The sessions at the 2025 Player Development Summit will be fire — but the city of Kansas City takes the experience to another level.

In this episode, Ed Jones II breaks down why KC was intentionally chosen as the Summit’s home and what makes it the perfect backdrop for growth, connection, and community. From elite BBQ and rich culture to championship energy and real relationship-building moments, this episode previews everything attendees can expect beyond the sessions.

If you’ve never been to Kansas City, this will get you excited. If you have — you already know.

🎧 Tap in and get ready to experience the Summit and the city.

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📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

💬 Have questions about the Summit? Drop them in the comments or DM me — I’m happy to help.

📢 Know someone who needs to be there? Share this video with them!

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

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Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

What started as a simple idea — a Zoom link and a belief — has grown into a national movement.

The Player Development Summit began virtually in 2022, created to unite professionals who serve athletes off the field. No big sponsors. No flashy production. Just real people, real conversations, and a vision that mattered.

Fast forward to today:

📍 We're now hosting a three-day in-person Summit in Kansas City, May 29–31, 2025 — with speakers representing the NFL, NBA, NCAA, WNBA, MLS, and more.

This video takes you behind the evolution:

💻 The virtual beginnings that sparked momentum

🤝 The powerful shift from reach to real connection

🏙️ Why Kansas City is the perfect home

📈 How this event scaled with heart, not hype

🧠 And why the mission never changed

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If you’ve ever wanted to see what it really looks like to build something from the ground up — community-first, impact-focused, and purpose-driven — this is the story.-

📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

2023 Player Development Conference: https://youtu.be/hjiw88PEhjk

💬 Have questions about the Summit? Drop them in the comments or DM me — I’m happy to help.

📢 Know someone who needs to be there? Share this video with them!

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

It’s not just about showing up — it’s about showing up intentionally.

The 2025 Player Development Summit will be three days packed with energy, connection, and powerful conversations.

But the people who get the most out of it — the ones who leave with momentum, relationships, and next steps — are the ones who show up with a plan.

So here’s your guide to making this more than just a conference.Here’s how you make it an experience that transforms your year.

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📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

💬 Have questions about the Summit? Drop them in the comments or DM me — I’m happy to help.

📢 Know someone who needs to be there? Share this video with them!

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

🎯 3 Reasons You Can’t Miss the Player Development Summit This Year

Kansas City | May 29–31, 2025

The Player Development Summit is back — and this time, we’re in person! If you work in athlete support, development, or leadership, this event is designed for you. In this video, I break down 3 powerful reasons why this year’s summit is a must-attend for professionals at every level.

💡 Whether you're new to player development or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with game-changing insights, real connections, and tools to elevate your impact.

👇 Watch now and find out why you need to be in Kansas City this May!

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📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

💬 Have questions about the Summit? Drop them in the comments or DM me — I’m happy to help.

📢 Know someone who needs to be there? Share this video with them!

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

#25PDSummit #PlayerDevelopment #AthleteSupport #PlayerEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #SportsProfessionals #PlayerDevelopmentSummit #AthleteExperience #BeyondTheField #NIL #AthleteTransition #kansascityevents

What does a day in the life of a player development professional actually look like?

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a real day working in player development — from 5AM workouts to 9PM academic walk-throughs. While no two days are ever the same, I walk you hour-by-hour through what a typical day looked like when I served as Assistant Athletic Director for Player Development at Baylor Football.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to support athletes beyond the field, build relationships, juggle departments, and stay ready for whatever comes your way — this episode is for you.

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Player Development Weekly Checklist: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/wklychk

🚨 I also share my BIGGEST regret while in the role… and how I’m fixing that with a new Day in the Life video series highlighting player development professionals across the globe. 👀

🎥 Want to nominate a PD pro for the upcoming video series? Drop their name in the comments!

🤝 Interested in sponsoring the Day in the Life series or the 2025 Player Development Summit? Let’s talk.

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🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

2025 Player Development Summit

📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

#PlayerDevelopment #AthleteExperience #BehindTheScenes #CollegeFootball #DayInTheLife #LeadershipDevelopment #AthleteSupport #beyondthefield

In this episode, I share my honest reflections on two recent pro sports interviews. Neither turned out how I envisioned, and I want to pull back the curtain on what really happened, the lessons I learned, and how these experiences continue shaping my journey in player development.

2025 Player Development Summit

📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

💬 Have questions about the Summit? Drop them in the comments or DM me — I’m happy to help.

📢 Know someone who needs to be there? Share this video with them!

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

If you work in player development, athlete development, or anywhere behind the scenes helping athletes grow off the field — this Summit was built for YOU.

In this video, I break down exactly why the 2025 Player Development Summit, happening May 29–31 in Kansas City, is the can't-miss event of the year.

🎯 What You'll Learn:

✅ What makes this Summit different from every other sports conference

✅ Who should attend and what to expect

✅ Why this event creates real growth, real community, and real momentum

✅ How this space is reshaping the future of player development

📍 Location: Kansas City, MO

📅 Dates: May 29–31, 2025

🎟️ Register now: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

🏙️ 2025 Player Development Summit Information: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/25pdsummit

🤝 Sponsorship Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKqv3TTco/C7gf3RPBcHnEaXYuvaalCQ/edit?utm_content=DAGKqv3TTco&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

🔗 Helpful Links:

👉 Download Player Development101 HERE: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/pd101

👉 Subscribe to the Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

👉 Join the Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

💬 Have questions about the Summit? Drop them in the comments or DM me — I’m happy to help.

📢 Know someone who needs to be there? Share this video with them!

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

SHE BELIEVED in our community!

The Founding Sponsor of the Player Development Summit Terrolyn Nunn.

In 2023 I received a sponsorship notification from someone I didn't know. As I started to piece things together I still didn't understand the thought behind this sponsorship request.

We jumped on the call and after giving the information on the event and the sponsorship levels. There was nothing but certainty for Terrolyn. I am so thankful for her and how she has supported this event since DAY ONE.

In the EXCLUSIVE episode we discuss her passion for this space, the people who she serves in this space, how she is committed to this event, and how she's excited for all who will be attending soon.

Connect with Terrolyn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrolyn-mitchell-nunn/

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2025 Player Development Summit Information - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2025 Player Development Summit Ticket: https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit/p/2025-player-development-summit-ticket

Join our Player Development Community: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/communities/Q29tbXVuaXR5LTE4NDM1OQ==

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

About Ed Jones II

Who? Ed Jones. Ed is a player development nerd who served in the player development role for University of Houston, University of Kansas, and Baylor University football teams rising to the role of assistant athletic director. Ed has now since transitioned into the role of founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, where he helps impactful people create player development plans.

In addition to being the founder of Beyond The Field, Ed is a two-time author, speaker, creator of The Player Development Pod, The Player Development Conference, The Player Development Newsletter, and the Beginners Guide to Player Development Course. Ed has also facilitated multiple Player Development Guide cohorts.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

0:00 - Podcast Introduction

1:00 - Terrolyn Nunn Introduction

3:09 - How We Met

4:32 - Access Granted Support

5:42 - The Growth of the Player Development Summit

8:54 - How Sponsorship Has Helped Access Granted

15:36 - Access Granted Programming and Services

24:45 - First Time in Kansas City

30:22 - Mother and Son Relationship

33:37 - One of Houston's Top Realtors

40:29 - Jalen Pitre Appreciation

41:30 - GO COOGS! Houston Basketball

43:40 - Rapid Fire Questions

55:45 - Impactful End