On the latest NFL Players: Second Acts podcast, Peanut and Roman sit down with former Steeler Rashard Mendenhall to find out how he went from a Super Bowl-winning running back to writing and producing HBO’s Ballers. Rashard explains why he started speed training at six years old and how he knew he could make it to the NFL. He also shares his favorite NFL memories, including going up against Ray Lewis and winning a Super Bowl as a rookie.

Then, Rashard reveals how an essay he wrote about retiring led to a deal with HBO to write and produce Ballers. Rashard gives a behind the scenes look at the writing process for a major TV show and explains how his life inspired the show.

The NFL Players: Second Acts podcast is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeart Media.