If you’re inspired by stories of resilience and personal development, this episode of Pay Your Dues is for you. Join Greg Inglin as he sits down with former NFL quarterback Jon Kitna, whose journey is a testament to the power of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Whether you’re an athlete, aspiring leader, or simply passionate about athlete stories that go beyond the field, you’ll discover how Kitna’s faith, leadership skills, and commitment to personal growth guided him from small college football to a standout NFL career without ever being selected in the NFL draft. Along the way, Kitna made his mark with the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Dallas Cowboys, facing challenges and triumphs at every stop. This candid conversation is packed with sports career advice, real-life lessons in leadership, and the kind of authentic, behind-the-scenes insights you won’t find anywhere else. Tune in for a sports leadership podcast that will leave you motivated and ready to tackle your own challenges.

What you can expect from this episode:

- Behind-the-scenes athlete stories: Hear firsthand about the grit and resilience it takes to go from overlooked high school player to a respected NFL quarterback.

- Leadership and mentorship insights: Learn how leadership skills and the support of mentors shaped Kitna’s career and personal growth.

- Faith and personal development: Discover how Kitna’s faith in Christianity and commitment to personal development helped him overcome obstacles and inspire others both on and off the field.

Guest idea? Feedback? Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.

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Want to skip to the good part? Here’s this episode’s segments:

00:00 - From High School to College Football Journey

09:43 - Overcoming Challenges and Finding Direction

18:57 - The Role of Faith in a Competitive Career

26:51 - Life on the Practice Squad and Early NFL Experiences

31:58 - International Opportunities and Career Growth

33:10 - The Journey to Becoming a Starter

34:33 - Challenges and Triumphs in Seattle

37:52 - Transitioning to Cincinnati

40:26 - The Role of a Backup Quarterback

43:03 - Impact Beyond the Field in Detroit

45:36 - Faith in the Locker Room

48:59 - The Unique Experience of Playing for the Cowboys

51:48 - Growth as a Leader and Quarterback

54:13 - Overcoming Fear in Life and Sports

57:10 - The Rewarding Journey of Coaching High School Football

01:03:47 - Transformational Coaching in High School