Episode 48: Ryan Sprague

In this episode, host Dave Fiore speaks with Ryan Sprague, area director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, whose life was eternally changed playing for legendary coach Bobby Bowden at Florida State University. The father of six is a former youth pastor and was previously executive director of the PHI Center, which provides services and counseling to women who are pregnant or have young children.

A former ballroom dancer and high school wrestler from Augusta, Ga., Ryan says he didn’t take football seriously until he was invited to walk on at Florida State by defensive coach Odell Haggins. The scout team center would quickly move up the depth charts and two years later was the starting tight end for the 1999 undefeated national championship team. He is an author, speaker and a true example of how taking advantage of unexpected opportunities (and knowing when to unleash the right wrestling moves) can lead to great things.