The Sam Acho Podcast

Former NFL linebacker Davion Taylor shares one of the most inspiring journeys in football.
Raised in Mississippi as a Commandment Keeper, Davion observed the Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown,  meaning he couldn’t play Friday night high school football like everyone else. Despite missing the traditional path to recruitment, he fought his way onto a junior college roster after competing against more than 150 athletes, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of Colorado.
From there, DT became second-team All-Pac-12, ran a blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash, and shocked many by being selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
But the NFL journey wasn’t easy.
Davion opens up about the injuries that derailed his early career, battling depression while far from home, and the emotional toll of feeling overlooked once he got hurt. Through every setback, his faith, family, and mindset kept him moving forward.
Today, DT is helping train the next generation of athletes at D1 Sports in Nashville, mentoring NFL prospects both physically and mentally while staying open to whatever God has next for his own journey.
This episode is about faith, perseverance, purpose, and trusting God through every stage of life , even when the path makes no sense.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Growing up unable to play Friday night football because of faith
• Walking on at JUCO and earning a Division I scholarship
• The emotional moment he got drafted by the Eagles
• Injuries, depression, and mental health in the NFL
• Life after football and mentoring future athletes
• Why gratitude changed his perspective on adversity
If you’ve ever faced setbacks, uncertainty, or moments where you questioned the journey, this conversation will inspire you to keep going.

Creators and Guests

Host
Clif Marshall
Coach Clif Marshall enters his ninth year as the Performance Director at Ignition where he is responsible for the design and implementation of both the strength and speed programs. Marshall works as a Fitness Ambassador for the NFL. With 15 years of professional experience, Marshall has trained more than 400 pro football players, including first round NFL draft picks, Super Bowl Champions and Pro Bowlers. Luke Kuechly, AJ Green, Geno Atkins and Devin McCourty have been some of Marshall's most notable clients over the years. Under Marshall's Direction Ignition has trained over 40+ NFL Combine Top Performers and a number of NFL Players who hold all time combine records for their position groups. Currently Ignition and Coach Marshall have at least one player that they have trained on all 32 NFL Clubs.
Host
Sam Acho
Financial Professional and ESPN Analyst

What is The Sam Acho Podcast?

The Sam Acho Podcast, featuring Clif Marshall, helps athletes learn how to win without losing it all. By going first, giving space, and growing hope, Sam and Clif talk authentically about faith, family, football, and finance to win at more than sports.