45: Jalen Coker - Panthers UDFA Gem (Interview w/ Mom Jenny Coker)

[00:00:25] What is going on everybody? Welcome in to Keep Purring, a Carolina Panthers Podcast. This is a bonus episode. We normally only go once a week, but a bonus episode tonight. We have a very, very special guest with us. We're going to bring her on here in just a minute. But before we do, I just want to give a little backstory to kind of how we got here, why we decided to do this.

[00:00:53] So the topic of conversation tonight is the Panthers' hidden gem, Jalen Coker. And he's been a revelation ever since he got here. A lot of us have kind of been on the Coker train since we signed him after the draft.

[00:01:13] And, you know, of course, you know, when Eric, I don't know about you, but when we first signed him, like I didn't know much about him, you know, coming out of Holy Cross.

[00:01:23] I didn't watch a ton of Holy Cross football, so I didn't know a ton about him. But then, of course, I see that Steve Smith is talking about him and saying that he's the best route runner in the draft.

[00:01:34] And that kind of gets your ears perked up a little bit. And you see you're seeing all these, you know, draft experts saying, you know, praising him and saying great things about him.

[00:01:45] And so kind of the, you know, the snowball effect started and it's like, okay, this is gaining some steam here. Like maybe we got a guy here because the Panthers, you know, we haven't had a ton of luck in the past with undrafted free agents.

[00:01:58] We just haven't hit on a lot of those types of players. Well, fast forward to training camp. I, of course, I got to go to a few different training camp practices.

[00:02:09] I saw him in person and I came back and I was like, you know, pounding the table for Jalen Coker. I was like, he needs to make the 53. He needs to make the 53 man roster.

[00:02:20] Like he, he's looks really, really good in person. I don't see how he doesn't, you know, make the 53. He did initially. Then he gets cut, added back to the practice squad.

[00:02:33] Now he's, now he's a, you know, a primary contributor on the Panthers, which is insane.

[00:02:38] So we have the special guest that we have tonight is none other than Jenny Coker, Jalen Coker's mom.

[00:02:48] I'm going to bring her on here in just a sec. There we go. Hi, Jenny. How are you?

[00:02:55] How are you?

[00:02:57] We are great. Thank you so much again for coming on.

[00:03:00] Thank you for having me.

[00:03:01] Yeah, this is fantastic.

[00:03:04] So as we said, we, we've been, we are on the Coker train, full steam ahead.

[00:03:11] We, we have been super excited about this guy and we really think we got a steal in the draft, but we wanted to kind of start, you know, at the beginning and kind of ask you a few questions about, you know, his, his childhood and like playing sports growing up.

[00:03:29] And, and forgive us if we, if we ask, you know, questions that you've been asked previously, because I know you've done some other interviews.

[00:03:37] So, you know, bear with us, but Eric, I'll throw it over to you.

[00:03:41] And, you know, is there anything you wanted to kind of start out with?

[00:03:45] Yeah. I mean, I think we just, you know, we've been, we've been huge Jalen fans since kind of the, the night of the draft and the day after when we got to see some of the, some of the neat footage,

[00:03:55] we might be able to look at that from, from draft night as well here shortly, but, you know, we're all trying to try to get a feeling for, for Jalen.

[00:04:03] He's, you know, those of us who are deeper fans have known who he is for a longer period of time, but, you know, kind of more surface level fans who don't eat, sleep and breathe the Panthers necessarily all the time,

[00:04:13] but want to know kind of who's the up, who's an upcoming, the players who are names that they should know.

[00:04:20] So what are some things that you wish that fans, you know, know about, about Jalen as, as we're all trying to, you know, kind of watch his rise and watch him, you know, continue to improve every single week.

[00:04:31] What should we know about him as a player and as a person?

[00:04:35] Oh, so many things. I mean, he's just, he's a really great kid.

[00:04:38] He is extremely focused, committed, hard worker.

[00:04:43] He's authentic. So what you see is who he is.

[00:04:46] He's a great interview.

[00:04:48] He definitely is wonderful in front of the camera, but no, he's just a really good guy.

[00:04:54] He's, he gives back.

[00:04:55] He, he understands, you know, the blessings that he's been given.

[00:05:00] And I think honestly, he's just out there to do the best that he can and, and just get better, you know, every day.

[00:05:07] Awesome.

[00:05:08] So I know growing up, he played, I know he played at least two sports, basketball and football, right?

[00:05:14] Did he play anything else?

[00:05:16] He tried them all.

[00:05:17] So he started, he was always that kid, you know, that wanted to be running around playing sports outside, inside.

[00:05:25] It didn't matter.

[00:05:25] So we did the whole, you know, start with soccer.

[00:05:28] He did gymnastics for a year, I think around when he was three with soccer.

[00:05:33] And then we did baseball, basketball, lacrosse.

[00:05:39] Really, he did track and football, of course.

[00:05:44] And I mean, he just, he was always that guy that just enjoyed being part of a team.

[00:05:49] And, you know, he happened to be gifted athletically, you know, as everyone is starting to see.

[00:05:55] And, and so I think he really enjoyed, you know, like working on those skills and then just the camaraderie of being on a team.

[00:06:02] I, everyone that, you know, we've come across, like, that's one of the biggest compliments that I think that I get is like, he's just a great person.

[00:06:10] He's a great teammate.

[00:06:11] And that really speaks so much to who he is.

[00:06:15] But yeah, tried everything.

[00:06:17] Tried everything.

[00:06:18] So where did the, the, the athletics come from?

[00:06:22] Like, I think Eric, you mentioned that you read an article and I didn't know this, but Jenny, you, did you play college basketball?

[00:06:30] So that got a little exaggerated.

[00:06:32] Okay.

[00:06:32] Okay.

[00:06:33] I, I didn't actually play college basketball, but I definitely played with the team.

[00:06:38] Like we played, I like, I played basketball a lot my whole life, but I didn't, I didn't make the UVA basketball team.

[00:06:46] But it certainly played a ton of basketball while, while I was there and loved, loved the game.

[00:06:52] Like, absolutely.

[00:06:55] Question for you about that, you know, having been kind of close to the UVA team and kind of the observation from the inside,

[00:07:02] you know, and just in terms of like playing with, with, with that team quite a bit.

[00:07:06] How was that different from kind of it not being you, but being your, you know, your son playing in college and kind of, you know, knowing what it takes to, to make, you know, make inroads at a, at a, you know, a good school.

[00:07:21] And with these, you know, you know, top quality athletes, but is it different when it's like, when it's your own kid and you have a little bit more of an invested interest in it?

[00:07:30] So, so just to be clear, I didn't actually play basketball.

[00:07:35] Sure, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[00:07:36] But being around it.

[00:07:37] I played pickup games with some of the team and played outside and, you know, just played a lot.

[00:07:43] I would say, absolutely.

[00:07:46] I mean, what Jalen's journey has been like is nothing that I've ever experienced.

[00:07:52] Right.

[00:07:53] I, I was, I mean, literally at this point, I, maybe I should write a book, you know, like how to do this for other parents, because like the amount of learning that I've had to go through, not to mention, obviously everything he's learned in the process.

[00:08:05] But this, there's, you just don't have any idea what to expect as, as they're on this journey.

[00:08:12] Yeah.

[00:08:13] But, you know, just seeing from being a little guy to, you know, middle school, to high school, to college, I guess I always thought it was possible.

[00:08:21] Like he just always knew what to do and had the right attitude and always wanted to get better, always wanted to work hard.

[00:08:30] And, and he was always like in the moment with it, you know, he was present in all of it.

[00:08:36] And he never shied away from those moments.

[00:08:38] And in college, he had lots of those moments where he was catching Hail Marys.

[00:08:41] And I think he was the number one play on SportsCenter.

[00:08:44] Oh, wow.

[00:08:45] With a Hail Mary catch at Buffalo.

[00:08:47] And, and he, he caught a ball for their first playoff win.

[00:08:52] And it was between two defenders and he snagged it out of the air.

[00:08:56] It was colder than cold in Massachusetts.

[00:08:58] It was snow ice.

[00:09:00] It was just brutal conditions.

[00:09:02] And, and he just goes up and just snags that ball, snags the ball and they hold on for their first ever playoff win.

[00:09:09] And he, he just doesn't shy away from those moments.

[00:09:12] And I mean, in basketball too, like in high school, I mean, I think someone posted a picture of him going up to like block a dunk.

[00:09:20] And like, you could see like how high he was up in, in a high school semifinal game.

[00:09:24] And he just rises to the occasion, you know, like, and he enjoys it.

[00:09:28] It's fun.

[00:09:29] You know, he takes it as a challenge and, and, and I think he enjoys it.

[00:09:32] He really very much has a good time with that.

[00:09:35] So I actually shared that the other day.

[00:09:37] I don't know if you're not, not be talking about my post, but it might be, it might be your post.

[00:09:41] I shared your, yeah, I found that I came across that photo and Eric, I don't know if you even saw this, but it's a still image of Jalen.

[00:09:50] It looks like he's about to block the guy that's trying to dunk.

[00:09:54] And I posted the photo and I was like, if you're wondering what a 42 and a half inch vertical looks like, this is it right here.

[00:10:02] Um, but no, he's, um, he just seems, he seems uber confident.

[00:10:07] Um, you know, coming into the NFL as an undrafted free agent, you know, a lot of these guys, um, are fighting for, you know, a roster spot fighting to even be on a practice squad.

[00:10:17] Um, and, but you also, it doesn't matter if you're, if you're drafted, if you're undrafted, you have to have that level of confidence in yourself.

[00:10:26] And he seems uber confident, not in like an arrogant way, but just in a, like, you know, self-confident.

[00:10:32] Like he said in an interview the other day, post game, he was just like, when I'm out there on the field, I feel like, I feel like nobody can cover me.

[00:10:40] Like that's kind of the mentality that you have to, that you have to have.

[00:10:44] I was curious though, about like, at what point in his journey leading up to playing at Holy Cross, at what point did he kind of move away from, from basketball and lock in on, on football?

[00:10:57] Um, probably I would say, well, it's funny.

[00:11:00] It was when he went to Holy Cross cause he was definitely playing basketball all through high school.

[00:11:05] He was all state and basketball.

[00:11:06] He was all metropolitan region, um, honorable mention.

[00:11:09] He had an incredible senior and junior and senior season in basketball along with his football.

[00:11:15] But, um, certainly at Holy Cross, he couldn't, he couldn't do both.

[00:11:19] Um, but story that he shared with us.

[00:11:22] And I thought, you know, so you're transitioning to high school.

[00:11:24] He was a COVID kid.

[00:11:26] So the first semester of college, I don't know a lot of colleges, cause this was fall of 2020.

[00:11:31] They were closed.

[00:11:32] The campuses were closed.

[00:11:33] So he started college at home and then he, he goes to Holy Cross in the, in January, you know, of 2021.

[00:11:40] And at that point, you know, they had canceled a lot of the football season.

[00:11:44] So in his conference, they moved the regular fall season to the spring.

[00:11:49] So it was like four games.

[00:11:50] So here he's, he's now brand new to college.

[00:11:53] Didn't get that fall semester, you know, and trying to acclimate and all of that.

[00:11:57] And he was telling us a story where all the guys were like, I guess, kind of just connecting, you know, meeting and greeting.

[00:12:03] And it was on a basketball court.

[00:12:05] They were in the gym and he, you know, just trying to make friends and all that, you know, get acquainted.

[00:12:10] And he picks up a basketball and I guess he dunked it or something right there.

[00:12:15] And I, I don't know if it was in that moment or if it was like little moments before then, but, but apparently that was a, that went a long way to be like, okay, let's go.

[00:12:24] And then other guys started like playing around with the basketball.

[00:12:27] And like, so even though he didn't play basketball and Holy Cross, it's like, I do think it had a, it was something special about how basketball fit into how he kind of acclimated quickly into new, you know, transitioning into college.

[00:12:40] Yeah.

[00:12:41] You know, freshmen.

[00:12:43] And, and it was just a funny story that it was basketball that I think helped him.

[00:12:48] That's awesome.

[00:12:49] I love that.

[00:12:50] It just, everyone relaxed after that, you know?

[00:12:52] Yeah.

[00:12:52] That's so great.

[00:12:53] What was recruitment like for him kind of coming out of high school?

[00:12:57] You know, it was like, I imagine, you know, and I, I may ask you about this a little bit later, but he was just such a gifted athlete that, you know, what is, what is, as a, as a parent, what is it like kind of guiding your eight, 17, 16, 17, 18 year old kid through that recruitment process?

[00:13:17] And what are some of the things that you kind of learned about being a high achievers parent that you may want to share with some other parents out there?

[00:13:26] Yeah.

[00:13:26] I would say again, just like with going into the whole NFL, like the whole college recruitment, it's, it's hard.

[00:13:33] It's a business.

[00:13:33] And he did not go to a football school.

[00:13:36] I think his high school was more a basketball school.

[00:13:39] And so, you know, they weren't very good record wise.

[00:13:44] They didn't win a whole lot.

[00:13:45] He was playing every position on his high school team.

[00:13:48] Um, I think he still holds the record for interceptions in a career.

[00:13:53] Um, so he played both ways.

[00:13:55] He also punted, kicked and played quarterback.

[00:13:57] So he was, he was everything.

[00:13:59] Um, so honestly, he wasn't heavily recruited in a way that I would have thought, you know, or anyone would have thought given the kind of athlete he is, but his school just doesn't have that legacy, you know?

[00:14:12] And, um, so I didn't know what to do.

[00:14:15] We, none of us really knew how to manage this.

[00:14:18] And so he ended up playing in a seven on seven league, um, which I definitely do recommend.

[00:14:23] Those are really great showcases for athletes that are skill players.

[00:14:26] Um, so he's in a seven on seven and his coach was, you know, thinking about a recruiting position, like helping kids go from high school to college.

[00:14:35] And I think Jalen and some other of his athletes were like the first group that he really kind of helped navigate that process.

[00:14:43] And he, he was huge for us.

[00:14:44] He would take them to different camps.

[00:14:46] He was on the phone with coaches.

[00:14:48] He, you know, they were doing their, you know, interviews, um, other seven on seven, like putting him in showcases that there were definitely college coaches there.

[00:14:56] And I mean, he was huge for us because there really is no, there's no book that says, um, and I've talked to many parents since Jalen's experience, you know, and no one knows.

[00:15:09] Right.

[00:15:09] They just, there's this, as there isn't really any guidance to say, this is what you should do.

[00:15:14] Um, his high school coach did a lot with the, he did have visits coming on, uh, on campus at his high school, different coaches and stuff.

[00:15:21] Um, but honestly, the other thing that was interesting about Jalen's recruitment, cause he played both ways.

[00:15:27] A lot of the schools here in Virginia really saw him as a defensive back, like as a safety corner.

[00:15:34] And Jalen really wanted to be a wide receiver.

[00:15:38] And, um, and he was, but he wanted to play wide receiver in college.

[00:15:42] And really it was Holy Cross that really laid out that blueprint for him of what they saw in him and what they wanted to do with him in, in college as wide receiver.

[00:15:51] And it ended up being like, you just can't get a better fit.

[00:15:56] Wow.

[00:15:56] I mean, maybe he can hop over on the defensive side and help us out.

[00:16:00] Yeah.

[00:16:00] No.

[00:16:04] I'm probably going to get my hand slapped for even saying that.

[00:16:06] No, but yeah, no.

[00:16:08] I think it does help him though.

[00:16:09] I mean, being a, being that he played defense, you know, for a lot of his younger life.

[00:16:14] I mean, it certainly has helped him as a wide receiver because he has a understanding of what the defensive backs are going to do and where they're going to try to position him.

[00:16:22] So I do think it's, it's helped for sure.

[00:16:24] It's so interesting that, you know, you think about, uh, a player as seemingly talented as Jalen is, and clearly is watching him play.

[00:16:35] Like he is a legit NFL wide receiver.

[00:16:37] People that know way more than, than Eric and I do that fans do.

[00:16:42] People that know way more than us are saying these things, um, that he's legit.

[00:16:47] And it's interesting that you can have a player, a guy like that coming out of high school, who's so talented, but maybe it's because of where he played high school football.

[00:16:58] Maybe it's because of where he lived, you know, there's, there could be several different factors that like he wasn't necessarily, you know, recruited to the big time college schools.

[00:17:08] And I think about, and I'm not, uh, I'm not trying to, uh, you know, put lofty expectations on him, but I, I literally, the best example that comes to my mind is somebody like Steph Curry.

[00:17:20] Uh, basketball who he, he, you know, he was, I'm not saying Jalen was small coming out of high school, but Steph wasn't very highly recruited.

[00:17:29] You know, he ended up having to go play at Davidson and comes into the NBA and just lights it up, tears it up.

[00:17:36] And I just think it's cool that there are examples of that, that, and there's so many different paths that you can take.

[00:17:43] Like if you're a high school, if you're a really good high school football player, you don't have to go play at Georgia or Alabama necessarily to make it to the NFL.

[00:17:52] It's probably harder coming out of Holy Cross, but there's paths to get there.

[00:17:57] Absolutely.

[00:17:58] No, there's so much talent in the FCS because Holy Cross is division one.

[00:18:01] So it's FCS and, um, no, there's an incredible amount of talent.

[00:18:06] Um, and he was also blessed with an incredible coaching staff and they were building a culture there that, uh, he ended up winning conference titles every year he was there.

[00:18:16] So he learned how to win, you know, at Holy Cross.

[00:18:19] And, and I think that that matters, you know, you got to learn how to win what it takes to win.

[00:18:24] And, and his coach is actually Bob Chesney is now the coach of James Madison and, and doing an incredible job down at James Madison now, which is here in Virginia.

[00:18:34] And so I, it's just, it, you can go any, there's so many paths, you know, and, and instead of, you know, looking like, oh, I didn't get the Georgia or I didn't get the, you know, Auburn or, you know, an FBS big school.

[00:18:48] Make the most of the opportunity you have.

[00:18:50] And that's exactly what he did at Holy Cross.

[00:18:52] He, he, he's coachable.

[00:18:54] He listened.

[00:18:55] He was a team guy.

[00:18:57] They built this incredible dynasty in his time there.

[00:19:00] And he leaves as the greatest wide receiver statistically they've ever had.

[00:19:05] And he put in that work, you know, he put, he bought into what they were trying to build and he ended up being a huge contributor to their success.

[00:19:15] Yeah.

[00:19:15] Yeah.

[00:19:15] That's really, and that's one of the things I was going to ask about is, you know, you guys, there's, there is so much incredible talent out there that, you know, and, and one of the things that we talked about on our, our podcast on Sunday is how razor thin the margin is between all pro and practice squad player.

[00:19:31] Yeah.

[00:19:31] Because, because when you get to that level, you know, the things that differentiate are, are minuscule.

[00:19:37] Um, you know, and I, I, when I think about that and, and, and great wide receivers for the Panthers, obviously we think about Steve Smith, you know, he compared Jalen to Wake Forest and Spurs Hall of Famer, Tim Duncan in the, in, in the way that it's all about the fundamentals.

[00:19:53] I used to call him Duncan, Mr. Fundamental, a big fundamental, right?

[00:19:55] Yeah.

[00:19:56] Does the right things.

[00:19:57] Yeah.

[00:19:57] Exactly.

[00:19:58] Like, and, and so it doesn't matter if you have all the talent in the world, if you don't actually apply it and do something with it.

[00:20:03] Where does his attention to detail kind of come from and the ability to focus on, on, on the small things that, that can be kind of, you know, on the razor's edge of pushing you into the, you know, into the starting job or into the all pro or into, you know, whatever category.

[00:20:20] Yeah.

[00:20:21] I think it comes from him.

[00:20:22] I mean, he is, he, he is just very focused that way.

[00:20:26] And he's got this growth mindset, you know, he's never satisfied.

[00:20:29] He always is looking to get better.

[00:20:31] And I think in any interview, if you go back through his, you know, journey to the draft and all the interviews he was doing at the different all-star games and, and at the combine it's, it's all about just wanting to get better.

[00:20:44] Knowing that he isn't, he isn't there yet, you know, like he's got so much more to learn.

[00:20:50] And, you know, I think one of the most interesting things people have said is I don't know that anyone knows what his ceiling is.

[00:20:57] It is, it's, it's, it's, it's high, you know, and, and he hasn't gotten there yet.

[00:21:02] And, but he wants, he wants to keep working towards it.

[00:21:05] And I think that's, that's all comes from him.

[00:21:08] That's, that's him.

[00:21:09] Yeah.

[00:21:10] Um, okay.

[00:21:11] So I want to take like two minutes.

[00:21:14] I'm going to pull up a video.

[00:21:15] Okay.

[00:21:16] And I'm sure you've probably seen this video a billion times, but I don't know if everybody watching, we currently have 155 people watching.

[00:21:25] What's up, everybody.

[00:21:26] Thanks for tuning in.

[00:21:27] Um, I don't know if everybody has seen this, but it is from, it's a video that Jalen posted on his Instagram.

[00:21:34] Um, back when, I guess it was a few months back when he got the call from the Panthers.

[00:21:40] I just wanted to play it real quick.

[00:21:42] And then I have a couple, I have a question, follow up question for you.

[00:21:45] So let me share my screen real quick.

[00:21:49] Okay.

[00:21:51] And it is caught for a touchdown by Jalen Coker.

[00:21:56] Look, it throws it out to Coker.

[00:21:58] Wow.

[00:21:59] And he got the foot in.

[00:22:00] Coker to the end zone.

[00:22:03] Touchdown.

[00:22:04] What a catch.

[00:22:06] Jalen Coker.

[00:22:07] Jalen Coker has set a new career touchdown receiving record at Holy Cross.

[00:22:12] I don't know if I took Tyree, but I don't know if I lost it.

[00:22:17] He said teams are jockeying like for like UDFA stuff.

[00:22:24] He said a lot of time left.

[00:22:26] Coach Ryan, we push it for you, man.

[00:22:29] We just kind of look at what you feel.

[00:22:30] And like, you know, it's, you know.

[00:22:34] We think you got to really be shy here.

[00:22:36] And we need some size and athletic ability to bring that, you know.

[00:22:41] Yeah.

[00:22:43] So like, come in and play.

[00:22:45] You have a really, really good chance to compete.

[00:22:50] You can make the team.

[00:22:52] Yeah.

[00:22:52] I mean, I got all that.

[00:22:54] And then some.

[00:22:55] So I mean, y'all wouldn't be making a mistake.

[00:22:58] I'll say that.

[00:22:58] But just I'm letting them let you know that you're our top guy right now that we're trying to target.

[00:23:05] Okay.

[00:23:05] Good.

[00:23:05] Yep.

[00:23:06] Yes, sir.

[00:23:06] Yes, sir.

[00:23:07] All right, man.

[00:23:07] We'll be talking soon.

[00:23:08] Absolutely.

[00:23:09] Absolutely.

[00:23:10] All right.

[00:23:11] Bye.

[00:23:12] Bye.

[00:23:19] You know, it's what it is.

[00:23:20] We're going to see.

[00:23:22] Nothing.

[00:23:22] Nothing.

[00:23:23] Nothing.

[00:23:25] Nothing.

[00:23:26] Nothing.

[00:23:29] Nothing.

[00:23:29] Nothing.

[00:23:30] Yeah, sure.

[00:23:30] So I'm officially like a Carolina Panther.

[00:23:34] Yeah.

[00:23:34] Oh, yeah, brother.

[00:23:35] Yeah, they're going to send a contract over here soon.

[00:23:37] Okay.

[00:23:38] Good.

[00:23:39] Good.

[00:23:39] You are in.

[00:23:46] It's dinner.

[00:23:54] Man, I'm so fucking proud of you.

[00:23:57] And this is just the beginning.

[00:23:59] Thank you, man.

[00:23:59] I appreciate it.

[00:24:03] Nice.

[00:24:05] Yeah.

[00:24:06] Yeah.

[00:24:06] Thank you.

[00:24:07] Thank you.

[00:24:07] Thank you.

[00:24:28] It's everybody's victory.

[00:24:29] Everyone's on the Carolina Panthers.

[00:24:30] You know what I'm saying?

[00:24:31] This is the film right now.

[00:24:44] It don't matter who he's playing.

[00:24:46] The way he runs routes.

[00:24:48] Really, really, really, really, really.

[00:24:50] Wow.

[00:24:51] Love it.

[00:24:52] Love it.

[00:24:53] Wow.

[00:24:54] Boy, that'll get your hype.

[00:24:55] Hang on.

[00:24:55] Hang on.

[00:24:55] Hang on.

[00:24:56] Okay.

[00:24:57] Sorry.

[00:24:58] Sorry.

[00:24:59] It's still great all these months later.

[00:25:00] It's a great day.

[00:25:01] Oh, man.

[00:25:02] His friend did a wonderful job with that video.

[00:25:04] Gosh.

[00:25:05] Like, what was that like that night?

[00:25:07] That seems incredible.

[00:25:08] It really does.

[00:25:09] I mean, the whole day.

[00:25:11] You know?

[00:25:11] Yeah.

[00:25:11] And we had this big, you know, party.

[00:25:15] This day three party.

[00:25:16] And we had so many people in the house.

[00:25:19] And it was raining outside.

[00:25:20] So it had to be all inside.

[00:25:21] And I mean, we were just people on top of people.

[00:25:24] And oh, my gosh.

[00:25:26] And just the whole day.

[00:25:27] It's a long day.

[00:25:28] You know?

[00:25:28] Four rounds, I guess.

[00:25:30] Or yeah.

[00:25:31] Four, five, six, seven.

[00:25:32] And a long day.

[00:25:33] And just he would go in and out of a room when he'd get calls.

[00:25:36] He was getting calls all day long.

[00:25:39] And just rounds are going by.

[00:25:40] Picks are going by.

[00:25:41] And we're not hearing his name.

[00:25:43] Right.

[00:25:43] And it's just so hard, you know, to watch him go through that.

[00:25:49] You know?

[00:25:51] And it just to then get that moment at the end there that you saw with the Carolina Panthers.

[00:25:57] And that is so pure.

[00:26:00] That genuine just joy of I'm doing this.

[00:26:05] You know?

[00:26:06] This is really happening.

[00:26:07] And even though it wasn't a draft pick, it didn't like lessen the impact or the life-changing moment that was for him.

[00:26:17] And literally whatever angst or anxiety or, you know, frustration throughout the day, it was gone.

[00:26:22] It was just pure elatement and joy and the entire house chanting his name and calling for the speech that he ends up giving in the video.

[00:26:31] And it was literally an incredible moment that no one in that house will ever forget.

[00:26:38] Man.

[00:26:39] That's so great.

[00:26:40] That's so awesome.

[00:26:41] Now, you guys being from, because that's Virginia, correct?

[00:26:46] Now, were y'all, well, Commanders fans?

[00:26:52] Were you Panthers fans?

[00:26:54] Like, where did you guys come down on this?

[00:26:58] So, that's funny.

[00:26:59] So, I grew up a military family.

[00:27:03] So, I actually grew up in California.

[00:27:04] So, I grew up as a Chargers fan.

[00:27:07] Literally like a Chargers fan.

[00:27:09] And then they moved to L.A.

[00:27:10] And then I became less of a Chargers fan because that felt really wrong, you know, when they left San Diego.

[00:27:15] But that's a whole other podcast, I'm sure.

[00:27:19] But Jalen's dad has been a lifelong Panthers fan.

[00:27:22] So, Jalen grew up with the Panthers everywhere because dad, I mean, just everything.

[00:27:29] We had the Super Bowl party, you know, when they got to the Super Bowl.

[00:27:33] And it was packed house for that.

[00:27:35] And, no, dad is a huge Panthers fan.

[00:27:37] So, it is kind of interesting, like, that Jalen ends up getting picked up by the Panthers because I just don't think you can write that better for a dad.

[00:27:48] I mean, it literally was like – it was like amazing to have Jalen in the NFL.

[00:27:53] But to be on the Panthers, it was like –

[00:27:55] It doesn't get better than that.

[00:27:56] I don't even think you just can't.

[00:27:57] I don't think you could have written it better, you know?

[00:27:59] Yeah.

[00:28:00] Yeah.

[00:28:00] Wow.

[00:28:00] It doesn't get better than that.

[00:28:01] That's so awesome.

[00:28:02] Yeah.

[00:28:03] So, did he – like, my – I know you showed he got the call about the Panthers.

[00:28:10] And I'm assuming that was – was that his agent on the phone?

[00:28:13] Okay.

[00:28:13] So, like, was he choosing between, like, a couple different teams?

[00:28:19] Or was it – like, how did that process work?

[00:28:23] Were there, like, several teams that were offering him a contract and he chose the Panthers?

[00:28:27] Or was it, you know –

[00:28:28] That's my understanding.

[00:28:29] There was a lot of interest.

[00:28:30] Gotcha.

[00:28:31] A lot of interest.

[00:28:32] Gotcha.

[00:28:32] And they decided, you know, aligned on the Panthers for reasons, I guess, between him and his agent.

[00:28:38] But I'm thrilled.

[00:28:42] I think he made a great decision.

[00:28:45] Like, exactly where he needs to be right now.

[00:28:47] That is so cool.

[00:28:49] Man, I tweeted the other day.

[00:28:50] I think it was yesterday.

[00:28:53] And I've seen you've been liking some of my tweets.

[00:28:56] Listen.

[00:28:57] Some.

[00:28:58] Some.

[00:28:58] Not all.

[00:28:58] Not all, but some.

[00:29:00] Yeah.

[00:29:01] They're not all winners.

[00:29:04] But, no.

[00:29:05] Like, I tweeted the other day.

[00:29:06] I was like, man, Jalen Coker, big swing and a miss for 31 teams in the NFL.

[00:29:12] I really do.

[00:29:12] I really think that we got – and I'm seeing all of these, like, high-profile, you know, NFL scout Twitter accounts that have, like, hundreds of thousands of followers.

[00:29:22] Like, these people that are well-respected in their field saying things about Jalen Coker.

[00:29:27] And then, like, you know, I tried to tell you back, you know, pre-draft.

[00:29:32] It's so interesting.

[00:29:33] We tried to tell you.

[00:29:33] Yeah.

[00:29:34] It's so – it's such an imperfect business, right?

[00:29:36] Yeah.

[00:29:37] It's just so many people have said, oh, knew it, called it, you know, six months ago, whatever.

[00:29:43] And then others are still trying to figure out how this is possible, you know?

[00:29:47] Right.

[00:29:47] And how some, you know, wide receiver from Holy Cross, no less, you know, who didn't run the fastest 40 time at the combine but was at the combine, so that should count, but didn't run the fastest 40 time.

[00:30:00] You know, how is this possible?

[00:30:02] You know, how could he be this good?

[00:30:05] And, you know, it's so interesting.

[00:30:07] Everyone has an opinion, I guess, and it's all just inputs and, you know, take it all.

[00:30:13] What's it like as Jalen's parent?

[00:30:17] And I have a couple of questions here.

[00:30:19] Sorry.

[00:30:19] I'm going to jump ahead with a couple of different questions.

[00:30:22] But, you know, with draft night, we talked a little bit about that.

[00:30:25] You know, you're obviously as a parent, you want what's best for your kids.

[00:30:28] You have NFL teams saying things like Brett Beach, the Chiefs GM, said this kid is just different, right?

[00:30:36] You have, like, just people, like big people saying big things about it and then going undrafted.

[00:30:42] Yeah.

[00:30:43] Is that like, what is that?

[00:30:46] And I know I take the parenting angle a lot, but it's one of the things I find most interesting coming because we don't get access to, you know, somebody like you guys to ask these questions.

[00:30:54] How is that in dealing with a kid who's been at the top of his craft for quite a while, you know, in kind of the span of his age?

[00:31:07] Like, what is it like having such lofty expectations coming from outside?

[00:31:12] Him having the confidence and believing that he's the best player on the field.

[00:31:17] And then just all those picks just kind of keep going by.

[00:31:21] Like, what is that like you as a parent?

[00:31:23] And how are you there to support him through that?

[00:31:27] Yeah, frustrating, I guess.

[00:31:29] But, you know, it's funny.

[00:31:30] I think in some ways the NFL draft, he kind of got prepared for that with all the college recruiting.

[00:31:36] I mean, he was being talked to by a lot of big schools, you know, and being, you know, this could happen and this and let's see you in this, you know,

[00:31:46] come to him to this game and let's do this workout and calling him and stuff.

[00:31:51] And then none of those things actually, you know, translating into an offer, you know, but certainly a lot of talk.

[00:31:58] And so I think in some ways that actually probably prepared him mentally for this experience on a much bigger stage.

[00:32:04] But it is a business, you know, and there, I mean, you just can't, you know, make all the moves, I guess, that you want to make.

[00:32:14] And so it's like, I believe there was interest from all those teams that were calling him.

[00:32:19] I don't think they were lying at all.

[00:32:21] I just think that situations changed.

[00:32:24] There was trades.

[00:32:25] There was, you know, schemes.

[00:32:27] They picked up this person instead of that person, which then changed their outlook, you know, about how they wanted to use their other picks.

[00:32:32] And I don't know, I just, it is a business and just trying to just keep that front and center that not make it personal per se, but just know that it's going to work out the way it should.

[00:32:44] And that's what we were just saying all day long.

[00:32:45] Like it's, it's going to work out like it should having that faith regardless of, you know, the pick.

[00:32:52] Yeah.

[00:32:53] And kind of as a, as a, as a follow-up to that, you know, as I was kind of getting to know him more in, in, in preparation for this, you know, you know, Rich Gunnell, his wide receiver coach, I think at Holy Cross.

[00:33:04] Yeah.

[00:33:05] You know, said this about him and said, you know, he's got an edge to him, which is always great to coach.

[00:33:09] And then he went on to say, you know, about Jalen competing in college, like he was always going to be the best player on the field, which a lot of times he was really all the time.

[00:33:17] Now that I think about it.

[00:33:18] Right.

[00:33:18] So, but Jalen comes across as incredibly humble.

[00:33:21] And so, you know, how do you help him balance the fact that he's probably always been the best player on the field until he got to the NFL, right?

[00:33:29] He's always been the best player on whatever field he's been on, but the need for humility and the way that he's been on.

[00:33:34] That that kind of shows through now.

[00:33:36] How do you help him balance that?

[00:33:38] Again, I think it comes from him.

[00:33:40] He's always been humble, like that quiet confidence.

[00:33:44] He he's always believed in inside that he can compete with anyone.

[00:33:50] And, and even when he wasn't six foot three and 215 pounds and he was in like, he, there were times where he was not the biggest guy out there.

[00:33:58] He was a small defensive back or a small wide receiver and, and having to figure out how to fit in and still make a, you know, an impact, you know, but not be the biggest or not be, you know, whatever, whatever he, he didn't.

[00:34:10] It wasn't just like, he was always the best player in anything all the time.

[00:34:14] He played on a lot of elite travel teams where he hadn't grown in to be as big as he is.

[00:34:20] And so he, he had to understand how to deal with that and how to continue to build his craft.

[00:34:26] And maybe that's where he fine tuned some of those little things that helped move him to Holy Cross and into high school and stuff.

[00:34:31] But, you know, he's just always working at it, always working at it.

[00:34:36] And we always talk about, you know, confident, not cocky, you know, and because, you know, there's, I think he is, he is immensely confident, but he's not going to be one that's going to over talk himself.

[00:34:49] Like he, he's always been one that's going to say that his, it's his teammates helped get him here.

[00:34:55] That's who he really appreciates his quarterback, his wide receiver room, you know, the offensive line.

[00:35:02] Like he, you look at any of his interviews and he's elevating everyone around him that helps get him to whatever, you know, he achieved.

[00:35:10] Yeah. And I think that was evident in the video that we just saw.

[00:35:13] He was like, Hey, we're all Carolina Panthers, right?

[00:35:14] Like that was, it just seems to be ingrained in, in who he is as a person.

[00:35:19] And it's such just, it's just so interesting to have to, you have to have both sides of those coin of that coin.

[00:35:25] You know, and it's, it's clear that.

[00:35:27] Yeah. It's a feeling too that what a blessing this has been, you know, it's a blessing every day that he gets to go out and live this dream.

[00:35:34] It's a blessing.

[00:35:35] And he, he very much respects that blessing and, and he values it.

[00:35:40] And he knows that there's a lot of kids that are super talented that don't get this opportunity and, and to just appreciate it every day.

[00:35:49] Well, we're all living vicariously through him.

[00:35:54] I am as well.

[00:35:55] I won't lie.

[00:35:56] It's been super fun.

[00:35:58] So I have a question and this, let me preface this by saying you can say no comment.

[00:36:03] It's fine, but I just, it totally fine.

[00:36:05] If, if no comment, if you can't speak on it, I totally understand.

[00:36:08] But I'm just curious because like I mentioned earlier, I, I was campaigning for Jalen to make the 53 and he did initially, but then when they did the, the, it was either the first or second wave of cuts.

[00:36:22] He, he got cut, but then he got added back.

[00:36:25] It might've been the very next day that he got added back to the practice squad.

[00:36:30] So, and again, if you can't answer totally fine, but like, I was curious about that process of like, I don't, I've never, I don't know.

[00:36:38] When a player gets cut from a team, but then added back the very next day to the practice squad.

[00:36:43] Like, did he know that he would have a chance of getting added back or no?

[00:36:47] Honestly, I will answer just from my own.

[00:36:50] I don't know.

[00:36:51] I honestly don't know.

[00:36:53] It did feel like whiplash, you know, you know, certainly, I mean, from a parent's perspective, it was like this, I'm putting out some social media posts like, you know, and then, and then the next day, you know, it's, he's been released or waived and, and now he's going through.

[00:37:09] Yeah.

[00:37:09] And then, you know, looking back at it now, it's, it's all been part of this plan, you know, God's plan, you know, this, this idea that it's all going to work out, you know, and it's just, this is just, everyone's path is different.

[00:37:22] And this just happens to be his path, you know, to have to go through that.

[00:37:26] But I imagine that was like, like, whoa, it was a wall, probably, you know, like, you know, but, but just not letting it get you down, you know, just staying focused and locked in.

[00:37:37] And then, yeah.

[00:37:38] Well, my, my theory when that happened was, because trust me, when he made the 53 initially, I was victory lapping.

[00:37:49] I jumped the gun.

[00:37:53] I jumped the gun.

[00:37:54] I victory lapped.

[00:37:55] And then, and then he got cut.

[00:37:58] But, but I was like, wait a minute though, because they waited, they waited until other teams had already made their waiver claims.

[00:38:07] Yes.

[00:38:07] Until they cut him, knowing that other teams wouldn't have spots for him on their roster.

[00:38:13] And so in my brain, I was just like, oh, there's some sort of plot.

[00:38:18] They, they know what they're doing.

[00:38:19] Because I just, I very much so, I just, I thought that they, I was like, they can't be this dumb to cut him.

[00:38:27] They can't be this dumb.

[00:38:29] Like he's going to get cut.

[00:38:31] I was like, he's going to get picked up by another team.

[00:38:35] He's going to get scooped up.

[00:38:36] We cannot cut Jalen Cooker.

[00:38:38] And then they did it.

[00:38:39] And I was like, idiots, what are you doing?

[00:38:41] But he didn't get picked up by another team.

[00:38:44] And I think the reason that he didn't is because they had a lot of other teams had already made their waiver claims.

[00:38:51] So I read the same, like it was almost strategic, you know, and, and, you know, I don't know the answer to that, but, but it is interesting, you know, like all the people's like theories about how that all played out.

[00:39:04] And was it purposeful and intentional?

[00:39:06] And like, I, I, I don't know.

[00:39:09] I don't know, but I think it worked out great, you know, because he did return and was able to, you know, just continue to show himself and on the practice squad.

[00:39:19] And I loved reading about how he was playing the, you know, the best receiver from the, as a scout team receiver for the other teams they were playing.

[00:39:27] And so he was wearing their number and I had people emailing like, why is Jalen in, in number, whatever.

[00:39:32] And I'm like, and then I had to go figure it out, you know, I'm like reading up and I'm like, oh, well today, this week he's Chris Salave, you know, and it was so funny, you know, like, but, but he, he took advantage of those opportunities, you know, to continue to build his craft and, and learn.

[00:39:48] And, you know, so yeah.

[00:39:50] Yeah.

[00:39:51] Awesome.

[00:39:51] Yeah.

[00:39:52] What's been the most exciting part of this process for you?

[00:39:55] Like from kind of, you know, you're close enough to see behind the, you know, behind the curtain a little bit, you understand a little bit more about what's going on than the general public does, but you don't have, you don't have access to kind of all the information.

[00:40:06] So there's surprises, like we just talked about with the, with the cutting and all that kind of stuff too.

[00:40:10] So like, you know, what's been the most exciting part of this process as you've watched your, your son kind of, kind of come into his own now.

[00:40:19] Getting the opportunity, you know, like the targets, you know, the chances.

[00:40:25] Yes.

[00:40:25] You know, getting, watching his, how many offensive snaps he's taking go up, you know, and, and, and actually getting a chance to really showcase those ball skills that everyone reads about in the hands.

[00:40:37] And, and, you know, it just, it's just fun.

[00:40:40] It's fun to watch him shine, doing something that he loves and, and really just needing the opportunity.

[00:40:48] And now he's getting it.

[00:40:49] And it's like, it's not new for me because I've been watching this for a long time, but to see him doing it on this stage and, and the joy that he plays with and, and just the focus and the energy and the excitement.

[00:41:03] It's awesome.

[00:41:04] It's awesome.

[00:41:05] And you just can't put words to it.

[00:41:06] It's surreal.

[00:41:07] It is absolutely surreal.

[00:41:09] And that Denver game.

[00:41:10] I mean, he, he showed out in the Denver game this past Sunday.

[00:41:14] I mean, that was fantastic.

[00:41:15] He had several, several high level catches.

[00:41:19] One of them was called back, I think because of a holding call.

[00:41:23] But it's funny again, I'll do one more victory lap and then I'm done.

[00:41:27] I promise.

[00:41:28] I tweeted before the game.

[00:41:30] I tweeted.

[00:41:31] I feel like Jalen Coker is going to be our leading receiver Sunday.

[00:41:35] I did see that.

[00:41:35] Yeah.

[00:41:36] Because, you know, I, I thought about it like, Hey, like him and Bryce probably have developed a little bit of a, you know, rapport, a little bit of a connection.

[00:41:43] They worked on scout team together.

[00:41:45] They, you know, that type of thing.

[00:41:47] And I was just like, I just have a feeling he's going to lead her.

[00:41:49] And, you know, got some, some commentary of like, you're crazy, you know, that type of stuff.

[00:41:54] But, but lo and behold, he did.

[00:41:57] And I just think, I think the pairing of him and Xavier Leggett could be pretty special moving forward.

[00:42:03] Totally agree.

[00:42:04] There's so many young pieces on this team that are exciting.

[00:42:07] It's such a core of young talent that it's, it's really exciting, you know, and to build a culture and to build a winning program and to know that these, all these guys are kind of in it from the very beginning, you know, to help lead that charge.

[00:42:20] I think that's what an incredible opportunity for them.

[00:42:23] All of them.

[00:42:24] Yeah.

[00:42:25] Yeah.

[00:42:25] I mean, this, this draft class, and I know like he was, he was signed after the draft, but I still just like, he was part of that.

[00:42:31] This draft class of Jalen, Xavier Leggett, Jatavian Sanders, Jonathan Brooks, like on offense, we've got like a potential core of solid young players on offense that man, that like, I think the sky's the limit for those guys.

[00:42:49] Yeah, I totally agree.

[00:42:50] I'm really excited to see it.

[00:42:52] And get to come in on the ground level, right?

[00:42:54] Like you get to be the ones that like turn the ship around, you know?

[00:42:58] Yeah.

[00:42:58] And I think that, I think that there's a lot of pride that can come along with that.

[00:43:01] And we all know it's not a seven game turnaround, right?

[00:43:04] No.

[00:43:05] We're in the, we're in the years type situation, but we do have a lot of wonderful, you know, younger talent.

[00:43:12] Jalen certainly being one of them.

[00:43:14] We're glad that he's seen the field in the way that we all, we had been advocating for, at least in our small little audience.

[00:43:21] No, we're, we're thrilled.

[00:43:23] We're thrilled to be here in Carolina.

[00:43:25] That was my, so my last question.

[00:43:27] And was like, how's he liking Charlotte?

[00:43:31] Like, is he, is he adapting well to, to living there?

[00:43:34] Is he liking it so far?

[00:43:35] Yeah, I think so.

[00:43:37] I think he loves it.

[00:43:38] It's, it's a, it's a, a little big city.

[00:43:40] It's not, it's not huge, but it, but it's, it's got all this culture and entertainment and arts and it's walkable.

[00:43:48] You know, I love, I love Charlotte.

[00:43:51] Like I, I just smile traveling down, you know, cause it's just, it's such a cool place.

[00:43:56] So all of us really love it.

[00:43:59] It is.

[00:43:59] It's a cool place.

[00:44:00] And like, one of the things that, you know, I, I love personally, I love bank of America stadium, like where it's located.

[00:44:07] Cause it's, it's what I've read is that it's pretty unique from the standpoint of having a stadium in a downtown or technically uptown Charlotte.

[00:44:18] Right.

[00:44:18] That's not, that's, that's rare nowadays, apparently.

[00:44:21] Like I haven't been to a ton of other NFL stadiums, but I just think that like VOA, you know, being right there in the thick of things uptown is just a really cool setting.

[00:44:33] And I don't know if it's, it is, it is my happy place.

[00:44:36] I will say that.

[00:44:38] It's becoming mine, mine as well.

[00:44:41] It's, it's awesome to see everyone walk in the streets and their gear and, and there's all those open like small little parks and they have all the inflatables and the kids running around.

[00:44:50] And, and it's just, it's, it's just so welcoming.

[00:44:54] It really is.

[00:44:55] It's just a really, really great place.

[00:44:59] Eric.

[00:45:00] So I think, I think that's it for me.

[00:45:02] I don't want to keep you too much longer.

[00:45:04] It's been 45 minutes.

[00:45:05] This is longer than I was planning on keeping you.

[00:45:07] It went by quick though.

[00:45:09] But Eric, anything else on, on your end?

[00:45:13] No, just thanks so much for giving all of us a little bit of an insight into kind of the journey that it took to get here, how much hard work it took to get here.

[00:45:20] And, and the sacrifice and everything.

[00:45:22] And for being, you know, a great supportive parent and making sure that, that your son got to realize his dreams.

[00:45:27] And we're all going to be the ones that benefit from it along with y'all.

[00:45:31] So thanks so much for joining us.

[00:45:33] We've, we've, we've learned a whole lot and I'm, I'm excited to watch him continue to grow.

[00:45:37] Awesome.

[00:45:38] Well, thank you so much for having me.

[00:45:39] Very much appreciate it.

[00:45:41] Absolutely.

[00:45:42] All right.

[00:45:42] We'll see you.

[00:45:43] I guess we'll see Jalen on Sunday.

[00:45:45] Exactly.

[00:45:46] Yes.

[00:45:46] Thanks again.

[00:45:47] All right.

[00:45:48] Bye.

[00:45:49] Hold on.

[00:45:52] What's that?

[00:45:53] I was making sure Jenny didn't log off real quick.

[00:45:56] She may have though.

[00:45:58] I haven't.

[00:45:59] Oh, you haven't.

[00:45:59] Okay, cool.

[00:46:00] Like in case it did its weird thing where it needed.

[00:46:03] I think she's good.

[00:46:05] Okay.

[00:46:05] I think she's good.

[00:46:06] Yeah.

[00:46:06] You're good.

[00:46:07] You're good, Jenny.

[00:46:08] So do log off now?

[00:46:09] Yeah.

[00:46:09] Yeah.

[00:46:10] You're good now.

[00:46:10] Okay.

[00:46:17] That was cool.

[00:46:18] That was awesome.

[00:46:20] That was great.

[00:46:21] That was so, Hey, you every week, listen, we got 300 and something people watching both

[00:46:26] on X and on, uh, on YouTube.

[00:46:28] Let us know what you thought.

[00:46:30] Uh, let us know.

[00:46:31] Are you excited about Jalen?

[00:46:33] Um, you know, we're super excited about the way things are going.

[00:46:36] We're seeing him get better every single week.

[00:46:38] Uh, he, he very well could be, um, you know, the future of what we have here, like Chuck

[00:46:43] said.

[00:46:44] And, uh, I think it's great.

[00:46:48] Yeah, man.

[00:46:49] Um, I, I, oh yeah.

[00:46:52] A couple of comments here.

[00:46:55] Caleb fire stream exited for excited for Jalen.

[00:46:59] Um, yeah, Chuck here.

[00:47:01] They are the future.

[00:47:02] I guess he's talking about Jalen and we'll get and all the, you know, all the rookies out

[00:47:07] there.

[00:47:08] Um, Antonio, what's up, Antonio?

[00:47:10] What's up guys?

[00:47:11] Great content.

[00:47:12] We appreciate you.

[00:47:13] Um, no, but that, that was so cool.

[00:47:16] It was just cool to get the backstory, you know, learning that I had no clue that he

[00:47:21] played defensive back, you know, in high school and punted and punted like what?

[00:47:29] He did everything.

[00:47:30] He did literally everything.

[00:47:32] I think it might be one of those situations where you're just the best athlete in the

[00:47:35] school.

[00:47:35] And so they get the ball in your hands as often as possible.

[00:47:39] That's that.

[00:47:39] I mean, that's what it sounds like, but it really, the thing that, the thing that interests

[00:47:44] me, the thing that interests me the most about his, his journey is the, the, from the standpoint

[00:47:50] of coming out of high school, he obviously is a supremely talented athlete.

[00:47:57] Yeah.

[00:47:58] But because of where he played college or, um, high school football and because of just,

[00:48:04] you know, where he geographically was located, all that stuff that had an impact on his,

[00:48:10] his recruiting for college.

[00:48:13] And, you know, you have some, uh, you can't sit here and tell me like seeing how Jalen has

[00:48:20] looked in the NFL so far, you can't sit here and tell me that he couldn't have played at,

[00:48:24] at a, you know, Ohio state or like university of Florida or, you know, somewhere like that,

[00:48:33] like, like one of the more, you know, big, the bigger schools in college football, like

[00:48:37] he's talented enough, but it just, he just didn't have the opportunity, you know, or

[00:48:42] the recruitment to be able to go to one of those places.

[00:48:45] Listen, luck is involved in every part of this process.

[00:48:49] Literally every single one, you know, somehow Jalen, uh, you say he didn't tear an ACL in

[00:48:53] college, right?

[00:48:54] Like there are so many players who are wonderfully talented, fantastic at football, and then

[00:49:00] something happens, right.

[00:49:02] It's outside of their control.

[00:49:04] So you gotta be lucky as well as good.

[00:49:06] But I think what's, you know, what was really evident when we were listening to her talk

[00:49:12] was two things.

[00:49:15] One, he had a really supportive environment who were able to get him to the seven on sevens

[00:49:20] and some of the other things that she mentioned, um, and, and provide that.

[00:49:25] But Jalen had to work his ass off, man.

[00:49:28] Like not only did he have to be better than the people he was playing while he was at Holy

[00:49:33] Cross, he had to be unbelievably better.

[00:49:37] Right.

[00:49:38] Like he, he didn't just have to be better because it's, it's easy to say, Oh, it's just

[00:49:42] Holy Cross.

[00:49:42] It's not Georgia.

[00:49:43] It's not Ohio state.

[00:49:44] He had to go out there and absolutely destroy people in order to just kind of get noticed.

[00:49:52] Right.

[00:49:53] And he had to have the confidence, the self-confidence and the drive to get up early in the morning

[00:50:00] and go to practice and to stay up late at night and do his homework because he was at,

[00:50:04] you know, he was, he was playing and traveling and whatever else.

[00:50:07] Like the dude had to work really, really, really hard.

[00:50:11] And I think that I, I, we, we come back to this routinely, but Dan Morgan and Dave Canales

[00:50:19] want people that are going to work hard.

[00:50:22] They want the, they want the people that are going to bring their lunch pail to work every

[00:50:25] day.

[00:50:26] Right.

[00:50:26] And that boom collar tight mentality of nothing's given to me.

[00:50:30] I'm going to earn every single one of these snaps.

[00:50:31] Um, and that's who we want as the, the DNA of the players on the Panthers.

[00:50:37] And we're seeing that exemplified right now.

[00:50:40] And you're seeing why Dan Morgan and the rest of the front office want players like that.

[00:50:45] Right.

[00:50:45] Because it's almost like, instead of, I don't know the details, Anthony Richardson saying,

[00:50:50] I'm tired, pull me out of the game.

[00:50:52] I don't think I can play.

[00:50:53] Right.

[00:50:54] We have a, we have a guy that's more along, along the lines of, uh, the lions head coach

[00:50:58] who is going to bite people's kneecaps off when he gets knocked down.

[00:51:01] Right.

[00:51:02] Right.

[00:51:02] And so like, but that's the mentality of who we're going after.

[00:51:05] And it seems like we hit a home run with Jalen Coker on how hard he's had to work and how

[00:51:09] much he's had to sacrifice, how much he's had to believe him in himself and push past

[00:51:13] all the people that didn't call him back for, uh, you know, D one scholarships, the people

[00:51:18] that didn't have him come in and do, uh, you know, 30 visits, all of those things.

[00:51:23] He had to continue to push on past that.

[00:51:25] And I think it should be really inspirational for every single one of us that are watching

[00:51:28] him on that field.

[00:51:29] And as a reminder, Jalen's not the only one that has had to do that.

[00:51:33] Right.

[00:51:34] All these guys that are on this field, we forget that they're humans.

[00:51:37] We forget that they're people.

[00:51:38] We forget that they had to work their ass off to get there.

[00:51:41] Um, you know, and it's like, if somebody can, you know, do something really complicated

[00:51:46] and make it look easy, you're not paying them just for what they did.

[00:51:48] They're doing right now.

[00:51:49] You're paying them for the 15 years that it took to master the craft, um, you know, as they

[00:51:53] were learning it.

[00:51:54] And I think that you don't get to where he is and you don't overcome the obstacles that

[00:51:59] he's seemingly overcome.

[00:52:01] He's controlled the things that he can control.

[00:52:03] Um, and he's really made this his experience.

[00:52:07] I'm excited to watch it.

[00:52:08] I'm more fired up now after that, after, you know, us chatting with Jenny than I was even

[00:52:13] before.

[00:52:13] And I was, I was fired up before that.

[00:52:15] Well, I mean, well said on all that.

[00:52:17] And it's like, this is the type of stuff that really makes you get behind a guy and then

[00:52:22] like lock into a player.

[00:52:24] Um, and really want to support them.

[00:52:26] Um, cause like you said, like they're people too.

[00:52:29] And he's been through a really, really difficult journey to get to the point that he's at.

[00:52:33] Like it, this isn't, this shit's not easy.

[00:52:36] Like we were talking about it before we started recording as an undrafted free agent to come

[00:52:41] to an NFL team.

[00:52:42] And this early on in your career, be a, become a legitimate contributor to a team.

[00:52:51] Like this type of thing doesn't happen super often, especially for the Panthers.

[00:52:56] And so it's just a Testament to, he, he obviously comes from a very supportive, you know, upbringing

[00:53:03] and background that fostered his growth, you know, as a, as an individual.

[00:53:08] And, and like, like Jenny was saying, like he is obviously very self-motivated and a lot

[00:53:14] of that, a lot of that confidence and just his, his, his dogged nature, as far as how hard

[00:53:21] he works, that, that all comes from within.

[00:53:24] And it's, it's super impressive.

[00:53:26] It really is.

[00:53:27] It really is.

[00:53:27] It's super impressive.

[00:53:29] I have a, I have a, I have a lot of respect for that.

[00:53:32] And, um, yeah, I, you know, like, listen, I'm, I'm going to be his biggest fan at this

[00:53:37] point.

[00:53:37] Like no joke.

[00:53:39] Um, I'm going to be his biggest fan.

[00:53:41] Um, I'm, I'm, I'm psyched to see him just, you know, continue to take the rest of the

[00:53:46] season by storm.

[00:53:47] I think he can do it.

[00:53:48] I really think he can.

[00:53:50] Um, I mean, I was already a huge, you know, um, we get fan.

[00:53:54] I think we, I think we all are.

[00:53:57] Um, he, he also obviously himself has an extremely inspirational story.

[00:54:03] Um, and he's worked his ass off to get where he is.

[00:54:06] And so moving forward, it's super exciting.

[00:54:11] Like, listen, there's not a lot to get excited about, about the Panthers right now, but it's,

[00:54:16] it is super exciting to think about the fact that we've been in Xavier Liget and Jalen

[00:54:21] Coker.

[00:54:21] We've got two wide receivers, um, potentially for the future that are, uh, very, very easy

[00:54:30] to root for.

[00:54:31] Yeah.

[00:54:32] And it's exciting.

[00:54:32] It's exciting.

[00:54:34] Looking forward to it.

[00:54:34] And we, and, and we need things to root for cause we're not rooting for wins right now.

[00:54:38] Right.

[00:54:38] Like I think, you know, I appreciated her perspective on the fact that it's not a quick fix, right?

[00:54:46] Like she's, she's, she understands the opportunity that this, this rookie class that's coming in

[00:54:53] has the opportunity to turn a program around.

[00:54:57] And, you know, that was cool.

[00:54:58] That was cool to hear her kind of acknowledge that.

[00:55:01] Yeah.

[00:55:01] I mean, because she's like, Hey, listen, I, you know, we're all excited to see him build,

[00:55:05] help build something here, you know, and for him to get his shot and take advantage of it.

[00:55:10] And, um, man, I'm, I'm, I'm psyched.

[00:55:13] I'm ready.

[00:55:13] I'm, I'm ready to watch him continue to roll.

[00:55:16] Yeah.

[00:55:16] I'm going to, I'm going to hold off on buying the Jersey just because I've said that I'm not

[00:55:21] going to buy.

[00:55:21] I always said that.

[00:55:23] I almost said it because I saw a dude on, on, uh, on Reddit today on the Panther subreddit

[00:55:28] with a signed Deontay Johnson Jersey.

[00:55:31] And it was just like, well, what do I do now?

[00:55:34] Or something along those lines of just like, God, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[00:55:39] It was like, I don't think it was in a frame.

[00:55:41] It was like, I think it was in a frame and everything.

[00:55:43] It was, it looked really good.

[00:55:45] And I was like, damn, dude got seven games out of it.

[00:55:47] Listen, I don't think Jalen Coker is going anywhere anytime soon.

[00:55:50] I think that they understand that they hit the jackpot with him as an undrafted free agent.

[00:55:55] I think that's, that should be pretty clear to everybody in that building.

[00:55:59] Yeah.

[00:56:00] Um, I've just kind of made a choice that I'm just going to hold off on Panthers jerseys for

[00:56:05] a while.

[00:56:05] Cause I've just had some bad luck, but, um, I have, I had McCaffrey.

[00:56:09] You had young.

[00:56:11] I have, I have, yeah, we both have a Brian Burns.

[00:56:15] I literally bought the number zero Brian Burns.

[00:56:19] Like just, I think it was two or three months before he ended up getting traded.

[00:56:24] Maybe, maybe a little bit longer than that.

[00:56:25] It was in the, it was during the season, during last season that I bought his number zero jersey.

[00:56:31] So I have Burns, I have McCaffrey, I have Cam Newton, I have Steve Smith.

[00:56:35] Um, and I have Bryce Young remains to be seen with Bryce.

[00:56:41] We'll see what happens.

[00:56:41] I still hope that hope for the best, hope everything works out with him, but Hey, it does.

[00:56:48] I will say it does seem like that Bryce and Coker have a bit of a connection.

[00:56:54] Like Bryce's best throw.

[00:56:57] They connected, they connected on several.

[00:57:00] Bryce's best throw, uh, on Sunday was that comeback, uh, touchdown right at the end of

[00:57:06] the game.

[00:57:07] I know it was the back shoulder.

[00:57:08] Yeah.

[00:57:09] But it was, it was such anticipation.

[00:57:11] It was a full second before, uh, he turned around to catch the ball.

[00:57:16] And so, you know, like, I don't know.

[00:57:19] I haven't given up on that at all either, but I just, um, I think his best throw, I mean,

[00:57:23] that, that throw was great too.

[00:57:25] I would say just as good, if not better was the, the throw down the sideline.

[00:57:30] I don't know how long it was, maybe 25, 30 yards.

[00:57:32] And I mean, Coker looked like he was covered and Bryce threw like literally threw a perfect

[00:57:38] ball and Coker grab, you know, fingertip, fingertip grab all that.

[00:57:42] Um, so, I mean, listen, it looks like at least at the very least, um, you know, and obviously

[00:57:47] it remains to be seen with Bryce, but that he does seem to have a connection with Coker.

[00:57:52] So maybe we continue to see that flourish if Bryce gets to start again, but we will, uh,

[00:57:59] save that conversation for another day.

[00:58:03] Anything else from you on your end as far as Jalen?

[00:58:07] I don't think so.

[00:58:08] I'm just, uh, I'm, I'm, I'm jazzed after that.

[00:58:10] I'm excited about it.

[00:58:12] Uh, I think he's going to be a great, a great component as long as he's able to stay healthy

[00:58:16] and continue to be involved.

[00:58:17] Yeah.

[00:58:18] Well, we've got, uh, 347 viewers have tuned in 348.

[00:58:25] What's up everybody.

[00:58:26] Thank you for tuning in.

[00:58:27] Um, hope you got to catch, um, at least a solid chunk of that interview with Jenny Coker.

[00:58:33] It was great.

[00:58:34] If you didn't, you can go back and watch it.

[00:58:37] As soon as we end the recording, it'll be available.

[00:58:39] You can watch the, uh, the replay on YouTube.

[00:58:42] Um, and if you, you know, if you're, if you're watching, if you're a regular watcher listener

[00:58:47] and you're not subscribed on YouTube, please, we would greatly appreciate it.

[00:58:51] Hop on over there, hit the like and subscribe button.

[00:58:54] Help us out.

[00:58:55] We're trying to get to 800 subscribers right now, but, um, yeah, that was, that was fun.

[00:58:59] I'm glad we did that.

[00:59:00] Glad that she agreed to come on.

[00:59:02] That was super nice of her.

[00:59:03] Um, yeah.

[00:59:05] And I guess, uh, I guess this Sunday it'll be either just me solo, or I might have a special

[00:59:13] special guest, uh, this Sunday night after the, um, after the saints game.

[00:59:17] Cause you are, uh, going to be on a plane.

[00:59:21] Is that right?

[00:59:22] I am.

[00:59:23] I'm going to be heading to Europe, but I'm sorry.

[00:59:24] I have to point out, uh, the most recent, uh, comment in the, in the YouTube chat.

[00:59:30] Oh, and I echo this.

[00:59:32] This is, this is, uh, this is Ben's mom.

[00:59:35] This is great guys.

[00:59:37] I love to see a strong mom.

[00:59:38] I'm such a gifted young man.

[00:59:40] This mama is proud to.

[00:59:41] We are all proud of Ben.

[00:59:45] I'm assuming she was talking about me when she said gifted young man, or was she talking

[00:59:50] about Jalen Coker?

[00:59:51] I think it was you probably me.

[00:59:53] Okay.

[00:59:54] I'll take it.

[00:59:55] I'm going to give it to you.

[00:59:56] I'll take it.

[00:59:57] But Jalen Coker is more gifted than me.

[01:00:00] So, um, anyway, so yeah, you're going to be on a plane, right?

[01:00:05] I'm going to be on a plane.

[01:00:06] Yeah.

[01:00:06] I'm going to be on a plane.

[01:00:07] So I won't, uh, I won't be on next week.

[01:00:09] Uh, I will be over the Atlantic ocean, but, uh, I'm sure you guys will have a great show

[01:00:15] and I can't wait to watch it on, on YouTube.

[01:00:17] I am already liked and subscribed, uh, to the channel.

[01:00:21] Um, so, you know, all 350 of you guys on Twitter, uh, jump on over, help a couple of

[01:00:28] brothers out.

[01:00:29] Help us out.

[01:00:31] Go ahead and give us a, go ahead and give us a subscribe, go ahead and give us a like.

[01:00:34] We'd, we'd appreciate it.

[01:00:35] And when that happens, we can do more of these things like this.

[01:00:38] We can, we have a little bit more clout to have people onto the, onto the show.

[01:00:42] Um, the more, more subscribers and more engagement that we have.

[01:00:45] So help us out.

[01:00:46] Let us help us bring more of this kind of stuff to you.

[01:00:48] We'd love to do it.

[01:00:49] Yeah.

[01:00:50] Now I've said my piece.

[01:00:51] All righty.

[01:00:52] We're at an hour.

[01:00:53] So we're going to go ahead and sign off here.

[01:00:55] Um, thanks everybody again for listening, for watching.

[01:00:58] Um, this was great.

[01:01:00] And, uh, like I said, if you didn't get to catch all of it, go watch the replay, but

[01:01:03] we will, uh, or I will, um, see you Sunday night after the saints game to talk about,

[01:01:10] um, hopefully a win, not expecting a win.

[01:01:13] Be great if we could get a win, but, uh, I'll be back Sunday night to either celebrate

[01:01:18] or commiserate.

[01:01:19] Um, until then everybody have a great week and, uh, keep pounding.