From overlooked to undeniable.

In this inspiring episode of At the Podium with Manuel Amezcua, Manny sits down with Detroit Lions linebacker DaRon Gilbert to talk about his unlikely journey from Brother Rice High School to the NFL. An undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois, DaRon has navigated position changes, injuries, and the pressure of proving himself in one of the league’s most competitive locker rooms.

Together, they explore the power of perseverance, the coaches and mentors who helped shape DaRon’s mindset, and what it really takes to carve out a place in the NFL as an underdog. DaRon opens up about his time with Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, the locker room culture that fuels their success, and how he’s preparing for life beyond football with a degree in Business Administration and a commitment to personal growth.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone chasing your own comeback story, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and the importance of auditing your circle.

Topics Covered:

DaRon's high school and college football journey
Life as an undrafted free agent in the NFL
Overcoming injury and earning a second chance
Culture inside the Lions’ locker room under Dan Campbell
Lessons from coaches, teammates, and adversity
Building financial habits and preparing for life after football

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Listen now and get inspired by a true Detroit underdog story.

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DaRon Gilbert's Underdog Path to the Detroit Lions