#267: The "Night Hawk" of Arena Football - Now Columbus Lions Coach - Huddles Up On Quickness, Championships

This week’s podcast guest is the all-time leader in interceptions in arena football – 117 of them by the former player nicknamed “Night Hawk.” Columbus GA native Damian Daniels is now the head coach of the Columbus Lions, the same team he won 4 championships with! We talk on “Run the Race” about football, fitness, changes coming for his Lions, and more.

(5:51) We start with how he got that NIGHT HAWK name, also the differences between exciting arena football and NFL/college football setup and rules and fans. (10:00) Damian Daniels started playing the game at age 7. How did he get from there to almost the CFL and a long, successful career in arena football – mostly as a corner.

(17:46) Coach Damian and I dive into fitness and strength and speed (or quickness) related to football, training players’ bodies for different roles. And he opens up about the brotherhood in this sport, plus what it was like to bring arena football trophies to his hometown, while also winning five Defense Player of the Year awards. Now, with a second chance, how is it different for him as a head coach for the arena football team he played for until retiring in 2016?

(35:03) The Columbus Lions have some changes coming, leaving the NAL and now in the American Arena League (AAL), but why the move? It has to do with travel and having more true arena football rules. Next up, is the announcement of a new team owner – not revealed yet, but Damian is excited about the local ties. We’ll find out Thursday November 13 in a 1:30pm news conference at the Columbus (GA) Civic Center. He also touches on helping coach the Pacelli HS football team, the differences there…being a personal trainer (45:36) and the importance of family support for athletes/coaches. Damian Daniels loves being a father figure for young men, helping on and off the field. And the next season for his Columbus Lions may start in April 2026. (50:48) And as always, closing out the episode in prayer.

On your journeys of fitness and faith, we are helping you stay motivated to be stronger physically and spiritually on the new RUN THE RACE podcast. Host Jason Dennis - veteran WTVM news anchor, marathon runner and missionary, will talk to experts and people with inspiring stories as we dig deeper into the mind, body and soul.