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Father's Day Special: Story of football coach DeLand McCullough discovering his real dad | The Pivot

2025-06-15 Sports
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Pivot Family, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUnxiP7q4RDDyeioZFZLnXA?sub_confirmation=1 “What story are you living and what story are you leaving.” DeLand McCullough In this powerful Father’s Day special of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan, Fred, and Channing sit down with Super Bowl-winning coach DeLand McCullough for one of the most incredible and inspiring conversations about family and faith. Known for his work on the field, DeLand opens up about the deeply personal journey off the field that reshaped his life — discovering his biological father as an adult and learning how that revelation changed his understanding of identity, fatherhood, and destiny. It’s the kind of story you’d think was scripted in Hollywood — a man at birth grows up never knowing his biological family, becomes a star athlete and championship coach, and then, in a twist no screenwriter could invent, discovers that the mentor who helped shape his football journey is actually his biological father. It’s a full-circle moment filled with fate, family, and rejuvenation — a real-life ‘long-lost father’ story that doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings, it rewrites them. Through candid reflection and heartfelt honesty, he talks about what it means to be a father — to his own sons, including those following in his football footsteps — and how the lessons he's learned have molded the man he is today. This isn’t just a conversation about football — it’s about the bonds that define us, the stories we carry, and the choices we make that can break generational cycles and that faith is real if you allow it to lead you. We get into all the hows, the whys and whats but for more detailed perspective, check out DeLand's book- Runs In The Family, for a written adaptation of his story, one that seems fiction but as real as it comes.  Tune in and Pivot with purpose on this day, as we celebrate Father’s Day with a story that will move you, inspire you, and remind you of the strength in every day. GET MERCH HERE: https://www.pivotpodcast.com FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://facebook.com/thepivotpodcast SPOTIFY | https://open.spotify.com/show/5KtXTWiC3J5WW1CVTpYG5V APPLE PODCASTS | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pivot-podcast/id1603292451 #ThePivot #Podcast #RyanClark #ChanningCrowder #FredTaylor #NFL

Top Comments (10)

@Cdpd5344 2025-06-15

I'm so happy you finally met and talked to my amazing son...Ms Carol, forever a Pivot fan!

188 9 replies
@luanagarrison6125 2025-06-16

Pivot men, you gentlemen did it again. My dad passed many years ago and I'm a single mom, so Father's Day is so hard for me. I started not to watch this episode but I am so glad I did. Such an amazing story of God's perfect timing. Fred, when you speak I always listen because I know it is going to be something thought provoking. Thank you for always being transparent. I absolutely love you guys. Thank you for the perfect Father's Day episode. Happy Father's Day Ryan, Channing, and Fred ❤❤❤

43
@rwill60029 2025-06-17

DeLand's life was pre-ordained...and spiritually scripted as only God can pen...AWESOME!!

40 2 replies
@simplybeautiful4117 2025-06-16

Nothing like a functional outstanding, God-fearing father. Having a dad that obeys the law, respects himself and family is something to cherish and be proud of. Congratulations

24
@2kostasd 2025-06-16

"This is a story for God's Glory" is right! Wow, just wow. This was incredible on so many levels. Happy Father's Day!!

16
@YudahBoi 2025-08-16

The fact that they played the same position is amazing to me. They played the same sport, were from the same town, went to the same college, played for the same professional team, and had a 20yr relationship before they knew they were father and son. Wonderful.

9
@buckleycook9818 2025-08-01

Love and honor. As a Miami grad, class of ‘96, I had the privilege of watching Deland dominate the MAC. As an adopted kid, who searched for his family, I had the privilege of hearing Deland’s amazing story. As a father, I had the privilege of meeting Deland on the campus of Notre Dame when visiting my son. Grateful for all of it. Thanks Deland and The Pivot for sharing the story.

8
@chariceohwell9664 2025-10-28

Praying for a son you never knew you had

6
@shanique8896 2025-08-04

I came across this story on TikTok. Declan’s is an amazing human being. When he first found his parents he was ready to be receptive of the outcome and his heart allowed him to meet them where they were mentally. I love this for him and his family, prayers to them all

6
@NatashaScruggsEsq 2026-06-23

His adopted mom must have been amazing because he has one of the best mindsets I’ve ever seen

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