The Unheard @hlete Podcast

In this BONUS CLIP from BACKSTORY 2 — SOPHOMORE YEAR, Ellison Jordan reflects on the transition from #71 to #42 and the confidence shift that came with sophomore year football.From changing positions and taking on more responsibility to feeling like he entered his “prime” as a player, this clip captures the early stages of transformation, identity, and growth.

In Part 2 of the BACKSTORY series, Ellison Jordan reflects on his sophomore year at Gilman School — the season where he transitioned from #71 to #42 and began emerging as one of the top defensive linemen in the region.From ESPN matchups and national powerhouse opponents to rivalry losses, breakout performances, and earning his first major Division I offer from Michigan State, this episode captures the pressure, growth, and confidence that defined sophomore year.This is the story of identity, evolution, and becoming the player people finally started noticing.

Your pain doesn’t disappear.It transforms.In this powerful message from the Men of Light Program, at the Evening Light Church of Christ, UNHEARD @HLETE Host Ellison speaks on healing, forgiveness, and finding purpose through pain.No matter what you’ve been through — trauma, anxiety, loss, betrayal — your story still matters.And your voice still has power.This is more than a speech.This is a reminder:👉 Your pain becomes your voice.—🎙 UNHEARD @HLETEWhere Athletes Speak Freely.

In this moment from UNHEARD @HLETE, Ellison reflects on the discipline and sacrifice required in the student athlete journey.This story explores the mindset behind high school football preparation, mental toughness, and the commitment required to pursue greatness in sports.  

Are you building for the moment -- or for decades?In this segment from THE FRESHMAN YEAR, Ellison explains the long-term mindset behind choosing Gilman.  This decision wasn't rooted in short-term visibility, but in building a foundation that would extend far beyond football.Follow the podcast and share this with someone building beyond the season.

In BACKSTORY 2, Ellison takes you inside his freshman year at Gilman — a year defined by sacrifice, pressure, doubt, and breakthrough moments.From choosing a school based on a 40-year plan… To summer school and relentless workouts… To starting on varsity as a 15-year-old nose guard… To playing on ESPN in his first high school game…This episode explores what it really takes to adjust at the highest level of high school football.You’ll hear about:Leaving comfort and familiarity behindTraining camp doubts and internal battlesThe emotional moment before walking onto the field on ESPNThe Cam Newton celebration — and the lesson that followedChampionship football in the MIAAEarning MaxPreps Second Team All-American honors… without a single D1 offerThis wasn’t a perfect season. It was a growing season.And it set the foundation for everything that followed.🎧 Listen on: • YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • iHeartRadioSubscribe. Follow. Share the journey.

For many athletes, the game becomes more than a sport.It becomes identify.In these early years, football gave him confidence, direction, and purpose.He loved the game.He trusted the journey.But life had a different path waiting.If this resonates, listen to the full Backstory 1.

Bonus Clip 1 of Backstory 1.

This episode, Backstory 1, introduces you to our first UNHEARD @HLETE, Ellison Jordan.

Athletes are celebrated for their performance, but what happens behind closed doors after a major injury or something else occurs? You put your life and career in the hands of people who you’re told know better but unfortunately they can make it worse, much worse.This happened to me…and yes, I got angry,  I lost trust,  but I didn’t lose myself and I didn’t give up on the game.I’m Ellison Jordan, former D1athlete and I created this podcast to expose the pain and betrayal that athletes - and those who love them -  experience more often than you may think. This podcast is for athletes battling injuries, dealing with the mental strain of being sidelined and even forgotten. It starts right here, with my story.