"Rank F*****g Amateurs! But good dudes...." Al Davis (probably, if he ever met us....)
The world is awash with podcasts dedicated to the “1% of the 1%” that made or make their fame and fortune through sports.
This is not one of those podcasts.
Best known as non-professional American Football coaches, Nick Rockell and British American Football Hall of Fame Coach Mark Moss are absolute amateurs in in podcasting but always willing to try new things.
Join the long-time friends as they dig into the 99% of people that don’t get to rise to the publicly visible top of sports regardless of their time and sacrifice.
Maybe it’s a minority sport, they just aren’t good enough, tragedy came their way, or opportunities just haven’t materialised - the coaches find those that have achieved “success” in sport while living as regular Jimmy's and Jo's, talking about what sport means to them and its affect on their life and career.
In Season 1 the coaches revisit a period in their own coaching lives that makes them immensely proud - their combined13 years leading the London Blitz American Football program from 2003 through 2015 - talking to some of the standout players from teams in that era who have also gone on to stand out in their non-sport career.
Authentic (untrained), real (excuse us for that), and sometimes not for the faint-hearted (or impatient), we hope you enjoy this look at the genuine stories of the more conventional sports population.
Music by bassmanguk (top man!)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"Rank F*****g Amateurs! But good dudes...." Al Davis (probably, if he ever met us....)
The world is awash with podcasts dedicated to the “1% of the 1%” that made or make their fame and fortune through sports.
This is not one of those podcasts.
Best known as non-professional American Football coaches, Nick Rockell and British American Football Hall of Fame Coach Mark Moss are absolute amateurs in in podcasting but always willing to try new things.
Join the long-time friends as they dig into the 99% of people that don’t get to rise to the publicly visible top of sports regardless of their time and sacrifice.
Maybe it’s a minority sport, they just aren’t good enough, tragedy came their way, or opportunities just haven’t materialised - the coaches find those that have achieved “success” in sport while living as regular Jimmy's and Jo's, talking about what sport means to them and its affect on their life and career.
In Season 1 the coaches revisit a period in their own coaching lives that makes them immensely proud - their combined13 years leading the London Blitz American Football program from 2003 through 2015 - talking to some of the standout players from teams in that era who have also gone on to stand out in their non-sport career.
Authentic (untrained), real (excuse us for that), and sometimes not for the faint-hearted (or impatient), we hope you enjoy this look at the genuine stories of the more conventional sports population.
Music by bassmanguk (top man!)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Music by bassmanguk (top man!)
Show Notes: The Nick Manning Episode
Episode Overview: In this episode, Nick Rockell and Mark Moss catch up with Nick Manning, a former London Blitz offensive lineman who has built a successful career in communications. Now the Associate Vice President of Communications at the University of Waterloo in Canada, Nick shares his journey from discovering football as a teenager to working high-stakes roles in government and academia. He reflects on leadership, the power of being an outsider, and how the lessons of football have shaped his professional and personal life.
Key Topics & Takeaways:
· Discovering football in Tring and taking the leap to join a team.
· Early experiences with the Stags and the unique team culture of British American football.
· Transitioning to university football and learning to lead in a new environment.
· Moving into a professional career in communications and working for the UK Ministry of Defence.
· Handling media relations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and high-pressure government roles.
· The decision to move to Canada and how sport influenced that life-changing move.
· Building a career in university communications and the similarities between leadership in sport and business.
· The impact of football on personal growth, leadership, and problem-solving.
· Coaching attempts and challenges in North American football.
· The unique culture of Buffalo Bills tailgating and the role of football in personal identity.
· Final reflections on lifelong friendships and the role of football in shaping who we become.
Final Thoughts: Nick Manning’s journey is a testament to how sport creates unexpected opportunities and lifelong connections. From learning discipline and teamwork on the field to handling media crises and leading communications teams, football has remained a guiding force. His passion for the game extends beyond playing, shaping his friendships, career choices, and even his love for the Buffalo Bills. His story highlights the importance of embracing challenges, adapting to new environments, and always being willing to take the next step forward.
"One of my superpowers in work has been being an outsider. It’s the same in football—sometimes the best perspective comes from standing just outside the norm." – Nick Manning
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.