From Practice Squad to Super Bowl Champion: Emmanuel Smith on Building Winning Cultures

Most undrafted free agents never make it past their first training camp. Emmanuel Smith went undrafted, bounced between practice squads, and won a Super Bowl ring.

At Vanderbilt University, Emmanuel played linebacker in the SEC before signing with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2018. What followed was the classic undrafted journey: roster cuts, practice squad moves, injuries, and the constant uncertainty of trying to earn a spot.

Emmanuel was waived by Atlanta, signed to Tampa Bay's practice squad, released again, and finally found a home with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. On February 2, 2020, Emmanuel earned the ultimate validation when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV — making him a champion despite never being a starter.

Today, Emmanuel builds winning cultures in business by applying the lessons he learned on NFL sidelines. His approach focuses on people and process: clarity of roles, standards everyone owns, short feedback loops, and celebrating small wins. The result is what he calls "trust over fear" — where effort compounds and performance becomes repeatable.

In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Emmanuel shares:

• What the undrafted journey taught him about resilience and buy-in
• How he won a Super Bowl without being the star
• Why trust beats fear in building championship cultures
• How to translate sports lessons to business teams
• The role of faith and inclusive leadership in his mission

This isn't just about football — it's about what happens when someone applies championship lessons to building teams where everyone can contribute at their best.

This isn't motivation. This is a movement.

Connect with Emmanuel Smith: [Social Media/Website - TBD]

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com

FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leader
• Follow us on social media and join the conversation

BOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com

ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

Building Basketball Careers with Integrity: Simon Oehlmann on International Basketball and Life Beyond the Game

The basketball industry sells athletes a lot of lies about professional careers. Simon Oehlmann built ALL RISE to tell them the truth.

As the founder of an international basketball management agency, Simon has spent 20+ years negotiating and structuring contracts across Europe and the U.S. But what makes him different isn't just his business expertise — it's his 30 years in basketball as a player, coach, and talent developer that gives him a perspective most agents don't have.

Based in Germany and working internationally, Simon guides athletes through career decisions with one core principle: focus on the person behind the performance. ALL RISE isn't built around quick deals or flashy signings — it's built around long-term, athlete-first career development that prepares players for college, the NBA, and life beyond basketball.

In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Simon breaks down:

• The biggest lie the basketball industry sold athletes about professional careers
• What American players misunderstand about international basketball
• How European players should approach the U.S. system
• The truth about professional contracts and business decisions
• Why character matters more than most agents realize
• How to prepare for life beyond the game

Whether you're a basketball player navigating career decisions, a parent supporting your athlete's journey, or a coach preparing players for the next level, this conversation offers rare insights from someone who's lived both sides of the game.

This isn't just about contracts. It's about building careers with clarity, integrity, and a focus on what really matters.

This isn't motivation. This is a movement.

Connect with Simon Oehlmann: Company: ALL RISE Based: Germany (working across Europe and U.S.)

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com

FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leader
• Follow us on social media and join the conversation

BOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com

ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

Most athletes who get projected as first-round picks expect to hear their name called on draft day. Jared Pinkney was different — he went undrafted and turned it into opportunity.

At Vanderbilt University, Jared was a second-team All-SEC tight end projected as a first-round NFL Draft pick by ESPN analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper. When draft day came and went without his name being called, Jared signed with the Atlanta Falcons and embarked on a journey that would take him to five NFL teams.

Through practice squads, roster cuts, and constant uncertainty, Jared fought for every opportunity — eventually making his NFL debut as a starter for the Detroit Lions in 2022. His NFL career included stints with the Falcons, Titans, Lions, Rams, and Bears before transitioning to his current role as an Independent Financial Professional.

Today, Jared applies the same discipline, focus, and teamwork that defined his football career to helping individuals, families, and entrepreneurs build financial security. He specializes in debt management, wealth accumulation, risk protection, and intelligent planning, with a commitment to diversity, accessibility, and empowerment in financial services.

In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Jared shares:

• The biggest lie culture sold athletes about money and financial security
• What it taught him to go undrafted and fight for every opportunity
• How to apply athletic discipline to building lasting wealth
• Why diversity and accessibility matter in financial services
• What current athletes need to know about preparing for life beyond the game

This isn't just about football or finance — it's about resilience, reinvention, and building something that lasts.

This isn't motivation. This is a movement.

Connect with Jared Pinkney: LinkedIn Jared Pinkney

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com

FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leader
• Follow us on social media and join the conversation

BOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com

ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

Building Pathways for Overlooked Athletes: Michael Greer on Training Talent from Youth to the Pros

Most athletes who don't get drafted are told their dream is over. Michael Greer disagrees.

As the founder of Athletes Network, Michael has spent decades building pathways for athletes at every level — from youth football and basketball to undrafted free agents trying to get noticed by the NFL, CFL, and AFL.

With coaching experience spanning youth, high school, junior college, college, and professional football leagues — where he's earned championship rings — Michael understands what it takes to develop talent and create opportunities where none existed.

Athletes Network isn't just another training facility. It's a comprehensive platform that combines elite training with real connections. Michael's "GET NOTICED" program works directly with professional scouts and agents to give overlooked athletes the exposure they need.

Whether it's position-specific drills, combines, training camps, or connecting athletes with the right people, Michael is opening doors for athletes who refuse to give up on their dreams.

In this episode of The Standard Podcast™, Michael breaks down:

• The biggest lie culture sold athletes about making it to the next level
• What separates athletes who get noticed from those who don't (beyond talent)
• Why character and discipline are the foundation of athletic success
• How parents can support their athlete's journey without suffocating them
• Building opportunities for undrafted free agents and overlooked talent
• What it really takes to compete at the highest levels

This isn't just about training. It's about building bridges for athletes who are ready to compete but need someone to believe in them.

This isn't motivation. This is a movement.

Connect with Michael Greer: Website: athletesnetwork1.com Email: athletesnetwork1@gmail.com Phone: (510) 552-6285

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com

FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leader
• Follow us on social media and join the conversation

BOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com

ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

In this powerful episode of The Standard Podcast, former Division I and professional athlete Jeremy Campbell breaks down the truth behind athlete identity, transition, and legacy. From the “gladiator mindset” to the emotional crash that happens when the game ends, Jeremy shares raw insight into what athletes really face when the lights go out.

He reveals why most athletes aren’t prepared for life after sports, how NIL has reshaped the landscape, and why legacy isn’t what you leave behind — it’s what you’re doing right now. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or leader, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and elevate your standard.

This isn’t motivation. This is a movement.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com

FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leader
• Follow us on social media and join the conversation

BOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com

ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

The average NFL career lasts 3.3 years. Malik Jackson played for 10 seasons.

Malik was selected in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Fifth-round picks aren't supposed to last a decade in the NFL. They're not supposed to win Super Bowls. They're not supposed to make the Pro Bowl.

But Malik Jackson did all three.

In Super Bowl 50, Malik scored the game's first touchdown when he recovered a fumble in the end zone forced by Von Miller — giving the Broncos an early 10-0 lead over the Carolina Panthers. Denver won 24-10, and Malik became a Super Bowl champion in his fourth NFL season.

After leaving Denver, Malik signed an $85.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he moved from defensive end to defensive tackle and became part of "Sacksonville" — one of the most dominant defensive lines in NFL history. In 2017, Malik made the Pro Bowl after recording 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 40 total tackles.

Over 10 seasons, Malik played for 4 different organizations — Denver Broncos (2012-2015), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-2018), Philadelphia Eagles (2019-2020), and Cleveland Browns (2021). He navigated position changes, team transitions, injuries, and role adjustments while maintaining his professionalism and performance.

What separated Malik's 10-year career from the average 3.3 years? It wasn't just talent. It was preparation, adaptability, and the mental toughness to stay ready when opportunity met the moment.

Join Malik Jackson and The Standard Podcast™ for a conversation about:

• What it was like to score the first touchdown in Super Bowl 50
• Building a 10-year NFL career as a fifth-round pick
• The "Sacksonville" era and playing with an elite defensive line
• Navigating 4 different organizations and adapting to change
• Moving from defensive end to defensive tackle
• Mental toughness and preparation
• Life after football and what athletes need to know

This isn't motivation. This is a movement.

Connect with Malik Jackson: Thecareleague.org

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com

FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leader
• Follow us on social media and join the conversation

BOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com

ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

21 Seasons, 3 World Series, and What It Really Takes to Last

Most Major League Baseball careers last 5.6 years. Randy Choate played for 21 seasons.

Over his distinguished career, Randy appeared in 538 games, played for 8 different organizations (New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Rays, Florida/Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals), and was part of three World Series teams — winning championships with the 2000 and 2001 New York Yankees and competing in the 2013 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals.

As one of the most respected left-handed specialists in professional baseball, Randy's career wasn't defined by one team or one role — it was defined by his ability to adapt, prepare, and maintain professional excellence through every transition.

Randy navigated multiple releases, trades, role changes, and organizational shifts. He went from starter to reliever, from setup man to specialist, from contender to rebuilding team and back again. Through it all, he maintained elite performance standards and built a reputation as a consummate professional.

What separated Randy's 21-season career from the average 5.6 years? It wasn't just talent. It was preparation. It was adaptability. It was character, mental toughness, and an identity beyond performance. It was the discipline to maintain standards through adversity.

Join Randy Choate and The Standard Podcast™ for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable career at the highest level — in baseball and in life.

Episode Topics:

• The truth about longevity in professional sports
• How Randy lasted 21 seasons (nearly 4x the average)
• Navigating multiple releases, trades, and role changes
• Preparation and adaptability as career-extenders
• Character development and mental toughness
• Identity beyond performance
• Three World Series experiences
• What young players need to know about sustainable careers

This isn't motivation. This is a movement.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com

FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leader
• Follow us on social media and join the conversation

BOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com

ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.

37 Years, 746 Wins, and What Character Really Means

Chip Reitano has been coaching for 37 years — and he's still going.

Approaching 350 wins in women's basketball and 746 wins across his entire coaching career spanning high school and college, Chip has been recognized as High School Coach of the Year four times and College Coach of the Year twice. But if you ask Chip what defines his career, he won't talk about the wins first. He'll talk about character, integrity, and developing people.

As Head Women's Basketball and Softball Coach at Camden County College, Chip coaches two sports simultaneously — pouring into athletes, building programs, and raising the standard every single day. For nearly four decades, he's been the same person on the court and off the court, proving that longevity in coaching isn't just about X's and O's — it's about who you are when nobody's watching.

Join Chip Reitano and The Standard Podcast™ for an honest conversation about what it takes to sustain a 37-year coaching career, how character creates longevity, and why the next generation of coaches and athletes needs to understand that success isn't just about winning — it's about who you become in the process.

Episode Topics:

• The truth about longevity: What keeps you coaching for 37 years
• Character and personality on and off the playing surface
• Building programs at high school and college levels
• Coaching two sports simultaneously at Camden County College
• The biggest lie culture sold coaches about success and winning
• What separates coaches who last from those who don't
• Advice for young coaches just starting out
• Why developing people matters more than developing players

This isn't motivation. This is a movement.

Connect with Chip Reitano:

• Instagram: @coachchip22
• Women's Basketball: @camdencc_wbb
• Softball: @camdencc_softball
• School: Camden County College

Support the show

CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: blueprintbluechip.com 📸 Instagram: @blueprintbluechip 💼 LinkedIn: Erin Sarles 📧 Email: erin@erinsarles.com

FREE RESOURCE: Join the 5-Day Reset™ — designed for athletes ready to build identity, discipline, and purpose beyond the game. 👉 blueprintbluechip.com/blueprintfoundationschallenge

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach, or leader
• Follow us on social media and join the conversation

BOOK ERIN TO SPEAK: Looking for a speaker who challenges comfort and calls out truth? Erin is available for team workshops, parent seminars, and leadership events. 📩 erin@erinsarles.com

ABOUT THE STANDARD PODCAST™: This isn't motivation. This is a movement. Hosted by Erin Sarles and Thomas Roe, co-founders of Blueprint to Bluechip™, The Standard Podcast™ calls out the lies culture sold athletes and raises a new standard in sports, leadership, and life. We bring raw, truth-packed 20-25 minute conversations about identity, discipline, and legacy that goes beyond the scoreboard.

New episodes drop every Monday.

Raise the bar. Rebuild the culture. Become the standard.