INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts are in the midst of a four-game winning streak and looking to push toward the playoffs as we head down the stretch of the season. Throughout the grind of the rigorous NFL football season, players are pushed to their limits, both mentally and physically.
Have you ever wondered what your favorite Colts players do when they're off the field to relax and decompress? For Colts linebackers EJ Speed and Zaire Franklin, it's hosting "The Trenches" podcast. The pairs' new favorite pastime began before the season and is rapidly growing.
"(Zaire Franklin) approached me in OTAs about it," Speed said. "He was like, 'Hey, we need a platform where people can like see our face, they can learn our personality, where the fans or our family can see us talk about everyday football stuff from our point of view.'"
So how did "The Trenches" start?
"I always dreamed of having my own radio show, to an extent. I saw the trend of players having their own platform and speak on their own issues — especially football players being able to show our personalities outside the helmet," Franklin said. "I came up with the idea, I thought (EJ) Speed would be perfect with me. That's my guy. We've been together for a long time. The majority of the league are guys just like us, you know, late-round guys that are playing special teams, just trying to make a name for ourselves in this league. We're just trying, I guess, to be a voice for the voiceless."
For these two, it's about giving fans a behind-the-scenes look inside the helmet of an NFL player. They foster a relaxed environment that's more welcoming to guests to speak their minds, such as star Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, for instance, who came on "The Trenches" when he signed his contract extension, giving insight into his thought process.
"That's what I want to be. Whenever something big is going on, you're talking to the local media, you're talking to 'Good Morning Football,' you're talking to these big places — and yes, you're trying to tell your story. But it's different when you're sitting with guys that, you know, in an environment where you're comfortable, dressed how you want to dress, and you're able to speak about things that you really want to talk about," Franklin said. "So, anytime I can open up my platform for my teammates or other guys in the league to speak their truth, that's what I want to do."
Speed and Franklin are unquestionably enjoying this journey they've embarked on. Both say it's a great place not only to go behind the scenes of being an NFL player, but also chronicle the season as it happens. Whether it's a three-game losing streak, or a four-game winning streak in the heat of a playoff push — these two have to show up to the podcast and talk about it. The Colts faithful and the state of Indiana have taken notice, and the podcast's audience is growing.
"I definitely enjoy it more than I thought. I never thought I would be on a podcast just sitting there talking about football and stuff on camera, but it's cool, man. We enjoy it. It's fun, and we have a lot of people that tune in," Speed said. "You know, 'The Shoe' really supports everything that we do that's positive. I love the support that we get from it. Our Twitter DMs and mentions blow up from it all the time. I'm having fun with it."
"Man, it's been great just seeing the feedback from the fans and just seeing how much they enjoy it and seeing me and Speed just being our true selves. I think that's what I appreciate the most," Franklin said. "It's cool. When big things happen — whether it's the NFL, with the Pacers or the Sixers, or anything — people are looking towards me, Speed, and 'The Trenches' to speak on things. I think that's a measure of the success and growth that we have coming."
Two impact players on the playing field — two rising stars in the podcast space off of it. Franklin even has his pitch as to why you should watch and listen down to a tee.
"You need to watch 'The Trenches' just because it's the best show, period," Franklin concluded. "We keep it funny. We keep it light. We have great insight on what the NFL is really like. We're truthful, we're honest, and we're in the trenches. Come holler at us."
The Colts will certainly be in the trenches on Sunday as they look to make it five wins in a row on the road in Cincinnati.