Share
The UNPACKIN' it Podcast With Bryce Johnson & Trip Smith
Former NFL Head Coach Steve Wilks: Rising Above Disappointment & Leading with Faith
•
In this episode of the UNPACKIN' it Podcast, host Bryce Johnson sits down in-studio with long-time NFL coach and App State Special Assistant to Athletics, Steve Wilks!
Steve takes us through his incredible football journey - from playing defensive back at Appalachian State to coaching in three Super Bowls, serving as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, and leading as interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers.
More About Steve:
Steve Wilks is a Charlotte native, Appalachian State alum, and veteran football coach with more than 30 years of experience, including 17 seasons in the NFL.
Wilks played defensive back at App State from 1987–1991, helping the Mountaineers win Southern Conference championships in 1987 and 1991. He later returned to Boone as the program’s defensive backs coach in 2001 and now serves his alma mater as a special assistant to athletics.
During his NFL career, Wilks has coached with the Chicago Bears, San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets. He served as head coach of the Cardinals in 2018 and went 6–6 as the Panthers’ interim head coach in 2022. He was also part of three Super Bowl teams—as Carolina’s assistant head coach and defensive backs coach during its run to Super Bowl 50, assistant with the Bears in Super Bowl XLI, and as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator during its appearance in Super Bowl LVIII.
Beyond the game, Steve opens up about:
His new role supporting App State athletics and navigating the modern NIL/revenue-sharing landscape.
His thoughts on Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and week-one takeaways in the NFL.
Why true identity shouldn’t be tied to a career or title ("You can't chase purpose and identity at the same time").
How God used major disappointments and firings in his career to redirect him toward greater purpose and family presence.
The leadership principles behind building authentic relationships with players like Josh Norman and Luke Kuechly.
Connect & Support:
3T Foundation: Learn more about Coach Wilks' foundation and its upcoming "Dinner with a Purpose" event on November 13 in Charlotte at https://www.3tfoundation.info
UNPACKIN' it: Check out our weekly sports, faith, and Fantasy Football Fellowship podcasts.
Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERE
Subscribe to our YouTube channel! HERE
Click HERE to support UNPACKIN' it.
More episodes
View all episodes
Are You Sending the Wrong Message?
01:09:17|What Message Are You Sending? | UNPACKIN' It PodcastAt the midway point of the NFL season and with the trade deadline here, GMs and head coaches are making big moves - or choosing not to. Whether it's the Jacksonville Jaguars pushing all their chips into the center of the table, or the Los Angeles Chargers clinging to an incompatible offense, every decision sends a clear message. In this episode, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack how the decisions we make in our daily lives send a message to those around us. As followers of Jesus, do our choices reflect His love, grace, and humility, or are we sending a confusing message?Plus, Bryce and Trip dive into the newly announced 24-team College Football Playoff expansion - is it great for fans or the final nail in the coffin for traditional college football?📖 Scripture Referenced:John 13:34-35 – "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Matthew 5:16 – "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." 1 Peter 2:12 – "Keep your behavior excellent among the unsaved..." 1 Peter 3:15 – "Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you..." 🔗 Links & Resources:Sports Devotionals: Grab a copy of our 30-Day General or 32-Day NFL Sports Devotional at thesportsdevotional.com Support the Ministry: Partner with us financially to help reach more sports fans for Jesus at unpackinit.com Sponsor: Learn more about how your church can partner with Upward Sports at upward.org/unpack Connect via Email: Have questions or feedback? Email Bryce directly at Bryce@unpackinit.com Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment down below on your thoughts regarding the 24-team playoff!Are You Doing Things That Aren't Beneficial?
01:13:50|In this episode of the UNPACKIN' it Podcast, Bryce Johnson and Pastor Trip Smith dive into a wild Week 8 in the NFL!From the Tampa Bay Buccaneers making history by winning a game without completing a single pass to the rise of Gardner Minshew and major shifts in sports media, there is plenty to unpack.Plus, Bryce and Trip draw a powerful spiritual parallel from the Bucs' game plan: just because something is permissible or possible, is it actually beneficial to our lives and faith?RESOURCES & LINKS:📖 Get The Sports Devotional: https://thesportsdevotional.com🎙️ Listen to the Fantasy Football Fellowship Podcast: Check out our weekly Tuesday episodes for faith-filled fantasy insights!📧 Questions about faith? Email Bryce directly at bryce@unpackinit.com.ABOUT UNPACKIN' it:UNPACKIN' it unpacks the parallels, metaphors, and sports topics that relate to life and faith, hosted by Bryce Johnson and joined by Pastor Trip Smith.Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell to stay updated on all our weekly episodes! 🛎️Trusting God in an Unpredictable World!
58:30|Who do you trust in college football? Who do you trust in the NFL? More importantly, who do you trust in life?In this episode of the UNPACKIN' It Podcast, host Bryce Johnson and Pastor Trip Smith unpack the latest madness in the sports world―from wild college upsets to unpredictable NFL finishes. But beyond the sports chaos, they dive into the powerful devotional topic: where we place our trust when everything around us feels uncertain.In this episode, we cover:Sports Equinox Overload: World Series, NBA kickoff, NFL drama, and college football chaos.Who Can You Trust? Breaking down Bill Conley’s ESPN article on who is (and isn't) trustworthy in college football and the NFL.Life & Faith Parallel: Why human understanding is untrustworthy, and how we can learn to trust God more and more each day.Scripture Focus: Exploring Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 118:8, and Jeremiah 17:5.Scripture References:"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6Ministry Links & Resources:🌐 Website: unpackinit.com ⛳ Support the Ministry: Help support our annual golf tournament fundraiser at unpackinit.com/donate 🤝 Partner Spotlight: Special thanks to Upward Sports for partnering with us to reach families through sports! Learn more at Upward.org/unpack🎧 Listen Daily: Subscribe to the UNPACKIN' it Minute for daily 1-minute faith encouragements.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend! Let us know in the comments: What is God teaching you about trust this week?Finding Contentment When Life & Sports Drive You Crazy!
58:55|NFL Week 5 Reactions, Sideline Meltdowns & Finding True ContentmentFive weeks into the NFL season, where does your team stand—and how are you feeling about them? In this episode of the UNPACKIN' IT Podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith break down the wild finishes, sideline meltdowns, and bad clock management from college football and the NFL this past weekend.Plus, they draw a powerful parallel between the state of NFL franchises and our own lives: Are you living in contentment or discontentment? Discover how to navigate life's tensions, avoid spiritual complacency, and anchor your ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.🔗 CONNECT WITH UNPACKIN' ITDonate & Support the Ministry: unpackinit.com/donateGet Involved with Upward Sports: upward.org/unpackEmail Bryce: bryce@unpackinit.comStaying Locked In On Jesus!
51:22|Are you dialed in to following Jesus, or are you getting caught up in the noise and distractions of life?On Sunday Night Football, Bryce Young was locked in and connected with his top target, Tetairoa McMillan, leading the Carolina Panthers to a massive win over the Lions. In this episode of The UNPACKIN' it Podcast, host Bryce Johnson goes solo to unpack how having single-minded focus on the gridiron parallels our spiritual walk with Christ. Are we truly fixing our eyes on Jesus, or are we letting life's distractions pull us away?Plus, Bryce reacts to Week 4 around the NFL - including Deshaun Watson and the Browns, the surprising Falcons, and the struggling Eagles - and shares a hilarious, awkward story about what happened to him at dinner for his 40th birthday!Links & Resources:Support UNPACKIN' It Ministries: https://unpackinit.com/donateEmail Bryce: bryce@unpackinit.comLearn More About Upward Sports: https://upward.org/unpackListen to the Fantasy Football Fellowship Podcast: Check your favorite podcast platform!Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment to help us reach more sports fans with the Gospel!NFL Backup Quarterbacks & Staying Ready When God Calls!
01:01:02|Welcome to the UNPACKIN' it podcast, where we unpack parallels, metaphors, and sports topics that relate to life and faith!In today’s episode, host Bryce Johnson celebrates his 40th birthday by recapping his weekend road trip to Washington, DC, with his dad and brothers to watch the Commanders vs. Seahawks. After a wild Week 3 across the NFL - packed with dramatic finishes, surprising upsets, and a wave of quarterback injuries - Bryce and co-host Pastor Trip Smith tackle the big topic of the week: The Backup Quarterback.When the starting QB goes down, the backup has to step up immediately. How do we stay prepared, alert, and faithful in our own lives when God opens doors or calls us into unexpected opportunities?Plus, Bryce shares his official Top 10 Rules for Sports Fan Wardrobes at games—from jersey etiquette to hat fouls—and Trip gives his honest reaction!Partner Spotlight: Special thanks to our sponsor, Upward Sports! Partner with Upward Sports to bring a winter basketball ministry to your church that points kids and families to Jesus through sports and discipleship. Learn more at upward.org/unpack.Subscribe & Connect with UNPACKIN' it:Website: unpackinit.comFollow on X/Twitter: @unpackinitFollow on Instagram: @unpackinitIf you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell to stay updated on new weekly episodes! Drop a comment below with your thoughts on Bryce’s 10 wardrobe rules or your favorite backup QB story this season! 👇What NFL Defenses Teach Us About Life and Faith
01:00:46|NFL defenses put their foot down in Week 2, proving that Week 1's high-scoring offensive explosions weren't here to stay! On this episode of the UNPACKIN' it Podcast, Bryce Johnson and Pastor Trip Smith break down a wild Week 2 across the NFL before connecting the defensive resurgence to a powerful faith lesson about standing firm in our daily lives.🏈 IN THIS EPISODE:• 2-0 Contenders vs. Pretenders: Are the Seahawks, Niners, Chiefs, and Bengals the real deal? What about the Raiders?• 0-2 Panic Button: Are the Chargers and Texans in deep trouble?• Panthers & Saints Defense: How Carolina forced 5 turnovers, and New Orleans held off the Ravens.• The Injury Cloud: Navigating QB injuries across the league.• Faith Parallel: How NFL defenses standing up to explosive offenses model how followers of Jesus can stand firm and hold the line in their daily walk.📌 SPONSOR:Special thanks to Upward Sports! Use basketball as a bridge to reach families in your community. Learn more and start a winter ministry at http://upward.org/unpack#NFL #NFLWeek2 #CarolinaPanthers #ChiefsKingdom #Seahawks #FaithAndSports #ChristianPodcast #UNPACKINIt #UpwardSportsHow to Bounce Back From a Loss | NFL Week 1 Reactions & Overcoming Sin
51:27|NFL Week 1 is officially in the books, and 16 teams are sitting at 0-1!In this episode of the UNPACKIN' it Podcast, Bryce Johnson and Pastor Trip Smith react to a wild, high-scoring opening week of football.From surprising wins by the Giants and Vikings to concerning starts for the Chargers and Browns, they break down what week one really means for teams looking to turn things around.Then, they unpack the spiritual parallel: When we mess up or fall into sin, how do we respond? Do we let one mistake snowball into a losing streak, or do we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to reset, confess, and walk forward in grace?In this episode, we unpack:NFL Week 1 Overreactions & Surprises: Giants hype, Chiefs statement, Chargers stumbles, and Panthers defense concerns.The 0-1 Dilemma: Why a single loss doesn't mean your season (or identity) is defined as a failure.Faith & Life Application: Taking sin seriously without wallowing in shame or losing your identity in Christ.Walking by the Spirit: How to preemptively depend on God instead of treating Him like a "spiritual physical therapist."CONNECT & SUPPORT:Learn more about winter sports ministry opportunities at upward.org/unpackSubscribe for weekly sports, faith, and life content!