What does a day in the life of a player development professional actually look like?

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a real day working in player development — from 5AM workouts to 9PM academic walk-throughs. While no two days are ever the same, I walk you hour-by-hour through what a typical day looked like when I served as Assistant Athletic Director for Player Development at Baylor Football.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to support athletes beyond the field, build relationships, juggle departments, and stay ready for whatever comes your way — this episode is for you.

-

Player Development Weekly Checklist: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/wklychk

🚨 I also share my BIGGEST regret while in the role… and how I’m fixing that with a new Day in the Life video series highlighting player development professionals across the globe. 👀

🎥 Want to nominate a PD pro for the upcoming video series? Drop their name in the comments!

🤝 Interested in sponsoring the Day in the Life series or the 2025 Player Development Summit? Let’s talk.

-

🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

2025 Player Development Summit

📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

#PlayerDevelopment #AthleteExperience #BehindTheScenes #CollegeFootball #DayInTheLife #LeadershipDevelopment #AthleteSupport #beyondthefield

In this episode, I share my honest reflections on two recent pro sports interviews. Neither turned out how I envisioned, and I want to pull back the curtain on what really happened, the lessons I learned, and how these experiences continue shaping my journey in player development.

2025 Player Development Summit

📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

💬 Have questions about the Summit? Drop them in the comments or DM me — I’m happy to help.

📢 Know someone who needs to be there? Share this video with them!

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

If you work in player development, athlete development, or anywhere behind the scenes helping athletes grow off the field — this Summit was built for YOU.

In this video, I break down exactly why the 2025 Player Development Summit, happening May 29–31 in Kansas City, is the can't-miss event of the year.

🎯 What You'll Learn:

✅ What makes this Summit different from every other sports conference

✅ Who should attend and what to expect

✅ Why this event creates real growth, real community, and real momentum

✅ How this space is reshaping the future of player development

📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

💬 Have questions about the Summit? Drop them in the comments or DM me — I’m happy to help.

📢 Know someone who needs to be there? Share this video with them!

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

SHE BELIEVED in our community!

The Founding Sponsor of the Player Development Summit Terrolyn Nunn.

In 2023 I received a sponsorship notification from someone I didn't know. As I started to piece things together I still didn't understand the thought behind this sponsorship request.

We jumped on the call and after giving the information on the event and the sponsorship levels. There was nothing but certainty for Terrolyn. I am so thankful for her and how she has supported this event since DAY ONE.

In the EXCLUSIVE episode we discuss her passion for this space, the people who she serves in this space, how she is committed to this event, and how she's excited for all who will be attending soon.

Connect with Terrolyn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrolyn-mitchell-nunn/

-

2025 Player Development Summit Information - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2025 Player Development Summit Ticket: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

Join our Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

0:00 - Podcast Introduction

1:00 - Terrolyn Nunn Introduction

3:09 - How We Met

4:32 - Access Granted Support

5:42 - The Growth of the Player Development Summit

8:54 - How Sponsorship Has Helped Access Granted

15:36 - Access Granted Programming and Services

24:45 - First Time in Kansas City

30:22 - Mother and Son Relationship

33:37 - One of Houston's Top Realtors

40:29 - Jalen Pitre Appreciation

41:30 - GO COOGS! Houston Basketball

43:40 - Rapid Fire Questions

55:45 - Impactful End

There are four major ways you can impact your community.

Listen to find out how.

Join our Player Development Community: https://www.skool.com/beyond-the-field-1931/about

Here’s How Beyond The Field Can Help You: https://youtu.be/x0FbEl-V3g4

2025 Player Development Summit Information - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2025 Player Development Summit - EARLY BIRD Ticket: https://buy.stripe.com/bIYfZp0TsaiC4RW14d

Player Development Webinar: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s1JZaIQsBRZ3_-40vkF0Z7Is6q9AHf41hvK65Oo2Tqg/edit?usp=sharing

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Alumni engagement is one of the MOST overlooked aspects of programs around the world. One of the reasons is some don't know how to create effective strategies. This episode will give you three processes that will skyrocket your alumni engagement.

-

Join our Player Development Community: https://www.skool.com/beyond-the-field-1931/about

Here’s How Beyond The Field Can Help You: https://youtu.be/x0FbEl-V3g4

2025 Player Development Summit Information - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2025 Player Development Summit - EARLY BIRD Ticket: https://buy.stripe.com/bIYfZp0TsaiC4RW14d

Player Development Webinar: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s1JZaIQsBRZ3_-40vkF0Z7Is6q9AHf41hvK65Oo2Tqg/edit?usp=sharing

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

ACADEMICS! ACADEMICS! ACADEMICS!

It is a necessary part of the student-athlete experience and I was fortunate to be the academic liaison in the player development role. I had great success in the role and want to share 4 ways you can be successful as well.

-

Join our Player Development Community: https://www.skool.com/beyond-the-field-1931/about

Here’s How Beyond The Field Can Help You: https://youtu.be/x0FbEl-V3g4

2025 Player Development Summit Information - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2025 Player Development Summit - EARLY BIRD Ticket: https://buy.stripe.com/bIYfZp0TsaiC4RW14d

Player Development Webinar: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s1JZaIQsBRZ3_-40vkF0Z7Is6q9AHf41hvK65Oo2Tqg/edit?usp=sharing

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Mentorship can benefit the athletes in your program immensely. Stay tuned to here the five ways this impact can happen.

-

Alex Myres' Coffee Business. Support one of my former athletes: https://www.7amdistribution.com/

Join our Player Development Community: https://www.skool.com/beyond-the-field-1931/about

Here’s How Beyond The Field Can Help You: https://youtu.be/x0FbEl-V3g4

2025 Player Development Summit Information - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2025 Player Development Summit - EARLY BIRD Ticket: https://buy.stripe.com/bIYfZp0TsaiC4RW14d

Player Development Webinar: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s1JZaIQsBRZ3_-40vkF0Z7Is6q9AHf41hvK65Oo2Tqg/edit?usp=sharing

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com