My Player Development Journey - 10 Lessons from 10 Years
10 Lessons in 10 Years of Player Development | The Player Development Pod
I am FINALLY telling my full player development story.
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a full decade of work, wins, losses, and lessons in the world of player development. From stepping into my first role at the University of Houston in 2016… to hosting the Player Development Summit and publishing The Player Development Guide in 2025 — every year has brought a powerful lesson.
This episode is personal. It’s reflective. And it’s 100% real.
Here’s a preview of what I cover:
2016 — Impact over Position
2017 — Passion over Title
2018 — Someone’s Always Watching
2019 — Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
2020 — Let the Players Lead
2021 — Relationships Are the Program
2022 — The Real Ones Show Up
2023 — The People Want This Work
2024 — Be the Platform
2025 — Consistency Creates Impact
Whether you're in a player development role, trying to break into the field, or just curious what this work really looks like — this episode is for you.
💬 Drop a comment: What’s ONE lesson you’ve learned in your journey?
Player Development Journey Assessment: https://edward-jones-8qvfl4ht.scoreap...
Player Development Retreat Inquiry: https://forms.gle/fchDR9xJftBUKKnr6
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BOOK - The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/4ju6ov3
Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/
Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.t...
About Ed Jones II
Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement
Ed Jones II is a nationally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.
Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development around the world.
He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:
– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)
– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)
– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)
– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)
– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide
What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.
If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:
– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.
– And those who are about to.
Connect with Ed here: / edjonesii
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Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: [email protected]
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0:00 - Podcast Introduction
1:04 - Player Development Defined
1:38 - 2016 - From Hightower HS to Houston Football
17:55 - 2016 - Houston Football Player Development
26:57 - 2017 - Working in Recruiting
35:38 - Player Development Journey Assessment
35:58 - 2018 - Beyond The Field Created
42:52 - Kansas Football Player Development
48:12 - 2020 - COVD Year
50:32 - 2021 - Baylor Football Player Development
1:02:54 - 2022 - The Player Development Pod
1:07:10 - 2023 - The Player Development Conference
1:10:00 - 2024 - The 2nd Player Development Conference
1:11:28 - 2025 - The Player Development Summit in Kansas City
1:16:13 - Impactful End
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