What does it really take to run an NFL team and still find balance off the field? Join host Ryan Weir as he sits down with Tom Telesco, former general manager of the Chargers and Raiders, to unpack the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons from life inside professional football. From getting fired three times to building winning rosters, Tom shares how preparation beats talent, how to handle pressure, and why the right coach–quarterback pairing changes everything. Packed with insider stories, honest reflections, and practical advice, this episode is perfect for sports fans, aspiring professionals, and anyone chasing success against the odds.

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• Tom’s journey from small-town beginnings to NFL front offices
• How “alignment, assignment, technique” can beat raw talent
• The reality of getting fired — and coming back stronger
• Stadium politics, the Chargers move, and public vs. private funding
• Managing anxiety and blocking out the noise in high-pressure roles
• How internships and volunteering can open doors in pro sports
• Why the head coach–quarterback duo is the foundation of any franchise

WHO WILL LOVE THIS EPISODE:

• Sports fans curious about the business side of the NFL
• Students and early-career professionals looking for insider advice
• Leaders seeking lessons in resilience and decision-making under pressure
• Anyone fascinated by the connection between sports, mindset, and success

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Intro with Ryan Weir & Tom Telesco

02:42 – From Buffalo to the NFL: first steps into pro sports 06:15 – Outworking talent: the preparation mindset

12:38 – Getting fired three times and lessons learned

18:54 – Chargers move to LA: stadium politics and public funding realities

24:18 – Managing anxiety and ignoring outside noise

30:56 – Alignment, assignment, technique: the underdog advantage

37:02 – How to break into sports: internships, volunteering, networking

44:08 – Draft Day vs. real NFL draft rooms

50:22 – Hardest roster decisions and saying goodbye to players

1:02:14 – Closing thoughts and key takeaways

STAY CONNECTED:

• Like this episode if you enjoyed the inside-NFL stories
• Comment your favorite takeaway from Tom’s advice
• Subscribe for more Weird Connections Welcome to Weird Connections — because everyone’s connected, whether you like it or not.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

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Ep. 6

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