He Missed Every Friday Night Game… and Still Made the NFL

Former NFL linebacker Davion Taylor shares one of the most inspiring journeys in football.Raised in Mississippi as a Commandment Keeper, Davion observed the Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown,  meaning he couldn’t play Friday night high school football like everyone else. Despite missing the traditional path to recruitment, he fought his way onto a junior college roster after competing against more than 150 athletes, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of Colorado.From there, DT became second-team All-Pac-12, ran a blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash, and shocked many by being selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.But the NFL journey wasn’t easy.Davion opens up about the injuries that derailed his early career, battling depression while far from home, and the emotional toll of feeling overlooked once he got hurt. Through every setback, his faith, family, and mindset kept him moving forward.Today, DT is helping train the next generation of athletes at D1 Sports in Nashville, mentoring NFL prospects both physically and mentally while staying open to whatever God has next for his own journey.This episode is about faith, perseverance, purpose, and trusting God through every stage of life , even when the path makes no sense.In this episode, we discuss:• Growing up unable to play Friday night football because of faith• Walking on at JUCO and earning a Division I scholarship• The emotional moment he got drafted by the Eagles• Injuries, depression, and mental health in the NFL• Life after football and mentoring future athletes• Why gratitude changed his perspective on adversityIf you’ve ever faced setbacks, uncertainty, or moments where you questioned the journey, this conversation will inspire you to keep going.