Raven’s Guard Ben Cleveland on Haters, Hard Hooksets, and Life in The NFL

In this episode of the Take It To The Bank podcast, host Ben Ballou welcomes NFL lineman Ben Cleveland, who shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to professional football and his passion for fishing. The conversation covers Cleveland's early experiences in the outdoors, his NFL career, the draft process, and the challenges of balancing sports with personal interests. They also discuss a memorable fishing trip to Kentucky Lake, the nuances of fishing techniques, and the reactions to social media posts about their fishing methods. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and insights into the world of professional sports and fishing. takeaways Ben Cleveland shares his journey from small-town Georgia to the NFL. Fishing was a necessity growing up, helping to put food on the table. The importance of quick decision-making in both fishing and football. Draft day was a mix of excitement and missed calls. Cleveland emphasizes the mental aspect of football and fishing. Social media reactions can be surprising and humorous. Hook setting techniques can vary and spark debate among anglers. The camaraderie between athletes in different sports is evident. Fishing techniques differ greatly depending on the location and conditions. The joy of fishing lies in the experience, not just the catch.