Max Tooley: From Third-Grade Dreams to NFL Reality - A BYU Linebacker's Remarkable Journey

Get ready for an exciting episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with former BYU linebacker Max Tooley. When he wrote down his goal of earning a sports scholarship to BYU in third grade, it set in motion a journey that would see him break records as BYU's all-time leader in games played (60). Known for his aggressive play style and occasional trash-talking, Max finished 14th all-time in total tackles and 4th in solo tackles at BYU, while also setting records for linebacker interceptions and pick-sixes.

After serving a Mandarin-speaking mission in London, Max returned to play six seasons at BYU thanks to redshirt and COVID eligibility rules. Despite facing challenges as an "older" NFL prospect at 26, Max persevered to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans before joining the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. Throughout his career, Max embraced Coach Kalani Sitake's "Love and Learn" culture while adding his own competitive edge on the field.

Max shares insights about NFL life, the transition from college to professional football, and how writing down your goals and saying them out loud can help manifest dreams. Through stories of memorable games, navigating football politics, and balancing mission service with athletic ambitions, Max demonstrates how commitment to goals and belief in yourself can lead to success both on and off the field.

Video Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

2:08 - How Max Played 60 Games at BYU

3:27 - The Coastal Carolina Game Experience

5:57 - Challenges of Playing Time and Football Politics

8:04 - BYU's Linebacker Legacy and NFL Stars

10:00 - The New Defensive Scheme at BYU

12:48 - NFL Measurables vs. Game Film

15:07 - From Undrafted Free Agent to Vikings Practice Squad

17:50 - Understanding Practice Squad vs. Active Roster

20:54 - Current Training Regimen with Dave Stroshine

23:21 - Age and Mission Service Impact on NFL Prospects

26:49 - Trash Talk About Being "Too Old"

29:14 - Playing Clean but Competitive Football

32:58 - Ben Bywater's Injury and Career End

34:44 - Mission Experience in London, England

37:06 - Value of Mission Service Despite NFL Timeline

39:25 - Kalani's "Love and Learn" Culture

41:44 - Finding Balance as a Competitive Player

43:43 - Playing for Same Coach as His Father

46:01 - Setting Goals and Making Dreams Happen

48:15 - Outro