Beyond The X's And O's With Trent Dilfer

Latest Episodes:

Carson Palmer on Leading By Example, Why Current QB’s Don’t Need To Wait To Start, Winning The Heisman at USC, & Being The #1 Pick in The NFL Draft | Beyond the Xs & Os Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

Newly-inducted College Football Hall of Famer and No.1 overall pick Carson Palmer joins the show to share his perspective on what it took to win a Heisman, become a franchise quarterback, and leading teams deep into the playoffs. He talks about his early days in high school, what he learned about leadership there, his days at USC and the turmoil that occurred when former coach Pete Carroll took over, then talks through his NFL pre-draft process and what it was like being the top overall pick. Plus: why was it so critical that he had to study behind Jon Kitna for a year? Why is it that Kyler Murray, Mac Jones and others can succeed right off the bat? Finally, Carson discusses his philosophies on leadership, determination, and parenting.

Michael Vick on Choosing #7, Legendary HS Career, Allen Iverson Comparisons, Evolution of Running QBs, Almost Being a Charger | Beyond the X's & O's Dec 02, 2021

Show notes

Three-time Pro Bowler and iconic Virginia Tech and NFL quarterback Michael Vick sits down with Trent to explain how switching numbers became his “superhero cape”, why his HS coach didn’t speak to him for 6 months, and why he got chills before his first start for Virginia Tech. He also explains how a last-minute and surprising draft change was the best thing that could have happened for him and his family, plus talks about his influence on today's generation of quarterbacks.

Greg McElroy on “Lonely Work”, Competing vs Tebow & Playing for Nick Saban | Beyond the X's & O's Nov 25, 2021

Show notes

College Football Hall of Famer Greg McElroy joins Trent to talk about the “lonely work” he put in in high school, explain why he decommitted from Texas Tech to go to Alabama, and what it was like during Nick Saban’s first year as the head coach of Alabama. He also discusses the ubiquitous presence of Tim Tebow in his life, from high school to competing against him with New York Jets to his role as a TV analyst.

Matt Hasselbeck on Competing w/ Trent in Seattle & Missing a Combine Invite | Beyond the X's and O's Nov 18, 2021

Show notes

Seattle Seahawks legend Matthew Hasselbeck may have been a 6th round draft pick, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a starting QB in the NFL. Matthew joins Trent to reflect on his time growing up around the NFL, shares his thoughts on how valuable being a multi-sport athlete can be and talks about what it was like not being invited to the combine. Matthew & Trent end their time together by looking back on their time in Seattle - the good and the bad.

Jared Goff on Being No. 1 Pick, Going from HS Backup to NFL Starter, Super Bowl Highlights (and Lowlights) | Beyond the X's and O's Nov 11, 2021

Show notes

Lions QB Jared Goff may have been the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, but his journey to being an NFL starting QB was not a conventional one. Jared joins Trent to share stories from his journey, including why he played several sports at once, how he didn't start as a QB in high school till his junior year, hearing Mel Kiper declare him ready for the draft before Goff himself was, meeting Jeff Fisher knowing he'd go No. 1, and his adjustment to NFL starter. Plus, Jared and Trent both recall moments from their respective Super Bowls, including a few throws they want back to this day.

Alex Smith on Getting Out of Own Way, Being #1 Pick, Playing for Andy Reid | Beyond the X’s and O's Nov 04, 2021

Show notes

Former No. 1 overall pick quarterback, Alex Smith, joins the show to walk us through his unlikely football journey -- because not everyone goes from being a 5’7 high school freshman considering joining the cross-country team to the top pick in the NFL Draft. Alex talks about his high school playing days with Reggie Bush, making his way to Utah and switching styles under Urban Meyer, working with Trent and Norv Turner in San Francisco, flourishing later in his career with Andy Reid & the Chiefs, mentoring Patrick Mahomes, and his future after football.

Ryan Leaf on Climbing a Depth Chart, Falling From the Top & Moving Forward | Beyond the X's and O's Sep 30, 2021

Show notes

Former NFL quarterback, Ryan Leaf, joins the show and tells the story of how he cut his own cast off at school in an effort to get back on the football field, becoming “baby Bledsoe”, and questioning his college decision after the hazing he faced days after moving into college.

Ryan opens up about the moment he believes his NFL career ended along with the path his life took in the years following. Throughout the episode, Ryan shares his advice and encouragement to any who might need to hear it.

Mark Sanchez on USC Football, Playing for Pete Carroll, & His Jets Career | Beyond the X's and O's Sep 30, 2021

Show notes

USC legend and longtime NFL QB Mark Sanchez joins the show to talk about transferring high schools, playing for Pete Carroll, and his insane recruiting process, including stories about Notre Dame and Texas, as the first nationally-recognized 5-star QB.

He shares the culture shock he felt going from California boy to and playing in New York after being drafted by the New York Jets, and if NFL franchises should even draft California QBs given the adjustment to harsh winter weather. Sanchez also reveals his thoughts on the current state of USC football after the firing of head coach Clay Helton and talks about the next phase of his career as a broadcaster at Fox.

Steve Young on Doing What You Love & the State of Quarterbacking in the NFL | Beyond the X's and O's Sep 23, 2021

Show notes

Hall of Famer and Trent's close friend Steve Young joins the show and tells the story of his disastrous first start in high school. Young reveals that he didn't know how to throw a football until he got to college and learned by watching Jim McMahon. Young shares tales of memorable recruiting trips, including watching a freshman Dan Marino play against Army, and explains the philosophy he uses to power through difficult times.

Young shares his perspective on how the NFL has changed to enhance offenses by resembling college, and the state of football today, stressing Bill Walsh's importance in creating a greater community in the NFL and how teams can improve their organizations to help develop young quarterbacks. Young believes that the most successful QB's are sophisticated passers, and encourages Zach Wilson to improve after throwing four interceptions this past weekend.

John Lynch on Playing Baseball, Switching from QB to Safety, and Stories from his Playing Days | Beyond the X's and O's Sep 16, 2021

Show notes

Hall of Famer and 49ers GM John Lynch shares what it was like to play QB in high school, talks about getting recruited by Lou Holtz at Notre Dame, and explains how playing football made him better at baseball, and how all the sports he played made him a better athlete. Lynch tells stories playing against Elway, Montana, and Brady, how he evaluates QBs, gives insight into the Niners plans to use both Jimmy Garroppolo and Trey Lance, and ends with stories of his and Trent's friendship and how important his family is to his success.

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