“When The Ball Drops” is a raw, honest, and inspiring podcast that explores the untold journey of former elite athletes once the cheers fade and the uniforms come off. Many athletes spend years preparing for life on the field, but very few are prepared for life after the game.
This podcast dives deep into the emotional and psychological transition that begins the moment sports are no longer the center of their world. Through personal stories, interviews, and real conversations, former athletes reveal how they navigated the shift into the “real world”—from career changes and identity loss.
WTBD Ep. 12: Neville Hewitt — More Than an Athlete
WTBD Episode 12: Beyond the Game — Neville Hewitt
In this episode of WTBD, we sit down with Neville Hewitt to talk about the journey beyond football and the transition into life after ball.
Neville shares his experiences through the game, the lessons that shaped him, and the challenges that come with figuring out who you are when the sport that defined so much of your life changes.
From faith and football to identity, purpose, and the next chapter, this conversation goes beyond the athlete and into the person.
Because when the game changes, the journey doesn’t end.
🎙️ WTBD — What’s To Be Discussed
🏈 Episode 12: Neville Hewitt
💬 Faith | Football | Life After Ball
1 Sept 2026
WTBD Ep 11 w/ Jordan Burnett | Built Through Adversity
Jordan joins WTBD to share a story that goes beyond the baseball field.
His journey through baseball wasn’t always easy. Along the way, he experienced bad coaching, doubt, setbacks, and moments that challenged his confidence. But instead of allowing those experiences to define him, Jordan learned how to believe in himself, continue developing, and keep pushing forward.
Through perseverance and self-confidence, he turned adversity into motivation and continued chasing the game he loved — ultimately earning the opportunity to play semi-professional baseball.
Jordan’s story is a reminder that sometimes the voices around you can make you question your ability, but you have to learn to trust your own voice.
At WTBD, we believe the journey matters just as much as the destination.
The game may challenge you. People may doubt you. But don’t let either determine who you become.
Welcome to WTBD, Jordan. ⚾️
21 Aug 2026
WTBD Ep 10 w/ Shaq Wiggins | From Adversity to Opportunity
Shaq Wiggins is a dedicated and driven individual who continues to pursue growth, opportunity, and success. Through WTBD, Shaq is focused on developing his skills, building meaningful connections, and creating a positive path toward his future goals.
12 Aug 2026
WTBS EP 9 w/ Dan Rambow | When The Boat Sails
What happens when you spend years building your identity around an intense, demanding mission—and then suddenly have to figure out who you are outside of it?
In Episode 9, Dan Rambow opens up about his experience as a former Navy nuclear operator and the identity shift that comes with leaving that world behind. From the discipline, pressure, and responsibility of being a Navy nuke to navigating life after service, Dan explores what it really means to transition from an identity that once defined so much of your life.
This episode goes beyond military service. It’s a conversation about purpose, identity, personal growth, and the challenge of figuring out what comes next when the title, uniform, and mission are no longer there.
If you’ve ever experienced a major career transition, left behind a community that shaped you, or wondered who you are beyond what you do, this episode will hit home.
Listen to Episode 9 and join Dan for an honest conversation about leaving one identity behind—and building the next one.
4 Aug 2026
WTBD EP 8 w/ Roshown Mcleod | Owning Your Story
Roshown McLeod's basketball journey took him from the highest levels of the game to an even greater purpose beyond it.
A former NBA player and championship-winning coach, Roshown has experienced the highs of competing on the biggest stages and the challenges that come when the game no longer defines who you are. In this episode of When The Ball Drops, he opens up about leadership, resilience, faith, mentorship, and what it truly means to build a lasting legacy.
This conversation goes far beyond basketball. It's about navigating transition, discovering your identity outside of your sport, and using your platform to impact the next generation.
Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or someone navigating a major life transition, this episode is a reminder that your greatest purpose often begins after the final whistle.
🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:
Life after professional basketball
The transition from player to coach and mentor
Leadership that extends beyond sports
Identity beyond athletic success
Faith, purpose, and personal growth
Building a legacy through serving others
Because when the ball drops, that's where the real journey begins.
Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
#WhenTheBallDrops #WTBD #RoshownMcLeod #LifeAfterSports #AthleteIdentity #Leadership #Purpose #Faith #MentalHealth #Basketball #Legacy #Transition
29 Jul 2026
WTBD Ep. 7 w/ Seantavius Jones | The Life of a Football Journeyman
For most athletes, the dream ends when the final whistle blows. For Seantavius "Stretch" Jones, it became the beginning of a journey that tested his faith, resilience, and identity.
From becoming a national champion and one of the most decorated wide receivers in Valdosta State history to earning First-Team All-Gulf South Conference honors, Stretch seemed destined for a long NFL career. After signing with the New Orleans Saints and appearing in NFL games, his path took an unexpected turn.
Instead of giving up, he kept chasing the game across six professional football leagues spanning the United States, Canada, Europe, and Mexico. Every roster cut, every new city, and every opportunity forced him to answer the same question: Who are you when football isn't guaranteed?
On Episode 7 of When the Ball Drops, Stretch opens up about the unseen side of the athlete's journey—the highs of winning a national championship, the reality of constantly fighting for another opportunity, the emotional weight of transition, and learning to discover purpose beyond the game.
This conversation is about more than football. It's about perseverance, identity, faith, and refusing to let life's setbacks define your future. If you've ever had to reinvent yourself after a dream changed, this episode is for you.
🎙️ Episode 7 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
21 Jul 2026
WTBD EP 6 w/ Rudy Wilson | Bigger Picture
What if the greatest way to show you care is by refusing to let someone settle?
In this episode of When The Ball Drops, Rudy Wilson shares why, as an Academic Coordinator, he was willing to create tension if it meant helping student-athletes reach their full potential. Rudy believed that real growth often comes from uncomfortable conversations, high expectations, and holding people accountable—even when it wasn't popular.
Coming from a family where education was never viewed as a backup plan, Rudy was taught that academics carried the same weight as athletics. That mindset followed him from his days as a football player at Ole Miss to his career mentoring the next generation of student-athletes.
This conversation dives into the importance of discipline, accountability, and preparing athletes for life beyond the game. Rudy explains why success isn't just measured by what happens on the field, but by the habits, education, and character that sustain you long after the final whistle.
If you've ever been challenged by someone who saw more in you than you saw in yourself, this episode will resonate.
🎙️ In this episode:
Why accountability sometimes creates conflict
The responsibility of developing student-athletes
Growing up in a family that prioritized education
Lessons from playing football at Ole Miss
Preparing athletes for success beyond sports
Why being uncomfortable is often the first step toward growth
Subscribe for more conversations that explore the moments, decisions, and transitions that shape life after the game.
#WhenTheBallDrops #RudyWilson #StudentAthletes #Education #Leadership #Accountability #OleMiss #AthleteDevelopment #LifeAfterSports #Purpose
14 Jul 2026
WTBD EP 5 w/ Hitman Holla | Life Beyond the Stage
In Episode 5 of When The Ball Drops, we sit down with battle rap icon Hitman Holla for an honest conversation about the moments people don't always see.
Known for electrifying stages and becoming one of the biggest names in battle rap, Hitman Holla shares what it takes to stay at the top, navigate fame, overcome adversity, and continue evolving as a businessman, father, and man.
This episode goes beyond the headlines as we discuss:
The mindset that built his career
Handling pressure and public expectations
Life outside of battle rap
Building a lasting legacy
Lessons on discipline, resilience, and growth
What happens when the lights go off and the ball drops
At When The Ball Drops, we believe everyone has defining moments that shape who they become. This conversation is a reminder that success isn't just about what you accomplish—it's about who you become through the journey.
🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, entertainers, and leaders sharing the stories behind their biggest transitions.
👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Comment, and Subscribe, and let us know your biggest takeaway from Hitman Holla's story.
#WhenTheBallDrops #HitmanHolla #BattleRap #Podcast #Growth #Success #MentalHealth #Entrepreneurship #Legacy #Leadership
7 Jul 2026
WTBD Ep. 4 w/ Lou Young on NFL Dreams & Finding Purpose
In this episode, Lou opens up about chasing the dream of playing at the highest level, the sacrifices that came with it, and the mindset it takes to reinvent yourself when the game ends. From the highs of professional football to navigating life after sports, this conversation is filled with honest stories, valuable lessons, and inspiration for athletes, parents, and anyone facing a major life transition.
If you've ever wondered what happens when the crowd disappears and the next chapter begins, this episode is for you.
30 Jun 2026
When The Ball Drops with AJ Gray | Built for the Next Chapter
What do you do when the game you love is taken away in an instant?
On this episode of When The Ball Drops, we sit down with A. J. Gray for one of our most powerful conversations yet. AJ opens up about the abrupt end to his football career after being diagnosed with a heart condition, forcing him to walk away from the sport he dedicated his life to.
AJ shares the emotional toll of having a dream cut short, the identity crisis that followed, and how he found the strength to embrace a new purpose. His story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the courage to keep moving forward when life doesn't go according to plan.
23 Jun 2026
WTBD EP 2 w/ Reggie Ball | More Than A Quarterback
In Episode 2 of When The Ball Drops, we sit down with former Reggie Ball quarterback Reggie Ball for an honest conversation about life, leadership, adversity, and what happens when the game is no longer the center of your world.
Reggie opens up about his journey through football, the pressures that came with being a high-profile athlete, and the lessons he learned both on and off the field. From navigating expectations to finding purpose beyond sports, he shares the mindset shifts that helped shape the man he is today.
This episode is packed with wisdom for athletes, former athletes, and anyone facing a major life transition. Reggie drops gems on resilience, accountability, personal growth, and the importance of defining yourself beyond your accomplishments.
When the lights dim, the crowd disappears, and the ball finally drops—who are you?
Tune in for a powerful conversation that will challenge, inspire, and remind you that your greatest purpose may begin after the game ends.
🎙️ When The Ball Drops
Hosted by Corey Griffin & Felicia Burnett
Featuring Reggie Ball
16 Jun 2026
WTBD EP 1 Corey Griffin: The Man Behind the Mission
The program is designed to help student-athletes better understand the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany athletic transition, normalize the experience of identity change, and equip participants with practical tools to navigate uncertainty, career exploration, and personal growth beyond athletics.
Through facilitated discussions, guided exercises, and real-world storytelling from former elite athletes, participants are encouraged to translate the strengths developed through sport into sustainable life skills, strengthen self-awareness, and leave the program with greater clarity, confidence, and direction for their next chapter.
The program is educational and developmental in nature and is intended to complement existing institutional resources by supporting athlete well-being, career readiness, and long-term personal development in a safe, structured, and proactive manner.
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