What the NFL Taught Carl Pickens About Pressure, Mindset & Accountability
Release Date: 05/23/2025
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info_outlineThinking about playing football at the next level?
In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, we dive deep into the real-life journey of Carl Pickens, from high school standout to Freshman All-American at Tennessee, to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Bengals.
This conversation is essential listening for:
đ¨ Aspiring college and pro athletes
đ¨ High school football players looking to understand the process
đ¨ Parents and coaches helping athletes navigate transitions
đ¨ Fans of 1990s NFL football (Boomer Esiason, Jeff Blake, Deion Sanders, and more!)
đŻ Key Questions Answered in this Episode
⤠How can players handle the disappointment of draft day?
Carl shares how being passed over by the Denver Broncos fueled his fire and how he embraced the unexpected call from Cincinnati.
⤠Whatâs the hardest part about the transition from high school to college football?
Itâs not just the playbookâCarl talks about culture shock, homesickness, and learning how to re-prove yourself at every level.
⤠Can you make it to the NFL if youâre not a 5-star recruit?
Carl explains how mindset, consistency, and accountability matter more than rankings.
⤠Whatâs it really like to go from college to the pros?
From catching passes from Boomer Esiason to learning the pro playbookâCarl explains what being a professional means beyond just talent.
đ§ Top Takeaways from Carl Pickens
Accountability defines professionalism: From showing up on time to running clean routes, accountability is the #1 trait that separates the pros.
Setbacks are setups: From being redshirted at Tennessee to switching positions early in college, Carl used every obstacle as fuel.
You donât have to be open to make a play: Learn how Carl won contested catches vs. elite DBs like Deion Sanders and Aeneas Williams.
Support systems matter: Carlâs family and coaches helped him stay grounded during the hardest transitions of his career.
Your âwhyâ drives your success: He didnât want to let his parents downâand that kept him focused during the grind of NFL life.
đ Highlights from the Interview
Playing high school basketball as a 6'1" forward and high jumping 7'1"
Being the only freshman receiver at Tennessee and transitioning to free safety
Being passed on by Denver during the NFL Draft and picked by Cincinnati instead
How turf vs. grass impacted his favorite stadiums (Denver, Cleveland)
Stories from the locker room: relationships with Darnay Scott, Boomer Esiason, and Jeff Blake
đ Follow Carl Pickens on Instagram:
đ https://www.instagram.com/thecarlpickens
Want to see what Carlâs up to now? From motorcycles to horses to podcast appearancesâheâs just getting started in his post-NFL journey.
đ About The Gametime Guru Podcast
Host: Shane Larson
Global reach: 182 countries
đ Weekly interviews with pro athletes, coaches, and sports visionaries
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