In the debut episode of Keep It Real, a new talk track under the On The Field podcast, Josh Tufino sits down with former NCAA Division I athletes Jordan Acevedo and Mackenzie Roach; two teammates turned close friends whose journeys through college football were anything but typical.
Both men competed at Niagara University, each carving out long and meaningful careers on and off the pitch. From injuries and culture shock to captaincy and career pivots, this episode dives into the parts of college athletics that don’t always make the highlight reel.
For Jordan, a defender from Ontario, Canada, playing 76 games for Niagara wasn’t just a stat, it was a story of resilience. From being named captain at a young age to battling through a serious ACL injury, his experience was defined by leadership under pressure. The injury, sustained weeks before his final season, forced him to navigate recovery far from home and without family support during COVID border restrictions.
“I had to learn quickly how to lead without trying to act like I had it all figured out,” he says. “You earn respect by doing the right things, not by handing out orders.”
Mack, a former MAAC All-Rookie midfielder, had his college career cut short by COVID yet that abrupt ending opened new doors. Trials in North America led him to a professional contract in Australia, where he now plays and coaches in Queensland. “It wasn’t the path I planned, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed.”
The conversation unpacks how different environments shaped both their playing styles and personal growth. They reflect on the transition from the U.S. college system to Australia’s physical, UK-influenced style of play—and how those changes pushed them to adapt mentally and tactically.
They also explore the reality of rebuilding programs, competing for playing time, and resisting the temptation to transfer. “There’s no perfect program,” Mack shares. “But if you stay open-minded and commit to growth, the right opportunity will shape you in ways rankings never will.”
One of the most powerful takeaways? That college sport is about more than sport. From navigating distractions and balancing academics to building lifelong friendships and dealing with the weight of expectation, their stories offer a reminder to student-athletes everywhere: you are more than your stats.
“If I could tell younger athletes one thing, it’s this, don’t take it for granted,” Jordan says. “Every game, every moment, even the hard stuff, it all goes fast.”
Keep It Real is a recurring talk track under On The Field, where current and former athletes get honest about what the journey really looks like; beyond the scholarship offers and stat sheets.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
