trophy. This is a conversation about pressure, presence, and proving you belong at the highest level. We talked about Toyota's partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Sep 47min