Jaylon Smith
Professional Athlete | Dallas Cowboy
Jaylon Smith is the starting middle linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, along with being the Founder & CEO of 9 Enterprises LLC. An organization that specializes in private equity investments and real estate development.
In 2017, Jaylon made his NFL debut on September 10, starting at middle linebacker against the New York Giants in the season opener. He recorded 7 total tackles and a forced fumble. In the following game against the Denver Broncos, Jaylon recorded 14 tackles. During the start of the season, injuries to other linebackers forced the Cowboys to play Smith more than expected (63 tackles in the first six games). Jaylon was exposed a great deal, specifically in passing situations, which caused struggles for other teams. In the last 10 games he was used as a backup. He finished with 1 sack and 81 tackles, which is one of the highest single-season totals by a first-year player in franchise history.
Philanthropy
Going to Africa and giving back has meant everything to Jaylon because it has exemplified his purpose beyond athletics in a unique and wonderful way. Giving back has always been a huge part of Jaylon's life whether it has been through donating time, money, resources, knowledge or anything at all because to him, it is about giving back to the world and helping himself grow. Jaylon views giving back to his community and the world as his purpose and he learns greatly from people who have given back to him.
South Africa was extremely important to Jaylon because he was able to gain so much knowledge regarding his ancestors and where he originated from. Growing up hearing stereotypes and later in life getting the opportunity to actually travel to South Africa was a great feeling and very eye opening and changed many perceptions for Jaylon. Traveling to South Africa meant so much to Jaylon that he actually got the continent tattooed on himself. He is very proud to have originated from such a place and counts himself as extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to have traveled there. Jaylon can't wait to travel back to South Africa in the future and is excited for many more opportunities to give back.
PODCASTS FOR THE FAITH DRIVEN ENTREPRENEUR
Basketball team owner, trained physicist, seminary grad, and venture capitalist, Phil Chen joins the show to talk about his storied career and share how entrepreneurs can root themselves in scripture to find their true identities.
Hear how the biblical story of Abraham and Lot inspired Sam Rhee to step aside from the role of his dreams for the sake of a colleague and how God used that sacrifice to pave a path for victory.
Renowned author Patrick Lencioni joins Henry Kaestner for a conversation about some of the hidden idols of entrepreneurship before Henry, Justin, and Joey riff on how we all might learn to fight against the temptation to worship “safe” idols.
Today’s podcast highlights the voices of three pastors–Mark Batterson, Chip Ingram, and John Mark Comer–who have seen the power of working alongside entrepreneurs for the good of their communities.
David Kinnaman and Justin Forman discuss the relationship between the church and entrepreneurs, highlighting the unfortunate tension that often exists between the two groups and providing insight into how we might grow together to unlock this powerful partnership.
Renji joins the show to talk about what it’s like to lead and innovate in a new, emerging industry. He and Henry will also share how their faith has kept them stay grounded in the highs and lows that come with worldly success.
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and special guest host Mike Sharrow join the show to take a candid look at how entrepreneurs can overcome the challenges they face in their personal and professional relationships.
Stephen Phelan, the Chief Pastoral Officer of Movement Mortgage, joins the show to talk about the radical programs they have implemented to care for their employees and to share practical tips for other entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in the lives of those who work with them.
In this new segment called “Stories of the Movement,” we take a narratively compelling, high-production look at what God is doing through the Faith Driven Entrepreneurs behind Movement Mortgage, a company started in the midst of a housing crisis.
Author Andy Crouch, theologian Randy Alcorn, and entrepreneur Tom Hsieh talk about how we can develop a biblically informed relationship with money that leads to generosity and joy.
Hope International CEO Peter Greer shares insights from leaders around the world that will help entrepreneurs develop a strong prayer routine.
In this conversation, Jordan Raynor challenges the belief that the only way our work matters for eternity is if we use it to share the gospel, arguing that our work has intrinsic value to God.
Henry Kaestner and Justin Forman join Joey Honescko to remind Faith Driven Entrepreneurs that they’re playing for the winning team in a new segment called “the riff.”
Maxwell Anderson, Steve Cuss, and Dr. Curt Thompson talk about how entrepreneurs can manage their anxiety, depression, and overall mental health.
Expert leaders Jon Acuff, Patrick Lencioni, and Terry Looper talk about what it looks like to set and accomplish the right kinds of goals.
This week on the show, Rusty talks with Jeff Haanen, the founder and former executive director of the Denver Institute of Faith and Work and the author of the recently released book: “Working From the Inside Out: A Brief Guide to Inner Work That Transforms Our Outer World.”
Tattoo shop owners, Sara and Rodney Carrera, join Henry and William to talk about their entrepreneurial journey, their hope for the tattoo industry, and the controversy around tattoos in Christian circles.
Jeremy Pryor joins the show to talk about how God's word can help entrepreneurs build flourishing, powerful, and life-giving family teams.
Josh Richardson joins us today to talk about the ins and outs of running a company that manufactures body and vehicle armor.
In-N-Out Burger’s President, Lynsi Snyder, shares about the iconic brand’s legacy and how faith has guided her leadership style through tragedy, challenges, and triumphs.
Rusty Rueff and Pastor Terry Brisbane join us to talk about the new book they co-authored “The Faith Code: A Future-Proof Framework for a Life of Meaning and Impact” and to help us see how pastors and entrepreneurs could work more closely together.
The Barna Group’s David Kinnaman joins us to talk about what it means for entrepreneurs to understand the times.
Bader Mansour, a Palestinian Israeli, and Mordechai Wiseman, a Jewish-Israeli, graciously join us for a conversation about how their faith in Jesus has informed their perspectives on leadership, identity, and the current conflict in Israel.
Ryan Walker joins us to talk about how being part of a family business has shaped his view of entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and faithfulness.
Neil Ahlsten joins Rusty and William for a discussion about how Christians might think differently about exits.
Matt Parfitt joins the show to talk about the value of this partnership and to share how other entrepreneurs could work alongside their churches for God’s glory and for the good of their communities.
David Platt gives an encouraging message on how entrepreneurs can find their identity and value in God, not their businesses.
Daivd Platt, Pete Ochs, Alan Barnhart, and Angel and Dan Rutledge dive into what it means to be stewards, not owners of their businesses.
Tom Ferguson provides a systematic outline for any entrepreneur to start bringing their faith to their work.
Nicky Gumbel, Kim Avery, and Jeremy Lin talk about how entrepreneurs can hear from God to fight against their idols.