The Sam Acho Podcast

He Missed Every Friday Night Game… and Still Made the NFL

Former NFL linebacker Davion Taylor shares one of the most inspiring journeys in football. Raised in Mississippi as a Commandment Keeper, Davion observed the Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown,  meaning he couldn’t play Friday night high school football like everyone else. Despite missing the traditional path to recruitment, he fought his way onto a junior college roster after competing against more than 150 athletes, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of Colorado. From there, DT became second-team All-Pac-12, ran a blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash, and shocked many by being selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. But the NFL journey wasn’t easy. Davion opens up about the injuries that derailed his early career, battling depression while far from home, and the emotional toll of feeling overlooked once he got hurt. Through every setback, his faith, family, and mindset kept him moving forward. Today, DT is helping train the next generation of athletes at D1 Sports in Nashville, mentoring NFL prospects both physically and mentally while staying open to whatever God has next for his own journey. This episode is about faith, perseverance, purpose, and trusting God through every stage of life , even when the path makes no sense. In this episode, we discuss: • Growing up unable to play Friday night football because of faith • Walking on at JUCO and earning a Division I scholarship • The emotional moment he got drafted by the Eagles • Injuries, depression, and mental health in the NFL • Life after football and mentoring future athletes • Why gratitude changed his perspective on adversity If you’ve ever faced setbacks, uncertainty, or moments where you questioned the journey, this conversation will inspire you to keep going.

From Basketball to 11-Year NFL Career: George Fant’s Unbelievable Journey | Sam Acho & Cliff Marshall

George Fant wasn’t supposed to be here at least not by the usual path. Before becoming an 11-year NFL veteran, he was a four-year basketball starter at Western Kentucky with real opportunities to play professionally overseas. But instead of taking the guaranteed route, he made a faith-driven decision to walk away and chase something far less certain: football. In this episode, George sits down with Sam Acho and Cliff Marshall to unpack that leap and everything that came after it. From battling mental burnout late in college, to rapidly transforming his body and learning an entirely new position, to running a 4.8 forty at nearly 290 pounds, his journey is anything but typical. He shares what it was like going undrafted but still getting interest from all 32 NFL teams, why he chose Seattle, and how he navigated the steep learning curve of the league. George also opens up about setbacks including a tough knee injury during his time with the Jets and what it took to fight his way back, eventually starting again and reaching the playoffs with Houston. Beyond football, this conversation goes deeper into faith, family, financial discipline, and preparing for life after the game. George talks about building the right team around him, his interest in commercial real estate, and why he’s passionate about helping other athletes as an agent. This is a story about betting on yourself, embracing the unknown, and staying grounded through it all.

This is one of the most inspiring underdog stories Of Max Pulley heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

This is one of the most inspiring underdog stories heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. From walking on with no scholarship to becoming a First-Team All-American at Wofford, this rising NFL prospect put in relentless work to get on scouts’ radar. In this episode, we break down: His journey from Western Kentucky to Wofford The daily grind (including 1.5–2 hour drives for training) Elite performance at Pro Day (4.4 forty & 41.5” vertical) Meetings with NFL teams like the Cowboys, Ravens, Panthers, and Jets How faith and discipline shaped his path This episode was recorded just days before the 2026 NFL Draft, giving you a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to chase the league. If you're into football, motivation, or real stories of perseverance — this is for you. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more athlete stories and NFL content. #NFLDraft2026 #NFLProspect #FootballJourney #UnderdogStory #SportsMotivation #CollegeFootball #NFLCombine #AthleteMindset #FaithAndFootball

Faith, Family & Football: Clif Marshall on Training NFL Prospects and Life Beyond the Game

In this powerful episode, Sam Acho sits down with renowned strength coach Clif Marshall to talk about life on and off the field. Clif shares insights from training 25 NFL draft prospects, the discipline it takes to maintain excellence, and why he chooses a more personal, intimate training environment for his athletes. They dive deep into Clif’s journey back to hands-on coaching after a decade, his transition from Indiana University to becoming the National Director of Pro Athlete Training at D1, and the role faith has played in every step of his path. Sam opens up about one of the most meaningful moments of his life, baptizing his son, and together, they explore the importance of faith, family, and keeping perspective in a world often dominated by sports and success. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about perseverance, gratitude, and making intentional choices that align with your values. If you’re striving to balance ambition with purpose, this one’s for you.

The Power of Discipline and Faith: Insights from Miller Kopp’s Journey

Have you ever wondered what it takes to reach your goals, stay resilient amid setbacks, and maintain unwavering faith through life's challenges?  If so, Miller Kopp’s story offers valuable lessons. From his incredible durability on the basketball court to his deep spiritual journey, Miller embodies discipline, purpose, and faith.  In this blog post, we explore his insights into perseverance, the importance of saying no for the right reasons, and how vulnerability and faith shaped his life.Whether you're an aspiring athlete, an entrepreneur, or simply seeking inspiration to navigate your own journey, Miller’s experiences highlight that success isn't just about the results, it's about the inner qualities that sustain us. Let’s dive into his story.  But what's behind this consistency? Miller attributes it to being available and committed, emphasizing the importance of showing up every day regardless of pain, injuries, or setbacks.“The best ability is availability,” Miller states, recalling how he rarely missed practice and always aimed to be there for his team. His discipline extended beyond effort; it was rooted in his nutrition and recovery routines. Miller adopted a caveman-inspired diet of lean meats, fruits, and vegetables, and kept himself hydrated with salt-infused water methods that kept his body shredded and healthy. This level of commitment echoes a principle he learned early on from his father, learning to say no to distractions to say yes to his dreams.  He also shares that the key is to lean into your faith and values during tough times. So, what’s your big yes? What will you say no to today to move closer to your purpose?  Remember, true success lies in aligning your actions with your values, embracing vulnerability, and trusting that God's plan is bigger than any of us can see. Start today: Identify one area to apply discipline, whether in health, faith, or relationships, and take a small step forward. Your journey to greatness begins with that first decision. Want to hear more inspiring stories like Miller’s? Watch the full episode or subscribe for weekly insights on faith, resilience, and growth. This story is a reminder that with discipline, faith, and vulnerability, every goal is within reach.