In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with NFL agent Mike McCartney. Mike  has been involved in college football and the NFL as a coach, scout, and personnel executive for more than 25 years. This includes stints with the Chicago Bears as a Pro Scout and the Philadelphia Eagles as the Director of Pro Personnel. Currently, Mike works for VaynerSports and represents NFL talent like Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, and Aidan Hutchinson. Nik and Mike discuss McCartney's background in football, his transition to becoming an agent, the challenges of drafting quarterbacks in the NFL, McCartney's experience negotiating contracts for Kirk Cousins, the process of navigating free agency, and more! Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Bad Joke About Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy (02:19) "Football is Here, Goodbye Dear"(08:56) Differences Between College Football & The NFL(13:21) Why Drafting a Franchise QB Is Tough(19:23) Becoming a NFL Agent (25:13) Importance of Integrity(27:54) Recruiting New Clients(30:35) Responsibilities as an NFL Agent(33:12) Negotiating Kirk Cousins' Falcons Contract(34:49) Navigating Free Agency(43:27) Do Players Care About the City They Play In?(47:22) Understanding NFL Contracts(55:08) Predicting The Future QB Market(58:39) Insights into Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, and Aiden Hutchinson(01:02:03) Life AdviceConnect with Mike:Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeMcCartney7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_mikemac/Spotrac: https://www.spotrac.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Malcolm Lemmons, a former professional basketball player turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from a life-changing car accident to playing basketball overseas and building his personal brand. He emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort, taking risks, and understanding that greatness takes time. Malcolm also highlights the significance of building a brand for athletes, as it can provide opportunities and leverage during and after their sports careers. Malcolm's journey is one worth paying attention to and his insights into brand building are exceptional. TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(01:02) The Car Accident(07:01) Choosing Basketball(18:03) Playing in Japan(24:35) Lessons from Basketball(36:11) Why Should Athletes Build a Brand?(38:00) Working At Apple(40:35) Brand Perception(41:56) Balancing Viral Content and Value(44:12) Athletes as Role Models(47:31) Athlete-Led Podcasts(49:54) Examples of Good Brands(52:40) Starting Vetted Sports & Newsletters(56:38) Timing of Entrepreneurship for Athletes(59:31) Business Mentors(01:01:13) Challenges Growing a Newsletter(01:03:36) Life Advice(01:07:16) Finding Your PassionConnect with Malcolm:Twitter: https://twitter.com/MalcolmLemmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/malcolmlemmons/Vetted Sports: https://newsletter.vettedsports.com/Twitter Thread: https://x.com/MalcolmLemmons/status/1635263423297773569Buy "Impact Beyond the Game": https://shorturl.at/goxENBuy "Lessons From the Game": https://shorturl.at/wEOW1Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Jason McIntyre: the cohost of The Herd With Colin Cowherd, sports analyst at Fox Sports, founder of The Big Lead, and host of The Straight Fire Podcast. Jason shares his experience building and selling a sports media company, his take on the future of sports media, and key frameworks and advice you can implement to find success in whatever you do. Jason also gives us a behind the scenes look at The Herd and his relationship with Colin Cowherd.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Jason's Early Love for Sports(05:35) The Big Lead(09:10) Importance of Timing(13:00) Adversity(18:05) Conquering Fear(20:56) Discovering Your Own Potential(23:50) Advice From Athletes(27:22) The Herd With Colin Cowherd(31:30) Future of Sports Media(34:30) Jason's Life AdviceConnect with Jason:Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonrmcintyreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonrmcintyre/Straight Fire Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-fire-with-jason-mcintyre/id1523353907Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of the Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Sean Clifford, the backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers and founder of Limitless NIL. In this conversation, Sean Clifford discusses his journey to the NFL, the culture of the Green Bay Packers, the impact of role models, the growth of Jordan Love, his entrepreneurship ventures, and the lessons he learned from football that he applies to business. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) High School Sean(02:59) From Long Snapper to Quarterback(08:38) Preparation & Luck(11:26) Penn State(13:50) Death Threats(18:49) Criticism (23:18) NFL Draft (31:35) Family (35:12) Green Bay Packers' Culture(38:33) Aaron Rodgers(40:46) Role Models(44:04) Jordan Love (47:08) 49ers Own the Packers(48:07) Entrepreneurship & Starting Limitless NIL(53:51) Lessons Learned from Football(57:06) Ji'Ayir Brown(01:01:06) Life Advice

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Ben Brewster - a former draft pick of the Chicago White Sox and current founder & CEO of Tread Athletics. Ben shares his underdog journey from fighting for a roster spot on the White Sox to starting one of the largest baseball coaching & performance companies in the world. Learn the secret strategies & tactics Ben used to grow Tread Athletics, why so many baseball prospects don't fulfill their potential, and a breakdown of the top pitchers in the MLB.Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(01:41) Who Is Ben Brewster?(10:30) Ben Gives a Masterclass in Pitching(13:30) How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others(20:29) Everyone Starts As a Beginner(23:50) Getting Drafted into the MLB & Starting a Company (29:29) MLB Draft Process Explained(32:45) What It's Like Playing in the MLB & Why Most MLB Players Don't Make It(44:13) Why Ben Decided to Start Tread Athletics (56:56) The Impact of COVID on Tread Athletics(59:36) Was Ben Surprised by His Success?(01:02:39) Ben's Social Media Strategy (01:11:52) Mechanical Breakdown of the Best Pitchers in the MLB(01:19:38) Mental Preparation for Pitchers(01:29:07) Is Baseball a Dying Sport?(01:31:29) Ben's Life AdviceConnect with Ben Brewster:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TreadAthleticsTread Athletics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TreadHQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tread_athletics/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@treadathleticsTread Athletics: https://treadathletics.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Marcellus Wiley - a former star Defensive End in the NFL, father, CEO, and sports media personality. Marcellus shares his journey from growing up in South Central LA and how it shaped his perspective on life to the decision to attend Columbia University and ultimately his experience playing professional football in the NFL. Marcellus's journey is one of success and failure, pain and joy, and family. My hope is you learn as much from listening to Marcellus as I did from interviewing him. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Defensive End, Sports Broadcaster, Father, CEO - Marcellus Wiley(00:35) Impact of Fatherhood(01:48) Growing Up in South Central LA & A Run In With the Crips(04:12) The Importance of Perseverance(07:24) Influence of Marcellus' Grandmother(10:57) Taking Football Seriously(13:30)The Significance of Playing Against #27(16:54) Why Marcellus Chose Columbia(20:13) Noise Complaints at Columbia(23:49) What Columbia Taught Marcellus(27:21) The Beauty Pagent at the NFL Draft Combine(30:39) Initial Reaction After Getting Drafted (33:53) Thoughts on Buffalo as a City(38:46) First "Oh Sh*T" Moment in the NFL(41:10) Learning Pass Rush Techniques From the Vets(42:46) Stealing Bruce Smith's Shoes(45:51) Free Agency and Signing with the Chargers(51:22) The Impact of Junior Seau(53:46) Health Effects of Football(56:57) How Max Kellerman Saved Marcellus's Wife(59:36) The Four Corners of a Football Career(01:02:08) Life AdviceConnect with Marcellus Wiley:Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcelluswileyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcelluswileyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcelluswileydatdudeProject Transition: https://projecttransition.org/Buy "Never Shut Up": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/572553/never-shut-up-by-marcellus-wiley/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree Podcast, Nik sits down with Dan Jansen, a  four-time Olympian, seven-time World Cup Champion, and Olympic gold medalist in speed skating. Dan's story starts in Wisconsin, where he quickly picked up the sport of speed skating and set world records at the age of 16. However, tragedy struck Dan and his family as his beloved sister, Jane, tragically passed away right before the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Dan contemplated retiring but decided to keep competing as that's what his sister would have wanted him to do. Dan's performance in the 1988 & 1992 Winter Olympics earned him the nickname "Heartbreak Kid" as Dan often times slipped during his races and finished with sub-par results. However, with the support of an entire country, including President Reagan, Dan triumphed at the 1994 Olympics, winning a gold medal and setting a new world record in what would be his final race. Dan Jansen's story has inspired and touched the hearts of millions of Americans, and I hope it inspires you today as you navigate your own journey. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Dan's Childhood(01:49) Lessons Learned From Siblings(03:58) Balancing Confidence and Humility(06:31) Dan's Role Models Growing Up & Finding Speed Skating(09:39) Setting World Records at 16(10:27) What Does a Speed Skating Practice Look Like?(14:12) What Was Dan's Motivation to Become the Best?(17:32) Dreaming of the Olympics(18:51) First Impressions of the Olympics(22:06) Preparing for the 88' Olympics(26:19) How Dan Dealt With the Tragic Passing of his Sister(34:15) Debating Retirement(39:41) Meeting Ronald Reagan and White House Visit(42:36) The Influence of Peter Mueller & Dr. Jim Loehr and the Power of Self-Belief(49:17) Visualizing Success(52:41) Advice for Young Athletes(54:54) The Emotions of Winning Gold(57:09) The Pressure of Winning(01:00:30) What Speed Skating Has Taught Dan About Life(01:02:49) Would You Rather Have a 1 Minute Conversation With Your Past Self or Future Self?(01:05:12) Dan's Life AdviceConnect with Dan Jansen:Twitter: https://twitter.com/danjansen94Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danjansen1994/Dan Jansen Foundation: https://www.djfoundation.org/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

In this episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with Adam Breneman: a former Penn State Tight End turned entrepreneur and podcast host. Adam discusses his relationship with football, the decision to join Penn State, how difficult it really is to be a good sports broadcaster, and lessons learned from some of his top podcast guests (Jersey Jerry, RGII, Will Compton, etc.). Adam also gives the audience a masterclass on how to play the tight end position which includes insights the average fan may not realize. As with every interview, the episode ends with Adam's life advice. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction and How Adam Manages His Time(03:01) Overcoming the Fear of Failure(06:00) Balancing Feedback and Not Caring What Others Think(09:22) The Influence and Impact of Adam's Father(11:31) The Best Advice Adam's Father Gave Him (12:39) How Adam Differentiates Himself(14:59) A Masterclass in Sports Broadcasting(18:15) Why Adam Chose Penn State(23:43) Adam's Impact on Penn State As Told By Coach James Franklin(26:59) Adam's Football Regrets (31:28) The Story of the Chinese Farmer and How It Applies to Adam's Life(35:22) Lessons Learned from Adam's Podcast Guest(36:22) Jersey Jerry(37:26) RGIII(38:33) Michael Penix(39:55) Michael Penix as a Draft Prospect(41:29) Will Compton(43:17) Kenny Pickett(44:20) Jared Goff(45:37) Celebrating Jared Goff's Success(46:47) Football from a Tight End's Perspective(48:40) The Greatest Tight End of All Time(49:20) Adam's Life AdviceConnect with Adam Breneman:Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdamBreneman81Next Up with Adam Breneman Twitter: https://twitter.com/NextUpWithAdamNext Up with Adam Breneman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextupwithab/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adambreneman/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpWithAdamConnect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicEmail: nikola1.atanackovic@gmail.com

In this episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with Jacob Turner: a former Detroit Tigers pitcher turned wealth manager and content creator. The conversation revolves around topics such as: Jacob's journey from high school to the big leagues, the influence of his father, what it's like getting drafted in the 1st round, how to handle receiving $1.2M at the age of 18, frameworks for success, how to build and protect wealth, and the best baseball fan bases and cities in the country. There's also a Mike Trout story thrown in there, because why not?Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction(00:44) Who is Jacob Turner?(01:43) Why Jacob hates telling others he was a professional athlete(03:35) Influence of Jacob's Father(05:23) The Importance of Youth Sports(08:12) Why Jacob Decided to Play Baseball(09:35) The Motivation Behind Continuous Self-Improvement(11:45) Draft Day Experience(15:21) Receiving $1.2M at the age of 18(17:12) #1 Financial Mistake Athletes Make(19:21) Is St.Louis a Baseball Town?(20:08) The Importance of Proximity in Entrepreneurship(21:01) The Impact of Inputs and Perspective(22:18) Level of Talent in the MLB(24:48) Never Stop Growing(27:50) Do Things That Don't Scale(29:52) What Jacob learned from his roommate, Mike Trout(32:19) The Importance of Delusional Self-Belief(35:16) How You Can Choose to be Confident (38:51) Mental Hurdles as a Pitcher(39:53) What is the Flow State and Why You Need It(45:16) The Importance of Repetition(47:55) The Power of Focus(49:31) How to Know When to Quit(52:38) Should You Set Goals?(54:13) What was Jacob's Goal With Professional Baseball?(56:33) Where It All Went Wrong for Jacob(59:15) Lessons Learned from Playing in the MLB(01:04:31) 70% of Athletes Go Broke Within 3 Years of Retirement(01:07:56) Jacob's Personal Goals for Moment Wealth(01:09:25) Always Make Time for Family(01:13:21) Favorite Baseball Cities and Fan Bases(01:15:37) Jacob's Life AdviceConnect with Jacob Turner:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJacobTurnerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejacob_turner/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJacobTurner/featuredMoment Wealth: https://www.momentprivatewealth.com/Connect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicEmail: nikola1.atanackovic@gmail.com

In this episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with Dr. Jesse Morse: a sports and family medicine physician specializing in regenerative medicine. Dr. Morse discusses his personal journey, the responsibility of a sports and family medicine physician, the reactive nature of the healthcare system, regenerative medicine, the impact of genetics on injury proneness, analyzing NFL players' injury history, and the role of sports medicine in enabling longevity in athletes. He also highlights the limitations of traditional medicine and the need to explore non-traditional options. The conversation touches on concussions and the long-term effects of CTE, as well as Aaron Rodgers' injury and recovery. Please Enjoy!TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction and Jesse's Near Death Experience(03:11) Responsibility as a Sports and Family Medicine Physician(07:04) Why Healthcare in the United States is Terrible(11:18) What is PRP and Why It's Beneficial to Athletes (17:19) Why Are Some Athletes More Injury Prone Than Others?(20:23) Why Some Athletes Are Better at Dealing With Injuries (22:41) Compiling the Injury History of Nearly Every NFL Player(28:05) Importance of Injury Histories in Drafting Players(38:48) The Golden Era of Longevity and Advances in Sports Medicine(46:41) A Discussion on Anti-Aging(51:07) Daily Habits for a Longer and Healthier Life(01:00:43) Concussions and CTE(01:05:04) Aaron Rodgers' Injury and Recovery(01:08:58) Life AdviceConnect with Dr. Jesse Morse:Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrJesseMorseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjessemorse/Eternal Vitality Podcast: https://twitter.com/EternalVitPodThe Osteopathic Center: https://theosteocenter.com/The Fantasy Doctors: https://twitter.com/TheFantasyDRSConnect with Nik:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_AtanackovicEmail: nikola1.atanackovic@gmail.com