Underdogs to Legends | How the TRUTH Defeated the Facts

The Burn Podcast by Ben Newman

In this powerful and emotional compilation episode of The Burn Podcast, Ben Newman brings together the unshakable stories of three elite athletes who rewrote the narrative of their lives—not by believing the facts, but by living their TRUTH. This episode is about what separates those who accept limitations from those who overcome them. It’s about what fuels greatness when the world tells YOU that YOU aren’t enough.
We start with NFL Hall of Fame cornerback Aeneas Williams, who didn’t even play college football until his junior year. The same coach who gave him a shot also told him he’d never play in the NFL because he was too slow. That was a fact. But Aeneas didn’t accept that as TRUTH. He trained with everything he had, turned the impossible into a career, and became one of the greatest to ever do it. His story proves that what matters most isn’t what others say about YOU—it’s what YOU believe about YOURSELF.
Next, we hear from Andrew Whitworth, Super Bowl champion and 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year. Known as much for his leadership and impact off the field as for his long-standing excellence on it, “Big Whit” is the definition of sustained greatness. For nearly two decades, he brought discipline, toughness, and heart to the NFL. Andrew shares what it means to be consistent at the highest level, to lead with purpose, and to never take a single rep for granted.
Finally, we spotlight Antoine Bethea, who knows firsthand what it feels like to be overlooked. Too short. Too small. Too light. That’s what recruiters said. On National Signing Day in 2002, he had zero D1 or D2 offers. But instead of folding, he walked on at Howard University, bet on himself, and built a career that included a Super Bowl ring and three Pro Bowl appearances. Antoine’s journey is living proof that when YOU stop listening to the noise and lean into YOUR burn, there is no ceiling to what YOU can accomplish.
This episode is about defying expectations. It’s about betting on YOURSELF. It’s about understanding the difference between the facts and the TRUTH—and choosing to chase greatness no matter what stands in your way.
Don’t let the world define YOUR limits. YOU define YOUR legacy.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kGrVj5pc3S4
🎧 Listen here: https://www.theburnpodcast.com
************************************
Learn about upcoming events and coaching: https://www.workwithbnc.com
🔥 BIG AS TEXAS Bootcamp 2025: https://bennewman.net/texas-boot-camp/
Get Ben’s latest book The STANDARD: https://amzn.to/3DE1clY1st
Work directly with Ben: https://www.bennewmancoaching.com

https://www.bennewmancoaching.com

************************************

Learn about our Upcoming events and programs:
https://www.workwithbnc.com
Let’s work TOGETHER https://www.bennewmancoaching.com
Let's work together to write YOUR next book- BNC Publishing
Send us a message

Order my latest book The STANDARD: Winning at YOUR Highest Level: https://amzn.to/3DE1clY
1st Phorm | The Foundation of High Performance Nutrition
1stPhorm.com/bnewman

Connect with me everywhere else:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/continuedfight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Continuedfight/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ContinuedFight

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-newman-b0b693

Chapters

1. Underdogs to Legends | How the TRUTH Defeated the Facts (00:00:00)

2. The Meaning of "The Burn" (00:00:13)

3. Finding Purpose Through Faith (00:04:20)

4. From 4.6 to 4.3: Speed Transformation (00:09:10)

5. The Power of Aggressive Patience (00:12:22)

6. Entrepreneurship After Football (00:16:27)

7. Building Team Culture and Trust (00:20:30)

8. Champions Embrace Competition (00:23:17)