Sports

BTU #334 - Navy SEAL to College Football Coach (Jake Zweig)

BTU #334 - Navy SEAL to College Football Coach (Jake Zweig)

Why Listen:

There are so many reasons to listen to today’s interview. First of all: Sports. Jake is the first person I’ve interviewed who has had a career in sports leadership. He is currently the Director of Player Development at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and we talk a lot about the NFL, coaching in professional football, and what this industry is like. Second: TV. Jake is a dynamic personality, and has been featured on shows such on both the Discovery Channel and Scout Media Network. This interview offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like being on TV, and about extending one’s personal brand. Lastly: motivation. I found Jake and his story very uplifting - his perspective on failure, on pushing oneself, and on pursing a personal goal with relentless, are all informative and inspirational. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out: BTU #74 - Nate Boyer: Army Green Beret to the NFL - https://beyondtheuniform.org/blog/btu-84-nate-boyer-army-green-beret-to-the-nfl?rq=nate%20boyer BTU #245 - Marine Corps to MMA & the UFC (Liz Carmouche) - https://beyondtheuniform.org/blog/btu-245-marine-corps-to-mma-the-ufc-liz-carmouche?rq=ufc BTU #329 - Active Duty Army to the NFL (Alejandro Villanueva) - https://beyondtheuniform.org/blog/195-active-duty-army-to-the-nfl-alejandro-villanueva-nxkba?rq=alejandro BTU #196 - Active Duty Army to UFC Contender and Discovery Channel Show Host (Tim Kennedy) - https://beyondtheuniform.org/blog/btu-196-active-duty-army-to-ufc-contender-and-discovery-channel-show-host-tim-kennedy?rq=ufc

About Jake:

Jake Zweig is the Director of Player Development at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, He started out at the Naval Academy, after which he served as a Surface Warfare Offer (qualifying in 6 months rather than the typical 18-24 months) before transferring to and becoming a Navy SEAL team officer for six years. His career has included work as a Football Coach at the University of Maryland, the Catholic University of America, the University of New Hampshire, Bryant University, the University of the Incarnate Word, and the University of Findlay. He has also worked as a TV Host for both the Discovery Channel and the Scout Media Network, with involvement with the Dude, Your Screwed program and this History Channels Hot Shot. He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan.

BTU #329 - Active Duty Army to the NFL (Alejandro Villanueva) (Rebroadcast)

BTU #329 - Active Duty Army to the NFL (Alejandro Villanueva) (Rebroadcast)

Alejandro Villanueva is a Left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started out at West Point, where he played left tackle, defensive lineman, and wide receiver. He was voted to be team captain his final year at West Point, and a feature story in the Army football program read, "Already touted as the tallest football player in the country, Villanueva completed the transformation from being an offensive lineman for the past two years, to running routes on the field with the starting offense last Saturday night.” He served as a Captain in the Army, as an Army Ranger and was decorated with a Bronze Star for valor, having served three tours of duty in Afghanistan. After his military service he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles, and later after by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Why Listen: 
Alejandro went directly from Active Duty to the NFL, a feat that few have accomplished. His story is one of determination, perspective, and family-first values.

BTU #195 - Active Duty Army to the NFL (Alejandro Villanueva)

BTU #195 - Active Duty Army to the NFL (Alejandro Villanueva)

Alejandro Villanueva is a Left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started out at West Point, where he played left tackle, defensive lineman, and wide receiver. He was voted to be team captain his final year at West Point, and a feature story in the Army football program read, "Already touted as the tallest football player in the country, Villanueva completed the transformation from being an offensive lineman for the past two years, to running routes on the field with the starting offense last Saturday night.” He served as a Captain in the Army, as an Army Ranger and was decorated with a Bronze Star for valor, having served three tours of duty in Afghanistan. After his military service he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles, and later after by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Why Listen: 
Alejandro went directly from Active Duty to the NFL, a feat that few have accomplished. His story is one of determination, perspective, and family-first values.