Alejandro Villanueva on his NFL Career, Serving in Afghanistan and Blocking James Harrison | EP 46
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Published 2023-06-30
In this episode, we are joined by maybe the most interesting man in the world, former Army Ranger turned Pro-Bowl left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers Alejandro Villanueva.
In our incredible conversation with Alejandro, we get the back story on what happened when he was cut from the Eagles, why he thinks the NFL Regional Combine is a scam, how he gained almost 100lbs to play for the Steelers, what it was really like going up against Jame Harrison in practice every day, and why Mike Tomlin might be selling himself short.
We also touch on his time in the US Army and his path to playing football at West Point, what it was really like to serve three tours in Afghanistan, and how he became an Army Ranger.
As always, watch and listen to new episodes of New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce every Wednesday & check us out on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok for all the best moments from the show.
One final programming note. We will be dropping our video from the first ever New Heights Beer Bowl next week, so subscribe and turn your notifications on so you don’t miss it.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:41 - Tight End U Recap
11:40 - Alejandro Villanueva Intv
13:30 - News News
17:55 - Time With Eagles
26:15 - NFL and the Military
31:00 - Regional Combine Scam 31
37:02 - Getting Cut by Eagles
44:00 - Looking up to Jason Peters
49:20 - Going Against James Harrison
54:10 - First Start against Dwight Freeney
56:26 - Playing for Mike Tomlin
58:02 - Army Football
01:06:45 - Time in Afghanistan
01:18:00 - Becoming an Army Ranger
01:20:45 - Questions We Have to Ask
#nfl #chiefs #eagles #jasonkelce #traviskelce #newheights #steelers
All Comments (21)
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When y’all tried to get him to say New News and he immediately launches into details on the Russian coup 😂😂 had me crying laughing Villanueva is a legend
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Villanueva immediately jumping into current events during New News, especially talking about the ongoing Wagner Group situation, is amazing.
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20 year Army Officer here. I listen to every show but this was the best. Villanueva selfless duty and explaning what we do and who we are was❤ Keep it up.
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This guy Villanueva is something else. What a quality individual.
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Jason Kelce needs a Dr Squatch sponsorship immediately. He's quite literally the perfect spokesman for that kind of brand. Make it happen.
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This is far and away the best podcast I have ever listened to. Alejandro is fascinating.
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I didn't know what to expect from this episode as I don't know Alejandro Villanueva, but WOW, I was fascinated by his story. Thanks for letting him be a guest on your show.
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Villanueva is an absolute DAWG! 🇺🇸🇺🇸
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Easily one of the best interviews/conversations that I have seen. Villaneuva is an extremely smart, articulate, and humorous individual.
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All the way here from Spain,much respect and love for Alejandro,what an amazing representation of a nation. I never have the chance to hear his full story so I enjoy the podcast a lot. Thank you Kelce’s you are legends
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This was my introduction to Villanueva. He is extraordinary.
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58:52 i’m laughing my ass off at travis whispering “NATO…?” “It’s gotta be an acronym right?” 😂
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Thank this man for his service. I always thought it was wild to know that he served as a Ranger and then was blocking for Big Ben.
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When Jason isn’t 100% interested in a topic it’s so funny. The way he talks and is just tryna get through the conversation is hilarious and iconic 😂😂😂 #GoBirds
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Really eye-opening about Afghanistan and the U.S. Mr. Villanueva thank you for your service
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Having been in the Marine Corps and Army I cannot even begin to fathom how this man was able to juggle the NFL and being a Ranger almost as if it were a side hustle. Mad respect 🫡
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One of my favorite players. Was part of the best offensive line the Steelers have had in the last 40 so years.
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Every interview that you guys do is amazing, but this interview took it to New Heights. Alejandro was Amazing! He needs to write a book.
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I retired from the Army Reserve (Infantry) the year Villanueva graduated from West Point. I've been a Steeler's fan nearly 50 years despite being born in Philadelphia (I was also an Army brat and grew up on posts). My home of record was always Leavenworth, Kansas and when I married a girl from there I became a secondary Chiefs fan (every game unless they're playing the Steelers). This episode was like receiving a gift. My only regret is that you never circled back to the Wagner Group. New news!
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This was the best podcast episode I have listened too! It is fascinating to hear Villanueva share his military stories. I come from a military family and to hear the passion he has for the US Army makes me smile. (Thank you for your service, Al) His time on and off the field is unique. Al is on the top of my list for favorite Steelers players! 11:41
