Send us Fan MailWith the NFL Draft approaching, The Inner Circle Podcast goes inside one of the most fascinating and misunderstood processes in pro sports with former Atlanta Falcons GM Terry Fontenot.Fontenot spent more than 20 years inside NFL front offices, rising from scouting assistant with the New Orleans Saints to Falcons general manager. In this episode, he gives a rare, honest look at what really happens in the weeks leading up to the draft, how boards are built, how much teams actually pay attention to mock drafts, why private visits matter, and how front offices sort through film, analytics, medicals, interviews, and background research to separate great players from risky picks.Terry also explains why teams can get fooled by combine performances, why some elite college players still slide, and how a player like Xavier Watts can be undervalued despite dominant tape. He breaks down the traits that make a great scout, why evaluating quarterbacks is the hardest job in sports, and how organizations try to balance best player available versus team need.The conversation also goes deeper than football. Fontenot shares what teams are really looking for in a player’s character, why consistency in evaluation matters, and how someone who never played the game can still rise to the top of an NFL front office. It’s an especially revealing segment for anyone interested in the future of women in football leadership and the many paths into the league beyond playing.And of course, there are plenty of great stories along the way — including negotiating with Todd France, the nightmare of trying to stop Aaron Donald, what draft rooms are really like when the clock is ticking, and how NFL teams think through franchise-changing quarterback decisions.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Inner Circle Podcast, one of the top speed coaches in the country joins the show for a fascinating look at what really goes into making elite athletes faster. Les Spellman has trained Olympians, first-round draft picks, and some of the most explosive prospects in football and in this episode he pulls back the curtain on the world of speed development, NFL Combine prep, and the tiny details that can change a player’s future.Spellman shares his unique path into the profession, from a devastating high school injury that left him unable to walk, to becoming obsessed with movement, biomechanics, and the science of speed. That journey eventually led him from Division I track to working with Olympic teams and, later, some of the biggest names preparing for the NFL Draft.The conversation explores how players train for the 40-yard dash, why technique matters so much, and how improvements of just a few fractions of a second can dramatically impact draft stock and earnings. There is also a deep dive into the purpose behind the Combine drills, the difference between playing fast and testing fast, and how top prospects are evaluated through a combination of film, measurables, and athletic testing.Spellman explains how he builds individualized training plans for every athlete, using video analysis, GPS tracking, force data, and years of experience to identify flaws and maximize performance. He also discusses the challenge of keeping players healthy during an intense pre-draft window, the importance of timing and recovery, and how athletes are mentally prepared for one of the most high-pressure job interviews in sports.It is an insightful and entertaining episode packed with behind-the-scenes stories from Combine season, expert analysis on speed and performance, and practical advice for athletes at every level. Whether you are a football fan, a parent, a coach, or just curious about what separates elite athletes from everyone else, this episode offers a rare inside look at the science and strategy behind speed.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThis week one of the most plugged-in and respected insiders in all of sports media, Adam Schefter, enters the circle. Schefter joins the show fresh off breaking news, which is exactly how this episode begins... with plenty of laughs about his late arrival after being pulled into the nonstop chaos of NFL insider life. From there, the conversation turns into a fascinating, candid look at what it really takes to be the man at the center of the NFL news cycle.Adam opens up about the relentless pace of his job, the pressure of being first versus being right, and how information truly moves around the league. He explains why the public often misunderstands where stories come from, why there is no simple go-to person for sourcing, and how relationships with teams, agents, owners, coaches, and players all matter at different times of the year.The guys also dive into the realities of modern media and social media, including how breaking news has changed forever in the age of X, why misinformation spreads so quickly, and the challenge of maintaining trust and credibility when everyone is racing to post first. Schefter shares stories from behind the scenes, including trade talks that surprised him, moments when stories came together faster than expected, and the personal toll of living in a world where the next major NFL development can happen at any second.Aaron and Todd bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation, making this much more than a media interview. Todd breaks down how major NFL news impacts players, agents, and negotiations in real time, while Aaron talks about the “gift and curse” of living a career so fully that it consumes your life. The discussion expands into work ethic, balance, family, and the sacrifices that come with striving to be great in any profession.Schefter also reflects on his longevity, his love for the work, why he still thrives on the adrenaline of a big story, and whether he can ever really turn it off. There are funny moments, honest moments, and plenty of insight into the business of football, journalism, and relationships at the highest level.This episode is part insider masterclass, part life conversation, and part locker room hang... packed with stories, laughs, and real talk about the NFL, media, trust, timing, and what it takes to stay at the top.As always, thanks for you support and enjoy the latest episode of the Inner Circle Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailComing to you from Indianapolis at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the crew brings you for a real behind-the-scenes look at the biggest “job interview” in football.Aaron takes you back to his own Combine experience, the months of prep, the nerves on the start line, and the moment he lost focus for a split second when a familiar coach talked trash right before his 40. AD shares what he trained for, what teams actually cared about, how the process felt inside an empty stadium, and why the Combine is about far more than one headline time.Todd breaks down what most fans never see: the tens of thousands of dollars that go into preparing a top prospect, the specialized team behind each player (speed, strength, nutrition, interview prep, position work), and why teams are obsessed with details like the 10-yard split. They also dig into the grueling reality of Combine week — early-morning testing, medical exams, MRIs, late-night work sessions, and how one medical grade can reshape a player’s draft weekend.Plus, Todd opens the curtain on the business side of Indy: the nonstop meetings with teams, gathering intel on roster plans, extensions, and how clubs are viewing positional value heading into the offseason.If you’ve ever wondered what the Combine is really like and what teams are actually trying to learn... this episode is for you.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThis week on the Inner Circle Podcast, Aaron Donald, Zach Klein and Todd France  sit down with Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta, one of the longest tenured executives in the NFL and a two time Super Bowl champion who has helped shape a modern powerhouse through the draft, development, and relentless standards.Eric opens with a story that perfectly sums up how long he and Todd have been in the grind together, dating back to the Blue Gray game days when a young Todd was roaming the sidelines trying to get someone to listen. From there, DeCosta takes us inside his rise in Baltimore, from being the third choice for a scouting job in 1996 to earning Ozzie Newsome’s trust, stacking responsibilities, and eventually becoming the GM. Along the way, he shares what it was like learning in a building that included future football leaders like Marvin Lewis, Kirk Ferentz, Jim Schwartz, and Eric Mangini.DeCosta also walks through a head coach search that felt like a “speed draft” for the most important hire in the organization, including marathon Zoom interviews, the pressure of juggling draft prep at the same time, and what he prioritized most when evaluating coaching candidates. He explains why leadership, teaching, and player development still separate the best from the rest, even in an era where every assistant coach seems to have an agent and a negotiation.Then the conversation shifts to DeCosta’s specialty: the draft and the hardest position to get right, quarterback. He breaks down what he looks for when projecting NFL passers, why “planet players” matter, and how unique traits show up across positions, including the “computer breakers” who transcend measurements. He also shares what the combine actually does for his process, why workouts can fool you, and how the interview rooms help reveal who can really learn football under pressure.Aaron brings it home with a masterclass on self scouting, film study, and leadership, including how he watched games immediately, what angles mattered most for his preparation, and why the standard only holds if the best players live it every day. Plus, you will hear plenty of laughs, a few classic Inner Circle jabs, and even a wild idea about Aaron Donald taking Team USA bobsled into the next decade.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailBrian Burns is built to hunt quarterbacks  and this season he proved it on the biggest stage. On this episode of The Inner Circle Podcast, AD, Z and T-France sit down with the New York Giants’ “sack man” after a monster year that saw Burns finish second in the NFL in sacks (16.5), earn All-Pro recognition, and become one of the most talked-about edge rushers in football.But this isn’t just a “tell us about your stats” conversation.Burns opens with a behind-the-scenes look at the Pro Bowl week in San Francisco, including a hilariously surreal trip to Alcatraz, made even better by the fact that Burns knows the island like the back of his hand… because it’s literally a map in Call of Duty.  From there, the conversation turns real: what it’s like adjusting from Carolina’s small-market “family vibe” to the spotlight and pressure of New York, where every moment gets magnified, clipped, and spun into a narrative. Burns talks about learning to control your own message, giving advice to younger teammates, and why professionalism matters when the cameras never stop.AD also dives into the craft, getting Burns to break down his favorite pass-rush weapons, including the spin move and the ghost  and then both guys explain the chess match casual fans don’t see: slides, chips, doubles, and why “getting locked up” is often just protection doing its job.You’ll also hear the origin of Burns’ Spider-Man celebration (yes, it started with a Vine), plus a softer side: his lifelong love for dogs — including the chaos of once having seven dogs and later having to play “mama” to a litter of puppies.Funny, detailed, and honest — Brian Burns shows exactly why New York media honored him with the 2025 PFWA Giants Good Guy Award.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThis week we begin with Aaron taking us inside the NFC Championship game and the experience from a retired player’s perspective. Standing for the anthem, feeling the jitters return, and describing that split-second “I could still do this” rush that never really leaves. He reacts to the Rams coming up just short, what it feels like to be that close to the Super Bowl, and why those final red-zone moments decide everything in January. AD also gives Seattle credit for what they did well, from matchup creation to poise under pressure, and he explains what he saw in quarterback Sam Darnold that earned his respect.From there, the conversation turns to the biggest question in Los Angeles: what’s next for Matthew Stafford? After an MVP-caliber season and a heartbreaking playoff loss, is Stafford coming back for one more run? AD shares the real factors that go into retirement. Todd adds the front-office reality: there’s no dramatic “paperwork deadline” with the league, but teams need honest communication so they can plan for every scenario. Zach presses on timelines, roster-building, and how a franchise prepares for the future at the most important position in sports.Then the episode pivots into a fascinating breakdown of NFL contract incentives, sparked by the bonus structure in Sam Darnold’s deal. Should incentives become more common moving forward—and should they extend beyond quarterbacks? Zach raises the idea of position-specific triggers (even for kickers), while Todd explains how incentives really function in negotiations. His bottom line: the priority is always “real money” and guarantees first, with incentives as the extra layer—not the foundation. Plus: a candid look at Senior Bowl week, the nonstop NFL calendar, pre-Super Bowl week chaos, and a quick debate on Pro Bowl vs. All-Pro that reveals how reputation, voting, and legacy actually get shaped.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailMatt Ryan is officially off the Inner Circle Podcast roster and on the clock full-time as the Falcons’ president of football, so Zach Klein, Aaron Donald and Todd France keep the show moving the only way you can when a heavyweight exits: bring in another one.This week’s guest is Jim Nagy, the former NFL scout and longtime personnel voice who ran the Senior Bowl and is now coming up on a year as the general manager at Oklahoma. And if you think the NFL front office life is intense, Nagy makes it clear college football is a different animal right now. His first transfer portal run at OU? Successful, chaotic, but successful. He explains how they went in with an actual plan, hosted 11 guys that first weekend, landed 10, then used the rest of the portal to build depth and chase developmental upside.The eye-opener is the workload and the money side. Nagy walks through renegotiating roughly 80 contracts (and well over 100 if you count freshmen), which is a volume most NFL teams don’t sniff in a year. He explains why the college GM job never really shuts off, how roster retention starts before the season even ends, and why the portal creates pressure because there’s no draft safety net if you miss on a need.Then it gets into the real headache: setting a price when there’s no scoreboard. In the NFL, you know the ranges. In college, Nagy says you’re basically throwing a dart because there’s no transparency in what players are getting paid. He talks about calling other GMs just to find a starting point, why that’s an imperfect system, and how a rookie wage scale and more salary visibility could clean up some of the chaos and prevent an upside-down roster where freshmen are making more than the guys actually winning games.You’ll also hear how Oklahoma is trying to run a true NFL model, not just hand out a GM title. Nagy details the 10-person scouting staff, the grading system, and the weekly discrepancy meetings where scouts and coaches hash out disagreements instead of forcing a fit. The goal is simple: cut the clutter, get coaches more time with their players, and build a roster that can actually survive the SEC grind.And because it’s Jim Nagy, the Senior Bowl stories hit too. Aaron Donald revisits Mobile as the proving ground that helped launch his NFL arc, and Nagy explains why teams value the interview process and the competitiveness lens more than ever. You’ll get the behind-the-scenes reality of agents pulling players late, the Braden Fiske story that sounds made up until you realize it’s not, and the ultimate example of what that week can do for a player: Quinn Meinerz going from Division III unknown to one of the league’s top-paid guards.It’s smart football talk with just enough edge to match the moment: college football is pro football now… it’s just missing the rules.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThe Inner Circle is back for the first show of 2026 — and it’s loaded.It's a wide-ranging, behind-the-curtain episode that hits the two biggest engines in football right now: the NFL postseason grind and the chaos of modern college “free agency.” First, AD breaks down the debate every contender faces in Week 18: rest vs. rust. Using the Eagles as the jumping-off point, he explains how players feel when coaches sit starters, why veteran teams handle it differently than young rosters, and what matters more once you’re “in the dance” — seedings, travel, or simply being healthy and ready to roll.From there, the conversation turns to incentives and the uncomfortable reality that business decisions can clash with personal milestones. Todd details how those conversations actually happen when a player is sitting just short of a bonus, and AD adds a blunt, hilarious perspective on what changes when the incentive is truly life-changing.Then it’s time for flowers: AD gives major respect to Myles Garrett’s monster sack season, including the nuance of doing it on a team that wasn’t winning, the “asterisk” talk around 17 games, and why he believes production is production in today’s NFL.Finally, Todd takes listeners inside his wildest season: NIL + the transfer portal. He explains what it’s like getting flooded with calls from GMs, coaches, and staffers, why “NIL” has basically become college free agency, and how many reported deals are structured in ways fans don’t realize. Zach and Todd even play a rapid-fire “cost of doing business” game by position — from quarterbacks to edge rushers to offensive tackles — and Todd makes it clear: the real numbers can be jaw-dropping.Plus, a fascinating look ahead at the NFL Draft pipeline: training facilities, combine prep, speed work, interview prep, and what prospects don’t know until they live it.Appreciate you being part of the Inner Circle family and thanks for listening! https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit (“Herbie”) joins The Inner Circle for a wide-ranging, funny, and surprisingly personal conversation about what it really takes to stay elite in sports media for three decades and why preparation is still his “superpower.”We open with a full-circle moment: Aaron Donald brings up the Herbie trophy Kirk sent him after AD’s monster 2013 season at Pitt, and the guys have some fun reliving it—before Matt Ryan jumps in with a classic gripe: “Hold on… when did these Herbies start? Because I never got one.” Kirk breaks down his non-stop grind—Saturday night ABC primetime, quick turnaround into Thursday Night Football prep, then back to College GameDay and another ESPN/ABC marquee game. It’s Zooms with coaches, film study, producers asking for tape, and a constant mental switch between NFL and college—because if he’s awake, he’s preparing.Matt digs into the craft: studio analyst vs. game analyst, how you compartmentalize prep, and why there’s an art to being critical without being malicious. Kirk gets real about the direction of sports TV—how loud, clickbait culture has changed the industry—and draws a hard line: he’ll never tear people down just to go viral. Instead, he explains how to critique a QB who threw picks by telling the truth through the lens of what the defense did.We also get college-football-tour gold: Kirk compares NFL vs. college energy, shouts out towns like Athens and Oxford, and shares some favorite “off-the-beaten-path” GameDay stops (hello, Fargo). The episode closes on a warm note with Matt sharing why Kirk’s support during his twins’ birth meant so much—plus a holiday sign-off from the whole crew.Happy holidays and much love from the Inner Circle! https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Inner Circle Podcast, the crew hits on the real stuff that defines an NFL season: timing, health, and the thin line between “next man up” and “everything just changed.”We open with the brutal injury news rocking the league — headlined by Patrick Mahomes’ torn ACL and Micah Parsons going down at the worst possible time. Aaron Donald and Matt Ryan break down what those losses do beyond the stat sheet: the immediate hit to a locker room’s confidence, the ripple effect on coaches trying to adjust a game plan overnight, and the pressure it puts on everyone else to “do a little bit more.” Todd France adds the roster-building reality from a GM/agent lens — how depth gets tested, how teams actually evaluate medical timelines now, and why a clean ACL today is viewed differently than it was a decade ago.Then the conversation turns into a fascinating “could he really?” debate: Philip Rivers coming off the couch to play — 1,800 days after his last start — and what that says about relationships, terminology, and having the right plan. That sparks Todd’s question for Matt: could he do it for one game? Matt gives an honest, hilarious, and surprisingly human answer about the difference between being in shape and being game-ready.We also dig into the league-wide rash of major injuries — ACLs, Achilles, calf issues — and whether it’s just football being football or something bigger. From cleats to surfaces to data tracking, the guys pull back the curtain on what teams are actually doing to keep players healthy (and why the sport still demands a physical price).Plus: a funny, relatable detour into memorabilia and family life, where game balls and helmets somehow end up as kids’ toys — and AD tells the story of the “touchdown” that got taken away… even though the ball still lives in his house.Tap in, hit like and subscribe, and join the Inner Circle fam. Thanks as always for the live and taking the time to listenhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailDan Lanning went from grad assistant chasing Aaron Donald around at Pitt… to one of the hottest head coaches in college football. In this episode of The Inner Circle Podcast, the guys pull him inside the circle for a brutally honest, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation.Lanning kicks things off with the real AD origin story — including the scout-team quarterback whose collarbone paid the price for a new zone-read scheme. From there, he explains the one mistake he made last year getting Oregon ready for Ohio State in the Playoff and how he’s fixing it this time as the Ducks prep for James Madison.The guys dig into how Lanning structures extended Playoff prep, why you can’t give players two weeks of over-coaching, and how he uses Tony Dungy’s Super Bowl approach to keep things fresh. He also opens up on reinventing himself at every stop – Pitt, Arizona State, Georgia, Oregon – and why empowering his staff (instead of micromanaging every decision) changed everything.Then it gets real: Lanning shares how his wife’s cancer battle and moving his kids across eight states reshaped his goals, why “NFL head coach” came off his mirror, and why he’s determined Oregon will be his last job. His new scoreboard? Passing Mike Bellotti as the Ducks’ all-time wins leader and finally bringing a national title to Eugene.Of course, this is Oregon, so there’s sneaker talk: Nike perks, favorite Jordan 3s, Grateful Dead Air Force One's, and why he still rides daily in Cortez’s.Later, the crew pivots to the wild world of NIL and the transfer portal — money vs. fit, real development vs. chasing the biggest bag, and how bad advice from the wrong “agent” can wreck a kid’s career. AD and Matt share how money would’ve changed them at 18, and why hard work and the right situation still print the biggest checks.Plus: Daniel Jones’ brutal injury in Indy, AD shamelessly recruiting Matt Ryan out of “retirement,” and Aaron’s search for a truly dominant interior D-lineman as he crowns Jeffery Simmons (again) as his Player of the Week.Lock in, hit follow, and step inside the circle.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailWeight checks, trash talk and playoff dreams collide on Episode 14 of The Inner Circle Podcast for an hour that feels like hanging in the locker room after a win.The guys open with the scale – literally. AD reveals he’s back near his playing weight on a one-meal-a-day routine, triggering a hilarious deep dive into NFL weigh-ins, “golden gobbler” Thanksgiving awards, weight clauses, fines, and the very real mind games players have with that number on Tuesday mornings. Matt explains how veterans earn the right to play at “their” weight, while Todd breaks down how contracts and guarantees quietly shape those decisions behind the scenes.From there, they pivot to the field: Dak’s Cowboys, statement wins over the Eagles and Chiefs, and whether momentum is real or just talk. Matt and AD take listeners inside a short week in the NFL — the walkthrough pace, IVs, cold tubs, late-night installs and why Thursday nights feel so different when the lights finally come on.The crew then dives into Adam Thielen’s late-career bid to chase a ring after being waived by the Vikings: where loyalty ends, business begins, and how vets quietly line up landing spots before asking out. That leads seamlessly into “the art of trash talking” — from Spitgate, “I’ll take your mom to seafood dinner,” and Jeffrey Simmons’ fury, to what really happens at the bottom of piles and why the best chirps never leave the field.They close on playoff positioning, why nobody’s terrified of the No. 1-seed Bears just yet, AD’s bold Micah Parsons Defensive Player of the Year call, a Chicago vs. New York pizza fight, and a running bit about everyone’s “official” show weigh-in. Football, ego, pain and comedy — all in one episode. Thanks for the love and we appreciate your support!https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailSuper Bowl–winning head coach Jon Gruden jumps into the Inner Circle for a no-BS masterclass in real football. At 62, he’s still living like an NFL coach.. in the office early, two servers full of tape, grading quarterbacks on feet, decisions and every throw. and he’s not shy about what’s gone wrong with today’s game.Gruden and Matt go deep on what truly separates great quarterbacks from the rest: protections, communication and timing. They tie Rich Gannon’s late-career breakout in Oakland to what we’re seeing now from Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones — and why fit, coaching and system can either bury a QB or unlock him. Gruden breaks down his famous R-C-E mantra (Recognize, Communicate, Execute), trashes lazy pass protection, and explains why he hates wristband quarterbacks and RPOs being labeled “play-action.”Then it’s Aaron Donald time. Gruden calls AD’s Senior Bowl “the greatest I’ve ever seen,” compares him to Reggie White and Warren Sapp, and jokes teams should call him “Burger King” because “he has it his way” with offensive guards. AD answers with how he studied formations, exploited tendencies, handled double and triple teams, and why the game slowed down once he mastered film.AD also pulls back the curtain on Sean McVay’s arrival in L.A. — accountability, every detail buttoned up, the standard for stars and rookies exactly the same. Matt counters with how switching his footwork in Atlanta helped fuel his MVP season and why learning the pass game under center still matters in a shotgun world.Plus: leadership, healthy friction between great QBs and demanding coaches, and an instant-classic Bill Cowher beer story from a military trip to Iraq. Football junkies will live in this episode.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailFrom Pittsburgh to pure chaos across the NFL, this episode of The Inner Circle is a ride.We open with Aaron Donald going home: Pitt rolls out the red carpet, his jersey hits the rafters, he jumps on College GameDay, and yes… the shirt comes off. AD gets real about being overlooked in high school — only three offers, Pitt, Toledo and Akron — and what it felt like seeing that banner drop: “I never dreamed that big… it all came from just working my ass off.”Then we pivot hard to the moment lighting up the league: Jamar Chase spitting at Jalen Ramsey. The crew doesn’t sugarcoat it. “You don’t spit on anybody,” and “that’s the ultimate disrespect,” AD says, while Todd breaks down how a one-game suspension plus per-game active bonuses turns that loogie into hundreds of thousands of dollars lost.Matt and AD take listeners onto the field with a brutally honest grass vs. turf debate, reacting to the futuristic hybrid surface in Madrid and explaining why Mondays hurt a lot more after turf games.We hit Lane Johnson’s injury and what losing an elite right tackle really does to an offense. Matt ranks O-line positions, explains why tackles are king, and how game plans quietly shift to protect a weak link.Plus: Shador Sanders’ zero reps with the ones, why that’s actually normal in today’s NFL, the accountability message behind benching CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, AD’s “I’ll tell you when you’re bad and when you’re good” apology to the Dallas defense, and his Defensive Player of the Week love — including an ode to Rams punter Ethan Evans as a secret weapon.As always, please comment, share, 'like' and tell a friend. Much love and thanks for your support... The Inner Circlehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailFor the first time ever, The Inner Circle Podcast welcomes a guest — and it’s a big one. Super Bowl champion and MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford. Stafford gets into the reality of having Sean McVay in his ear, especially during TV timeouts when the clock isn’t running and the coaching points won’t stop. He explains the subtle “cut it” signal he flashes when it’s time to roll, and why he ditched kneeling in the huddle after an MRI showed a season-long bone bruise on his kneecap. He tells the day-two Rams practice story that forced guardian caps on teammates after Aaron Donald dumped a lineman in his lap and Stafford banged his surgically repaired thumb. He laughs about the viral touchdown sprint that looked faster than any designed run, then admits the strength staff sets a yearly over–under on his longest rush and he still takes the under.He rewinds to API pre-draft training, stepping on the scale at 232, cutting to 225 by draft time, bulking to 230–235 when the rules allowed quarterbacks to be planted, and why year 17 now lives around 212. He details Mondays with “the body guy,” the choice to completely downshift Tuesdays, and how the newer protection rules helped extend careers. He opens the Starbucks playbook — venti blonde roast with almond milk, one cup ideally, a couple more on install days — and shrugs through kid cameos at home.There’s real football nerdery. Matt breaks down why long, technical play calls paint the picture in his head better than wristbands, how cadence and tempo from a play caller change everything, and why he hates hearing staff debates bleeding into the headset. Stafford cosigns. They swap war stories about co-ed hoops in Atlanta with their wives and the night Matt took a bloody nose after someone fouled Sarah. The two-minute drill wraps it, what Stafford means to Detroit and Los Angeles, why the Rams are in a sweet spot, and a quick salute to AD’s jersey retirement weekend at Pitt.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailThe crew opens with Jayden Daniels’ late-game injury and a debate about whether coaches should keep their star players in when the game’s already out of reach. Matt and AD share the player’s mindset of never wanting to come out, and when a coach has to protect his guys from themselves.From there, Matt gives fans a rare inside look at how NFL teams actually scout referee crews each week. He explains how coaching staffs know which refs call the most holding, pass interference, or roughing penalties, and how those tendencies quietly shape a game plan. AD admits that over time he learned to “butter up” refs instead of barking at them, because relationships matter even on Sundays.Things heat up when Aaron Donald calls out the Cowboys and Bengals, saying their defenses are undisciplined, lack leadership, and simply play bad football. Matt agrees, calling Cincinnati’s defense “hard to watch” and adding that even Bill Cowher gets offended seeing that kind of tape. Todd jumps in with an agent’s perspective on how injuries, trades, and roster movement ripple through contracts, depth charts, and player value across the league.Later, the crew shifts to New England’s success with Drake Maye and Josh McDaniels, breaking down how spreading the ball around and running it with purpose still wins in today’s NFL. Then the group dives into the college game, where Matt and AD agree the sport has become “out of control.” They tackle the constant coaching changes, NIL pressure, and unrealistic expectations that are reshaping college football faster than ever.Aaron closes the episode with his Defensive Players of the Week, showing love to the Rams, Steelers, and a breakout rookie from Arizona. It’s another episode full of honest conversation, high football IQ, and locker-room insight you won’t get anywhere else. The Inner Circle Podcast brings you the unfiltered voice of the game, every week with Matt Ryan, Aaron Donald, Todd France, and Zach Klein.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailIt’s Halloween week on The Inner Circle as the guys open the show debating the ultimate Halloween candy draft.. Reese’s vs Snickers vs Peanut M&M's and the proper etiquette when it comes to handing out the big bars.From there, the group discusses the weekend’s biggest surprises: Miami’s blowout win over Atlanta. Matt breaks down how Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa completely flipped the script, using a physical inside run game and perfectly timed screens to find rhythm. Aaron gives a defensive player’s perspective on what happens when a top-ranked defense walks into a game too relaxed and gets punched in the mouth.The guys also turn their attention to the surging Colts, who suddenly look like a team built to last behind Jonathan Taylor, Daniel Jones, and a dominant defensive front led by DeForest Buckner. Aaron names Myles Garrett his Player of the Week after a five-sack performance, and the conversation evolves into an honest discussion about what it’s like to be a superstar on a losing team—and how organizations try to convince elite players to stay. Todd gives a candid look behind the curtain at how agents handle those situations, from trade talks to managing expectations inside the locker room.Later, the crew gets into the chaos of the college football coaching carousel, how false reports can spiral into hours of damage control, and the constant buzz around NIL and the transfer portal. Matt and Zach also discuss the tension between media and coaches, highlighting DeMeco Ryans’ testy exchange with Houston reporters and what real communication between the two sides used to look like.They wrap with a Halloween two-minute drill: favorite and least favorite candies, best costumes, and a few personal stories that reveal a lot more than anyone expected.A mix of football insight, personal perspective, and genuine locker-room chemistry — this episode captures everything that makes The Inner Circle unique.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailAD steps into the broadcast booth for a hilarious on-air simulation gone wrong, while Matt shares what it’s really like when producers talk in your ear mid-broadcast. The guys break down Patrick Mahomes’ trick play magic, TJ Hockenson’s overturned touchdown, and Baker Mayfield’s outburst over officiating.Todd takes us inside the business of stat appeals (did you know you could do such a thing?) fines, and the politics of NFL trades, including a wild story about a deal that fell apart mid-call. AD names his Players of the Week, the crew honors the late Demaryius “Bay Bay” Thomas, and everyone weighs in on Miami’s meltdown and the league’s ugliest uniforms (looking at you, Chargers).Smart, funny, and brutally honest.. another must-listen from The Inner Circlehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailIt was one of those weeks in the NFL where everything flipped. Bijan Robinson officially arrived with a national breakout performance that had the whole crew buzzing. Matt Ryan called it Bijan’s coming-out party. Aaron Donald broke down exactly how he’d try to stop him — from film study to reading his hips — and Zach Klein said what every Falcons fan is thinking: this team runs through Bijan now.Meanwhile, in Dallas, Dak Prescott played one of his best games of the year and still walked off the field with another loss. Matt’s fired up about it, saying Dak deserves way better from a defense that’s suddenly lost its bite. Aaron questioned who’s leading that locker room right now and whether anyone’s holding players accountable when things start sliding.The guys also dove into leadership across the league after Matt called out Tua Tagovailoa’s postgame comments. He didn’t hold back, saying Tua’s “talking too much” and losing his locker room one quote at a time. Todd France jumped in with the agent’s view, explaining how players handle the chaos when coaches get fired midseason and why protecting your own tape becomes everything.Aaron handed out his Defensive Players of the Week and told a few stories from the trenches, while Matt gave listeners a real insider moment — breaking down exactly how a play is called in the huddle. He walked through the terminology, the timing, the chaos, and what it’s like to process 15 words in five seconds before snapping the ball.The guys wrapped with what they’re watching for next week: the Falcons’ next big test, more quarterback drama across the league, and a few sideline stories from youth football that hit a little too close to home.It’s real football talk with honesty, humor, and insight you won’t get anywhere else.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailWe go inside the Eagles’ locker room drama and the growing tension that’s turning teammates into rivals. Aaron Donald opens up about being a sore loser on and off the field... including the day he benched himself after his son’s game. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield steals the show with a pregame tunnel trash-talk clinic only he could deliver, and agent Todd France lifts the curtain on how deals really get done in the NFL. Matt tells us how long play calls are how they belted out in the huddle, plus how offensive coordinators communicate in a quarterback’s helmet, the art of early-game “dummy calls”, and how the smartest QBs use them to bait defenses.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan Mail The guys kick off Episode 5 with locker-room fines and how players keep each other in check, before diving into Micha Parsons' return in the Cowboys–Packers game. AD thinks Dak Prescott is playing MVP ball.  He also breaks down the grind of facing double teams week after week, while Matt explains how devastating it is for a young QB (Jaxson Dart) to lose his top weapon (Malik Nabors) so early in the season. Todd pulls back the curtain on how contracts, bonuses, and injuries really work, while the crew debates the impact of international games and whether they’re worth the routine shake-up. Cam Ward’s blunt honesty about losing sparks a raw conversation about leadership on struggling teams, and the panel reacts to Robert Saleh’s accusations and the heated sideline confrontation that followed. From Alabama’s big-man trick play to AD’s Defensive Player of the Week pick, the show balances football IQ with fun. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire two-minute drill, and an epic Pitt–BC helmet bet. Drop us a comment and let us know what you think!https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailEpisode 4 of The Inner Circle Podcast hits every corner of the NFL week with Zach Klein, Matt Ryan, Aaron Donald, and Todd France. Aaron relives the surprise and emotion of having Pitt retire his No. 97, while Matt pulls back the curtain on CBS’s NFL Today 50th anniversary show, including the hilariously awkward on-air moment with Brent Musburger and the mad dash into character minutes before going live. The crew digs into Philadelphia’s unbeaten start and the belief that fuels tight wins, what Sean McVay preaches after the Rams’ collapse against the Eagles, and why Baker Mayfield’s resurgence in Tampa is the perfect marriage of culture, fit, and weapons. They tackle Atlanta’s 30–0 debacle in Carolina, the optics of Raheem Morris’s postgame demeanor, and the reality of quarterback “competition” six starts into Michael Penix’s career. There’s a sharp look at why special teams swing games and still lag in valuation, a salute to Cleveland’s defense, and flowers for Vikings DB Isaiah Rogers after a two-touchdown first half. Along the way: mustache props, viral home-gym curls, and a lively two-minute drill that ends with everyone circling marquee Week 4 matchups. Like, subscribe, and stay in the circle!https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailWe open with Joe Burrow’s turf toe and Matt Ryan (who’s had it twice) details why it’s worse than it sounds, why surgery signals severity, and how second opinions actually work. Todd has a story about a second opinion that could have saved a life!Would the Bengals chase a short-term QB like Kirk Cousins, or ride Jake Browning? The crew weighs cap math, timing, and locker-room dynamics.Next: the 0–2 Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes is still Mahomes, but the WR room is thin and the QB leads the run game. How do you win ugly through a brutal first-half slate? Aaron Donald breaks down why you never sleep on 15, even with injuries piling up.We dive into the tush push: Dean Blandino is over it, Bill Cowher wants it gone, and Matt/AD explain why it’s a rugby-style scrum that’s hard to officiate, but beatable with the right plan. Down in South Florida, the Dolphins’ late-game penalties and “communication issues” scream indecision and why leadership and body language matter in crunch time.Plus: Brandon Aubrey’s long-range heroics and how elite kickers shift win probability; Todd France on making Tyler Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history (what O-line comps really look like); Real Talk on postgame quotes; AD’s “99 Problems”; and a rapid-fire Two-Minute Drill.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailEpisode 2: Spit, Fines & Real Talk with Aaron Donald and Matt RyanWeek 1 delivered chaos—Dak Prescott vs. Jalen Carter, New York Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll hedging on QB1, Titans running back Derrick Henry flattening defenders, and Aaron Rodgers gets revenge.  But the biggest headline in this episode is the debut of our new segment: Real Talk.This is where Aaron Donald and Matt Ryan stop translating for the cameras and say what players actually mean. When Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. gave his measured postgame support for kicker Younghoe Koo after missing at the buzzer to force overtime, AD cut through the noise: “Shit, you got one job to do, man. Kick the damn ball and make the field goal. If you can’t do it, they gotta find somebody else.” Matt backed him up, adding, “I like Younghoe… but when I drive it down there, you’ve got to knock it through.” The honesty doesn’t stop there:Jalen Carter Spitting on Dak Prescott: Aaron Donald calls spitting the “ultimate disrespect” and admits, “I’d have lost my damn cool.”Dak vs. the critics: Matt Ryan says, “The Cowboys might have 99 problems—but Dak ain’t one.”Fines exposed: Super-agent Todd France takes listeners inside the NFL fine and appeal process—letters, emails, hearings, and why “no flag doesn’t mean no fine.”QB1 questions: What does it really mean when a coach won’t commit after Week 1? Matt and AD explain what players already know in the locker room.Finishing games: AD on the Ravens’ collapse, “Pick this shit up and finish. You controlled the game the whole damn time.”New segments with teeth: 99 Problems, Two-Minute Drill, Hot Mic, and the headline-making Real Talk.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806

Send us Fan MailIn our very first episode, The Inner Circle Podcast goes behind the curtain of the NFL with voices you won’t hear anywhere else: Aaron Donald (3-time Defensive Player of the Year and 10-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle), Matt Ryan (NFL MVP and 4-time Pro Bowl quarterback), Todd France (NFL super agent with more than 25 years of experience and nearly $7 billion in negotiated contracts), and Zach Klein (Murrow Award and 5-time Emmy Award-winning sportscaster) come together to cover every corner of the game.From training camp stories and game-day rituals to balancing family life and navigating the business side of the NFL, this debut episode has it all. Matt opens up about transitioning from quarterback to media, Aaron talks about his relentless film study and life after football, Todd reveals what it’s really like to be an agent on call 24/7, and Zach shares how credibility and accountability shape the media’s role.The conversation is funny, honest, and unfiltered, from Aaron sneaking out of team hotels as a rookie, to Matt’s very first pass going for a touchdown, to the pressures of postgame interviews and sudden roster moves.Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just curious about what life inside the NFL is really like, this episode sets the tone for a podcast that delivers perspectives from every corner of the game.Thanks for joining us from the start, and please follow, rate, and share The Inner Circle Podcast for more inside access to the stories that shape the NFL.https://www.youtube.com/@TheInnerCirclePodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2HYa5USGooRmeXxKKGyT0l?si=4a20e67b0b864b8bhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-circle/id1837695806