Nnamdi Asomugha: Embracing the Raider way, Why ’03 is best DB Draft, Hollywood stardom

Former All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha taps in with Peanut and Roman on the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast. The guys welcome Nnamdi by saying his last name correctly, not like former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue on Draft day, as Nnamdi explains. Nnamdi reflects on his excitement entering the NFL turn to dread after owner Al Davis made him change positions. Nnamdi also shares how he learned the NFL ropes from Hall of Famers Charles and Rod Woodson. He also explains how his growth as a player and person while with the Raiders was the reason he signed a one-day contract to retire with the organization. Nnamdi also gets candid about the mental anguish he experienced as a 32-year-old trying to figure out his next chapter after retirement. Though he’s a Hollywood leading man now as an actor, Nnamdi shares how he found passion in acting and why he believes he's found success in the craft. Then, Peanut and Nnamdi list the DBs taken in the 2003 Draft, and why the call it the greatest DB Draft of all time.

 

0:42 - Nnamdi is introduced
1:39 - Nnamdi talks about being drafted by the Oakland Raiders
5:13- Nnamdi talks about the first time he played against Roman
7:11 - Nnamdi shares his welcome to the NFL moment
9:05 - Nnamdi explains why it was important for him to retire as a Raider
10:53 - Nnamdi talks about switching from safety to cornerback in the NFL
13:58 - Nnamdi shares what he learned from the Raiders veterans
19:37 - Nnamdi discusses his struggles with the mental aspects of retirement and finding purpose outside of football
27:39 - Roman and Nnamdi discuss the biggest misconceptions people have about players when they retire
31:01 - Nnamdi shares his advice for aspiring actors
33:48 - Nnamdi shares the challenges of acting
35:15 - Nnamdi discusses being cast in the 2017 drama Crown Heights
41:58 - Nnamdi explains the goals of his foundation and their Acts College Tour
47:27 - Nnamdi shares his inspiration for majoring in finance
49:20 - Nnamdi talks about learning to play the saxophone
50:40 - Nnamdi shares his personal Mount Rushmore
53:11 - Peanut and Nnamdi discuss the great cornerbacks of the 2003 NFL draft

*NOTE: Time codes are approximate

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

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