The 2026 NFL season is upon us, and the NFC East never lacks for storylines. The Eagles are looking to defend their division crown. The Cowboys enter yet another season with massive expectations. The Commanders are trying to bounce back in year 3 under Dan Quinn. The Giants face a pivotal year as they search for answers and consistency. All that and more on this full-on division preview of the NFC East!

New York Giants (00:00)

Dallas Cowboys (14:05)

Philadelphia Eagles (25:47)

Washington Commanders (37:03)

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The 2026 NFL season is upon us, and the NFC West remains one of football's most fascinating divisions. Will the Rams "all-in" moves from the past few months prove to be enough for another Super Bowl run? Are the 49ers ready to bounce back after an offseason filled with change? We also examine the Cardinals' young core and assess the Seahawks' chances of repeating as champs. From quarterback questions to playoff expectations, we're breaking down everything you need to know in the NFC West!

Los Angeles Rams (00:00)

San Francisco 49ers (13:34)

Seattle Seahawks (27:16)

Arizona Cardinals (41:52)

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On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper sit down with former cornerback R.J. Stanford for one of the wildest Second Acts stories yet. RJ opens up about the moment his mom showed up at school to straighten him out, and the lessons that shaped his path to the NFL. He breaks down his Welcome to the League moment, his first interception off Drew Brees, and the legendary Thomas Davis pregame speech. Then R.J. reveals how he transitioned from football to the Secret Service, what it was like protecting Vice President Mike Pence, and what he experienced while on duty during the January 6th riot. A must‑listen episode full of stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

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On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman sit down with former offensive lineman and media personality Ross Tucker for an episode packed with wild stories, football nostalgia, and unexpected celebrity connections. Ross shares how he gives Peanut his flowers during broadcasts for the “Peanut Punch,” and how Peanut’s technique changed tackling forever. From there, Ross takes the guys on a tour of his Pennsylvania hometown, sharing tales about growing up around Taylor Swift. Ross reflects on his unlikely path from Princeton to the NFL, his “welcome to the NFL” moment, earning respect from LaVar Arrington in practice, and blocking for Jeff George in his first game. The episode wraps with Ross’ hilarious confession: he peed his pants before almost every game of his career. It’s classic Ross Tucker — honest, funny, and full of great stories — with Peanut and Roman stirring the pot every step of the way.

The NFL Players: Second Acts Podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

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On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Eagles legend Brian Westbrook joins Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper for a powerful conversation about his rise from overlooked recruit to All‑Pro, the magic and chaos of the 2004 Eagles, and the purpose driving his second act.

Brian opens up about his Villanova days where he proved doubters wrong and became an NCAA record breaker. He shares stories from his early NFL years — getting blindsided by Brian Dawkins, Andy Reid’s famously tough practices, and how Terrell Owens’ arrival helped unlock his confidence as a first‑time starter.

Brian also breaks down his business ventures, the Westbrook Empowerment Center, his children’s book, and the legacy he’s building for his family. He reflects on losing his mother, Andy Reid’s impact on his life, and a powerful moment at the funeral of Reid’s son that changed their relationship forever.

A thoughtful, emotional, and inspiring episode with one of Philly’s most beloved stars — and a man committed to lifting the next generation.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

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On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts, Peanut and Roman sit down with Manti Te’o for a raw, reflective, and fun conversation about football, faith, redemption, and the second act he’s building with purpose. Manti shares his unlikely story of how a kid from Hawaii — a lifelong USC fan — ended up choosing Notre Dame at the last possible moment, and how his Polynesian roots and faith shaped the man he’s become. He takes us through his NFL “welcome to the league” moment, the vets who taught him the cerebral side of the game, and why he calls his time with the New Orleans Saints “JAY‑Z years. Manti then dives into his second act: broadcasting. He credits Kyle Brandt for sharpening his voice, recalls his “welcome to broadcasting” moment covering an Eagles game, and breaks down how he learned to tell stories instead of stats. The conversation closes with Manti’s reflections on retirement, smart investments, the documentary that reshaped public perception, the Polynesian Hall of Fame, and his personal Mount Rushmore. A thoughtful, honest, and uplifting episode — exactly what Second Acts is all about.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

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On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman sit down with former Steeler Rashard Mendenhall to find out how he went from a Super Bowl-winning running back to writing and producing HBO’s Ballers. Rashard explains why he started speed training at six years old and how he knew he could make it to the NFL. He also shares his favorite NFL memories, including going up against Ray Lewis and winning a Super Bowl as a rookie.

Then, Rashard reveals how an essay he wrote about retiring led to a deal with HBO to write and produce Ballers. Rashard gives a behind the scenes look at the writing process for a major TV show and explains how his life inspired the show.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman are joined by former All-Pro Maurice Jones‑Drew for a fast, funny, and insightful conversation about the journey that shaped one of the NFL’s most unique running backs. Maurice talks about how taking ballet classes as a kid paid off for his NFL career, being part of the De La Salle High School dynasty, and the wild recruiting stories that led him to UCLA. He shares memories of Eric Bieniemy, his connection to Jackie Robinson, and how Kyle Shanahan taught him the West Coast offense through Madden.

The guys revisit MJD’s “welcome to the NFL” moment, his bruising running style, and the time MJD got the “Peanut Punch” treatment. MJD breaks down the backs who inspired him, how he’s coaching his son today, and how broadcasting helped him transition into life after football.

A sharp, energetic look at the mindset behind a true NFL original.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.