The NFL’s Canadian Underdog — Eli Ankou’s 8+ Year Career 

This week, I sit down with Eli Ankou, 9-year NFL veteran who went from being undrafted out of UCLA to carving out nearly a decade in the league—proving that sometimes the biggest chip on your shoulder becomes your greatest fuel. In this episode, Eli takes us through his real journey from Ottawa to the NFL, sharing how draft day disappointment became the foundation for a relentless work ethic that kept him in the game longer than most first-round picks. We dive deep into what it really takes to survive in the NFL when you're not the chosen one, why being undrafted taught him lessons that no college program ever could, and how he learned to find his identity beyond the helmet. He opens up about the brotherhood behind the scenes, the mental battles that don't show up on highlight reels, and that moment when you realize football was just the beginning—not the destination. Eli also reveals how his journey from knockdowns to building something lasting taught him that grit, gratitude, and staying true to your roots matter more than any draft position ever will. This conversation will shift your perspective on what it means to be "built different" and why the longest careers aren't always built by the most talented—they're built by the most determined. If you're on your own journey of proving the doubters wrong and building something that lasts, check out Put Out Content—my high-level coaching and content strategy program designed to help creators, founders, and entrepreneurs realize their potential through powerful storytelling and systems. 🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://linktr.ee/deepaksharma.co 📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.co Thanks for tuning in. And just remember... It's Not That Deep.