Kula Sports Performance- Taylor Nelson-Cook

AJ Billings- Senior VP & Director of Athlete Development

On this episode, we Dive into the world of NFL off-season training as AJ shares his expertise on performance programming and motivation techniques. Discover how top athletes like Derrick Henry prepare for the season, the importance of intentionality and routine, and the role of mental strength in achieving peak performance. Whether you're an athlete or a fan, this episode offers valuable insights into the dedication and strategies behind the scenes. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond the field.

Overcoming Adversity-Brandon Graham

Growing up outside of Detroit, Brandon saw football as a way to receive a scholarship and was the number two ranked linebacker prospect in the state of Michigan. Brandon decided to stay close to home where he played college football at the University of Michigan. Michigan’s track record of success and football environment helped prepare Brandon for the NFL where he was selected 13th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles. On the show we discuss Brandon's Achilles injury in year 12, and how training helped him both physically and mentally to come back and have a career year. Brandon has had many on field accomplishments such as the strip sack on Tom Brady to win the Super Bowl, but his believes that starting a family has been most important to him over the past 15 years.

Strength Coach- Josh Cuthbert

Growing up in South Florida, Josh was always playing sports and was passionate from a young age. Josh would go on to receive a scholarship to Louisiana Tech where he played football. After enduring several injuries during his playing days and going through multiple surgeries it eventually led Josh into training. Training had always been something that Josh truly loved doing. On the show we discuss, the impact that his dad had on his work ethic by instilling a first one in last one out mentality. This mentality has played a pivotal role in starting and growing his training business into what it is today. Josh talks about his process to keep his athletes at the top of their game year round. Josh works with professional athletes such as George Kittle, TJ Hockenson, and Oren Burks.

Kula Sports Performance- Taylor Nelson-Cook

Taylor was a great athlete growing up and his passion was focused on soccer. Taylor spent a period of time in England where he had an opportunity to play abroad. After experiencing soccer abroad, Taylor decided to return home and play soccer in college at UT Tyler. Taylor used his competitiveness and passion for sports to launch a career in training. On the show we discuss Taylor needing an internship to graduate and how he came to find APEC. APEC trainer Bobby Stroupe who is well known for training Patrick Mahomes and was crucial in Taylors development and progression as a trainer. Taylor later left APEC for an opportunity at Kula Sports Performance where he now partners with Brian Kula who is one of most highly touted trainers in the industry.

DSA Sports Performance- Lily Abdelmalek

Growing up in St. Louis Lily didn’t play organized sports but was always active as a kid. Lily started to realize her passion for training when she went to the University of Florida. Upon graduating from Florida, Lily earned a degree in kinesiology and specialized in both biomechanics and exercise science. At first lily thought about physical therapy, but that quickly changed once she received an internship with a sports performance facility in Atlanta.  On the show we discuss the challenges as a female in the sports performance industry over the past 20 years. In 2009 Lily made the decision to bet on herself and opened her own training facility. Since then, Lily has established herself as one of the top trainers in the industry. She trains notable athletes such as Jalen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Anthony Edwards Minnesota Timberwolves, and Quincy Williams of the New York Jets.