Jordan and Devon Travis on FSU vs Miami, Emotional Fan Story & MLB Success ft. Cam Smith | Ep 7

Summary

House Rhules — Ep. 7: Jordan and Devon Travis on FSU vs Miami, Emotional Fan Story & MLB Success ft. Cam Smith

Release Date: October 9, 2025
Hosts: Jordan Travis (A), Devon Travis (B)
Guest: Cam Smith (C)

---

Overview

This episode brings together former FSU quarterback Jordan Travis and ex-MLB player/FSU alum Devon Travis to reflect on Florida State’s tough loss to Miami, the emotional realities of being an athlete, and lessons in leadership on and off the field. They welcome MLB rookie (and fellow FSU/Palm Beach alum) Cam Smith for an open conversation about perseverance, faith, and the transition from college to the big leagues. The hosts candidly address the pressure of fan expectations, the business side of college football, and the experiences that shaped their careers.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Emotional Fan Story and Purpose of the Podcast

• Jordan shares a deeply emotional encounter with a fan at a recent Tallahassee signing, recalling a young girl whose brother passed away soon after buying Jordan’s jersey.
  • “She puts her two little pins on the table…starts crying…she looks at me and said, ‘My brother passed away two weeks ago. He bought your jersey three days before he passed away.’ I started bawling crying, bro.” (01:15)
  • The story led Jordan to reflect on the real impact athletes have: “I kind of forget how much of an impact I have…I forgot what my why behind the podcast was.” (02:30)
  • The generosity of other fans present—like a high schooler giving up his ticket so the grieving fan could meet Jordan—reinforced the community’s goodness and the value of sharing stories beyond wins and losses.
  • Devon: “It’s powerful, right?…Reality check, homie…is that really what I’m going to allow to ruin my week? Like no. Kylie lost a brother…we’re going to complain about a Florida State loss?” (05:02)

FSU vs. Miami Game Analysis

• Honest breakdown of Florida State’s loss, with candid acknowledgment of Miami’s strength and coaching.
  • Jordan on Miami: “I think Crystal Ball is a good coach, no matter how hard it is for me to say that…That’s a damn good football team. Carson Beck’s a damn good quarterback.” (07:11)
  • Key point: FSU must play a full four quarters: “My piece of advice…is act like it’s your last play. Because shoot, bro, it could be.” (08:55)
  • Praises individual FSU efforts (Daryl Jackson, Daniel Lyons, Blake Nicholson) and stresses player accountability: “Coach can’t put the damn pads on. He gives you the inspirational talks…What else do you want the guy to do?” (10:59)
  • On NIL and Recruiting Reality: Jordan addresses challenges in recruiting due to financial inequities: “Recruiting is about buying players these days, just like the NFL…Football is not the same as it was before. The rivalry is not the same.” (12:57)
  • Fans are urged to keep perspective; calls for patience with coaches.

Navigating Criticism & Mental Health in the Social Media Era

• Advice for athletes, especially FSU QB Tommy Castellanos, on mental resilience:
  • “Screw Twitter, screw Instagram…What they have to say about you don’t matter, bro…These fans made you feel like you were good, and then they can also make you feel like you should just be gone.” (21:43)
  • Jordan recounts struggling with negativity and doubting his place at FSU, emphasizing the need for strong support systems and blocking out toxic feedback.
• Devon adds: “Just worry about your family, your team, your faith…because at the end of the day, nobody feels sorry for you.”

Lessons on Leadership, Mindset, and Belief

• The importance of belief and hating to lose: “Believing that you can win is the most important thing, and believing that you won’t lose anymore is the most important thing…as long as you believe you can do anything.” (28:28)
• Why hating to lose trumps loving to win: “Liking winning sounds like you also like complacency…and I hate losing sounds like I’m backed into a corner and there’s only one choice.” (32:20)

---

MLB Success and Transition: Conversation with Cam Smith

Cam Smith’s Rookie Year Reflections

• On fulfilling a dream: “First year in the big leagues…it’s something I’ve always wanted…No matter how good or bad I did, this is what I wanted.” (39:37)
• Biggest lesson: “Just trying my best to stay even keeled…At this level, failure feels personal.” (40:09)
  • Strategies include meditating during games, finding grounding in his faith, and connecting with teammates.

The Role of Faith and Mental Strength

• Faith as a foundation: “It’s everything and it should be everything…playing this game, you need a strong foundation.” (40:53)
• Regular involvement in Bible study and team chapel helps manage the grind of 162 games.
  • Cam: “Without our Lord and Savior, none of this is possible…in Christ it keeps us at bay through the tough times.” (42:29)

Growth from High School to MLB

• Remarkable progression: As a high school sophomore, Cam wasn’t even a starter: “Because I didn’t work for it…I was strictly relying on my athletic ability, not practicing on my own ever. But when that season was over, I got to work—and I always earned it from that point forward.” (56:10)
  • Devon: “Everybody thinks these guys were always the best…shit’s hard. Like, baseball’s hard…for some, it comes easy, but for most, you have to work at it.” (56:46)

Managing the Marathon of MLB

• Cam on 162-game season: “The most challenging part…was finding ways to show up every day…Everybody in the world expects you to show up. Nobody’s going to feel sorry for you.” (50:39)
  • Emphasizes the importance of consistency, routine, and sometimes “faking bravery” to get through the grind: “Fake bravery is bravery.” (51:36)

Milestone Moments & Family Support

• Most emotional moment: Making the Astros’ major league roster and sharing the news with his mom and girlfriend.
  • Cam (tearful): “Everything works out. Everything happens for a reason. No matter how good or bad you have it, if you can always see it through, you’ll find a way.” (59:58)
• The guys stress the importance of stopping to be proud of yourself amidst the pressure to constantly move forward.
  • Devon: “I challenge you…every now and then…look in the mirror and be like—hey man, you already made it, Cam…what you do from here, I know you’ve got big plans, but be proud of yourself.” (61:07)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jordan Travis on his impact:

  • “I forgot what my why behind the podcast was. I’m impacting people across the world…but just the autograph or words of advice, it’s so cool that I have the platform to help people.” (03:38)

• Devon Travis on perspective:

  • “To something like that happens, and it’s like—Is that really what I’m going to allow to ruin my week? Like, no.” (05:02)

• Cam Smith on staying present:

  • “Fake bravery is bravery…that’s courage itself. If you can have enough courage to fake it, there’s your bravery right there.” (51:36)

• Jordan Travis on fan criticism:

  • “I remember what you put me through. I remember what you put my family through…You’re 45, 50 years old. Don’t come to me with that shit. I was 19, 20, having to walk to class the next day, making $0…” (22:51)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Emotional fan encounter and impact — 01:00–04:57
• Perspective after FSU loss, athlete impact — 04:57–07:11
• FSU–Miami detailed game breakdown — 07:11–12:40
• Recruiting, NIL, changing college football — 12:40–18:36
• Advice on social media, mental health — 21:43–24:29
• Leadership & believing in the face of losses — 28:13–32:28
• Cam Smith joins — year one in MLB, faith — 39:37–43:00
• Managing the grind, emotional debut moment — 50:39–61:07
• Audience Q&A (stadiums, teammates, routines) — 66:10–72:21

---

Q&A and Lighthearted Close

• Worst stadium to play in: FSU/Pitt universally panned for weird vibes and bad grass (66:40)
• Best player faced: Multiple names, but focus on how matchups influenced their play (68:07)
• Funniest on-field stories: Admit to ‘blacking out’ during most games; little memory for mishaps (70:07)
• Favorite FSU uniform combo: Split between Sunday golds (baseball) and white-on-white-on-white (football) (70:58)
• Waffle House order debates & college ‘Publix’ stories as an upbeat sendoff (71:16–72:21)

---

Closing Thoughts

The episode closes with warmth, camaraderie, and an open celebration of resilience and brotherhood. The conversation not only unpacks wins and losses but explores the emotional journey of athletes, the shifting terrain of modern college sports, and the unshakeable support found in faith and family.

Memorable ending: Devon sings “Happy Birthday” to his wife—capturing the family theme and vulnerability that ran throughout the episode. (72:34)

---

For Listeners

This is an episode for anyone who loves FSU, sports, or wants to hear authentic stories about growth and belief beyond the scoreboard. It’s a mix of behind-the-scenes insight, candid wisdom, and genuine affection among friends, delivered with heartfelt honesty and humor.

---

Go Noles!

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to another episode of Travis Take two. I'm Jordan Travis.

[B]

And I'm Devin Travis. And we have an exciting week, I can tell you. At least we have a exciting guest. I'm happy to be passed last week. We'll dig into that Miami game, but our guest this week, former Florida State All American. We'll take a little shift in a switch off football for a little bit. Playoff baseball going on. And we'll get to probably my favorite Florida State baseball player to ever live. Can't wait to get him on here today.

[A]

Heck, yeah. Well, stay tuned for that and remember to follow Travis take two on all platforms like comment, share and subscribe on YouTube and wherever you listen to your podcast. Let's get started, bro.

[B]

Let's do it, man. Sir, anything good this weekend? I know you're up at the game. Yeah, a lot of sad thoughts and feelings, but. But anything cool happened this weekend up in Tallahassee? I'm sure you miss it.

[A]

Yeah, bro. I mean, obviously being up there, I love, love seeing everybody. I had a signing on shoot Saturday with James Blackman, so that was fun getting. I mean, just sitting next to him and watching people come up to him and tell him how much they appreciate him was so much to me. And all I kept saying the whole time is, bro, I'm so proud of you. I'm so proud of you. He kept saying to me, I'm like, bro, I'm proud of you. It's so cool to see him smile. Yeah, I got a story to tell. Right off the bat, I might get a little bit emotional because I was emotional there. Um, but a little girl came. Damn, I'm already starting. A little girl came up to my table and she starts balling, crying, bro. She puts her little, two little pins on the table and a few pictures and she starts crying. And she looks at me in my eyes and said, my brother passed away two weeks ago. I started balling crying, bro. I'm balling crying. I got James has arm on my shoulder. He's. You can see he's about to get emotional. The cops over here, emotional. And she goes, he bought your jersey three days before he passed away. And I'm like, damn. Like, it hit me. I'm like, this is like. I have so much of an impact on the people across the world that look at me. They're still buying my jersey two years later when I'm a retired, retired kid and I'm sitting at home figuring out my life. And I'm like, why? Like, I'm like, why Like, I started saying, why? And I'm just, like, asking myself, why? Like, why? Why does things like this happen? But I sat there that day, bro, and my. I told. I texted that little girl after, and I got her Instagram and I sent her a message, just let her know that she changed my life forever. To appreciate the little things in life, bro, because I. I kind of forget how much of an impact I have. And I'm like, we're getting to this podcast, and I'm, like, starting to feel. I'm like, it's starting to feel forced. And I kept telling you. I'm like, bro, I'm forcing it. And I forgot what my why behind the podcast was. I'm impacting people across the world. But, yeah, she. She started telling me the story, bro, and I just break down crying, and I'm just like, I'm so sorry. And we hugged for a good minute, and this is in front of a bunch of people. I don't cry in front of people like that. So I'm balling crying, bro, and I'm hugging her, and I'm just, like, letting her know, like, I got your back. I'm here for you. I'm praying for your family. Yeah. And the kid's name is Mason, so I just want to say rest in peace to Mason. I heard how much of a. How much of a great person he was and how much he meant to his family. So I'm praying for your family, Kylie. Yeah, I. I have something coming your way. And then she told me she we DM for a few, and she told me a story about Mason, just talking about him, how great of a person he was. But there was tickets that you had to buy at the event, which I did not know of. So I'm sorry if you bought tickets. You didn't buy tickets, and you showed up that I had no responsibility over that. I had no idea. So everyone's dming me, pissed off at me. I had nothing to do, but I just posted the video, and I'm doing my job to sitting there, sign this stuff. So there's a kid in line that Kylie was saying her story to somebody. And this kid Jake, I believe he's in high school. 904/Jake W. I remember that forever. He gave up his ticket to Kylie because he had his cousin pass away early in the year. And he know how much of an impact it would have on Kylie just seeing me and, like, seeing how much. And I'm like, damn, bro. I'm like. Like the way God Works like Jake was there to give up his ticket. He probably waited in line for who knows how long time to see me and gave up his ticket. So I'm gonna send something to Jake this week and Kylie and her family and. Yeah, bro, it just. It just brings reality to life. Like, it's so much bigger than football. And when you're playing football, you don't realize how much of impact you have on just people, bro. Like. Like, these people love you. Like, they truly. They are so happy to see you. Like, I mean, seeing these people have the smiles on their face, I'm like, guys, I don't do nothing no more. I mean, I know I did a few things at Florida State, but I'm just. I'm just here and I'm like, you kind of forget, bro. Like, just the autograph or they're asking for words of advice or they say, my favorite thing is they say, can you write your favorite Bible verse down? And they'll ask me what that is. And it's just so cool that I have the platform to help people. Yeah, bro. Then crying for a little while. So.

[B]

Yeah, that's amazing. Like, you haven't even, like, told me that, bro. Like, that's. It's powerful, right? And. And. And there's a lot of things that, like, you said throughout that message that make me go, like, damn, like, reality check, homie. Like, yeah, Florida State losing to Miami felt like the world was coming down. All the text messages and tweets and this and that that we got over Instagram and social media, and my buddies just ragging me, like, I think that damn important. Like, it just ain't, man. Like, sorry. Like, I know that the fans hearts are broken, and I know that there's a lot of people who donate a lot of money to the Florida State program and. And they want to see winning happen. Like, like, damn right. Me too. But, like, to something like that happens, and it's like, is. Is that really what I'm going to allow to, like, ruin my week? Like, no. Like, Kylie lost a brother, right? Like, like, we're gonna. We're gonna complain about a Florida State loss. I mean, I'm not trying to, like, devalue what it's like to be a fan because I was pissed and I didn't sleep too great that night. And you were there in person, and I'm sorry, but just so much more to life, man. Like, I think you said another thing, too. It was great. You're like. Like, you forgot that. That sports simply gives you a Platform to spread an impact on the world. And then you also mentioned, like, the why behind we do. Why we do this podcast is the reason that you want to show up every day. And, you know, like, you're not the only one. Like, I'm. I'm right with you, bro. Like, long work day, like, two kids at home, wife's birthday tomorrow. Can't wait to hug and kiss her and sing her happy birthday for, like, the next 24 hours. Just sing Happy birthday over and over. But, you know, we. We. We forget, like, why.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And in my opinion, everybody always wants to know what or how. But, like, the why behind what we do in life, in my opinion, is, like, the most important thing ever. So I'm grateful that you. You brought that up. Like, I. I do want to dig into that. That Florida State game, though, a little bit. Just get your perspective. Right. Like, you were. You were up close. I think, first and foremost, I'll tell you what sticks out with me. Like, Miami is a better football team than us. Like, it's a really good. That's a really good football team.

[A]

Yeah, I do think they're a really damn good football team. I think Crystal Ball is a good coach. No matter how much. How hard it is for me to say that that's a good football team. Their fans travel well to that game. I think they had more fans in the stadium for that game than they do at their. Their home fields when we played, but it's not hard. Yeah. But, yeah, that's a damn good football team. Carson Beck's a damn good quarterback. I don't. I. I mean, I'll be honest. I didn't think Carson Beck was all that before, but watching him play football now and watching the passion he had, Georgia was holding him back. And I know he can't probably wait to get on the podcast one day. Not this podcast, but be sick to have him on here.

[C]

But come on.

[A]

Come on. Yeah, yeah, and talk about that. But, yeah, bro, he's have. He's free. He's out there having fun. He's freaking out. I mean, I don't like him doing that, but he's shooting arrows and throwing dots, bro. I mean, watching him. I mean, I don't care what people say. Like, yes, those receivers are open, but to drop it on a dime on those post routes to Tony, I mean, we'll talk about Tony, because that dude is unreal, too. 18 years old and unreal. But talking about Florida State, bro, we got to get better. We got to start fast against a team Like Miami, you got to start fast. You can't go down early. Because I believe that we're a four, four quarter team. And I texted to Tommy earlier in the week that I didn't believe that they were a four quarter team. I didn't. And were they? I mean, that fourth quarter, Florida State, I don't know what we did, what talk we had Coach Norvell gave them, but we went off and they couldn't stop us. And our defense was playing well. We need to play like that for four quarters every single minute. Act like it's your last play. Because that's my piece of advice to every single athlete out there, is act like it's your last play.

[B]

Because shoot, bro, it could be.

[A]

It really could be your last play. And I think you forget that shit over and over. And I mean, I didn't believe it when people told me, but it happened so fast. I thought I was invincible. I thought I was superman on the field. I thought that nothing could ever happen to me because there was times where I got rolled up on and I came up with no injury. And that fast my career and life changed. So don't take what you have for granted, bro. Don't take the brotherhood that you have. Don't take those cleats that you get to put on your feet every day. Don't take the helmet that you get to put on your head. Don't take that lightly because it means so much. And yeah, we can get onto that talk. But Daryl Jackson freaking played every single play like it was his last play this weekend. He was my. My top player for Florida State this weekend because I'm watching him on that field and that bastard goes at him every time. He goes so hard. He has three guys on him, two guys on him and he's driving the center back like arms locked and just freaking. Just bulldozing him back, bro. And once again, we had that talk. I mean, Daniel Lyons played really well this weekend. Blake Nicholson had a great weekend. But yeah, bro, I think we know. I can sit here and state the obvious. Our DBs have to play better and they know that. And there's no. I know that. They're their toughest critics, but I'm going to come on here and say they know they have to get better. There is no question. When we're one on one and we're stopping the run, even like their offense coordinator said, when they stop the run, we're going to attack. Your DBs and your DBs have to cover our receivers. We didn't do that. We have to get better. We know that. And I believe that we're going to get better, because the mindset that we have. 19. He's a special player, and he's going to get it right. I mean, he's a ball hawk, and he does catch interceptions, and he knows he. He has to get better. I promise you, this week, he's going to work harder than anybody else. Earl Little, you know how he comes down and hits. He knows he has to get better, too. He does. And he plays out there with all his effort, and I love it. He puts everything on the line. I love it. And I love Earl. And Earl knows I love him. Earl knows deep down inside that he has to get better. So, yeah, bro, as a team, we got to get better. I mean, the fans know. I made some tweets this weekend. I. I upset some people, but I'm going to die on the hill for Coach Norvell. And I don't care what people say. I've been in those doors and inside that building. We got to be better players for the coach. No matter what, the coach can't put the damn pads on. He gives you the inspirational talks. He freaking works you hard in practice. What else do you want the guy to do? What else? Because that's the point. I don't understand. Like, you wanted a new offensive coordinator. We got a new offensive coordinator. That's the tweet I deleted. We want an offensive coordinator.

[B]

I don't know why. You should have left it.

[A]

I thought, I know, but I like.

[B]

The game pretty good.

[A]

I post it for two hours and just want you to see it. And then my notifications go crazy, and I don't want to have to turn my Twitter notifications off. So that's. Yeah. You won a new dc. We got a new dc. We were happy about Gus Malzahn. Now we're pissed off. We were happy after week one. Now we're pissed off. I don't know what their expectations were, but I saw at the beginning of the year, oh, I think we're gonna go seven and four. I think we're gonna go eight and whatever. We're three and two right now. You act like the season's freaking over. We still have a shot at the playoffs. We're ranked 25. We're still in a spot to come back. I mean, we went out. We're good. So I don't know what the expectations are, but let's not forget it. Like, we're calling for Coach Norvell's head right now, for whatever the buyout is, Shoot. If you want to give him that buyout, I bet you Coach Norvell will be very upset. Very, very upset, because he loves Florida State University. But that's a lot of damn money that he can take care of. Mila, Ms. Maria. So all that buyout stuff, how much we give, I mean, this is the part where some piss people off. But recruiting is about buying players these days, just like the NFL, because like I said, you would have. Jeremiah Smith right now if we maybe had a little bit more. More money, could have gave him 10 million out of high school. And we can go on and on about all these different players that we could have if we had more money. We don't. We didn't have that much for all those type of guys. Travis Hunter got a lot of money to go somewhere else. I know he wanted to be with Dion. He got a lot of money to go somewhere else. It's the world of nil. So we have to get over the recruiting stuff, because we talk about recruiting a lot, we talk about Coastal, but I can't recruit. Recruiting is. Show me the money. Sorry. But it's reality. Because one player is going to be at your school for one year, and you give them $2 million, and the next year someone give him three, he's going to leave. Football is not the same as it was before. The rival rivalry is not the same.

[B]

Feels before.

[A]

It feels different, bro. It's like, I feel like people went to Florida State and they bled Garden and Gold before. It's a little bit different these days. I was with you. I mean, my era was kind of like that transition. But I love the Garden and Gold. I love. I love Florida State. And I was willing to do, I mean, anything for that team, that university, and for that fan base. But we got to get over the whole firing. I mean, we're three and two, man. I mean, Billy Napier was just. What was that record? Because they were calling for his head, too. And I know Florida fans now, they.

[B]

Love him again, huh?

[A]

Let's talk about that game.

[B]

Like, he. He figured it all out, right? Like, I. I just. I think you make a good point, man. Like, when my playing career ended and I became a coach, there's a guy, Doug Manzalino, you know, Manto, he's like my freaking second father. He came up to me and he has a lot of messages, and I can't wait to get him on here one day because, like, his stuff is so damn powerful. But he comes up to me and he's like, hey, do you know what makes a good coach? And I'm like, yeah. Like, got my players back. Like, I work my tail off every day. Like, I understand the game of baseball pretty good. I'm certain I can help somebody get better. And he's like, sure, you're right. But do you know what makes a good coach? And I'm like, I guess I don't know. And he kept it, like, super simple, and he said, good players, good players make a good coach. Absolutely right. Like, and I'm not saying that we don't have good players when we lose. Like, yeah, yo, we lost to Virginia on a Friday night. It's a tricky game. You can talk all you want from the outside. If we were supposed to, yeah, we should have beat Virginia. But that's a damn good Virginia team that just went on the road and beat a pretty potent Louisville team. And we all know how Louisville plays at home. We just lost to. To Miami, number two, Miami. My. In my opinion, like, Miami can be the best team in the country, bro.

[A]

I agree.

[B]

They're stout. They're stout, man. Like, O line, D line. Like, I don't even know if we, like, touch Carson back, bro. Love, Tony. You said you wanted to talk about Tony. God Dang. He's 18 years old. He should be a senior in high school right now. Like, special. And then, I don't know, the other guy that, like, ran up to the. The camera and you didn't see this, but, like, he said, like, oh, like, he's fired.

[A]

So I was sick. That was. No, screw that, but he is sick. Watching him on the field, the way he moves, he's. He catches everything. He's that dude that had that sick catch in the game, what, two weeks ago?

[B]

Oh, wasn't that.

[A]

Might have been Notre Dame?

[B]

I, like, might have been the catch of the year.

[A]

Yeah, he's sick. So they got dudes everywhere, but that offensive line, that running back is big boy. Big. He is big.

[B]

They're built to win. Yeah, they really are.

[A]

They're a good football team at the end of the day. We came back, it was 22 to 28. I think people forget. That looked horrible. But we had a chance at the end of the game. And that's what I talk about, Tommy. Like, he gives us a chance to win every single game. Like, we had an opportunity. Like, we didn't get blown out a damn 3 to 28 or 45 to 3. I hope they remember 45 to 3. But we didn't get blown out. Like, that that team came back and we were down. What was the score in the fourth quarter? Three to 28, something like that.

[B]

I mean, they scored one touchdown the whole second half.

[A]

We literally, like, we played good football. And. Yeah, man, I mean, Tommy is, he's doing, he's doing, doing a lot out there. I want him to stay positive once again. He's gonna be a great quarterback for Florida State. And we still have one more year, Tommy, if he doesn't leave this year, but.

[B]

And I probably wouldn't piss him off too bad. Yeah. I'm just saying, like, the fan base, like, we're a better football team with Tommy Castellano's on our team. Like, let's not get wild and out of control here and like, start pissing him off. Because if he left Florida State, I'm certain that he can at the very least get like $1 more elsewhere. Like, yeah, I probably keep him happy. And I'm not saying that, like, we live in the world like that's how it should be, but, like, it's reality. I think that you're, you like, sparked on like a couple, like, really true points. Like a, like college football has changed for forever, right? Like, the players you get, like, especially in the realm of which Florida State wants to compete.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You're competing against the sec. They have more money than everybody.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

Period. They have more money than everybody. Then, then like, that's, that's like problem number one. Number two, like, if I'm a young kid in today's world, I don't know, I don't, I don't know. Take me back to 18 year old Devin. But like, if I'm Travis Hunter and everybody's like, pissed off about what he did, like, I don't even think I even think about it twice. Like, I'm getting five, six million dollars to go to like Jackson State, like, and I'm getting what to go to Florida State. Like, sorry, man, like, you don't know where I came from. Like, like, you don't know how, how tough my life was. You don't know that. I get to tell my mother, like, she's good now. Yeah, this at the end of the day, right, like, sports are an avenue for a great platform to provide an impact. But at the end of the day, if at 18 years old, you have the opportunity to make a little bit of coin, so now make an impact on your family for the rest of your life. Sorry, bro. So the truth of the matter is it's not nasty. Like, hey, go get more money. Like, Florida State does pretty well and our boosters are damn awesome.

[A]

But.

[B]

But there's levels, right? Like. Like, there's levels to this. And. And I think we have a good enough football team to beat the two teams we lost to. I do. But on that given day, those were two better football teams, period. Like, that's where it ends. Like, let's talk about the upsets this weekend. Like, are the Jacksonville Jaguars going to go further in the playoffs and the Kansas City Chiefs? My answer is no. I don't know what you think. Do I think the Tennessee Titans are better than the Arizona Cardinals?

[A]

No.

[B]

They blew a 213 lead. I don't think so. Do I think that the Broncos are a better football team than the Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning super bowl champions? Do I? My answer would be no. Do I think that UCLA is a better football team than Penn State, 24 and a half point favorites? I don't. So I. I guess, like, my point is, like, on any given day of Saturday, on any given day, like, yeah, two good teams show up. You better show up and put your best foot forward, because if not, you will get punched in the mouth. And Penn State got punched in the mouth so good that they couldn't get back up. So, like, I guess that's my message and all this, too. I'm right with you, jt. Like, enough of the coach Norvell, hate. Like, what do you want? Like, sorry, I coached. Like, I coached at the professional level and now, like, I coached, like, high school and middle school kids. Like, there's only so much you can do.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, there really. Sure, you can be a good leader. Like, the best. The best. Like, head coaches and, I don't know, like, football. But I'm thinking it's similar. Like, the best head coaches, there's this ship and there's all these different things that go on this ship to make the ship go forward. Like, in my opinion, the head coach just walks on the ship and he goes to the top and he grabs the wheel and he just drives it. And he and everybody else elsewhere does their own thing because he trusted and hired him and he brought these players on and these coaches on and they all do their job knowing that he just has to steer the ship. Exactly. Not giving Norvell, like, a cop out, but, like, this whole, like, oh, he's the problem. Like, how many times do coaches get fired and you go get the replacement and then you think everything's great? Like, they did. They did the same thing when. When we went and got Tagger and things started pretty slow for Nervelle and then they loved him again. I guess I only have one more conversation. Conversation and topic and question on Florida State. But like for Tommy Castellanos, that after week one was Tommy Casamigos and. And the world loved him.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Like, he probably felt like he was on top of the damn world. And. And now like he. Florida State has lost their last two games. And I'm not saying this, I don't need you to speak on this because you probably know more than me, so don't speak on this. But like, in my opinion, and watching Tommy, like the last two games, like, I don't know if he's fully healthy and I hope he's fully healthy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But. But that's at least just like what I see as like a non football knowing man. Yeah. Like, what's your message, though, to like Tommy in these times? Because we're like, you went through some dark shit at Florida State, man. Like, these fans made you feel like you were like, good. And then they can also make you feel like you should just be gone. Jump. Like you can feel like that.

[A]

I mean, the words that I have for him is like, the things that I would tell him face to face are a lot different than what I would say on here. But I didn't. Screw Twitter, screw Instagram. I mean, yeah, have Joe run your stuff on the side because that don't matter. It don't matter. What they have to say about you don't matter, bro. Because I met someone this weekend that came up to me and said, oh, yeah, I used to. I used to think you're the worst quarterback ever. And he said it to me and I was just like, yeah, I know. I remember exactly who you, who you are. I don't know you personally, but I heard you. I saw it. Yeah, I remember all that, bro. And he goes, now I'm your biggest fan. It don't work like that. I forgive you. Absolutely. But I remember what you put me through. I remember what you put my family through. I remember what you put my little sister through. I remember what. How many negative thoughts you brought into this mind, into this body. And. But the doubts and the questions that I had. Do I want to be here? I remember that. Sorry. You're 45, 50 years old. Don't come to me with that shit. I was 19 years old, 20 years old, having to walk to class the next day, making $0, asking my mom for. For money. I spent. I remember saving all my money up and I freaking went and bought a Try to buy a dog online. Because I'm like, I just need a damn service dog. They scammed me. I lost fifteen hundred dollars. There goes my food for the whole week.

[B]

I remember that. Everything.

[A]

I, I didn't get nothing. I didn't even get a freaking. He said he's gonna ship it to me. I didn't even get a damn stuffed animal.

[B]

I remember. What did you say to him again?

[A]

I sent him a long message. I said, this is just messed up, man. He's in a different country. He don't give a.

[B]

What did you say though? You're like, how could you do that?

[A]

How can you do a college, a 19 year old kid? But yeah, bro, I don't want to hear. So my, my advice to Tommy is just. I told his brother, stay up, stay off Instagram, stay off Twitter, because that shit don't matter, bro. You can get us back. This reminds me of that 10, 3 season when. Oh shit, man. NC State and Clemson and I felt like I was. Felt like I was on top of the first three games and then, boop, I'm down to the ground and everyone hates me. I'm told how much I suck. I'm told how much of a bad person, how much I need to stay in my room and not get food and don't go to the grocery store and don't get anything to drink. How am I supposed to cope? Who am I supposed to talk to? Thank God I have my family. So worry about your family, worry about this football team. Worry about your faith and got with God. Screw what everybody else has to say. Because I, I think the fans do know at the end of the day that if they get into your head, like, yes, it can affect you either for the good or for the bad. And we don't want it to be for the bad. So get off Instagram. Keep smiling, bro, because the season's still in front of us. I think we forget, we act like we're freaking, like, done. We're 3 and 2 going against Pitt this week where we can bounce back and get a win. They have a really good quarterback.

[B]

He played great.

[A]

Really good freshman, freshman. He's sick. But, man, we're Florida State football once again. Let's go. Let's go out and dominate. Let's dominate the trenches once again. Like this week. We really need to drop them and let's go like, drop them. Let's go. Like I need someone on that defensive line to step up and hold people accountable. We got to get a mean guy that is willing to Open his mouth and let everybody know. Because we had Fable, we had Fisk, we had guys that were willing to talk. And Fabian Love, that's. I love him to death, but he would let you know me. He'll let me know. He would let you know. He'll let anybody know, and he didn't care at all. We need that. We need that accountability on the defense because Tony White is a great defensive coordinator, and it puts us in position just to win. To win. Miami was dominating the run game. We stopped the run game. We held him to, what, 78 yards, maybe 80 yards. I remember looking at the scoreboard and seeing that at one point, we got to step up, do your job. Everyone just says, like, do your one of 111th. Do that. But we're going to be good, bro. We're freaking. We're good.

[B]

Like, we're in a.

[A]

We're in a position right now where we can win out. Like, there's not a team on the schedule that's like, damn, like, we should lose. Like, we. We might not win this game. Let's go. Let's play our football. Let's play our brand of football. Let's listen to our coaches. Let's come to work, and let's not lose focus on what's important in this game. That nothing is promised. And we're playing at Florida State University. Yes. The fans might say there's, like, we always get our fans from different schools, like Florida State. Florida State, whatever. We're at Florida State University.

[B]

Like, could be worse.

[A]

It could be a lot worse.

[B]

It could be a lot worse.

[A]

So let's go. Like, I mean, the tradition that we have at the university, the come up. I'm not even gonna try to say that word.

[B]

Pottery. I got you.

[A]

I got tongue twister. The fan base we have. I mean, we have a special coach, special coaches at that, that are very big into our faith and hold us accountable and are the same every single day. Let's just go, bro. Let's play for yourselves. Play for your teammate, play for your family. Play for the name on the front of your jersey and the back of the jersey. Like, let's. It's time to just. Just let go. Be free. Tomorrow's not promised, bro. So go out and play player brand of football.

[B]

I mean, I think that's well said. Once again, like, back to the why. Like, hey, like, why? Like, why? Why did we pick Florida State? Why did we choose the game of football? Like, incredibly hard game, difficult at this level. Like, why? Why, why? Why? We'll really grip onto that. Why right now? Because they need. And I think another exciting thing too, right? Like the playoffs are extended and a lot more teams make it. I look back to Clemson last year. Like, I think Clemson had like, yeah, three losses. And I actually saw some projections. Like people are saying that like Clemson could still make the playoffs and they're sitting at 2 and 3, which is like wild to be with all that. I think I saw they had like two projected first rounders on that defense alone.

[A]

Right.

[B]

But I mean, the whole season's in front of him. Jordan, I just got to ask you though, like, from, from the perspective of an athlete and the game of football, like, if, if in baseball we lose two games back to back, like, nobody really cares. Like, I'm just being honest. Like the fans are like losing their mind and we lose back to back games. Like literally losing back to back games almost has the same feeling as like winning back to back games. Yeah, football is a little bit different. Much smaller schedule. Each game has a lot more impact. Can you talk to me a little bit of like the feeling of what it's like to, to lose two games in a row after an exciting start like you guys had in 2023. Like, do you like, is there a point though? Truly, like, we're in the back of your mind. You're like, are we ever going to win another game again?

[A]

Some people, yes. When I was, when we go, we were three and oh, and then we went three and three.

[B]

You were three and four and oh, and then, yeah, you lost three straight.

[A]

NC State and yeah, Clemson never, never had a doubt. Every week I went in really believing that you're gonna win. I remember after that last game when I, when I had that press conference and I said, I'm, I'm done losing. I like made it like, kind of like a, a promise that like it was, it's over. I'm done. Like, I'm tired of losing. I won't take a take no for an answer. And I think you just got to do that as a football team, not just as an individual. As a football team, we have to all believe that we will not win another football, lose another football game. Sorry. It's all about your belief. Like, how much do you believe? Like, I remember, I believe that we will win. Like that right there. That belief is number one. As long as you believe you can do anything. There's those teams at Jacksonville State, when they played us, they believed that they could beat us and you could just see the energy before the game. They Believed? Did we believe? I looked around at everybody. I don't think we believed. We didn't. We looked down on them. We didn't really know where we were at. Whatever. Believing that you can win is the most important thing, and believing that you won't lose anymore is the most important thing, bro. Because I remember the scouts always ask you, they ask you, do you like. Do you like winning more or hate losing more? It's always a question where it's like, damn, like, what's the answer? And like, one of those answers are the more. More important thing. And my answer is always, I hate losing. I don't want to lose to you. Losing is important sometimes, but I don't want to lose. No one wants to lose in life, but we do lose sometimes. And we got to learn from them and grow. That's what it comes down to. But what are we going to do with these losses? Are we going to learn and let it fuel us to be better? Are we just going to feel sorry for ourselves because no one else feels sorry for you guys? I promise you that. I look on Twitter. Nobody feels sorry for you, and I'll defend you to death. To my death. But no one feels sorry for you at all. They didn't feel sorry for me. I was in my bed crying every night. They didn't feel sorry for me. They were still DMing me. They were still tweeting me. They were still saying stuff in my car. They don't. They don't care. So why would you care? Let's go out and just the day that we have in front of us, let's focus on that. Let's win the day in front of us. That's all that matters. Every single day. Let's win the freaking day in front of us. Practice is the most important. How hard are we going to go at each other? How hard? How bad do you want to win? How bad do you want to beat me? Because I want to beat you so freaking bad every single time. When Jared Burst was over there, I want to pull the ball just to see what he's going to do and test him. If we have a running. Running quarterback coming up, I want to beat the cornerbacks. I want to be able to run by Jerry and Jones and Ronaldo Green and talk the whole time. I love that. I love the practice because the practice made it so hard that the games are so damn easy for me. So easy. Our defense did a bunch of crazy stuff and we had one on ones with Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman. First Bernardo Green and Jerrion Jones. Like, think about how crazy that is on NFL.

[B]

On NFL. On Crazy.

[A]

Crazy. And then we have defensive lineman freaking Fabian Lovett. Freaking. He's. What team is he on right now? I know he just got traded to the. I'm gonna say Patriots. I believe we have Jared Verse, Braden Fisk.

[B]

Fisk.

[A]

Joshua Farmer playing Patriots right now. Like, we can go on and on about that. Dudes, we were crazy. Like, we were insane.

[B]

Then we got Daryl Jackson flying around the corner.

[A]

We could like, man, we're going at it. We're going at it every single day. And it's like, it made it so easy because I'm going to beat you no matter what. We got two minute drill. I want to beat you. I want to score in the first place. Group scoring on the last play with 1 second left. I want to score in the first place.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That's how bad I wanted to win. And we just got to change that mindset, bro. We want to win and we will win.

[B]

Like, you know, no more one, like, hey, man, like, let's just go get it done. We will, like, like, we're the better football team. Let's, let's. Enough of the talk. Like, just go get it. Oh, I like that. And I, I also like, like, the. When you said, like, like, they would ask you, like, do you hate losing more? Do you like winning more? Like, and I'm over here trying to, like, process what you're saying because, like, I've heard that asked before and, like, I would guess that I hate losing is the right answer because I like winning. Sounds like you also like complacency.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

And I hate losing. Sounds like I'm backed into a corner and there's only one choice that I have. Like, it's me or you for sure. And the NFL knows you're going to lose games and if you just like winning at some point. Liking winning is not enough to continue to win after you get punched in the mouth by Virginia and Miami and back to big back to back weeks, but hating to lose. Yeah, sounds like somebody who might get the hell back up and respond. So that's. That's good stuff, man. I mean, I. I think you nailed all that. I know you mentioned the Patriots. I know we talked about upsets a little bit, but the Patriots beat the Bills. Like, this was like the funkiest week, man, of football. Like, I got killed so bad.

[A]

Me too.

[B]

Damn it. I got killed so bad, man. I got killed so bad, man. Crazy, man. Sports are crazy. This is fun, though. I, this, this was a lot of fun. I think you provided me like a lot of really cool insight just because for me, Jordan, like like two games back to back losses in the NFL is probably like, I don't know, like six to seven losses in the big leagues. And there is a point where like like the Detroit Tigers who lost like like 10 games or whatever at the end of the season, like, yeah, like there is a point where like you kind of do go like, are we ever going to win again? Like you, you. Like, like we, we would feel that and it's like, I don't really know when we're going to win again. Like I know we're eventually going to win again because we can't lose every game, but oh my God, like how the hell do I wake up and go today? And no, I think our guest today too is going to talk about like a lot of cool stuff with that because it's his first year ever playing 162 game season and great start to his season, a lot of ups and downs. But he's a guy that kind of had that same start at Florida State. And then we all know what happened in that second year. And just like a quote unquote down year in the big leagues. Hitting.238 isn't like the old.238. Hitting.238 is like the old.280 because no one cares about batting average anymore. But yeah, I think that this guy too is going to be able to provide us like some really cool insight on what it's like to have to get up every damn day and show up. Because what happened yesterday, nobody gives a damn about and what you're about to do next and now is really all that matters. And you said a great, like no one, no one feels sorry for you. And by the way, that's like probably the one tweet that I get the most upset about when it comes to like athletes is. No, shut up. Like they make money now, they're not kids. Like really? Yeah, like, because, because an 18 year old makes money, he's no longer a kid. But if it's that same 18 year old that maybe your son that works at Publix and he makes a mistake as a bag boy, is he still a kid? Like, since when did how much money you make determine how you're treated? Amen. America.

[A]

America.

[B]

But and another thing I gotta say.

[A]

Is something that bothers me a lot is why does your opinion matter than mine? Because when I make it sweet, let's get that. Get the F out of here. Or stupid as all the things I see in my tweets, Jackboy.

[B]

And they post a picture with your leg the wrong way.

[A]

Yeah. Like, why can't. I'm a fan now, bro. Like, I'm a fan, you know? Like, we are all fans together now. Ida was just inside the building, so all that doesn't matter anymore. But why does my opinion. Why is my opinion stupid? When you post an opinion, I don't say it's stupid. I might have, like, a counter for it and let's. We could talk about it. But that's the problem with this world. Once again, we don't need to get into that talk. But your opinion I respect. Might not be right in my eyes, but respect my opinion, you know, that's it. Don't you know that?

[B]

Yeah, like, opinions. Opinions aren't appreciated unless your opinions agree with their opinions. Exactly, America. I think that's all we got, bro. I mean, that was, that was awesome stuff. I, I, I, I, I can't wait to get to this guest today. I know that we're going to talk about some really cool stuff. Yeah, he's super similar to you, bro. Like, this is somebody that isn't like me. Like, I'm, I'm a little more boisterous and I'm loud, and I'm not afraid to, like, show my emotions on my sleeve. Like, this guy be so business, man. Like, like, the business happens between the lines and, And I'm super excited to talk to this guy, as I know he's one of our favorites. Well, I tell you what, we had a lot of cool guests, and I feel like I say this every damn week, but today, like, I don't only have one little brother on this podcast. I got two little brothers. And I know I got my favorite quarterback over here, but my favorite major league baseball player, in my opinion, one of the greatest Seminoles to ever walk on Dick Harzer Stadium on Mike Martin Field. And. And he's a fantastic baseball player. Good luck finding a better human. Former Florida State great Cam Smith, now big leaguer. Thanks for joining, bro. Love you, man.

[A]

Thank you.

[C]

Love you, too, guys. Man, these are my brothers right here.

[B]

Hell, yeah. And we all five, six one boys, too.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

I mean, we all were. We all went to Palm Beach Central. Did what, what, what school? What middle school did you go to?

[C]

Emerald Cove.

[B]

And you went to. Y' all went to middle school, too?

[A]

Honestly, I didn't. Was he. How many, what year did you graduate?

[C]

Graduate yeah. 22.

[A]

22.

[B]

22. Y' all graduated what? High school. High school. What? Yeah, he's too young. Damn.

[A]

He's in fifth grade when I was in eighth.

[B]

Man, y' all make me feel bad, but that's what I'm saying. Y' all are my little brother. So, anyways, let's get into it. I got my two little bro. I mean, we went. So y' all went to the same middle school. I went to Polo park, which is like, two minutes down the road. We both went to Palm Beach Central. You left and went to the rich people school up in, you know, Georgia. Went to the rich people Benjamin High School. And. And then, yeah, I mean, we all went to Florida State, so this is really, really, like, damn cool. And, like, the stories I heard about Cam Smith, like, I heard. And Cam knows this, but I heard stories about Cam Smith before I even met Cam Smith. One of our coaches at Palmy Central, Luther Todaro, comes up to me one day, and obviously, cam graduated in 2022. I was like, long time later, but I think I was still playing. And he's like, hey, we got this kid. He goes to Emerald Cove. I coach him, like, he's going to be the next great player to leave Palm Beach County. And sure enough, my career ends at 19. I start coaching in 20, I think. Cam. 20, right? Because you would have been a sophomore.

[A]

Yeah, exactly.

[B]

That was my first year coaching. And I mean. Yeah, man, really. Ever since then, I mean, Cam's been like family to us. And, you know, watching your two's trajectory at Florida State has been pretty damn amazing to me. I'm the vocal one. I'm not afraid to go on Twitter and yell the world how much I love you two and how proud of you two I am. But I. I guess for me, the most impressive thing that I've always liked about Cam, it's like, how he's always, like, handled his business, like, with what he did on the field. He's never been like about any of that other stuff. But anyways, we'll get into that. Cam, thanks for joining, bro. How you doing? How was your first year in the big leagues? Talk to me.

[C]

First year in the big leagues, man, it was. Man, I could say a lot of words to describe it, but honestly, it. It's something I've always wanted. It's something I've always wanted. No matter how good or bad I did, this is what I wanted. This is the life I choose. And. And I love what I do, honestly. And I'm looking forward to this off season to prove myself next year.

[B]

What's like the greatest, what's like the greatest lesson that you've learned throughout this season? The ups and downs, and I want to know how it went for you.

[C]

I would say the most important thing was just trying my best to stay even keeled. I never struggled so hard staying even keeled. I've always been an even keel guy. But at this level, I feel like, like the failure feels personal, man. For some reason, it just feels personal. So, like, I was just trying to find new ways to stay right in the middle. Whether that's meditating during the game, whether that's getting into the Bible after the games just to, just to stay cool, you know.

[A]

Sick. Well, I mean, you saying the Bible right there, that, that triggers me, obviously, like, our faith is, is so important for all three of us. How important? Can you just describe to people how important is your faith to everything that you do in life?

[C]

Honestly, it's everything and it should be everything. That's, that's the, the way of living. That's how it should be. And I, I really got into it 20, 20, 2024 or 20, the fall of 2023, leading up to my sophomore year at Florida State, James Tibbs, like, had a talk with me. Diamond Ross had a talk with me. And basically they were telling me, hey, hey, bro, this is the way. Like, we know you're a great person, but let me tell you what, playing this game, like, you need, you need a strong foundation, and this is the way. So ever since then I've been, I've been, you know, finding ways to connect to God and, and grow in my faith.

[B]

Sick, bro. That's damn awesome. I mean, right? Like all the distractions in the world and in the big leagues. 162 games, day in and day out, like up, down, left, right, you get all this nasty stuff from somewhere. You struggle one day, but at the end of the day, like, we're all just like normal people who believe in what we believe in. And us three right here, we understand that without our Lord and Savior, none of this is possible, you know, and, and I think the biggest thing is like, in, in Christ and in whatever it is that you do believe, like, it keeps us at bay through the tough times, right? Like all the suffering and troubles that Jesus Christ went through for us, like, we're here on earth going through these same struggles, not the same as Jesus, but the same struggles of the ups and downs of life and, and, and to be able to like, go back and Grip and understand. Like, this is just a part of the journey. I think that.

[A]

That.

[B]

I think that you, too, especially. I mean, you guys were a lot better when you played it. Like, sticking to the Bible and understanding the importance of sticking with that day in and day out and using that to keep you at bay. I mean, it's important. And, Cam, like, you know there's Bible study every Sunday, right? Like, that still goes on in the big leagues.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Yep.

[C]

We have.

[B]

Those are special, right?

[C]

Yeah, exactly. We have, actually Bible study on Tuesdays when we're home, and then chapel on Sunday. Every week. Every week.

[B]

And you were there every week?

[C]

Every week. Every week.

[B]

It's awesome. It's awesome. And you think about the Houston Astros and winning. It's crazy, Cam. I was, like, looking on my way here, you know, some, like, this is wild. Okay? Like, Houston Astros. And being in the postseason for me is like. Like, you don't even have to watch the regular season. It's like.

[A]

It's like Brett, right? Yeah.

[B]

Okay, Cam, so you're gonna get mad at me, but, like, truly, like, I'm gonna. Can't wait to talk about this. But, like, I literally stopped watching you play. Like, I. I can't tell you anything about what you did past, like, May. And I was hanging out yesterday or two days ago when I texted you and someone from the Academy. He actually lives in California. His name's Thomas Glenn. Heck of a ballplayer. Cam, you're gonna meet him here soon. But he was playing in the. In the. What's it called? New Balance World Series in Dallas. And it's like the app, like, All American Game, but, like, New Balances version. And anyway, they're, like, sitting at a restaurant, and I guess Cam walks by. So they messaged me, like, oh, my God, we just saw Cam Smith. Yada, yada, yada. And I'm like. Like, what do you mean? Like, Cam is. I thought you guys were in Dallas. Like, playoffs are going on. Like, there's no way cams in Dallas. Like, Texas didn't make it. And I literally had to go to Google before I texted you, and I'm like, did the Houston Astros make the playoffs? That's how I found out, bro. I didn't even know. I didn't know. I had no idea.

[C]

I mean, that is something.

[B]

No, no, no. I can explain. I can explain.

[A]

Okay, okay, Go ahead.

[C]

Go ahead.

[B]

So I went to opening day in Houston, Cam Smith's big league debut. Not missing it. No way. Bo's freaking first baseball game. I brought my Wife. Everybody's out there freaking watching.

[A]

And he gets a hit.

[B]

And it's a special day and it's great. And I'm watching every night. Like 6:59, I think actually is their central time. So it's like 7:59. Like Ally Me, we are in front of the TV, probably got a glass of wine, like, please get a hit, Cam. And it went great at the beginning and. And then like, I felt like if there was a day that I wasn't able to watch, and I checked the box score, Cam got a hit. Like, I don't even check to see if the Astros win. I don't really care about that. Sorry, Cam. I played a win, but I'm only checking on my boy. So when I would watch, he wouldn't get hit. And when, then when I wouldn't watch and I wake up at seven in the morning and open my phone, like, did he get a hit? He got a hit every time. So I'm like, okay, maybe I'm bad luck.

[C]

Hey, you gotta stay with that.

[B]

I stopped. I apologize, bro. I mean, you know I love you, but. But, but, yeah, I apologize.

[C]

Hey, if it was working, it was working. You gotta ride the wave.

[B]

You hit.240 your first year in the big leagues. How old are you, like, 23?

[A]

22.

[B]

20. You're 22 years old, bro. Like, you got the whole world ahead of you. And. And I just want to, like, speak on this real quick and not that anybody's listening to our podcast, but Cam Smith's on it, so they might be this, but let's take you like back to 2000. Graduated in 22, so 2023, Cam's freshman year of college. He hit, I think, like 258. And he struck out a lot and he didn't walk a lot. And he showed glimpses of who Cam Smith could be. But college baseball is damn hard, right? Like that transition from high school to Florida.

[C]

Oh, definitely.

[A]

That's real. That's real. Real as it gets.

[B]

And then I just kept saying and trying to believe, and I truly did believe it, but I'm like, you know, Cam's going to come in next year. Like, hopefully he goes and has a good summer in the Cape, like, build up some confidence. I think Cam will come back his sophomore year and like, be on fire. And I think he's going to get this thing going new and he's a draft eligible sophomore, and he proceeds to go to the Cape, the hardest baseball league in the country. Like, it's harder than regular season college Baseball, sec, acc, it's the best in the country. Go play up in the cape and you win the mvp. Right?

[C]

It was, it was the, I don't even know the award, the prospect, the batting title. Prospect? No, no, that was Travis Bazana.

[A]

He got the batting title.

[B]

Damn.

[C]

Something about a prospect of the summer or year, whatever it was, it was voted by the scouts, which was pretty cool.

[B]

But you hit like 3:50 or something?

[A]

Yes. Yeah.

[C]

347.

[B]

Probably selling. Yeah, there you go. I figured selling your short. And anyway, like that whole summer like kind of leapfrogs you into your second year at Florida State where you look back at that, pretty damn good numbers. One of the best seasons in Florida State history. And he only spends two years there. And then by the way, 32 games to get to the big leagues. Only two players have ever made it to the big league's fastest than Cam Smith. And he's still just 22 years old, completed his first full year. But when I look at that, what you did from your freshman year, sophomore year, like I think that the jump that you can make from your freshman year rookie year in Major League Baseball to your second year, like I think that like that jump can be even greater because of the technology and the information and the ability to go back and watch all your bats, how they attacked you, weaknesses, stress, you almost get to like form a full blown program headed into next off season. What is it that's your biggest focus going into this off season?

[C]

That can be a loaded question. I have a lot written down in my notebook. But like you said, like there's no reason why I can't match that same pattern of, of the, of me being at Florida State like freshman year hitting.257, the next year hitting, I don't even know what I hit. High three hundreds. Because we have so much data like you said and we have, we have so much knowledge of the game now and I've learned so much.

[B]

387.

[C]

387. Okay.

[A]

387.

[C]

But like, like you said, man, there's, there's so much more we have accessible to us. So man, I don't know if I can pinpoint anything. I just. Consistency is the only thing. I did make a lot of changes and I know that's not favorable in the middle of the season, but you know, at some parts of the season I felt like I was just trying to survive. And you know, the competition, I would say it forced me to change, it forced me to try and find new ways to Compete. So staying consistent, finding a swing that I can stay consistent with from. From opening day March 27, to November 1, after we won the World Series next year.

[A]

Heck yeah.

[B]

Let's go. I mean, I love that, right? Like, consistent and. And you know, it's. It's the hardest game in the world, right? And it's 162 games every single day, day in and day out. Where, to be honest, at some point, like, the zest of. At least for me, the zest of playing in the big leagues and the excitement of being a rookie. I know for me specifically, like, there was a day and I don't know if there was ever a day for you, but there was like a day where it went from like that everyday excitement showed up like, I'm freaking pumped up every day to like there were kind of days where I woke up that I was like. Like I could use, like, just one more day. This is. This is the most games you ever played, right? Like, it's 162 game season. Can you just talk to me and people, like, about what that. 162 games, bro, in 180 days. Talk to me about it. Give me a refresher of what the hell that's like.

[C]

Yeah, no. So I actually talked to my fans about that on Faith and Family Night when we were on the stage after the game, they set up a cool little stage on the field and the fans were in the stands and I talked to them about the most challenging part, and that was finding ways to show up every day. Like, no matter how. No matter how good things are going, bad things are going, everybody in the world expects you to show up. Nobody's going to feel sorry for you. So I was telling them, like, like, that's the toughest thing that I'm trying to figure out. Like, how can I show up every day, even though I may not feel like it, you know, like I did opening day. So that was. That was the toughest part, man.

[A]

It's real.

[C]

It's real. It's just trying to find those little things that keep.

[A]

Keep you going, keep you going.

[B]

And like, a lot of it's like, sounds bad, but it's like faking it, right? Like, it's finding, like, honestly fake that you can grip onto.

[C]

Honestly. Like I like to say faking bravery is bravery.

[A]

Like, that's.

[C]

That's courage itself. If you can. If you can have enough courage to.

[A]

Fake it, there's your.

[C]

There's your bravery right there. And it's up.

[B]

That's fire that's it.

[A]

Take that right there.

[B]

That's fire. So if you can fake your bravery, Freight. Fake bravery. That's courage.

[C]

That's true breaking. Bravery is bravery. Yes. Absolutely.

[B]

So smart. You're getting smarter. You didn't even graduate college.

[A]

Wow. Wow.

[B]

Are you gonna, like, Is. Do you have a plan? Plan to go back?

[C]

No, no, no, no, no. My mom told me to graduate, so I'm gonna graduate, but I. I'm continuing to do online classes. Not. Not this semester, but I did. I've been doing classes since. Since spring training, so.

[B]

Damn.

[C]

I'm gonna finish. I'm gonna finish. I just. I needed a little break after. After season.

[B]

I say so. You deserve a break.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Silver Bank.

[A]

Good little trip to Cancun.

[C]

Dude, I'm going to the mountain.

[B]

What is that? Where you going?

[C]

To the Maldives.

[A]

When? December. December.

[B]

Okay. Okay. Got.

[A]

You Got.

[B]

Got room for one. There's four of us, Cam. You know I'm a girl dad now.

[A]

Word.

[B]

I got. I got Bo and Pilar, bro. It's a family of four. The Travis house.

[A]

Crazy dog.

[B]

You home? You got to come babysit one day, bro. Let me give you some free.

[A]

Hey, hey. I got you, man.

[B]

I got you. Come on over. Tell you go. Come on.

[C]

Do it.

[A]

Don't do it.

[B]

I. I want to. I want to talk about. I just want to, like, just take this back. Because, Cam, like, I don't. I'm so, like, proud to know you. And, like, when I. When I tell people about Cam Smith, like, to be honest, like, I don't really have interest in talking about, like, the baseball player Cam Smith. Like, I think you're great, and I think you're gonna be an all star one day. And, like, I think that you're gonna play this game for a very long time, and I think that you're gonna be remembered when you're done playing this game. I think you're gonna make a lot of money in this game. But, like, that's not, like, why I'm proud to, like, no, Cam. Like, I could. I could give a damn. Like, for me, like, the baseball parts, whatever, but, like, who you are as a human and, like, how you've always liked, stood and. And. And what you stood for and. And what you believe in and. And. And everything about you is, like, right or wrong. Like, there's never been. Like, Cam's not like me. He's like, you. Like, I'll stand on, like, the middle of gray area and try to make everybody happy. Like, you two know right and wrong, and, like, it's always going to be like, right? And I've always told everybody, like, Cam reminds me of, like, a baseball version of. Of Jordan. And I think I told Cam that often, and I think I told you that often. But, like, I truly think that I told one of our young kids today. I'm like, yeah, I'm going podcast today. Who you got? I got Kim Smith. They're like, oh, my God, that's amazing. Like, he's gonna be out here all the time. But I tell you what, guys, like, he. He's like, maybe, like, the best human that I've ever interacted with, like, in the world of baseball. So not to blow you up, but it's true. And I hope people know that you didn't, like, talk a lot, a lot at Florida State. So, like, a lot of people didn't really get to know Cam, but, like, he's probably, like, the greatest human that's ever worn a Florida State baseball uniform. And I'm very proud to. To be able to say that we know him and can call him family. So, anyways, enough about bragging about you, but I want to take you back to high school, Cam, because when I started coaching you in 2020, like, bro, you weren't even a starter. Like, you didn't even start as a sophomore in high school, right? Like, yeah, that's crazy. Tell me. Like, bro, like, you were 16, not starting at Palmy Central, and six years later, you're in the starting lineup on a big league field. Like, talk to me about it. Like, tell me about the transition in those five, six years.

[C]

Yeah, honestly, 2020 was. I know, I know a lot of people were affected by it negatively, but 2020 was the best year for me by far. I feel like it's the reason why I am the way I am today, because, you know, after 15 games, I don't know how many games, 10 games, we shut down the season for good. And that's. Yep, in that moment, like, that's when I. That's when I found the grind. I was strictly relying on my athletic ability, not practicing on my own ever.

[B]

Ever.

[C]

Because growing up, I rarely had rides to practice in the games and tournaments. I always had to ask my teammates and other families to take me. My mom was always working. So, man, in 2020, that's when I really started to work on myself, work on my craft every single day. And. And that. That skyrocketed me. So that. That's the reason why, I guess you could say I wasn't a starter my sophomore year. Because I didn't work for it. But I'll tell you what, when. When that season was over, I got to work. And I always earned it from. From that point forward.

[B]

Damn right, man. I mean, it's like, crazy, right? Like, everybody thinks that, like, you turn on the TV and you see these guys that are in the big leagues or in the NFL and like, they think the stories are just like, they always were the best. Like, Cam was always the biggest, he was always the strongest. He always had the most potential. And I always saw something. Something like, man, if he ever puts it together, like, watch out. Like, shit's hard. Yeah, like, shit's hard. Like, baseball's hard. And T ball. Baseball's hard in coach pitch. Baseball's hard in middle school, baseball's hard in high school, Baseball's hard forever, right? Like, and for some, it comes easy, right? Like, you probably look at, like, the guy that plays right in front of you at second base, and he does things on the baseball field, and you're like, crazy, man, how you make that look so easy.

[C]

Hey, it takes.

[B]

It's not easy.

[C]

Five swings before the game and he. And he goes three for three.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

He really does that. Like, no bp no.

[C]

Like, he'll hit on the field, but, like, five swings in the cage. He's good. He's good. And then.

[A]

And then we got.

[C]

We got Correa, who's like, making sure he gets all his work in, working in there for like, half an hour and paying attention to the little things. But it's.

[A]

It's.

[C]

However you can get it, you get it.

[B]

I mean, we're all like different beasts, man. And, you know, like, in the game of baseball, like, you're routine is your routine, and whatever works for you, works for you. And I think that you probably learned a lot about your routine and what it takes for you to prepare throughout the season. I'm excited for you to get back home and, like, talk to you and, like, just, like, hear you out and I want to know what you learned. Like, I want to learn from you and. And I'm excited for you to give back to our kids. I mean, I know they're so excited for. For you to come around and help, but, man, you're like a ray of sunshine. Like, it's a rainy day today. But having Cam Smith on kept me and Jordan excited all day. So thank you again for. For joining this thing. It's. It's pretty damn awesome. You talked about your mom, Cam, and. And I can't help but, like, go back. And, like, I've always wanted to talk to you about this, but you were in the middle of season, and I don't want to get you emotional, but, like, that video, right, Like. And I'm sure that, like, you knew you made the team before then, but you don't really ever know until it's, like, official, right? You can tell me, like, hey, you made the team. But until, like, you made the team. And like, the coach is like, hey, yeah, you made it, and everybody claps for you. Like, you didn't make it.

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

But, like, to me, like, I saw. I saw a young man who has been through a lot in his life and a young man who loves his mother and his family. And I saw a young man who maybe for the first time in his life, slowed down for a second, and you gave yourself the pleasure to be proud of you. Right? And we don't really have the time quite often to do that in this game or life, because we're judged by what we do now and next. Just talk to me about that moment, man, where. Where your mom and. And your family and your girlfriend Anna were in that locker room and you found the noose.

[C]

Yeah, it's. I'm already getting emotional about was just, like, everything. I'm sorry.

[B]

Take your time, bro. Hey, we like skins, baby. We emotional. It's like.

[C]

It's like everything worked out. Everything happens for a reason. No matter how good or bad you have it, if you can always see it through, you'll find a way.

[B]

Amen. Amen. And I'm so damn proud of you. I mean, I am, man. Like, they don't make them like you, bro. And. And very, very, very few people can kind of have the opportunity to, like, see it through. And I've only known you since you were 13, 14 years old, but now in the seven to eight years that I've known you, and knowing what it's actually looked like and what it's taking you to get there and what people have said about you and what you've had a battle through, and the fact that you almost signed out of high school and you chose to go to college, and maybe you had regret at some point during your freshman year because you did have an opportunity to make a ton of money after your fresh. I mean, after your senior year of high school, and then you look at all your mom's sacrifice and the fact that you didn't have a job made many places a ride many places, and. And yet you always found a way somehow just to get it done. And I think that my challenge to you would be, like, every now and then, man, like, just embrace you a little bit more. Like, embrace you, man. Like. Like, people don't know. Like, as athletes came, I could just tell you, like, from somebody who's, like, no longer an athlete. I'm just, like, a slappy walking around, like, be proud of you, bro. Take some time. A little more time every now and then to look in the mirror. Like, bro, you made it, Cam. Like, you could take every single major league baseball player in the history of Major League Baseball, every single one of them. And this goes back 100, whatever years. You can take all of us and put us in a major league stadium today. We don't even fill up half of the row. Rogers center, bro. Not even half. That's in the history of baseball. 25,000. 25,000. I don't give a damn if you make it for one day, bro. I don't give a damn. Like, people are like, oh, yeah, he just got a cup of coffee, like, and don't you wish you did, too? Like, sit your tail right there, buddy. Like, you have no idea. Like, you have no idea. And I hope that you don't, like, take the time right now to, like, look back on your career and look at, like, all the stepping stones in which you had to conquer to get to where you got to today. Don't do it yet, because it's gonna be special to do it at the end. But I do just challenge you. Like, my one challenge from, like, a big brother to a little brother. It's like, every now and then when it gets tough, like, sometimes just take a deep breath and, like, look in the mirror and be like, hey, man, you already made it. Like, you made it, bro. And, like, what you do from here forward, homie, Like, I know. I get it. Like. Like, you got big plans. Plans in this game, I think you're gonna make hundreds of millions of dollars. And I know that's not what motivates you. I know. But I. I'm pretty sure that that's going to be the case. But I would challenge you in those moments of getting to where you want to get to in this game to just pause every now and then, bro, and just say, like, don't forget, I'm proud of you, okay? Because that's what I say. And. And when I hear that you're in a struggle or, hey, you hadn't got to hit a little bit of time, I'm like, just wait, because it's coming, right? So I don't want to take up too much more of your time or sit here and bother you, but I didn't bother you all season long, and. And I appreciate and respect the fact that you didn't call me all season long, because guess who was just like that. This one never called me during the season.

[C]

Nope.

[B]

Every now and then, like, get, like, a little side. Hey, how you doing, Dev? Every now and then, an off season. Oh, yeah. Jordan, Devin, everybody. Damn. Day during the season, man. It's business. Yeah, bro. I don't want to take any more of your time, but. But I'm. I'm so grateful and I'm so proud. And outside of the young man that's sitting to my left, I haven't cared about another individual as a human that I don't have any blood attachment to. Like, I've cared about you. And it's not because of what you do on the field. It's because of. Because of what you represent, how you handle yourself, the wonderful family that created you and raised you. And once again, bro, I challenge you. Like, this year. Like, you're going to look back next year, and I can't wait at next year's All Star break when you're freaking. When you're freaking walking off the field of that All Star game, and I'm coming. I'm coming to watch you play. But you're going to look back at a lot of these, like, moments in your life, bro, like, the struggles, and you're going to realize, like, the struggle is what you actually love more than the good times in life, like, the struggle. When you're done playing the 0 for fours, the 0 for 10s, the 0 for 20s, the months of hitting 180, when you're done playing. The only thing I wish I could have one more time is one more freaking night in the cages when everybody left, and I'm over my last 15, and I'm scared to go to sleep because I don't want to wake up tomorrow because I think I'm gonna go over again what I would do for one more day just to have to try to figure it out. So challenge yourself and remember that, bro. I'm proud of you.

[A]

Thank you, D. Thank you, bro. Keep smiling.

[C]

Love you, too.

[A]

That's my favorite thing about Cam, is the smile that you're always smiling, bro. And it brings joy to so many people. People at Florida State appreciate you so much. I mean, obviously they know that you're from Paul in Palm Beach County. And when I go up there and go to. I Went to baseball games. Freaking this year. It's my first time. I hate baseball, bro, so I can't even watch this. I used to get forced to watch his games, and I might watch him at that from you and Xavier Edwards every now and then, but that's about it. But we're proud of you, bro. Everyone's so proud of you. Keep the positivity. Keep spreading the positivity. Keep smiling, big bro, because I'm telling your spot. Your smile makes us smile, and we appreciate you so much, bro. Thank you, brother.

[C]

Appreciate that, sir.

[B]

Love y'. All. Boys, let me get a go. Nose on three. One, two, three. Love you, bro. Thanks for joining, man. That was freaking awesome.

[A]

That was awesome.

[B]

Love you, homie. Love you, too.

[A]

Welcome back to Travis take two. We're going to close as we always do, answering questions from you, the fans. Be on the lookout for our posts on Instagram and X and make sure to submit your responses.

[B]

You get any good tweets this week? I mean, I read your response a lot. Do that stuff. Let's. Let's see what we got here. In you and your brother's college career. Oh, this one looks fun. This one looks fun. I like this. And you and your brother's college careers. What's the worst stadium you had to play in? You got one. I would say, like, maybe it's because the fans were brutal or, like, are we saying because the stadium just stunk like. Like that? How was pit? Like, pit felt weird.

[A]

Oh, horrible. Oh, that's a great one, right? Yeah. I don't know if they didn't cut the grass, but we had to get spikes where they. They twist in our shoes, and the grass felt like it was this thick. Like you're running in mud.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. It just felt. The energy was horrible.

[B]

Weird. Really weird. And we got pit this weekend thing.

[A]

Yeah, it's entirely. That's a good one.

[B]

Worst away locker room. Oh, man. I mean, in college careers, I can't even talk about college because I really can't remember that far back, but I can tell you that, like. Like the worst, like, actual locker. But it's, like, the best actual locker is in Fenway, so. In Fenway, like, the. It's the same locker room that, like, all the old greats played in. Like, they never changed it, so. It's amazing. It's cool. But the locker room's, like, super small, and the lockers are literally, like. Like, probably one foot wide. Really big league locker. Like, just, like, locker rooms. Like, you could walk in, like, stand in the locker, they're so big.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

These are, like, tiny. And you're in these, like, little tiny, like, chairs next to each other. So for me, that's, like, the worst, like, setup of a locker room. Yeah. But at the same time, like, it's, like, the best because it's Fenway park.

[A]

You know, for sure.

[B]

Never changed. What we got next. Best player you've ever gone against on that. You probably can name that. Who you got in college, best player you ever went against. I can give you a couple thoughts. Like, for me, like, I don't know. And watching you, like, I think about, like, someone at Notre Dame who's, like, pretty damn good in the NF NFL right now. I think he's got a chance to.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, he. He's sick. He was sick, but, I mean, I really don't remember that game. I freaking.

[B]

How about an edge rusher?

[A]

I think Xavier Thomas is sick.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Clemson, number three. I think he's. If you look at him, he's freaking Jack with tattoos. We're so cool. Which is the last year we were cool. So I'm like. You feel like you're like, all right, bro. He's not gonna hit me that hard. You know, you try to tell yourself, but, yeah, he's a dog. Um, There's a guy, P.J. weaver from Pitt in 20. Whatever year we played them, defensive end. Then they had the other defense, and now I just had his name, and now I'm gonna forget it. Damn. It was 91 and 99 and 91. He hit me up on Instagram after, and that's my. Like, we're cool now. He played for the Vikings. Those. That. Those two playing defense at end. I'm watching the whole game, like, damn. Please don't let him free. Jonathan Garnard was a good one, which is my former teammate. But, yeah, that's the one that got my. Damn. My back hurts and still hurts. I wake up every morning, I'm like, damn, John, tell him to sit here. That sounds horrible. I should have said that.

[B]

But, yeah.

[A]

Yeah, probably one of those dudes for sure.

[B]

Okay. I mean, yeah, I. I think back to college. I mean, I played against some pretty good ones, I guess. Sonny Gray's, like, the. The first one that sticks out in the sense of, like, super uncomfortable at bat. Like, face him a bit in the big leagues. Like, heavy sink up to 98 in college. Really? Sat like, 94, 96.

[A]

What about the dude, the hat from TCU?

[B]

Oh, Matt Perk, while he's a college great bro. He's a college grade. I mean, I'm a righty, so the at bat, like, was at least a little more comfortable. And I was a freshman.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I think that's a good call. I mean, like, he was like the best pitcher to stand up right during that year.

[A]

Sick.

[B]

That's a good call. I mean, I played against a lot of good ones for sure in college. ACC was always loaded. I just don't like to give pitchers too much credit. So. Yeah, that's where I'll end it. Funniest thing to happen to you on a field.

[A]

I don't know. I don't really remember games. I black out during all my games.

[B]

Same. I don't remember a lot of their funniest thing though. Like what happened? That's funny. Like, man, I don't know. Probably just sit back and watch me run. Like five foot eight. Maybe a. Maybe a couple. Maybe a couple pounds too heavy. Super pigeon toed. My knees are broken. I think that's probably the funniest thing I ever did is just sit back and watch me. Watch me run. That's pretty funny.

[A]

I don't think I've had any of those things ever.

[B]

No. No. No sneaker either. Yeah, I never had a streaker.

[A]

No animals.

[B]

Same. Nothing really was ever funny, man. It's business, bro. It's business. Favorite FSU uniform combo. For me it was the Sunday Golds in baseball, man. Love them.

[A]

I like the new white on white on white.

[B]

White on white on white. Those are fire.

[A]

So fire high.

[B]

White socks or.

[A]

Honestly, I'm not big into my. My drip, you know, I'm simple. They're just leggings.

[B]

You're so boring.

[A]

Yeah. I don't care how I look. I just want to win.

[B]

Waffle House.

[A]

Order All Star breakfast.

[B]

All Star breakfast. Scrambled cheese with cheese. Damn right. Sausage or bacon?

[A]

Sausage.

[B]

All day long. Chocolate chips in your waffle. Straight up.

[A]

I like chocolate chips. Sometimes light chocolate chips. They put a lot on the damn things.

[B]

Hash browns are grits.

[A]

Hash browns with some cheese on it.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

It's fire.

[B]

Oh, yeah. I'm grits with cheese. Everything else I think is pretty much the same. Give me all them chocolate chips. Let's go to work. Any club public stories? We all have them. I mean, let me tell you something. You probably got better ones than me. So I don't have. Okay, that's good. So I guess I only got one. I can definitely confirm that it is a. It's a place where you definitely must go when you're in college.

[A]

Because Tinder.

[B]

Yeah, it's just. Yeah, it's just a fun spot to go to. It's a good spot, man. Nice people. And I would just like to say that. That I probably shouldn't even say. Yeah, I'm not gonna say it, but I'll just leave it there.

[A]

Just go to Publix, Yuri.

[B]

They have great fried chicken and good crab legs. That's all I gotta say. Okay.

[A]

All right, that's it. Here we go. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Travis Take 2. Remember to, like, comment, share, and subscribe on YouTube and wherever you get your podcast. We appreciate your love and support, and we will see you next week. Go, Knowles.

[B]

Go, Knowles, baby.

[A]

Sir.

[B]

So I know my wife is listening to this and whatever this is. I know she's at least one loyal fan, but we do get to sing her Happy Birthday. So I'd like to collectively sing Happy Birthday with you to my wife. Here we go, Ms. Ally. Love you so much. Happy birthday to you. Louder. Happy birthday to you More energy. Happy birthday, dear Ali Happy birthday to you two kids. Thank you for giving me everything I could ever ask for in life. I love you so much. And I stopped there so I don't cry.

[A]

And I hope. I hope you get to move into your house this weekend.

[B]

Come on, come on.