Today, I interview Ryan Winterswyk, former walk-on turned star defensive end at Boise State, and former NFL player with the Atlanta Falcons.

Ryan talks candidly about:

• Walking on at Boise State and earning his role
• Life lessons from Coach Petersen’s program
• Transitioning to the NFL
• Becoming a coach and redefining purpose

This episode is about more than football—it's about mindset, resilience, and reinvention. Whether you're an athlete or just love a comeback story, this episode will inspire and inform.

Subscribe to hear from athletes and coaches across the globe who’ve seen success, struggle, and growth on and off the field.

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If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests!

https://youtu.be/yxDLILuN34M

Thinking about playing football at the next level?

In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, we dive deep into the real-life journey of Carl Pickens, from high school standout to Freshman All-American at Tennessee, to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Bengals.

This conversation is essential listening for:

🚨 Aspiring college and pro athletes

🚨 High school football players looking to understand the process

🚨 Parents and coaches helping athletes navigate transitions

🚨 Fans of 1990s NFL football (Boomer Esiason, Jeff Blake, Deion Sanders, and more!)

🎯 Key Questions Answered in this Episode
➤ How can players handle the disappointment of draft day?
Carl shares how being passed over by the Denver Broncos fueled his fire and how he embraced the unexpected call from Cincinnati.

➤ What’s the hardest part about the transition from high school to college football?
It’s not just the playbook—Carl talks about culture shock, homesickness, and learning how to re-prove yourself at every level.

➤ Can you make it to the NFL if you’re not a 5-star recruit?
Carl explains how mindset, consistency, and accountability matter more than rankings.

➤ What’s it really like to go from college to the pros?
From catching passes from Boomer Esiason to learning the pro playbook—Carl explains what being a professional means beyond just talent.

🧠 Top Takeaways from Carl Pickens
Accountability defines professionalism: From showing up on time to running clean routes, accountability is the #1 trait that separates the pros.

Setbacks are setups: From being redshirted at Tennessee to switching positions early in college, Carl used every obstacle as fuel.

You don’t have to be open to make a play: Learn how Carl won contested catches vs. elite DBs like Deion Sanders and Aeneas Williams.

Support systems matter: Carl’s family and coaches helped him stay grounded during the hardest transitions of his career.

Your “why” drives your success: He didn’t want to let his parents down—and that kept him focused during the grind of NFL life.

🏆 Highlights from the Interview

Playing high school basketball as a 6'1" forward and high jumping 7'1"

Being the only freshman receiver at Tennessee and transitioning to free safety

Being passed on by Denver during the NFL Draft and picked by Cincinnati instead

How turf vs. grass impacted his favorite stadiums (Denver, Cleveland)

Stories from the locker room: relationships with Darnay Scott, Boomer Esiason, and Jeff Blake

📍 Follow Carl Pickens on Instagram:
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/thecarlpickens

Want to see what Carl’s up to now? From motorcycles to horses to podcast appearances—he’s just getting started in his post-NFL journey.

🎙 About The Gametime Guru Podcast
Host: Shane Larson
Global reach: 182 countries
🔁 Weekly interviews with pro athletes, coaches, and sports visionaries

👉 Subscribe for more powerful conversations that reveal what it really takes to compete and succeed at the highest level of sports.

Are you a shorter basketball player trying to stand out?

This episode is for you. Former Boise State standout and pro guard Montigo Alford (aka Tigo) shares exactly how shorter guards can dominate, impact winning, and build long-term success—on and off the court.

📌 What You’ll Learn:

• How to succeed as a 5'9 guard in high school, college, and pro basketball
• Why being a great teammate matters just as much as stats
• The importance of film study, consistency, and controlling your controllables
• What the jump from junior college (CSI) to Division I (Boise State) really looks like
• Montigo's pro basketball journey: from Germany to Colombia to the TBL
• How to train like a pro—including game-day weightlifting routines
• Why branding your name as a high school athlete matters more than ever
• The mindset needed to come back from three shoulder surgeries and keep going
• Answering Key Questions:

Can shorter basketball players still earn D1 offers and pro contracts? → Yes. Montigo breaks down the exact mindset, training, and roles shorter guards must embrace.

What does "impacting winning" really mean? → It’s not about dropping 30 points—it’s about defense, leadership, and embracing your role.

Is lifting weights during the season a good idea? → Absolutely. Montigo even hits the leg press right before games.

Why is social media so important for athletes today? → Because your first and last name is your brand. Coaches want to see what you’re about.

💬 Top Quotes from Montigo Alford:

“Your first and last name is your brand—treat it like one.”

“At 5'9, they counted me out. I used the weight room, the film room, and my mentality to prove them wrong.”

“Discipline and consistency—that's what basketball gave me.”

“It’s not about being the guy, it’s about impacting winning.”

📍 Who Should Watch This:

• Undersized basketball players with D1 or pro dreams
• Coaches helping players find their role
• Athletes navigating the overseas basketball world
• Parents and trainers who want the truth about what it takes
• Anyone who values grit, development, and doing the work

👤 Follow Montigo Alford / TGO Pro Athletics:

Want to train with TGO in the Treasure Valley? Search TGO Pro Athletics on Instagram or reach out directly via his IG: @montigo_alford @tgoproathletics

Subscribe to The Gametime Guru Podcast for more raw, real, and insightful interviews with athletes around the world:

🎙 Hosted by Shane Larson
🌍 Streaming globally in 180+ countries