When Quitting Isn't an Option With Brian Folkerts

In this episode of Haus Talk, I sit down with one of my longtime teammates and close friends, Brian Folkerts. We played together at Washburn University, lived together as roommates, and have stayed connected through every season of life since. And if there's one word that defines Brian, it's grit. We walk through his full journey — from a Division II program to earning a shot in the NFL, getting cut, starting over, and fighting his way back. Brian opens up about the pressure, the identity battle that comes when the game is taken away, and what it really feels like to keep chasing a dream when the path isn't clear and the odds aren't in your favor. We also talk about what changed for him — the mindset shift of leaving no stone unturned, checking the ego, and committing fully to the work instead of counting the cost. That approach didn't just extend his playing career — it shaped the coach he's become today. Brian is now pouring everything he learned from the league into developing players, recently stepping into a new role as an offensive line coach at the University of Toledo, where he's building a tough, disciplined, smash-mouth brand of football. This episode is for anyone who's felt overlooked, underestimated, or forced to start over. Because sometimes the answer isn't a new plan — it's picking up the shovel and getting back to work. Subscribe to Haus Talk and join me as we keep unpacking what it takes to live above average — through faith, discipline, and the courage to keep going when life hits hard. Haus Talk Website: https://haustalkpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TPBSzRY0khVl1Hr4lacEV?si=d9fdd6cb85d54e0d Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/haus-talk/id1850015997