To conclude season 6, get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with former BYU wide receiver Kody Epps. From playing alongside future NFL stars like Bryce Young and Amon-Ra St. Brown at powerhouse Mater Dei High School to becoming the first freshman at BYU to record consecutive 100-yard receiving games, Kody's journey exemplifies resilience and purposeful living.

After catching passes from quarterbacks like Zach Wilson and Jaren Hall, a devastating foot injury nearly ended his career, forcing him into what he calls "deep discovery mode" to understand his body and overcome adversity. Despite not being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kody found his favorite classes at BYU were actually his religion courses, where he embraced an "infant perspective" of learning without ego or barriers. His testimony of faith growth led to speaking at President Worthen's fireside, demonstrating how immersing yourself in different cultures and beliefs can strengthen your own spiritual foundation.

Rather than pursuing the NFL, Kody chose to "bet on himself" by retiring from football to launch Sonny Golf Club, his entrepreneurial venture creating magnetic golf ball markers with his business partners. Through stories of overcoming injuries, building bridges across racial and religious diversity, and finding mentorship from professors like Lee Daniels, Kody shares how stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing diversity of thought can solve world problems. His message is clear: find true joy and happiness by pursuing your dreams the right way, surrounded by people who believe in your vision, because "birds of a feather flock together."

Check out Sonny Golf Club: https://www.instagram.com/sonnygolfclub?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Video Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

0:47 - Meet Kody Epps

1:15 - Northern California Roots and Mater Dei High School

2:33 - Elite Competition and High Standards

3:29 - Learning Among Future NFL Stars

4:18 - The Infant Perspective

5:51 - Football Focus at Mater Dei

6:55 - High School Championships and Success

7:31 - College Recruitment Process

7:49 - Spiritual Calling to BYU

9:31 - Lee Daniels as Favorite Professor

11:20 - Sonny Golf Club Business Venture

13:43 - Learning Business from Life Examples

14:02 - BYU Football Career Highlights

15:41 - Bone Injury Crisis

18:15 - Over a Year Recovery Process

18:47 - Support System During Adversity

20:04 - Gratitude to LDS Church as Non-Member

21:23 - Religion Classes at BYU

23:02 - Speaking at President Worthen's Fireside

24:41 - Faith Journey Through Different Schools

25:33 - Current Passions and Golf Obsession

28:01 - Connection with Coach Sitake

28:12 - BYU's Discipline and Honor Code

29:17 - Decision to Retire from Football

30:42 - Purpose Beyond Football

32:22 - Sonny Golf Club Partnership

33:14 - Advice for Diverse Athletes at BYU

35:48 - Diversity and Team Unity

38:07 - Diversity of Thought Philosophy

39:31 - Final Message