Claim OwnershipThe Grit Code Podcast
Subscribed: 11Played: 144
Subscribe
© 2025 The Grit Code Podcast
Description
Welcome to The Grit Code Podcast, where former NFL All-Pro Donte Whitner and Hall of Famer Patrick Willis break down what it truly takes to overcome setbacks, stay disciplined, and build greatness on and off the field.
Every week, we dive into raw conversations with athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and culture shifters who share their scars, lessons, and triumphs. From locker room stories and behind-the-scenes NFL moments, to financial literacy, personal growth, and cultural commentary — this is where grit gets decoded.
💡 Segments you’ll hear:
Free Game – hard lessons turned into tools for success
Quote/Lyric Breakdowns – wisdom from icons like Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, and more
Grit Code Challenge of the Week – one habit to build discipline and resilience
If you’ve ever battled doubt, fought through adversity, or needed inspiration to keep pushing — this is your tribe.
Every week, we dive into raw conversations with athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and culture shifters who share their scars, lessons, and triumphs. From locker room stories and behind-the-scenes NFL moments, to financial literacy, personal growth, and cultural commentary — this is where grit gets decoded.
💡 Segments you’ll hear:
Free Game – hard lessons turned into tools for success
Quote/Lyric Breakdowns – wisdom from icons like Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, and more
Grit Code Challenge of the Week – one habit to build discipline and resilience
If you’ve ever battled doubt, fought through adversity, or needed inspiration to keep pushing — this is your tribe.
28 Episodes
Reverse
Rod and Donte dive into the mind and heart of co-host Patrick Willis as he walks us through his life leading through the NFL to the Hall Of Fame. What he overcame as a child living in poverty and the lessons he learned and took from his family, friends and coaches throughout.
Patrick is a testament to grit, kindness, tenacity, and being an absolute BEAST on the field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
When you think "linebacker" you think NaVorro Bowman. Donte, Pat and Silverback dive into his childhood, college days, and those incredible years with the 49ers. They talk the challenges he faced in college at Penn State aka linebacker U. And how it shaped him to be the teammate and player he was in the NFL. They, of course talk some iconic plays, most notably the PICK AT THE STICK.
Then, the guys talk some current 49ers pick ups - Dre Greenlaw being back, trading for Osa and league wide, diving in a little bit to the Chiefs acquiring Justin Fields.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
It's that time of year when everything is on the table. Donte, Pat and Rod talk all things Mike Evans, Trent Williams, Dre Greenlaw, Raiders, Titans, Pittsburgh, and so much more. The league is heating up and so are the fellas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
The fellas are joined by the one and only Justin "Cowboy Smith as they continue to check in with their teammates from that world beating defense.
Cowboy grew up on a farm and talks about his grit that he worked at time and again. He remarks on his time in Cincinnati and then the best years of his career in San Francisco with Donte, Pat and the guys. The guys talk about his skill set and just how dominant he was.
They finish the episode by diving into the work his son is doing on the High School Football field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
Donte, Pat and Rod dive into addressing some needs through Free Agency this off season. Should they go after an uber talented vet like Mike Evans or Tyreek Hill coming off of a gnarly injury?
Can their current guys get the job done on both sides of the ball?
Then, favorite from the playing days, Chris Culliver joins to talk all things about his upbringing, his NFL experience and growth and mental health after the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
Pat, Donte & Rod are joined by the uniquely original, former Cornerback for the 49ers, Tarell Brown.
They dive deep into his childhood, high school, college and NFL careers and the most incredible life after football. Creating two foundations and working in real estate. Tarell is a true testament to Grit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
Jam Packed edition of The Grit Code Podcast. Donte, Pat and Rod breakdown the boring or exciting (depends how you look at it) Super Bowl victory of the Seattle Seahawks on the 49ers home turf. They talk Bad Bunny's performance as well.
Donte has some big questions for the boys. Is Mike Macdonald better than Kyle Shanahan now that he has won the big game? Who are the top five Position dominant coaches in the NFL? What do the 49ers need to do to get on this level?
Switching gears to off season - Maxx Crosby has expressed that he does not want to return to the Raiders. Should the 49ers go after this big name talent and what should they be expected to give?
Lastly, joining the show is Donte and Pat's teammate, Kyle Williams. Kyle has a fascinating story, including his father being a major player and exec in the MLB. What drew him to football? Then, once in the league, Kyle had one of the worst games of his life when it mattered most. How did he get over it? What work has he done since?
Kyle talks all about an incredible organization, NESTRE Performance, who lead the charge on mental and cognitive strength training and solutions company, that leverages neuroscience and AI/Machine Learning technology to personalize how people get better, feel better, perform better.
For more information go to: https://nestreperformance.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
Donte and Rod break down the latest in 49ers land.
Raheem Morris is the new DC. Who likes it? Who might not?
There has been a plethora of coaching hires. The fellas play a game of Dude or Dud with each one.
Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch - their contracts are up soon. How soon should they lock that up?
Free Agency Chatter. And, of course, finishing the episode with Donte and Rod's Picks for The Seahawks and Patriots Super Bowl. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
Donte and Rod are joined by one of the best safeties in 49ers history, Dashon Goldson.
They dive into his origin story first, specifically his mindset and when he realized he was good enough to play the game of football at the highest level. The fellas dive into those draft day feelings and those early years when D Gold was running with the 3rd and 4th string folks. Then, how things changed once he got the call that he would be starting.
Donte and Dashon reminisce on the defense during 2011-2013 when the were in NFC Championships and the 2013 Super Bowl.
Finally, the guys dive into what needs to change for the 49ers going forward and of course, some early Super Bowl Predictions, and maybe, just maybe a jab or two at a certain Seattle Seahawk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
The 49ers season has come to a brutal end. Donte, Rod and Pat dive deep into what both sides of the ball failed to execute in that game and who holds responsibility? Specifically in key early plays. With this being the end of an injury plagued season and change on the horizon, what has to keep the 49ers healthy, especially at peak positions like those occupied by George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and more.
The conversation shifts to Robert Saleh’s departure to the Titans. Was this a positive decision for him? And where does the organization look to go with their defense next?
Finally, the guys make their picks for Conference Championship weekend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
The Grit Code Podcast recaps the 49ers’ playoff win over the Eagles, breaking down how the Niners executed under pressure and closed the game in enemy territory. We preview the critical matchup against the Seahawks and finish with around the league picks as the playoff picture continues to take shape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We dive into the film to break down what went wrong on both sides of the ball, from missed opportunities and communication breakdowns to questionable schematic decisions. The guys evaluate Brock Purdy’s performance, the play-calling, and the key moments where the offense lost momentum. Then it’s a full preview of the Eagles matchup, including Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Vic Fangio’s defense, and the revenge factor from last season. The episode wraps with Wild Card picks around the league and Pat’s thoughts on offseason recovery, mental reset, and getting ready for the year ahead. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of The Grit Code Podcast, Donte Whitner, Patrick Willis, and Rod Brooks break down the 49ers’ huge win over the Bears, led by Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey. From offensive fireworks to unsung heroes, they highlight the plays that mattered most. Plus, the NFL playoff and division races are heating up, they preview the final week matchups: 49ers vs Seahawks, Steelers vs Ravens, and Panthers vs Bucs, and discuss who has the best shot to punch their playoff ticket. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brock Purdy’s rising trajectory and best game as a pro, the 49ers’ big-picture performance and standout plays, Kyle Shanahan’s coaching and team strengths/concerns, defense breakdown including Dee Winters’ pick-6 and pass rush evaluation, Buy/Sell discussion of real Super Bowl contenders, next week’s preview vs. the Bears, and off-field/leadership notes covering Brandon Aiyuk’s speeding incident and DK Metcalf’s suspension with league-wide discipline implications. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Donte Whitner, Patrick Willis, and Rod Brooks break down the latest NFL and college football headlines. They discuss the 49ers’ biggest questions, including Fred Warner’s return timeline, life without Dre Greenlaw, and what needs to be fixed after the bye. Around the league, they cover the Eagles’ struggles, the Browns’ decision with Shedeur Sanders, and whether the Seahawks are the team to beat in the NFC. On the college side, Notre Dame’s bowl opt-out and early coaching departures are analyzed, and the crew reacts to Odell Beckham Jr.’s “$100 million isn’t enough” comments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The 49ers are heating up at the perfect time. Health is returning, turnovers are finally landing, and Kyle Shanahan’s creativity is back. We break down the defensive surge, CMC’s control of the offense, and the energy Jauan Jennings brings every week. Special teams delivered a game-changing spark against Cleveland, and the NFC race is suddenly wide open with the Eagles slowing, the Lions wobbling, and the Rams fading.We also hit the key takeaways from the Cleveland win, the 49ers’ bye-week priorities, and a quick look around the league, from Stafford’s regression to the Jeudy–Shedeur argument and Aaron Rodgers stirring more locker-room drama.The path to the NFC’s No. 1 seed is alive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week on The Grit Code Podcast, Donte Whitner, Patrick Willis, and Rod Brooks break down a chaotic NFL week. The 49ers earn a tough win over the Panthers, even with Brock Purdy tossing three picks, while CMC shines and the defense delivers its best game of the season. Shedeur Sanders debuts for the Browns, facing the challenges of mental reps, accountability, and proving himself under pressure. We also cover Brandon Aiyuk’s situation, strategies to slow Myles Garrett, and break down AFC and NFC contenders and pretenders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week on The Grit Code Podcast, Donte Whitner, Patrick Willis, and Rod Brooks break down a wild week in the NFL. Brock Purdy makes a triumphant return, restoring rhythm and confidence to the 49ers’ offense and setting the standard for the season. Shedeur Sanders faces his first NFL reality check, navigating the challenges of mental reps, accountability, and life off the field. And in league drama, Ja’Marr Chase sparks controversy after spitting on Jalen Ramsey, raising questions about player conduct. Tune in for hot takes, insights, and this week’s Grit Code Challenge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode, we talk financial reality for athletes and Sebastian Telfair’s story, the 49ers’ meltdown including QB controversy and defensive breakdowns, and NFL hot topics like Sauce Gardner, Jonathan Taylor, and Lamar Jackson. Hosts Donte Whitner, Patrick Willis, and Rod Brooks break it all down. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Donte Whitner, Patrick Willis, and Rod Brooks break down the 49ers dealing with key injuries, Christian McCaffrey’s dominance, midseason MVP talk, and Jayden Daniels’ injury, sharing their insight on what it takes to stay resilient in the NFL. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States