After nine years as an NFL offensive lineman for the Falcons, Commanders, and Jets, Wes Schweitzer has traded 330-pound trench battles for crimps, slopers, and steep boulders!
In this inspiring conversation, Wes shares how climbing started as elbow rehab modality, turned into a passion, and even improved his football performance. We dive into the parallels between elite football and high-level climbing, his challenges with a variety of football-related injuries, and his bold goal: to become the heaviest climber ever to send V10.
Along the way, Wes reflects on career highlights—Super Bowl appearances, facing Aaron Donald, blocking for Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers—and his next chapter chasing higher Kilter Board grades and new outdoor climbing adventures.
Podcast Rundown
2:28 – Welcome to Wes...the first American Football player to appear on the T4C podcast
3:45 - His first Autumn without football will be filled with climbing.
7:35 - How he discovered climbing...amidst a life filled with football
9:30 - Similarities between football and climbing
11:30 - Projecting "The Belly", a V5 at Catoctin Mountain Park
13:30 - What it's like (and what it takes) to play Offensive Line in the NFL
17:15 - How Wes dovetailed training for climbing while being starting Lineman in the NFL
20:40 - The physiological "balance" that climber offers a football player
21:30 - Insight into Wes' many football injuries
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24:50 - Looking ahead to Wes' next career as a pro climber!
25:50 - Wes' short-term climbing goals...and Kilter Board focus
28:30 - Discussion of body weight and climbing...and how much weight Wes has lost...and plans to lose in the coming years
33:18 - Wes' long-term climbing goals: Becoming the heaviest person to boulder V10...and climb a big wall
36:10 - Rapid fire Q & A about his experiences as a 9-year NFL player
42:15 - Wes' upcoming trip to the Red River Gorge
43:30 Wrap-up on Wes' inspiring journey from the football field to the climbing walls
44:00 - Final comments...and mention of Eric's book Maximum Climbing: Mental Training for Peak Performance and Optimal Experience.
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45:35 - Hörst Out!
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Thank yous: La Sportiva, Maxim Ropes, DMM Climbing, Friction Labs, Organic Climbing.
Music by Misty Murphy
Follow Eric on Twitter @Train4Climbing
Check out Eric’s YouTube channel.
And on Instagram at: Training4Climbing
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