10 Years in Player Development… These 10 Lessons Changed Everything

10 Lessons in 10 Years of Player Development | The Player Development Pod

I am FINALLY telling my full player development story.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a full decade of work, wins, losses, and lessons in the world of player development. From stepping into my first role at the University of Houston in 2016… to hosting the Player Development Summit and publishing The Player Development Guide in 2025 — every year has brought a powerful lesson.

This episode is personal. It’s reflective. And it’s 100% real.

Here’s a preview of what I cover:

2016 — Impact over Position

2017 — Passion over Title

2018 — Someone’s Always Watching

2019 — Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

2020 — Let the Players Lead

2021 — Relationships Are the Program

2022 — The Real Ones Show Up

2023 — The People Want This Work

2024 — Be the Platform

2025 — Consistency Creates Impact

Whether you're in a player development role, trying to break into the field, or just curious what this work really looks like — this episode is for you.

Player Development Journey Assessment: https://edward-jones-8qvfl4ht.scoreapp.com

Player Development Retreat Inquiry: https://forms.gle/fchDR9xJftBUKKnr6

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BOOK - The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/4ju6ov3

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a nationally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development around the world.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

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Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: [e-mail]