Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder reshape sports media with resilience, talk Football, Lane Kiffin, LSU, Arch Manning, college rankings, HBCU's, Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and the reality of Hyrox competitions

"When one door closes, another opens and if it doesn't, kick it down until it does." Ryan Clark Football season is back, we kicked off week 1 launching our own kick off with our new Sports Studio show as Ryan, Channing and Fred share their journey of resilience, redirection and shaking up the industry. It's a lesson in rebuilding and turning let down into opportunity and the guys share how they pulled off mission impossible efforts to kick off the football season in a new pivotal way. The guys reflect with raw emotion, thoughtfulness and share the highs and lows of the process rooted in brotherhood to get to where we are now. Leading right into College football season kick off and RC's LSU Tigers coming out strong, Lane Kiffen's leadership, Arch Manning the future, top ranked colleges and the support of HBCU teams. Giving their insights and locker room takes while having fun talking off the field like RC's Hyrox adventure, Chan's sports-parenting and Freddy T's reflection on life as we get into a new season of life. Also, the guys applaud Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese quieting the unnecessary noise as WNBA season is underway. Full video episode out now on Netflix. And Check out our new Sports Show on Mondays at 2pm est on The Pivot YouTube Channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I’m a peace with my career. I had nothing else to prove. "Clay Matthews Clay Matthews is back — and he’s giving us the story behind the story, joining Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk all the changes big and small in life. From USC to the NFL, Super Bowl champion, defensive force and one of the most recognizable linebackers of his generation, Clay Matthews sits down for a conversation about the journey that made him — on and off the field. After hanging low for years after retiring, Clay opens up about his rise from USC to Green Bay, winning a Super Bowl, building a defensive legacy and what it really took to compete at the highest level of football. The Super Bowl play to upset the Pittsburgh Steelers is a defining moment in his career but also a painful one for Ryan to revisit as it was his team on the losing end. But this conversation goes beyond the stats, sacks and championships. He gets honest about why he stepped away from the game for so long, what life after football has looked like, and finding purpose outside of the sport that defined so much of his life. And perhaps most importantly, Clay talks about being a dad and coaching his kids in flag football — bringing the same standards of accountability, discipline and respect that were demanded of him throughout his own career. What does it mean to hold your kids to a high standard while still letting them find their own path? We also get into Clay’s next chapter, including his work with Netflix, his evolving role in entertainment and the hilarious viral headlines surrounding his “new look” that had everyone doing a double take this week. Partnering with Caesar's Sportsbook, Clay gave everyone a run for his money when he appeared in public for the first time in years with an enhanced maxxed out look that had the world buzzing if it was really him...shortly after he announced his partnership with Caesar's and how the Sportsbook and app have had some "work done" just as he did to launch this next chapter. This is Clay Matthews beyond the helmet — the competitor, the father, the storyteller, and the man who has figured out the right balance between football and family. Full video episode now streaming on Netflix. The Pivot Podcast a partner of Caesar's Sportsbook. Please play responsibly. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA,MI, MS, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, ON, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, DC or Puerto Rico. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, MS, MO, NJ, TN, WV, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (http://mdgamblinghelp.org/) or WV: Visit 1800gambler.net (http://1800gambler.net/); AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; OH, VA, LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City),Washington, DC (OLG Class A licensed operator): Call 1-800-MY-RESET; NV:Call 1-800-522-4700; ON: Visit connexontario.ca (http://connexontario.ca/) or call 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247; Puerto Rico: Call 1-800-981-0023; llame a la línea PAS de ASSMCA 1-800-981-0023. ©2026, Caesars Entertainment. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or Call 1-800-MY-RESETMA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (http://gamblinghelplinema.org/) NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Be so good they cant ignore it." Fred Warner The San Francisco 49ers star joins The Pivot to talk about the journey, adversity, and mindset behind becoming the leader of one of the league’s toughest defenses. Going from having Super Bowl MVP locked up to losing the game, Warner opens up about chasing the Lombardi, the lessons that came from falling short, battling back from injury, and what it takes mentally and physically to return to the field at the highest level. He gets real about his family, the people who keep him grounded, and the responsibility that comes with being a leader in the 49ers locker room. He also breaks down the transition to a new defensive coordinator in Raheem Morris, what changes on the field, and how he plans to set the tone for the next chapter of San Francisco football. This is Fred Warner beyond the helmet — his journey, his setbacks, his family, his leadership, and his relentless pursuit of a championship. Check out the full episode streaming now on Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Baker on the Future of College Sports What happens when college sports becomes one of the biggest business, political and cultural battlegrounds in America? On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Charlie Baker, NCAA President and former Massachusetts governor, joins the conversation for a wide-ranging discussion about the rapidly changing world of college athletics. Baker breaks down the chaos surrounding the NCAA, the evolving NIL landscape, the future of college football, and what the next era of the student-athlete experience could look like. He also opens up about LSU and the controversy surrounding NFL players going back to college and how it affects the identity of college sports and how much financial implications are coming from NIL and transfer portal. The conversation goes beyond football, with Baker discussing the explosive growth of women’s sports, the opportunities and challenges facing women athletes, and how college athletics can continue building momentum across the country. And because college sports and politics are increasingly intertwined, Baker weighs in on the role of politics in college athletics, the pressures facing universities and the NCAA, and where the line should be drawn between government, institutions and sports. From NIL and conference realignment to football, women’s sports, LSU, politics and the future of the NCAA, this is a candid conversation about an industry undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history. The rules are changing. The money is changing. The power is shifting. And Charlie Baker is at the center of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The hardest fight is life, another man doesn’t scare me.” Conor Benn In a powerful and eye-opening conversation, the guys sit with Conor Benn for one of his most honest and vulnerable conversations yet. The son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn, Conor grew up carrying a family name that came with enormous expectations. But behind the undefeated record, the spotlight, and the pressure to live up to his father’s legacy was a young man fighting battles that had nothing to do with boxing. In an emotional and vulnerable moment, Conor opens up about his journey through suspension, the scrutiny and isolation that followed, and reaching a point where the weight of everything became so overwhelming that he contemplated taking his own life. He shares what brought him back from that place, how he began to find himself beyond boxing, and the people and experiences that ultimately helped save his life. He shares how there is no such thing as fear and that his perspective on fighting has changed realizing getting in the ring is nothing compared to what he’s endured.  Now, with his upcoming fight against Ryan Garcia, Conor talks about what this next chapter means to him — not just as a fighter, but as a man. He discusses redemption, purpose, mental strength, what he has learned from the darkest moments of his life, and where he sees his career and life going from here. This is more than a boxing conversation. It’s a story about falling apart, finding yourself, saving your life, and discovering what you’re truly fighting for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The league is about getting better, if you don’t, you are out.” -Malik Willis As NFL training camp officially wraps, now it’s time to see how some of the new faces in new places approach the 2026 season. We had the privilege of sitting with one of the break out stars over the past couple years who is getting his chance to be back leading a team.  Miami’s quarterback, Malik Willis, joins The Pivot for a wide-ranging conversation about the journey that has shaped him both on and off the football field — from growing up with the foundation of good parents, finding his way through college football, and eventually making his way from Tennessee to Green Bay and now Miami. Willis opens up about the highs, setbacks, lessons, and growth that have come with chasing his dream of becoming an NFL quarterback. He reflects on his college path, the experiences that helped shape his game and his mindset, and the people who kept him grounded along the way. Now entering a new chapter as the quarterback of the Miami Dolphins, Willis talks about the expectations that come with getting his opportunity to lead an NFL franchise. He discusses adjusting to a new team, a new city, and a new head coach, while embracing the responsibility and pressure that comes with being the guy under center. His bond with Coach Jeff Hafley has helped him grow into the leader the team needs especially with a young roster, specifically at wide receiver. But beyond football, the conversation gives a glimpse into the person behind the helmet. Known for his relaxed demeanor and calm presence, Willis talks about staying true to himself while navigating the noise, expectations, and scrutiny that come with playing quarterback at the highest level. From Tennessee to Green Bay to Miami, Malik Willis’ story is one of perseverance, patience, family, growth, and believing in yourself when the path doesn’t always go according to plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The entire team is bought in to Ben Johnson’s winning ways.” Coltson Loveland  As we are getting close to wrapping our training camp tour, we caught up with Chicago Bears’ first-round pick who sits with Ryan and Channing for an honest, fun and wide-ranging conversation about his rise from a small-town young buck in Idaho to becoming one of the biggest names in college football at Michigan — and now, one of the NFL’s most intriguing playmakers. Colston takes us behind the scenes of the journey, the sacrifices and the moments that shaped him along the way. From Idaho hometown hero to winning a National Championship at Michigan with Jim Harbaugh to being selected as a first round draft pick to Chicago Bears. His name is rising quickly to the top of the NFL, he talks about feeding off the energy from Ben Johnson, the dawg mentality of his quarterback Caleb Williams and being apart of a roster determined to win at all costs.  He recounts last season’s comebacks, his career high performance, the heated rivalry between Green Bay, Bears’ playoff run and the expectations the team has instilled on themselves to chase a Lombardi trophy this season.  Colston gives his perspective on Johnson’s offensive mind, his coaching style and why players are excited about what he’s building in Chicago. He talks about Caleb’s unique ability to make plays that seemingly shouldn’t be possible, what it’s like developing chemistry with him and why the Bears’ offense has so much potential. Chicago and the NFL world has already embraced Colston — and apparently, so have the ladies As he acknowledges the attention that comes with being a young NFL star, his growing fan base and what it’s like adjusting to life in the spotlight while still continuing to prove himself on the field. To Colston, It's bigger than the draft status, the attention or the hype...It’s about his goals in the NFL, what he wants to accomplish in Chicago and the mindset required to bring championships to the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Be at your best when your best is needed." Jonathan Taylor As the Pivot Training Camp tour hits Indianapolis, one of the league's best Running Backs Jonathan Taylor sits with the guys for an in-depth conversation about his football journey—from his early days at Salem High School in New Jersey to his dominant college career at Wisconsin to becoming one of the NFL’s premier running backs with the Indianapolis Colts...JT's transcendent path is one everyone can learn from. Taylor opens up on making it to the league, the work behind becoming one of the most productive backs in football, and what it means to earn a new deal and continue building his legacy in Indianapolis. JT talks about the legends at his position before him, what it was like having Philip Rivers around and gives an inside-look into this year's roster filled with young proven talent. He also discusses his relationship with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, the Irsay family, and the people inside the organization who have helped shape his career. He gives his respect to the other top Backs in the league from Bijan to Derrick Henry to Saquon, even revealing what him and Saquon had in common long before their NFL days...Beyond the numbers, Taylor talks about leadership, accountability, handling adversity, and setting the standard for a team that wants to win. He also breaks down what it will take for the Colts to make the playoffs—what needs to come together inside the locker room, the consistency required throughout the season, and the mindset it takes to make a real postseason run. What does it take to be one of the best? How does he approach the responsibility that comes with being a leader? And what does winning mean to him at this stage of his career? A candid conversation with one of the NFL’s elite about the journey that got him here—and the mindset, leadership and commitment it will take to get the Colts where they want to go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Going against Ceedee and GP is prepping me for what I need to be at my best." Caleb Downs  On the road, hitting all the Training Camps and had to make it to Oxnard to check out the rookie sensation- Caleb Downs who joins us for a conversation during his first NFL training camp with the Dallas Cowboys, stepping into the league as a first-round pick with expectations already sky-high. Caleb opens up about making the transition from college football to the NFL, the pressure that comes with being a highly touted first-rounder, and what it means to now wear the Cowboys star. He talks about going against elite teammates like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens every day at practice, learning what separates NFL players, and the intensity of competing against the best in the world. He opens up on his immediate bond with Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker and what he sees in his new coach that can take the defense to the next level. The conversation also goes back to his championship-winning college career, his time playing for Nick Saban, and the lessons he took from one of football's greatest coaches. Caleb reflects on playing alongside stars like Jeremiah Smith, the competitive mindset that helped him win at the college level, and how those experiences prepared him for Sundays in the NFL. He shares how the upsets and losses are just as important as the wins in maintaining a championship mindset. Caleb tells the guys that since he was young, he's studied some of the greatest athletes from Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady to Michael Jordan not because of their skill set but because of their habits and uses his findings in his everyday life. Caleb also gets personal about family, the pride of following those who came before him, and what it means to have a brother already playing in the NFL while continuing a football legacy of his own. From winning in college to earning his place in Dallas, Caleb Downs gives The Pivot an inside look at the mindset, expectations and family foundation behind one of football's rising young stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As our NFL Training Camp tour continues, we stop in H Town to sit with a big part of the league's top tier defense with one of the leaders, Linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair, who sits with us for an honest conversation about the journey that shaped him—his upbringing, family, faith, and the adversity he had to overcome to reach the NFL and stay in the league. Azeez opens up about his path to football, the obstacles he faced along the way, being one of eight children raised by a single mother, and the mindset that helped him turn challenges into motivation. He gets candid about his NFL career, his identity and religion, the intensity of playing defense, and the moments that tested him both on and off the field. The conversation also dives into the controversial hit on Trevor Lawrence, the aftermath and lessons that came from it...he doesn't hold back on the realization of how he quickly became judged by the world for that one moment and how it affected him mentally and on the field. With head coach DeMeco Ryans being one of his early supporters from their time in San Francisco, he shares how Coach was one of the people who helped him through his darkest time and bring him full circle picking him as one of the leaders on the Texans defense, demonstrating what it takes to play with emotion while maintaining discipline and perspective. This is a conversation about more than football—it’s about faith, resilience, identity, adversity, and the relentless pursuit of becoming the person you’re meant to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices