In this episode of Hanging Up The Jersey, we sit down with Payton Hogan, former Wayne State University football player, as he opens up about the battle between two versions of himself: the athlete striving for greatness and the young man navigating street life.

A felony charge forced him to confront his story and ultimately led him to a transformative path of healing, education, and growth.

Now a successful businessman and licensed mental health therapist, Payton shares the pivotal moments that helped him redefine manhood, shed the dual identity that once consumed him, and commit to helping others do the same.

This episode is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of rewriting your story.

In this episode of Hanging Up The Jersey, former NFL tight end Joshua Perkins shares the raw and inspiring journey of an underdog who clawed his way to the pinnacle of football — only to have it all cut short by injury.

From being overlooked to earning his place in the league, Josh reflects on the relentless grind that defined his path to the NFL. Josh opens up about the emotional toll of losing his purpose, the challenges of navigating life after the game, and how he began the deeper work of self-discovery. Through vulnerability and honesty, he explores how he learned to access his emotions, redefine his identity, and rebuild a life rooted in authenticity — not just athletic achievement.

This episode is a powerful listen for anyone who's ever had to start over, dig deep, and find meaning beyond the jersey.

In this episode of Hanging Up The Jersey, former Wagner College diver Erica Curry opens up about her unique and swift transition from elite athlete to mental health professional. Just months after her final dive, Erica dove headfirst into her master’s program in counseling at Cal State Long Beach, beginning a new journey centered around healing, growth, and purpose.

Now a Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBT) and online coach for current and former athletes, Erica shares what it was like to shift identities so quickly, the emotional challenges she faced, and how she now supports others navigating similar paths. From managing post-sport identity loss to creating safe spaces for emotional regulation and personal development, Erica offers real insight and actionable takeaways.

To learn more about her work, visit ericacurry.com.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone transitioning out of sport, pursuing a career in mental health, or simply looking to hear a story of resilience and redefinition.