Pro Mindset Podcast

Aaron Wilson, Houston Texans beat writer, shares with Pro Mindset host Craig Domann his thoughts on everything Ravens and Texans. He shares background stories and opinions about Ray Lewis, JJ Watt, Priest Holmes, Hines Ward, Aaron Donald, Jadaveon Clowney and many more NFL players.
Aaron talks about the old days when the Ravens and Steelers had back alley fights with the feature card of the Steelers’ Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu vs the Ravens’ Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.
Craig asks Aaron to play NFL GM role and describe his philosophy for building a Super Bowl Champion. Aaron shares his perspective of playing GM for the Houston Texans and plausible personnel moves and changes, and draft and free agency strategies.
Craig shares the Pro Mindset with Aaron and he responds with examples of players in critical games that performed on demand.

Aaron Wilson, Houston Texans beat writer, shares with Pro Mindset host Craig Domann his thoughts on his NFL media journey that started in 1999 with the Baltimore Sun covering the Baltimore Ravens and five years ago he made the move to the Houston Chronicle to cover the Texans.
As a seasoned NFL reporter, Aaron discusses his relationships, challenges and objectives covering NFL teams, NFL coaches and players. He answers the following questions: What is the toughest part of his job? Does he tell everything he knows? How does he develop relationships with NFL players, coaches and agents? How do NFL reporters keep score on their reporting?
Aaron talks about sports reporting in 2020 with the utilization of social media and links to his Houston Chronicle sports stories. He talks about competition from NFL Network and ESPN national reporters.
Aaron shares his press box perspective on the Texans epic loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2020 AFC Divisional Game after leading 24-0 and giving up over 50 points to the highoctane Chiefs offense lead by superstar Patrick Mahomes.

Former NFL center, Brian Folkerts shares with Pro Mindset host Craig Domann his nickname “Cave Man” and how he developed an identity in the Carolina Panthers’ locker room with his nickname and his play. He became one of the most popular players on the team embracing his identity and nickname given to him by teammate Jordan Gross.
Brian discusses his playing mindset to stay calm and focused when you are hyped up and amped up for a game, as well as, overcoming mistakes and bad plays. Brian’s mindset was “One Snap Erase” meaning move on to the next play regardless of whether it was a good play or not.
Brian talks about his favorite memories of playing in the NFL were interactions with his teammates in the locker room. One of his favorite teammates was WR Steve Smith who had the biggest mouth and ego but backed it up with his play on the field. Smith was known for his receiving skills but also for his toughness and run blocking skills. Smith fans wore t-shirts with slogan “Ice Up Son!” because he de-cleated opponents on crack blocks. “Ice Up Son” means find a bag of ice to put on your boo-boo from Smith’s blocks.
Brian is an entrepreneur in real estate and recommends people avoid paralysis by analysis and just review market & property details and make the jump. Small ball is a good way to get started. Learn on the go and learn by experience instead of learning from a real estate book.
Brian is hoping for another NFL opportunity but if that doesn’t manifest, then he wants to become a college football coach.

Former NFL athlete, 3x American Ninja Warrior finalist, and now professional speaker, Anthony Trucks, shares his point of view on the keys to being successful when life is challenging. Relating to both the worldwide pandemic of Covid-19 and the sports industry, Trucks explains self-growth and learning to adapt to your surroundings.
Craig Domann, the host of Pro Mindset, asks Trucks to explain the process of how successful people find their “roots,” or what keeps them grounded when life is trying. Trucks uses metaphors to explain self- reflection and the process people must go through in order to succeed, being mindful of their egos and pride along the way.
Craig and Anthony discuss the best approach to taking off after the pandemic is over. Anthony shares his 3-step process for change: (1) see the need, (2) shift your mind and behavior, and (3) sustain the change.

Mario Soto is a Sport Psychology Consultant ( https://mariosoto.com ) with an extensive background in performance sports, as well as, being a professional working actor for ten years earning his union status in all three guilds (SAG, AEA, and AFTRA). He holds a master’s degree in Sport & Performance Psychology Consulting from California State University Fullerton under the tutelage of the some of the most well-respected Sport Psychology consultants in the world – Dr. Ken Ravizza, Dr. Traci Statler, Dr. Andrea Becker, and Dr. Len Wiersma.
“Anyone can benefit from getting out of their own way. We’re just a bit overwhelmed by life’s distractions, the misperceptions of pressure and sometimes the inability of letting go of our past mistakes. It’s my hope to provide people with the tools and confidence to believe in themselves, create realistic expectations, and develop the discipline to stay on their journey towards excellence.” – Coach Mario
Mario Soto has worked with a multitude of teams, athletes, coaches, and artists at the amateur, Olympic and professional levels assisting them in dealing with stage fright, stress reduction, self-doubt and low esteem, improving performance routines, goal setting, mental toughness, focus, imagery and visualization, motivation, confidence, dealing with pressure, over/under arousal, team dynamics, cohesion and helping foster culture change.
He has lectured and consulted around the country on topics like
•Being a great sports parent,
•How to coach and relate to today’s athlete, and
•Turning yourself into an elite performer”
Enjoy the podcast and continue to develop your Pro Mindset!

This episode of Pro Mindset Podcast, hosted by Craig Domann, a NFLPA licensed football agent, is focused on the Black Lives Matter movement, which challenges systemic racism and white supremacy. This podcast features guests Michael Lehan (former 5th rounder who played for the Browns, Dolphins & Saints) and current assistant superintendent of 5th largest school district in the state of Minnesota and Greg Scruggs (former 7th rounder who played for the Seahawks, Bears & Patriots) and current defensive line coach for the University of Cincinnati.
This episode of Pro Mindset addresses some very challenging, but important topics regarding the generational and systemic discrimination that naturally results in trauma for the black community.
Domann starts off the podcast by asking Michael and Greg about their experiences as a young black man where they were mistreated by the police force or people of authority. Michael shares several experiences where he was discriminated against and made to feel like “the other” and felt like people treated him to be “less than.” Greg expresses how racism is undeniably real, proven by many experiences that he has had over his lifetime.
Domann switches the conversation over to the NFL realm, asking both players if they had ever experienced discrimination or racism on their teams. Lehan expresses how the business structure of the NFL creates rankings of players, making it a dehumanizing culture.
Both Michael and Greg talk about the hardships of intergenerational racial trauma, which is integrated into the NFL player experience. Bringing up current events and the death of Rayshard Brooks, the players share how racial trauma is deeply rooted in black communities.
This podcast, addressing topics such as the mental, psychological influences of racial violence in life and in the NFL, the athletes express their frustration that these problems are passed down through generations, continuing a toxic pattern of making black communities feel “less than.”

Former Division II National Champion and NFL wide receiver Paul Browning shares with Pro Mindset Podcast host Craig Domann his journey as a black man living in a world with systemic oppression, profiling and a nation with history of long-standing discrimination.
Paul shares a few stories of his encounters with the police, one of which took place in his front yard and other occurred when he was riding in the car with his dad and brothers.
Paul and Craig candidly discuss current issues black men deal with on a daily basis and the “talk” parents give their black sons about how to deal with the police and how to avoid getting targeted for shoplifting and other crimes by not being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Paul played college football at Colorado State University–Pueblo, where he earned All-American and All-Conference honors, as well as, won the Division II National Championship in 2014. Browning’s final collegiate touchdown catch would end up being the only touchdown scored in the national championship game against Minnesota State- Mankato. It was a story book ending for Paul Browning.
He was signed by the Cleveland Browns after the 2015 NFL Draft and he also played with the Carolina Panthers. Paul has also played for a couple teams in the Arena League.

Former NFL RB Justin Forsett shares with Pro Mindset host Craig Domann his attitude of “Do What I Do”, “Why Not Me?”, “Make Room” and “Always Be the Exception” even though scouts, coaches and fans doubted him and underestimated him.
Justin is former 7th round NFL Draft selection of the Seattle Seahawks in 2008 out of Cal Berkeley. He played college football with Aaron Rodgers and Marshawn Lynch. He is now a successful entrepreneur. He played for nine seasons for seven NFL teams including the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and Denver Broncos. His best NFL season came in 2014 as a member of the Baltimore Ravens when he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
When Justin retired after nine NFL seasons, he explained in one of his retirement interviews "Against all odds, critics, and naysayers, I accomplished something great," he said. "Scouts measured my height and said I was too short. They measured my 40-yard dash and said I was too slow. They looked at my build and said I wouldn't last. But they couldn't measure my heart, my faith and my perseverance."
The versatile playmaker added: "I am living proof that dreams come true and God answers prayers, and I thank God every day for the opportunity to live out my dream."
He is currently an entrepreneur and the founder/CEO of Hustle Clean. His business has been featured on Shark Tank, Fox, CBS, NBC and Cheddar. The Company’s products, including an on-the-go shower collection called ShowerPill which consists of a novel body wipe proven to kill 99.9 percent of germs, have taken off with availability at over 1,000 locations including Target, Crunch Fitness, Pharmaca, and UFC Gyms. His investors and advisors include many professional athletes including Jonathan Stewart, Steve Smith Sr., Ronnie Lott, Kyle Juszczyk and Prince Amukamara.
Justin’s company mission is to inspire and empower people to live their best lives. He believes that the cornerstone of this mission includes his commitment to give back. He and his company have been on the ground to offer needed help during the crisis at Flint Michigan, Hurricane Harvey (Texas) and Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria.

Dr. Patrick Cohn, sports psychologist and mental training expert with Peak Performance Sports ( www.peaksports.com ). Dr. Cohn has experienced firsthand how beliefs, attitudes, and mindsets influence performance. He shares with Pro Mindset Podcast host Craig Domann, “Confidence is the Cure-all, making plays sometimes means playing with reckless abandon and throwing away the book.”
Dr. Cohn’s passion for sports and sports psychology started early in life and continued to grow as he participated in sports such as football, hockey, baseball, lacrosse, racquetball, and golf.
As the President and Founder of Peak Performance Sports, LLC in Orlando, Florida, he provides mental toughness training to individual and team athletes.
Dr. Cohn is also a mentor to many others in the field of mental game coaching and performance. As a mental toughness specialist, many recognized sports figures and teams have sought out Dr. Cohn’s expertise. He has consulted with high profile teams such as the Miami Dolphins, NASCAR winners, NHL Players, National Motocross Champions, as well as PGA Tour professional golfers such as Brian Watts and J. L. Lewis.
Go to peaksports.com to download his free “10 Costly Mental Game Mistakes Athletes Make Before Competition.”

While watching “THE MATCH” golf event a couple weeks ago with Super Stars Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady (four of the best all-time performers in professional sports on the planet), Craig had the idea of exploring and discussing the elements of a Pro Mindset related to Tom Brady’s career in today’s episode and for Peyton Manning in a future episode.
When you look at Tom Brady and his successes and the hurdles that he has overcome, you see from the beginning of his NFL career in 2001, being drafted as the 199th pick in the sixth round, he had firmly planted a huge chip on his shoulder. Tom has used this chip and the Brady6, the QBs that were drafted ahead of him to motivate him and to fuel his fire to unprecedented success as arguably the “GOAT” of all NFL QBs in the history of the NFL.
Tom’s Wikipedia is 47 pages long! Tom’s belief, passion, motivation, training, lifestyle, winning habits, and situational performance are all Pro Mindset components that Tom has off-the-charts. Pro Mindset Podcast host Craig Domann gives examples of Tom Brady's belief in himself, his passion and motivation for football, his extensive diet and training, especially being a middle-aged man playing a young man's sport, and his lifestyle that is conducive to perseverance and endurance and longevity.
Tom’s NFL records, his unmatched success in the playoffs and Super Bowls, getting recognized as one of the ten best QBs in the 100-year history of the game of pro football, and the only QB to be named as QB of the decade for two consecutive decades are only a tip of the iceberg of his accomplishments. He has a PRO MINDSET and Craig shares his insights on such.