Episode 72: Wali Rainer

Stories from the Center of the Universe · Mar 1, 2021 · 1h 7m

Wali Rainer is a former NFL linebacker who played for the Cleveland Browns, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Detroit Lions. In our conversation, Wali told us about growing up in the inner city of West Charlotte, and how football was like therapy for him to vent his anger and pain. We talk about his college recruitment and playing at UVA - which he attended on condition that his older brother also be granted a scholarship and play with him.

He teaches us about the dynamics and psychology of the linebacker position, and talks about things like why he couldn't go straight home after games. We…