Between the Sidelines and Us

Episode 4 Brendon Ayanbadejo - Intentional Sports Parenting with a Super Bowl Champion and 13-yr NFL Veteran

Join us for a conversation about intentional parenting throughout the youth sports journey with Super Bowl Champion and 13-yr NFL Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo. Hear what this champion has to say on not getting swept up in the youth sports machine hype and trusting each child's individual journey.

Episode 1 Between the Sidelines and Us Intro

Why have this conversation about youth sports? As the wives of former professional athletes, we've experienced the culture of elite sport and find some of the behaviors and reactions at our children's sporting events quite bizarre and concerning. As mothers, we are ready to dive into a conversation about just how to make youth sports a healthier space where all student athletes can thrive and develop. As professionals, we see the need to advocate for better environments that will improve the experience for all involved stakeholders.

Episode 3: DeAngelo Hall - How an Elite Athlete Navigates Youth Sports

On Episode 3, we interview 3 time Pro Bowler and 14-year NFL Veteran, DeAngelo Hall. DeAngelo is currently an NFL coach for the Carolina Panthers who formerly played cornerback and safety for Virginia Tech, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Washington Football Team. In high school he was a multi-sport athlete who lettered in track, basketball, and football. He is the father of six children and we get to hear his unique perspective on the current state of youth sports today and how he juggles having been an elite athlete with maintaining a grounded perspective with his kids.

Episode 2: Logan Paulsen - Non-traditional Pathways to Collegiate and Professional Sport

On Episode 2, we interview Logan Paulsen and learn about how parents can trust the developmental process and become less focused on the eventual outcome. Logan played tight end for the UCLA Bruins after being a multi-sport athlete in high school. He was signed by the Washington Football Team as an undrafted free agent and went on to have 9-year NFL career. He currently does color commentary for the Washington Commanders and also coaches H.S., collegiate, and professional athletes. Through Logan's story we examine how a pathway to elite sports is not always a straight shot, and why parents should consider the holistic picture of their athlete's development.