Episode 40: Taylor Heinicke | “A good setback is just a possibility for a comeback”

The Long Shot with Duncan Robinson and Davis Reid

This week the podcast moves from the hardwood to the gridiron as the guys sit down with one of the best recent underdog stories in the NFL. Taylor Heinicke was out of professional football a year ago and finishing his master’s degree at Old Dominion when he got a call from The Washington Football Team to be their “emergency COVID practice player.” After some injuries and roster changes, Taylor found himself starting in the NFC Wildcard game just a few months later. Now he is the starting quarterback in Washington and just inked a new contract that will keep him there for the next two seasons.

The guys discuss his story, finding a rhythm as a consistent starter, the pressure & responsibility that comes with being a quarterback, and how you find comfort and confidence in that role. They also talk about his career at Old Dominion, how a smaller school benefitted him as an athlete, and why so many undrafted guys seem to find success in the NFL.

Then the conversation shifts into the psyche of playing football, the amount of film that Taylor watches, how you “unlock” your mind during games, and dealing with adversity with so much time in-between games.

To wrap up the convo, the guys talk NFL dress code, meditation, float tanks, and favorite music.

Before all of that, Duncan and Davis talk about the red-hot Miami Heat, Duncan reflects on getting some shade thrown at him from his teammates, Davis tests Duncan’s IQ, they discuss what it’s like for NBA players at the airport, and more!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices