The Inner Circle

Send us Fan MailWith the NFL Draft approaching, The Inner Circle Podcast goes inside one of the most fascinating and misunderstood processes in pro sports with former Atlanta Falcons GM Terry Fontenot.Fontenot spent more than 20 years inside NFL front offices, rising from scouting assistant with the New Orleans Saints to Falcons general manager. In this episode, he gives a rare, honest look at what really happens in the weeks leading up to the draft, how boards are built, how much teams actually pay attention to mock drafts, why private visits matter, and how front offices sort through film, analytics, medicals, interviews, and background research to separate great players from risky picks.Terry also explains why teams can get fooled by combine performances, why some elite college players still slide, and how a player like Xavier Watts can be undervalued despite dominant tape. He breaks down the traits that make a great scout, why evaluating quarterbacks is the hardest job in sports, and how organizations try to balance best player available versus team need.The conversation also goes deeper than football. Fontenot shares what teams are really looking for in a player’s character, why consistency in evaluation matters, and how someone who never played the game can still rise to the top of an NFL front office. It’s an especially revealing segment for anyone interested in the future of women in football leadership and the many paths into the league beyond playing.And of course, there are plenty of great stories along the way — including negotiating with Todd France, the nightmare of trying to stop Aaron Donald, what draft rooms are really like when the clock is ticking, and how NFL teams think through franchise-changing quarterback decisions.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Inner Circle Podcast, one of the top speed coaches in the country joins the show for a fascinating look at what really goes into making elite athletes faster. Les Spellman has trained Olympians, first-round draft picks, and some of the most explosive prospects in football and in this episode he pulls back the curtain on the world of speed development, NFL Combine prep, and the tiny details that can change a player’s future.Spellman shares his unique path into the profession, from a devastating high school injury that left him unable to walk, to becoming obsessed with movement, biomechanics, and the science of speed. That journey eventually led him from Division I track to working with Olympic teams and, later, some of the biggest names preparing for the NFL Draft.The conversation explores how players train for the 40-yard dash, why technique matters so much, and how improvements of just a few fractions of a second can dramatically impact draft stock and earnings. There is also a deep dive into the purpose behind the Combine drills, the difference between playing fast and testing fast, and how top prospects are evaluated through a combination of film, measurables, and athletic testing.Spellman explains how he builds individualized training plans for every athlete, using video analysis, GPS tracking, force data, and years of experience to identify flaws and maximize performance. He also discusses the challenge of keeping players healthy during an intense pre-draft window, the importance of timing and recovery, and how athletes are mentally prepared for one of the most high-pressure job interviews in sports.It is an insightful and entertaining episode packed with behind-the-scenes stories from Combine season, expert analysis on speed and performance, and practical advice for athletes at every level. Whether you are a football fan, a parent, a coach, or just curious about what separates elite athletes from everyone else, this episode offers a rare inside look at the science and strategy behind speed.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThis week one of the most plugged-in and respected insiders in all of sports media, Adam Schefter, enters the circle. Schefter joins the show fresh off breaking news, which is exactly how this episode begins... with plenty of laughs about his late arrival after being pulled into the nonstop chaos of NFL insider life. From there, the conversation turns into a fascinating, candid look at what it really takes to be the man at the center of the NFL news cycle.Adam opens up about the relentless pace of his job, the pressure of being first versus being right, and how information truly moves around the league. He explains why the public often misunderstands where stories come from, why there is no simple go-to person for sourcing, and how relationships with teams, agents, owners, coaches, and players all matter at different times of the year.The guys also dive into the realities of modern media and social media, including how breaking news has changed forever in the age of X, why misinformation spreads so quickly, and the challenge of maintaining trust and credibility when everyone is racing to post first. Schefter shares stories from behind the scenes, including trade talks that surprised him, moments when stories came together faster than expected, and the personal toll of living in a world where the next major NFL development can happen at any second.Aaron and Todd bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation, making this much more than a media interview. Todd breaks down how major NFL news impacts players, agents, and negotiations in real time, while Aaron talks about the “gift and curse” of living a career so fully that it consumes your life. The discussion expands into work ethic, balance, family, and the sacrifices that come with striving to be great in any profession.Schefter also reflects on his longevity, his love for the work, why he still thrives on the adrenaline of a big story, and whether he can ever really turn it off. There are funny moments, honest moments, and plenty of insight into the business of football, journalism, and relationships at the highest level.This episode is part insider masterclass, part life conversation, and part locker room hang... packed with stories, laughs, and real talk about the NFL, media, trust, timing, and what it takes to stay at the top.As always, thanks for you support and enjoy the latest episode of the Inner Circle Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailComing to you from Indianapolis at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the crew brings you for a real behind-the-scenes look at the biggest “job interview” in football.Aaron takes you back to his own Combine experience, the months of prep, the nerves on the start line, and the moment he lost focus for a split second when a familiar coach talked trash right before his 40. AD shares what he trained for, what teams actually cared about, how the process felt inside an empty stadium, and why the Combine is about far more than one headline time.Todd breaks down what most fans never see: the tens of thousands of dollars that go into preparing a top prospect, the specialized team behind each player (speed, strength, nutrition, interview prep, position work), and why teams are obsessed with details like the 10-yard split. They also dig into the grueling reality of Combine week — early-morning testing, medical exams, MRIs, late-night work sessions, and how one medical grade can reshape a player’s draft weekend.Plus, Todd opens the curtain on the business side of Indy: the nonstop meetings with teams, gathering intel on roster plans, extensions, and how clubs are viewing positional value heading into the offseason.If you’ve ever wondered what the Combine is really like and what teams are actually trying to learn... this episode is for you.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThis week on the Inner Circle Podcast, Aaron Donald, Zach Klein and Todd France  sit down with Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta, one of the longest tenured executives in the NFL and a two time Super Bowl champion who has helped shape a modern powerhouse through the draft, development, and relentless standards.Eric opens with a story that perfectly sums up how long he and Todd have been in the grind together, dating back to the Blue Gray game days when a young Todd was roaming the sidelines trying to get someone to listen. From there, DeCosta takes us inside his rise in Baltimore, from being the third choice for a scouting job in 1996 to earning Ozzie Newsome’s trust, stacking responsibilities, and eventually becoming the GM. Along the way, he shares what it was like learning in a building that included future football leaders like Marvin Lewis, Kirk Ferentz, Jim Schwartz, and Eric Mangini.DeCosta also walks through a head coach search that felt like a “speed draft” for the most important hire in the organization, including marathon Zoom interviews, the pressure of juggling draft prep at the same time, and what he prioritized most when evaluating coaching candidates. He explains why leadership, teaching, and player development still separate the best from the rest, even in an era where every assistant coach seems to have an agent and a negotiation.Then the conversation shifts to DeCosta’s specialty: the draft and the hardest position to get right, quarterback. He breaks down what he looks for when projecting NFL passers, why “planet players” matter, and how unique traits show up across positions, including the “computer breakers” who transcend measurements. He also shares what the combine actually does for his process, why workouts can fool you, and how the interview rooms help reveal who can really learn football under pressure.Aaron brings it home with a masterclass on self scouting, film study, and leadership, including how he watched games immediately, what angles mattered most for his preparation, and why the standard only holds if the best players live it every day. Plus, you will hear plenty of laughs, a few classic Inner Circle jabs, and even a wild idea about Aaron Donald taking Team USA bobsled into the next decade.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailBrian Burns is built to hunt quarterbacks  and this season he proved it on the biggest stage. On this episode of The Inner Circle Podcast, AD, Z and T-France sit down with the New York Giants’ “sack man” after a monster year that saw Burns finish second in the NFL in sacks (16.5), earn All-Pro recognition, and become one of the most talked-about edge rushers in football.But this isn’t just a “tell us about your stats” conversation.Burns opens with a behind-the-scenes look at the Pro Bowl week in San Francisco, including a hilariously surreal trip to Alcatraz, made even better by the fact that Burns knows the island like the back of his hand… because it’s literally a map in Call of Duty.  From there, the conversation turns real: what it’s like adjusting from Carolina’s small-market “family vibe” to the spotlight and pressure of New York, where every moment gets magnified, clipped, and spun into a narrative. Burns talks about learning to control your own message, giving advice to younger teammates, and why professionalism matters when the cameras never stop.AD also dives into the craft, getting Burns to break down his favorite pass-rush weapons, including the spin move and the ghost  and then both guys explain the chess match casual fans don’t see: slides, chips, doubles, and why “getting locked up” is often just protection doing its job.You’ll also hear the origin of Burns’ Spider-Man celebration (yes, it started with a Vine), plus a softer side: his lifelong love for dogs — including the chaos of once having seven dogs and later having to play “mama” to a litter of puppies.Funny, detailed, and honest — Brian Burns shows exactly why New York media honored him with the 2025 PFWA Giants Good Guy Award.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThis week we begin with Aaron taking us inside the NFC Championship game and the experience from a retired player’s perspective. Standing for the anthem, feeling the jitters return, and describing that split-second “I could still do this” rush that never really leaves. He reacts to the Rams coming up just short, what it feels like to be that close to the Super Bowl, and why those final red-zone moments decide everything in January. AD also gives Seattle credit for what they did well, from matchup creation to poise under pressure, and he explains what he saw in quarterback Sam Darnold that earned his respect.From there, the conversation turns to the biggest question in Los Angeles: what’s next for Matthew Stafford? After an MVP-caliber season and a heartbreaking playoff loss, is Stafford coming back for one more run? AD shares the real factors that go into retirement. Todd adds the front-office reality: there’s no dramatic “paperwork deadline” with the league, but teams need honest communication so they can plan for every scenario. Zach presses on timelines, roster-building, and how a franchise prepares for the future at the most important position in sports.Then the episode pivots into a fascinating breakdown of NFL contract incentives, sparked by the bonus structure in Sam Darnold’s deal. Should incentives become more common moving forward—and should they extend beyond quarterbacks? Zach raises the idea of position-specific triggers (even for kickers), while Todd explains how incentives really function in negotiations. His bottom line: the priority is always “real money” and guarantees first, with incentives as the extra layer—not the foundation. Plus: a candid look at Senior Bowl week, the nonstop NFL calendar, pre-Super Bowl week chaos, and a quick debate on Pro Bowl vs. All-Pro that reveals how reputation, voting, and legacy actually get shaped.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailMatt Ryan is officially off the Inner Circle Podcast roster and on the clock full-time as the Falcons’ president of football, so Zach Klein, Aaron Donald and Todd France keep the show moving the only way you can when a heavyweight exits: bring in another one.This week’s guest is Jim Nagy, the former NFL scout and longtime personnel voice who ran the Senior Bowl and is now coming up on a year as the general manager at Oklahoma. And if you think the NFL front office life is intense, Nagy makes it clear college football is a different animal right now. His first transfer portal run at OU? Successful, chaotic, but successful. He explains how they went in with an actual plan, hosted 11 guys that first weekend, landed 10, then used the rest of the portal to build depth and chase developmental upside.The eye-opener is the workload and the money side. Nagy walks through renegotiating roughly 80 contracts (and well over 100 if you count freshmen), which is a volume most NFL teams don’t sniff in a year. He explains why the college GM job never really shuts off, how roster retention starts before the season even ends, and why the portal creates pressure because there’s no draft safety net if you miss on a need.Then it gets into the real headache: setting a price when there’s no scoreboard. In the NFL, you know the ranges. In college, Nagy says you’re basically throwing a dart because there’s no transparency in what players are getting paid. He talks about calling other GMs just to find a starting point, why that’s an imperfect system, and how a rookie wage scale and more salary visibility could clean up some of the chaos and prevent an upside-down roster where freshmen are making more than the guys actually winning games.You’ll also hear how Oklahoma is trying to run a true NFL model, not just hand out a GM title. Nagy details the 10-person scouting staff, the grading system, and the weekly discrepancy meetings where scouts and coaches hash out disagreements instead of forcing a fit. The goal is simple: cut the clutter, get coaches more time with their players, and build a roster that can actually survive the SEC grind.And because it’s Jim Nagy, the Senior Bowl stories hit too. Aaron Donald revisits Mobile as the proving ground that helped launch his NFL arc, and Nagy explains why teams value the interview process and the competitiveness lens more than ever. You’ll get the behind-the-scenes reality of agents pulling players late, the Braden Fiske story that sounds made up until you realize it’s not, and the ultimate example of what that week can do for a player: Quinn Meinerz going from Division III unknown to one of the league’s top-paid guards.It’s smart football talk with just enough edge to match the moment: college football is pro football now… it’s just missing the rules.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThe Inner Circle is back for the first show of 2026 — and it’s loaded.It's a wide-ranging, behind-the-curtain episode that hits the two biggest engines in football right now: the NFL postseason grind and the chaos of modern college “free agency.” First, AD breaks down the debate every contender faces in Week 18: rest vs. rust. Using the Eagles as the jumping-off point, he explains how players feel when coaches sit starters, why veteran teams handle it differently than young rosters, and what matters more once you’re “in the dance” — seedings, travel, or simply being healthy and ready to roll.From there, the conversation turns to incentives and the uncomfortable reality that business decisions can clash with personal milestones. Todd details how those conversations actually happen when a player is sitting just short of a bonus, and AD adds a blunt, hilarious perspective on what changes when the incentive is truly life-changing.Then it’s time for flowers: AD gives major respect to Myles Garrett’s monster sack season, including the nuance of doing it on a team that wasn’t winning, the “asterisk” talk around 17 games, and why he believes production is production in today’s NFL.Finally, Todd takes listeners inside his wildest season: NIL + the transfer portal. He explains what it’s like getting flooded with calls from GMs, coaches, and staffers, why “NIL” has basically become college free agency, and how many reported deals are structured in ways fans don’t realize. Zach and Todd even play a rapid-fire “cost of doing business” game by position — from quarterbacks to edge rushers to offensive tackles — and Todd makes it clear: the real numbers can be jaw-dropping.Plus, a fascinating look ahead at the NFL Draft pipeline: training facilities, combine prep, speed work, interview prep, and what prospects don’t know until they live it.Appreciate you being part of the Inner Circle family and thanks for listening! https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit (“Herbie”) joins The Inner Circle for a wide-ranging, funny, and surprisingly personal conversation about what it really takes to stay elite in sports media for three decades and why preparation is still his “superpower.”We open with a full-circle moment: Aaron Donald brings up the Herbie trophy Kirk sent him after AD’s monster 2013 season at Pitt, and the guys have some fun reliving it—before Matt Ryan jumps in with a classic gripe: “Hold on… when did these Herbies start? Because I never got one.” Kirk breaks down his non-stop grind—Saturday night ABC primetime, quick turnaround into Thursday Night Football prep, then back to College GameDay and another ESPN/ABC marquee game. It’s Zooms with coaches, film study, producers asking for tape, and a constant mental switch between NFL and college—because if he’s awake, he’s preparing.Matt digs into the craft: studio analyst vs. game analyst, how you compartmentalize prep, and why there’s an art to being critical without being malicious. Kirk gets real about the direction of sports TV—how loud, clickbait culture has changed the industry—and draws a hard line: he’ll never tear people down just to go viral. Instead, he explains how to critique a QB who threw picks by telling the truth through the lens of what the defense did.We also get college-football-tour gold: Kirk compares NFL vs. college energy, shouts out towns like Athens and Oxford, and shares some favorite “off-the-beaten-path” GameDay stops (hello, Fargo). The episode closes on a warm note with Matt sharing why Kirk’s support during his twins’ birth meant so much—plus a holiday sign-off from the whole crew.Happy holidays and much love from the Inner Circle! https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806