Brian Dawkins podcast: Hall of Famer on faith & mental health

SS PODCAST: Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins on mental wellness, controlled anger, intimacy with Christ

By Sports Spectrum May 30, 2025

Brian Dawkins (AP Photo/Chris Gardner, File)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING BRIAN DAWKINS

Brian Dawkins played 16 seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos from 1996-2011. The nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2012, the Eagles retired his No. 20 jersey.

Today on the podcast, Matt Forte talks to Brian Dawkins about managing anger and emotions, the significance of mental health awareness, and the role of Scripture in providing strength and guidance. He emphasizes the need for community support and the power of grace in personal growth, encouraging listeners to pursue an intentional relationship with God.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

🔥😤🔥 https://t.co/UyxZzfmXf9

— Brian Dawkins (@BrianDawkins) April 14, 2025

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Football I Once Was Video

WATCH: ‘I ONCE WAS’ – NFL Tight End Tyler Mabry

By Jon Ackerman Jun 18, 2025

I ONCE WAS

Stories of life transformation from the pro sports world

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Tyler Mabry was raised by parents who regularly brought him to church, but when he got to college, he realized they weren’t there to do that anymore. He couldn’t rely on their faith; he had to develop his own. What he discovered was that following Jesus wasn’t just for church; he had to walk with Him daily. Tyler has since surrendered his life to God, discovered how to live a repentant lifestyle, and experienced being a new creation in Christ. He now continues to grow his faith by living in community with believers, and aiming to bring others to Christ so that they too can know He’s the lover of their souls.

Watch the video above to hear Tyler Mabry tell his “I Once Was” story.

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We’re all in the middle of a story, and whether we admit it or not, we want our stories to matter. It’s those stories of deep and lasting impact that come to life when a person encounters Jesus, and responds to Him by faith. “I Once Was” invites those in the pro sports world to share their own transformational stories, describing the very moment that changed their lives forever.

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Basketball Coaches Sports Spectrum Podcast Video

SS PODCAST: Oklahoma State coach Jacie Hoyt on becoming a new mom, leading with love

By Sports Spectrum Jun 17, 2025

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE & JASON ROMANO, FEATURING JACIE HOYT

Jacie Hoyt is the women’s basketball head coach at Oklahoma State University, a role she took over in March 2022 after serving as the head coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City from 2017 to 2022. In 2024-25, Hoyt led the Cowgirls to 25 wins and their second NCAA Tournament berth in three seasons.

Today on the podcast, Jacie Hoyt returns to the show to share about her experiences of leading a team with a strong sense of community and faith, her personal struggles with infertility, and the joy of returning to coaching shortly after giving birth. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of college basketball, including the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and how she navigates these changes while maintaining her commitment to her players and their development.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

Home 📍

Grateful for an administration who believes in me, and thankful for the players and coaching staff who bought into the vision and put in the work to make it all possible! Being a part of @OSUAthletics and this community is an honor! Loyal & True…let’s keep climbing 🧡🤠 https://t.co/v07nWfDJ8z

— Jacie Hoyt (@CoachJacie) April 3, 2025

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Football Sports Spectrum Podcast

SS PODCAST: Matt Forte’s dad Gene on Father’s Day, parenting, discipleship, legacy

By Sports Spectrum Jun 13, 2025

Matt Forte, left, and Gene Forte, right. (Photo courtesy of Matt Forte)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING GENE FORTE

Gene Forte is the father of our Sports Spectrum host, Matt Forte. Gene was a defensive tackle at Tulane University from 1974 to 1978, and Matt played as a running back there from 2004 to 2007.

Today on the show, Gene joins his son Matt on a special Father’s Day edition of the Sports Spectrum Podcast. The conversation touches on the impact of fatherlessness in society, the power of forgiveness, and redemption in parenting. Gene shares valuable insights on how to be a good father, emphasizing love, discipline and the importance of spiritual guidance.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

Matt Forte and his father, Gene. One family, 2 generations of football players… 2 different takes on hairstyles. pic.twitter.com/wkAPshOhvt

— E60 (@E60) November 4, 2015

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Coaches Football Sports Spectrum Podcast Video

SS PODCAST: SMU football head coach Rhett Lashlee on coaching as a calling, Godly leadership

By Sports Spectrum Jun 10, 2025

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING RHETT LASHLEE

Rhett Lashlee is the football head coach at SMU. He joined the program in 2022 after serving as an assistant coach for more than a decade with programs like Miami (Florida), Auburn and Connecticut.

In 2018 and 2019, he was SMU’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, before taking the same roles at Miami for 2020 and 2021.

Today on the podcast, Rhett Lashlee shares insights on building a winning culture in college football, navigating the challenges of modern college athletics, leading his team to the College Football Playoff, and the significance of discipleship and community in maintaining spiritual health.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

It’s simple, Christ died so that I, an unworthy hypocrite and a sinner, could LIVE. Love in its purest form. The Ultimate Sacrifice. #GoodFriday pic.twitter.com/CxRcWFnRY9

— Rhett Lashlee (@rhettlashlee) March 30, 2018