In this episode of the 2nd installment of "Friday Sports Talk", Cartwright and Bo dive deep into the evolving landscape of college football, particularly focusing on the impact of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. They discuss how the transfer portal has changed the dynamics of college sports, with over 10,000 players entering it, and highlights the challenges many face in finding new opportunities. They reflect on the implications of this shift, noting a sense of disillusionment and entitlement among young athletes, and how the influx of money from NIL deals complicates the situation further. They emphasize the need for a balance between financial opportunities and the development of character and discipline in young athletes.

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Keywords: college football, transfer portal, NIL deals, sports culture, athlete development

Takeaways

The transfer portal has seen over 10,000 players enter, with many still searching for teams.
There's a growing sense of entitlement among young athletes regarding their opportunities.
The influx of money in college sports complicates the development of young athletes' character.

Sound bites

"The game is completely changed."
"It's nuts."
"We're teaching them that, one. And then two, we're flooding them with all this cash."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Friday Sports Talk
01:04 The Transfer Portal Landscape
03:18 Disillusionment and Entitlement in Young Athletes
06:16 The Impact of NIL on Player Dynamics
10:32 Discipline and Culture in College Football
13:41 The Future of College Football and Its Challenges
19:34 Setting Athletes Up for Success or Failure
24:08 The Need for Change in College Sports

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MEN ARE FORGED is forging men in their 20s and 30s into great men. Discussing topics and addressing challenges that equip men to lead humbly and courageously. Through reflection and boldness, men will grow in life and leadership and ultimately, add value to others in their business, community, and family.

If you are an emerging leader in your organization who needs to build a foundation for faith and leadership...Go to cartwrightmorris.com or schedule a time to meet.

This episode dives into the critical role that life's reflection moments—often painful or humbling—play in shaping who we are. By understanding and embracing these inflection points, men can grow into better versions of themselves, both personally and spiritually. We explore the subtle but powerful lessons these moments offer and how to respond intentionally when faced with them.

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In this episode:

• The concept of forging moments and their importance in personal growth
• How men typically react to painful reflections and the third, healthier option
• Recognizing life's mirror moments, especially from loved ones
• The significance of receiving feedback eighty percent correctly and the dangers of distraction
• Specific stories from leadership and relationships that highlight humility’s role
• Practical ways to stay present and gather lessons when feeling embarrassed or challenged
• The hero's journey and the importance of failing forward in life
• How vulnerability and humility increase respect and influence
• Balancing growth, humility, and high standards in leadership
• Avoiding the trap of narcissism and constant blame in modern men

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – The importance of inflection points in a man's life
• 02:22 – How adversity molds character and the peace in trusting that process
• 03:54 – Responding to humility moments: blame, deflect, or learn
• 07:03 – Recognizing the impact of loved ones' feedback
• 10:08 – Building human connection beyond performance
• 14:54 – Real-life leadership lessons from humility and connection
• 20:21 – The importance of self-reflection in growth and leadership
• 25:20 – Developing people with both performance and character
• 32:23 – Recognizing and managing fight/flight responses during feedback
• 37:47 – Humility in everyday life: a story from Dax Shepard
• 44:21 – humility’s role in leadership and legacy

Resources & Links:

• The Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell
• Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
• Dax Shepard’s Podcast
• Dax's Story at a Nashville Restaurant

Connect with Cartwright:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Support the show

MEN ARE FORGED is forging men in their 20s and 30s into great men. Discussing topics and addressing challenges that equip men to lead humbly and courageously. Through reflection and boldness, men will grow in life and leadership and ultimately, add value to others in their business, community, and family.

If you are an emerging leader in your organization who needs to build a foundation for faith and leadership...Go to cartwrightmorris.com or schedule a time to meet.

Embracing Present and Purpose in Your 20s and 30s: Insights on Growth, Gratitude, and Control

In this episode, Bo and Cartwright explore how men in their twenties and thirties grapple with control, purpose, and contentment. We uncover practical ways to stay present, shift perspectives, and embrace God's timing amid life's uncertainties.

Key Topics

• The importance of being present over chasing the next milestone
• How historical and biblical context inform our understanding of work and purpose
• Overcoming anxiety related to control and future expectations
• Developing gratitude as a discipline to foster fulfillment
• Recognizing the false promise that more success or possessions bring peace
• Building meaningful friendship through vulnerability and humility
• Practical tools like journaling and brain dumps to process emotions
• The role of community and mentorship in growth

Timestamps

00:00 - Setting the stage: Why focus on purpose, control, and presence
02:10 - Introducing the podcast and the conversation's heart
03:06 - Lessons from older generations: Success, failure, and wisdom
04:26 - Comparing past and present distractions and wisdom gained
05:26 - The myth that getting the next thing will bring peace
06:17 - Cultural and biblical insights on history and purpose
07:48 - How early American immigrant mindset shaped our work ethic
09:39 - The danger of future-focused living that misses the present
10:56 - Addressing the desire for achievement in singleness and marriage
12:19 - Practical steps: Practicing gratitude daily
13:16 - The benefit of being fully present and adding value
14:23 - The biblical example of Jesus’ presence amid chaos
15:56 - The regional scope of Christianity and its global implications
16:09 - Where these mindsets most show up today (career, family)
16:38 - The freeing reality: Control is limited, trusting God is key
17:34 - The importance of leaving results to God and practicing patience
19:01 - The pitfalls of success stories like Zuckerberg and Musk
20:06 - Common mistakes in dating: Focusing on image over character
21:27 - The enduring value of shared values and interests in relationships
22:22 - Simple actions for men to break free from cycle of dissatisfaction
23:47 - Embracing a holistic view of success and life balance
24:13 - Learning to stop, reflect, and be present with those around us
25:31 - Shifting from drive to adding value and practicing gratitude
26:10 - One major takeaway: Recognize the interconnectedness of your journey
27:19 - Reflection and thankfulness: Allowing time for God to direct your steps
28:39 - The power of journaling and brain dumping for clarity
29:40 - Gratitude in adversity: Recognizing God's hand in the prese

Support the show

MEN ARE FORGED is forging men in their 20s to embrace the struggles of life and work and build unshakeable foundations of faith, leadership, and purpose. Co-hosts Bo and Cartwright discuss real challenges — chaos at work, fatherhood, single life, identity, and spiritual growth — to help you become the man you are called to be.

Send in a question to be answered on the pod!

If you are a young professional man who needs to build a foundation for faith and leadership...Go to cartwrightmorris.com.