Mad Props host Chris Schnabel sits down with Jordan Ta’amu — quarterback for the DC Defenders and former NFL QB — for a fun, competitive, and behind-the-scenes conversation that blends football, friendship, and everything in-between. From Hawaii to Ole Miss (SEC) to the pros, Jordan breaks down his journey, his mindset, and what it’s like navigating pro opportunities across leagues — plus stories from the road, gaming battles, and the real competitive edge that fueled a championship run.
Jordan Ta’amu: Jordan Ta’amu is a quarterback from O‘ahu, Hawaii, who rose from junior college (New Mexico Military Institute) to Ole Miss, where he became a productive SEC starter and set program marks. He later earned NFL opportunities (including time with the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs) and became a standout in spring football, leading the DC Defenders and building a reputation as a dynamic playmaker and leader.
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Episode Produced by Chris Schnabel
Episode Edited by Chris Schnabel
Mad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production
00:00 – Intro: Jordan Ta’amu joins Mad Props + “we compete over EVERYTHING”
02:11 – Friendship + DC Defenders season connection
03:09 – Super Smash Brothers rivalry (and the bus battles)
06:28 – “Olympic day” competitions: hoops, bowling, air hockey, more
07:34 – From Hawaii to Ole Miss: the recruiting journey
09:14 – Junior college at New Mexico Military Institute (military rules + full ride)
11:13 – Committing to Ole Miss + stepping in after injury
13:56 – NCAA eligibility frustrations + rule changes
16:47 – Draft process: combine medicals + torn ACL discovery
20:07 – Texans → XFL opportunity + COVID shutting everything down
23:54 – Sports during COVID + getting the call to the Chiefs
25:27 – NFL COVID era + unexpected attention and pressure
31:28 – Favorite games: Mortal Kombat + arcade competitiveness
36:14 – Video Game Museum + Dallas spots to compete
38:15 – Baseball background + how it shaped his QB game
44:51 – Basketball rematch challenge + competitive mentality
48:21 – Offseason life in Nashville: training athletes + teaching classes
50:26 – Building QB camps + turning experience into a program
55:48 – The “Smash before the championship” story + title run
57:28 – Outro + where to follow Jordan and Mad Props
