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In Pursuit

Ep. 5: Zach Sieler - Advocating for the Outdoors, Playing in the NFL, and the Underdog Mentality

In Pursuit

MeatEater

Wilderness, Science, Life Sciences, Health & Fitness, Sports

4.96.8K Ratings

🗓️ 11 September 2025

⏱️ 67 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode of In Pursuit Rich sits down with NFL standout Zach Sieler to share his passion for the outdoors and how it fuels his life on and off the field. From advocating for conservation to thriving as an underdog in the high-stakes world of professional football, Zach reveals how his hunting roots and relentless mindset drive his success. Join Rich for a hard-hitting conversation packed with grit, heart, and inspiration for anyone chasing their goals in the wild or beyond!

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Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

This is an IHeart podcast.

0:04.2

First Lights Navigator hoodie was built and tested where plans fall apart and weather doesn't ask permission.

0:10.3

It's built to perform, built to last, breathable insulation that dumps heat fast on the hike-in,

0:16.7

stretch fabric that stays silent for close encounters, moisture control that wicks away sweat on

0:22.4

the packout. Because in the field, the plan shifts, the wind changes. The moment comes sooner

0:27.4

or later than you thought. When it does, you adapt without hesitation. First Lights Navigator

0:33.4

delivers on versatility no matter the situation. It happens to be my favorite piece of gear they make right now. I live in it. Check it out at firstlight.com. That's f-I-R-S-T-L-I-T-E.com. Where football, there's so many different aspects to it, it's like, hey, if that scheme doesn't work for you, that might not be your scheme. And like, you might never get a shot.

1:09.1

So it was the patience and the discipline. Okay, I'm gaining the weight. I'm doing the right thing. I'm doing the reps. I'm getting better at my technique. I just got to wait for my opportunity. That's what I tell kids when we all go around. Like, we just did our first youth football camp back home. say, look, listen to your coaches.

1:11.1

I know, like, at least where I'm from,

1:13.2

I know they got a good coach that just came in now. And the guys that were there when I was there were great. It's just listening to them, do what they say. And also, part of that is do your own. Yeah. Like, don't just follow a blind eye. Like, you can challenge in a very respectful way where it's like, hey, why are we doing this or what's this

1:29.6

going to help? Or, hey, maybe my style of play is not like his. And I need, I have the length or

1:34.4

he has the explosion. How can I tailor this to make it better for me? So it's having the knowledge

1:39.7

from them and for yourself and then the willpower, the discipline to, what's Jacco say,

1:44.3

discipline with freedom.

1:45.4

Yeah.

1:45.7

That to me is like, that rings home with everything.

1:47.8

And that right there is just, and that's what my career has been.

1:50.5

It's just everyday working, getting better.

1:52.5

So when that opportunity does come, you're right.

1:55.4

That was it.

1:56.3

And that's hunting, right?

2:00.2

Out here, the stakes are real.

...

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