Quarterback, Jordan Ta'amu

Mad Props host Chris Schnabel sits down with Jordan Ta’amu — quarterback for the DC Defenders and former NFL QB — for a fun, competitive, and behind-the-scenes conversation that blends football, friendship, and everything in-between. From Hawaii to Ole Miss (SEC) to the pros, Jordan breaks down his journey, his mindset, and what it’s like navigating pro opportunities across leagues — plus stories from the road, gaming battles, and the real competitive edge that fueled a championship run.Jordan Ta’amu: Jordan Ta’amu is a quarterback from O‘ahu, Hawaii, who rose from junior college (New Mexico Military Institute) to Ole Miss, where he became a productive SEC starter and set program marks. He later earned NFL opportunities (including time with the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs) and became a standout in spring football, leading the DC Defenders and building a reputation as a dynamic playmaker and leader.Subscribe for weekly interviews with athletes, creators, entertainers, and industry leaders.Follow Jordan Ta’amuInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan_taamu10Mad Props PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropodChris SchnabelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabelTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabelEpisode Produced by Chris SchnabelEpisode Edited by Chris SchnabelMad Props is a Schnabel Studios ProductionChapters00:00 – Intro: Jordan Ta’amu joins Mad Props + “we compete over EVERYTHING”02:11 – Friendship + DC Defenders season connection03:09 – Super Smash Brothers rivalry (and the bus battles)06:28 – “Olympic day” competitions: hoops, bowling, air hockey, more07:34 – From Hawaii to Ole Miss: the recruiting journey09:14 – Junior college at New Mexico Military Institute (military rules + full ride)11:13 – Committing to Ole Miss + stepping in after injury13:56 – NCAA eligibility frustrations + rule changes16:47 – Draft process: combine medicals + torn ACL discovery20:07 – Texans → XFL opportunity + COVID shutting everything down23:54 – Sports during COVID + getting the call to the Chiefs25:27 – NFL COVID era + unexpected attention and pressure31:28 – Favorite games: Mortal Kombat + arcade competitiveness36:14 – Video Game Museum + Dallas spots to compete38:15 – Baseball background + how it shaped his QB game44:51 – Basketball rematch challenge + competitive mentality48:21 – Offseason life in Nashville: training athletes + teaching classes50:26 – Building QB camps + turning experience into a program55:48 – The “Smash before the championship” story + title run57:28 – Outro + where to follow Jordan and Mad Props