Digest

Mercedes Lewis, a veteran NFL tight end entering his 19th season, shares his insights and experiences throughout his remarkable career. He discusses his passion for football, comparing it to combat sports and emphasizing the importance of love for the game for longevity. He reflects on his 19 training camps, the physical and mental toll they take, and his own routine for staying healthy. Mercedes reminisces about his high school football days at Long Beach Poly and his decision to attend UCLA over USC. He talks about his journey at UCLA, his tight end coach, and the turning point in his career when he realized his NFL potential. He also reflects on his induction into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. The conversation shifts to DeShone Kizer, the new UCLA football coach, and Mercedes defends Kizer's leadership qualities and potential to lead the program. He discusses the importance of winning games and believes that Kizer has the potential to lead UCLA to success. Mercedes shares his excitement about being drafted to the Jacksonville Jaguars alongside his UCLA teammate, Maurice Jones-Drew, and reminisces about their shared journey and the impact of their rookie year together. He talks about his first NFL touchdown with the Jaguars and the influence of Fred Taylor, a veteran teammate who took him under his wing. Mercedes recounts the unexpected news of his release from the Jaguars after 12 years and describes how Aaron Rodgers reached out to him, leading to his move to the Green Bay Packers. He talks about his experience playing with Aaron Rodgers, highlighting his unique understanding of the game and the special bond they built. He also shares his close friendship with Devonte Adams and their shared passion for the game. Mercedes discusses his current team, the Chicago Bears, and their new quarterback, Caleb Williams. He expresses his excitement about the team's potential, highlighting the defense and the addition of key offensive players. He also praises Williams's leadership and work ethic. Finally, Mercedes reveals his passion for UFC and his 14-year training in mixed martial arts. He discusses his future plans, including potentially grappling professionally after retiring from football. He also shares his thoughts on the potential for NFL players to succeed in MMA.

Outlines

00:00:00

NFL Journey and Love for the Game

Mercedes Lewis, an NFL legend entering his 19th season, discusses his journey, the significance of the number 19, his love for the game, and his passion for football, comparing it to combat sports. He emphasizes that the love for the game is essential for longevity, and he still feels the same passion in his 19th year.

00:03:54

Training Camp, Longevity, and High School Football

Mercedes talks about his experience in 19 training camps, the physical and mental toll it takes, and how he's seen players \"check out\" over the years. He shares his own routine and how he's managed to avoid serious injuries. He reminisces about his high school football days at Long Beach Poly, where he was considered one of the top players in the country. He shares stories about his teammates and the recruiting process, including his decision to attend UCLA over USC.

00:11:41

UCLA, NFL Potential, and Coaching

Mercedes discusses his journey at UCLA, his tight end coach, and the turning point in his career when he realized his NFL potential. He also reflects on his induction into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, a surreal moment for him. The conversation shifts to DeShone Kizer, the new UCLA football coach, and Mercedes defends Kizer, highlighting his leadership qualities and potential to lead the program. He discusses the importance of winning games and believes that DeShone Kizer has the potential to lead UCLA to success.

00:19:32

Jacksonville Jaguars, First NFL Touchdown, and Green Bay Packers

Mercedes shares his excitement about being drafted to the Jacksonville Jaguars alongside his UCLA teammate, Maurice Jones-Drew. He reminisces about their shared journey and the impact of their rookie year together. He talks about his first NFL touchdown with the Jaguars and the influence of Fred Taylor, a veteran teammate who took him under his wing. Mercedes recounts the unexpected news of his release from the Jaguars after 12 years and describes how Aaron Rodgers reached out to him, leading to his move to the Green Bay Packers.

00:31:24

Playing with Aaron Rodgers, Devonte Adams, and Chicago Bears

Mercedes talks about his experience playing with Aaron Rodgers, highlighting his unique understanding of the game and the special bond they built. He also shares his close friendship with Devonte Adams and their shared passion for the game. Mercedes discusses his current team, the Chicago Bears, and their new quarterback, Caleb Williams. He expresses his excitement about the team's potential, highlighting the defense and the addition of key offensive players. He also praises Williams's leadership and work ethic.

00:38:02

UFC Fan and Future Plans

Mercedes reveals his passion for UFC and his 14-year training in mixed martial arts. He discusses his future plans, including potentially grappling professionally after retiring from football. He also shares his thoughts on the potential for NFL players to succeed in MMA.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the significance of the number 19 for Mercedes Lewis?

  The number 19 holds special significance for Mercedes Lewis as it represents his 19th season in the NFL. He wore the number in high school and at UCLA, and it has become a symbol of his longevity and dedication to the game.

• How has Mercedes Lewis managed to stay healthy and avoid serious injuries throughout his long career?

  Mercedes Lewis attributes his longevity to a strict routine that includes hyperbolic chambers, saunas, cold tubs, acupuncture, dry needling, and a focus on mixed martial arts training during the off-season. He also emphasizes the importance of listening to his body and avoiding overtraining.

• What was it like playing with Aaron Rodgers and Devonte Adams?

  Mercedes describes playing with Aaron Rodgers as a special experience, highlighting his unique understanding of the game and the trust they built. He also shares his close friendship with Devonte Adams, emphasizing their shared passion for the game and their similar approach to preparation and competition.

• What are Mercedes Lewis's thoughts on the Chicago Bears' new quarterback, Caleb Williams?

  Mercedes is impressed with Caleb Williams's work ethic, leadership, and desire to be great. He believes that Williams has the potential to be a star in the NFL and is excited to see him develop with the Bears.

• What are Mercedes Lewis's future plans after retiring from football?

  Mercedes plans to continue grappling professionally after retiring from football. He has been training in mixed martial arts for 14 years and believes he has the skills and athleticism to compete at a high level.

Show Notes