What does it really take to run an NFL team and still find balance off the field? Join host Ryan Weir as he sits down with Tom Telesco, former general manager of the Chargers and Raiders, to unpack the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons from life inside professional football. From getting fired three times to building winning rosters, Tom shares how preparation beats talent, how to handle pressure, and why the right coach–quarterback pairing changes everything. Packed with insider stories, honest reflections, and practical advice, this episode is perfect for sports fans, aspiring professionals, and anyone chasing success against the odds.WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:Tom’s journey from small-town beginnings to NFL front officesHow “alignment, assignment, technique” can beat raw talentThe reality of getting fired — and coming back strongerStadium politics, the Chargers move, and public vs. private fundingManaging anxiety and blocking out the noise in high-pressure rolesHow internships and volunteering can open doors in pro sportsWhy the head coach–quarterback duo is the foundation of any franchiseWHO WILL LOVE THIS EPISODE:Sports fans curious about the business side of the NFLStudents and early-career professionals looking for insider adviceLeaders seeking lessons in resilience and decision-making under pressureAnyone fascinated by the connection between sports, mindset, and successTIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro with Ryan Weir & Tom Telesco 02:42 – From Buffalo to the NFL: first steps into pro sports 06:15 – Outworking talent: the preparation mindset 12:38 – Getting fired three times and lessons learned 18:54 – Chargers move to LA: stadium politics and public funding realities 24:18 – Managing anxiety and ignoring outside noise 30:56 – Alignment, assignment, technique: the underdog advantage 37:02 – How to break into sports: internships, volunteering, networking 44:08 – Draft Day vs. real NFL draft rooms 50:22 – Hardest roster decisions and saying goodbye to players 1:02:14 – Closing thoughts and key takeawaysSTAY CONNECTED:Like this episode if you enjoyed the inside-NFL storiesComment your favorite takeaway from Tom’s adviceSubscribe for more Weird Connections Welcome to Weird Connections — because everyone’s connected, whether you like it or not.Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: [email protected]. 6#TomTelesco #NFL #WeirdConnections

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