NowVIZ / ISAIAH SPILLER by NowVIZ magazine

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In Los Angeles, California, with Isaiah Spiller NFL running back for the LA Chargers. Cover photo by Andrea Mead Cross.

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FIRST S

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CONTENTS

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ISAIAH SPILLER NFL - LA CHARGERS

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LISTEN TO YOUR WORLD

DALTON DOVER COUNTRY SINGER

DUANE LAWRENCE ANTA DESIGN DIRECTOR

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186

CREDITS + COMMENTS

ETHAN KIYOSHI OIL AND LUMBER

HOT 2023 DESIGN COLLAB

STORY

+ QA

WITH NOWVIZ

Photo @weocia

Y 1 DUANE

NowVIZ Q+A

NowVIZ: Would you update our readers with a behind-the-scenes version of what you’ve been up to as Design Director at Anta Sports? Duane: Thanks again for allowing me to share. There’s been so much growth in the last couple of years, not only at ANTA, but living life in China in general. That has included making more lasting connections, learning more Mandarin, and traveling to more places now that the pandemic restrictions have subsided. Specifically at ANTA, I’ve been working tirelessly on more signature basketball shoes, this time for the Warriors’ Klay Thompson. Last year we launched the KT8 and we just put together the KT9 for the upcoming year. Other than that, I’m starting to get familiar with other categories and areas of the company, particularly on the innovation side. NowVIZ: As you said, you designed and recently launched a new basketball shoe for NBA Golden State Warriors guard, Klay Thompson - The KT9. The launch online looked absolutely insane!!! Could you tell us about it? Duane: The KT9 launch event was INCREDIBLE. It followed the theme of the shoe which was based on Klay’s love of boating and his latest persona, “Captain Klay”. So the event was held on a large yacht in Shanghai. We floated on the Huangpu River where you get the most amazing backdrop, the Bund, Shanghai’s famous skyline. Klay came out first and spoke to the media about his excitement for the upcoming NBA season. He reflected on the four years it took to be able to come back to China and shared his admiration for the KT9. Kevon Looney also spoke as he gets his own colorway of the shoe, being that he’s been with Klay for 3 of the 4 championships. Right after that, I got up to present the details for the new shoe to the whole ship. On the top deck were Klay, Kevon, their agents, friends, families, teammates, and a host of Chinese media members, all there to get the first look at the shoe. But I had a surprise to give Klay first. I wrote a song to go along with the shoe, so as soon as I got on stage, I started rapping and his entire crew was caught off guard. I’ve performed quite a bit in the past, including for a previous sneaker release, but to do it in this setting with him as a special guest topped them all! And to have him shoot straight to his feet and applaud at the end was a surreal moment for me. All my passions - sports, design, fashion, music - coming together at once on the highest level. Then I presented all the design details, technology, inspiration, and colorways for the fall season. It ended with some media questioning and mingling with Shanghai in the background. Incredible. It’s one of the best product launches I’ve been a part of. Anta always does a great job of creating a whole experience to support the product vision.

Photo @weocia

Anta KT9 shoe launch with NBA Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson.

Anta KT9

Anta Design Director Duane Lawrence and NBA star Klay Thompson at the KT9 launch.

Photo @weocia

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NowVIZ: You’ve had the opportunity to design for some of the top athletes in the business including iconic players such as Dwyane Wade and Gordon Hayward. Would you discuss the collaboration process between you and the athlete? (And specifically elaborate on the process with Klay Thompson?) Duane: I’ve been so fortunate to sit down with some of the league’s best players in their prime. The most exciting part is they all turn into kids when it’s time to see their own signature shoe. Dwyane Wade was a pleasure to work with because he has a very unique style and knows how to communicate what he wants. Gordon Hayward is great at digesting the technology aspects and details and being able to articulate them back when speaking about his own product. Great spokesman. Klay Thomson mainly communicates what his performance requirements are, namely height, weight, and balance. Aesthetically, he’s a simple guy. So once we deliver on these things, he’s probably going to be satisfied with all the extras. Klay Thompson is also someone who keeps delivering inspiration - even when he’s not aware of it. I’ll read article after article and watch all the postgame interviews looking for some point of inspiration that can be used on the shoe or in marketing. For example, I discovered that he and his father are the only father-son duo to win back-to-back championships. We even have a paper plane colorway because he always folds one with the stat sheet during postgame interviews. Klay has also set so many interesting records that may never be broken that we can always lean on to enrich the design.

Anta KT9 details

NowVIZ: Discuss the highlights and incredible details of the KT9!

Duane: The Anta KT9 was a fun one to design as I got a chance to build on KT8, enhancing what worked and improving what didn’t. The overall theme as I mentioned was centered around “Captain Klay”. In his years dealing with serious injury, Klay picked up boating and really began expressing his love for the water. In a time when his physicality was limited, it brought him a sense of identity away from being a superior athlete. His 37’ boat is his preferred mode of transportation to take him to practice and games, believe it or not! So the KT9 aims to capture all the elements that go with boating, specifically in the SF Bay Area, and becoming a leader on his team. First, looking at the upper, you’ll notice vertical repetitious lines these represent the cables on the bridges that he sees on his way through the Bay, both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge. These bridges connect the communities around the Bay in the way Klay Thompson connects with his team and the fans. Second, the collar is inspired by boat shoe construction. But this is actually a functional element. The cord that flows through the collar and in and out of the eyestay is connected to internal webbings that provide even more cable-like support. The last major element is the outsole. The pattern is taken from the Oakland-inspired tree design seen on the Warriors’ THE TOWN edition jerseys. I used that pattern not only to provide a multi-directional grip but to make sure Klay always feels like he’s rooted in Oakland where the dynasty began. The second layer of detailing is always fun. This is where I create aspects the consumer is left to discover, that only the athlete knows about. These ideas could come from his performances, his beliefs, his family, or even his interviews. (Tongue Top) The triangle on the tongue comes from the Bahamian flag. (Toe) The V-shaped toe down comes from the collar of the jerseys and the shape of the boat. The ‘C’ on the toe is the ‘C for Captain’ on his actual jersey. (Upper-medial) The lightning bolt pattern is an ode to the ‘We Believe’ uniforms, an iconic part of the Warriors’ heritage. (Midsole) On the inside of the cushioning, there are 37 dots. He holds the record for points scored in a single quarter with 37. His boat is also 37’ long. (Outsole- heel) Fourteen triangles mark his NBA record 14 threepointers in a single game. (Outsole- forefoot) An infographic depicts how he got all of his record-setting 60 points in just under 3 quarters. It’s always rewarding to walk the athlete through this level of storytelling. They’re normally blown away by how much impact they have on the shoe.

Sketches by Duane Lawrence of the KT9 design progression.

The KT9 and Klay Thompson put on a show in Shanghai!

Photo @weocia

NowVIZ: During the process of designing the shoe, when did you know you had reached the final design? Duane: I sketched for over a month on this project. I really got to take my time and explore several paths. I knew I was headed down the right path when I landed on this sketch. The bridge inspiration was obvious and I felt the icon was most memorable and easiest to explain verbally and visually. From this sketch, I explored multiple variations and ways the lines could be executed.

Finalized sketch of the KT9 design by Duane Lawrence.

NowVIZ: Incredible materials and futuristic production processes are changing the look and constantly evolving the shoe industry. Besides the financial aspect, what helps you choose a specific material or process for a design? Duane: Great question. Many factors go into material selection. Mainly it’s based on performance goals. For example, the cushioning and control of the KT9 include two types of foam, a carbon plate, and TPU (plastic) structure. Upper materials are generally based on ensuring breathability and lightweight, all while still being supportive enough for 6’7” 220-lb athletes. Storytelling can also play a part here as well. In the black/white “Captain’s Log” colorway, we used laser etching to inscribe all of his Instagram captions in place of the vertical cables, making a journal of his thoughts on the upper. In the navy colorway, we chose a more performance-based route with a custom-woven mesh that allowed for more intricate color pop. This was my way of capturing the look of the LED lights on the Bay Bridge. So when choosing materials, I look to deliver a clear performance advantage. If I can weave in a personal touch that matches that feature, it’s a win for the product.

Star Montana in her LA studio.

Anta Design Director Duane Lawrence at the KT9 shoe launch in China.

Photo @weocia

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NowVIZ: Every top designer seems to have or has had a mentor, friend, or someone in their corner to offer guidance. We wondered if you do and how have they helped. Duane: Sure do. So many that some probably don’t even realize it. For a long time and when I first got to Anta, E Scott Morris was pivotal in shaping my thought process. Now the work he does at Pensole with Dwayne Edwards is inspiring me from afar. Outside of him, I look to my peers, especially the work they do at other companies. Performance footwear is so competitive and we’re all fortunate to be in an industry that’s always trying to outdo each other and deliver more to the consumer. Because of that, designers I’m “competing” against become a great motivation. NowVIZ: What’s your passion when you’re not designing? You are also in the music world will you talk about that? Duane: Outside of footwear design, my next biggest creative outlet is music. I haven’t released any music recently but I have around 20 songs in different stages and a few videos I plan to produce very soon, including one for the KT9! Beyond that, it’s all fitness, travel, and continuing to practice speaking Mandarin.

“The KT9 launch event was INCREDIBLE. It followed the theme of the shoe which was based on Klay’s love of boating and his latest persona, “Captain Klay”. So the event was held on a large yacht in Shanghai. We floated on the Huangpu River where you get the most amazing backdrop, the Bund, Shanghai’s famous skyline.”

“I’ve been so fortunate to sit down with some of the league’s best players in their prime. The most exciting part is they all turn into kids when it’s time to see their own signature shoe.” -Duane Lawrence

Photo @weocia

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Oil and Lumber founder and chief designer Ethan Kiyoshi.

Ethan: My name is Ethan Kiyoshi Summers. I am the founder and principal at Oil and Lumber, a creative design studio focused on apparel and furniture design/build products. I moved to Nashville back in 2008 to go to college and fell in love with the city. The creative energy and community have played a huge part in why I live and work here. NowVIZ: Would you talk about how Oil and Lumber evolved and its beginning? Ethan: I was at a desk working a corporate finance job as I didn’t know how to turn my passions into a business at the time. I was learning a ton in that role but, really, I was striving for more of a purpose. I had always dreamed of running my own business, but one of my best and worst characteristics is I have way too many hobbies. I enjoy learning and picking up new trades constantly, so finding the right one or two to focus on was difficult in the beginning. I came to a point where I had to make that leap of faith and leave that job with the idea to just start, even if I didn’t have a clear picture of what I was starting.

F ETHAN

I began fabricating metal projects, building random furniture items for local restaurants and homes, and modifying and creating garments out of thrift store finds and deadstock fabric. And that was it. NowVIZ: It seems you simultaneously infuse both your clothing and furniture design as one type of design thinking. Can you discuss your approach? Ethan: My approach to merging these two mediums is really organic because these are the two creative activities that I enjoy the most of all creative activities. One really has never existed without the other in my world. I love designing garments I’m not seeing and that I personally want to wear myself. And furniture has been something that I’ve been connected to since childhood. From my high school woodshop classes to my first treehouse, I’ve always had a knack for using timber. I think I tend to look at both of these mediums through a different lens because I don’t have a traditional design background for either of these practices. Most furniture people come from sculpture and fine arts, or have taken over a family business, while apparel is focused on large fashion houses and design schools. But I just tend to use my instincts and make things that I would love to have in my own home or closet.

NowVIZ Q+A

NowVIZ: Could you tell us about yourself and how you ended up in Nashville?

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NowVIZ Q+A Oil and Lumber Dining Table.

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Oil and Lumber Table Wide.

Left Veers Frontman, Andrew James and Nick Lanata on Bass.

Oil and Lumber Coffee Table.

Oil and Lumber has been featured in FORBES Style & Beauty.

NowVIZ: How does your design process begin for a furniture or clothing piece? Is there a difference in the timeline or vision? Ethan: Furniture really starts more hands-on. I am a person who really loves to just mess around with shapes and perspectives first. I rarely draw something before I start making a piece of furniture. Sometimes a new design will come out of a custom project that we’d like to reimagine, or sometimes they just pop into my head. It’s not always a specific design process that works for me. With the clothing line, I generally have a good starting point with our archive of silhouettes. I focus on seasonless items whenever possible to maximize someone being able to wear our stuff year round in multiple climates. So really, if I’m in a creative block on the furniture side I tend to lean towards the garment design and vice versa. There’s a lot more pressure on the furniture side since it does take a good amount of time and cost to create something, whereas clothing is a quicker and easier process to work up a prototype. NowVIZ: Oil and Lumber is more than a clothing and furniture design studio; it focuses on many factors such as sustainability, timeless design, quality, and people. Talk about why this is so important to you. Ethan: I think a lot of brands moving forward will have to start thinking about sustainability as an industry standard. My goal has always been to make items that look and feel amazing without having to use the “sustainability” side of things to convince folks to purchase. There is so much waste in the world! So if I was going to create a new item, I would want to make sure it would be a piece that would be with you for years, instead of throwing out multiple tables or jackets because of the poor quality many brands currently offer.

Frontman Ryan Guldemond

PHOTO CREDIT RICH SMITH

Oil and Lumber 2023 FALL WINTER COLLECTION.

NowVIZ: As a designer what is it that makes you so passionate about the work you create? And where do you draw inspiration for your design? Ethan: I’m super passionate about working with my hands and making people confident in our garments and furniture. When we make something for someone’s home or closet and they are stoked, it makes me so happy. Seeing folks who appreciate good design really makes it all worthwhile. I draw designs from a lot of famous woodworkers and designers. Nakashima, Sam Maloof, and even some more modern artists inspire me with their approach, shape, and the form of their pieces. NowVIZ: Is there a mentor or individual who has been important to the success of your career? Ethan: I’ve had so many people over the years who have helped me. Some on the business side, and some who are family and friends. The greatest individual who has helped my business is probably my wife Kelcee. She’s been here since the beginning and has helped me through so many hard times. Having someone be able to tell you the truth in the hard moments and boost your confidence is key for me. NowVIZ: When you’re not in the studio what are you passionate about? Ethan: I love being outside, and working on anything with a motor. I am currently wrenching on a couple of old motorcycles that hopefully will be ready by spring ’24. I also love kicking around the soccer ball, hooping and, really, any sport is a way for me to get my competitive side out!

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Left Veers Mark Fallavollita Keys/Guitar, and Spencer Schuck on Guitar.

Oil and Lumber 2023 FALL WINTER COLLECTION.

NowVIZ: What motivates you to get out of bed every morning?! Ethan: I wake up with a purpose every morning to be a great dad and husband first. I also was told a great piece of advice back when I started. Someone said, “Pick a profession that makes you run to work with excitement.” For me, I still can’t believe sometimes that I get to earn a living doing what I do.

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tory DALTON

One of the most influential people in Dalton’s life is his grandfather, Vance Styles. “He’s my papa, he’s the one that told me, we got a Vince Gill, we got a Keith Whitley, and we need a Dalton Dover.” And his grandfather, being a musician himself, knew what an incredible talent Dalton could become. As a kid, he loved singing in church and performing in front of people. Vance knew Dalton had the passion and voice to separate himself from the rest. And he was right. Named a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, Spotify Hot Country 2022 Artist to Watch, and earning a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod for MusicRow’s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year, the accolades haven’t stopped for the 25 year old Dover. He’s opened for Luke Combs, toured recently with Parker McCollum, and debuted at Grand Ole Opry - all significant milestones for any musician. Dalton talked about that Grand Ole Opry debut moment in an interview with Sid Evans. “Words just really don’t do it justice. It was almost like, “How can a stage feel like this?” I played a lot of stages and I’ve never stepped on a stage or walked into a building that has that ... I don’t know, man. It’s almost just magical. To a country artist like me, man, this is my dream, you know? So, I’m walking out there and I step in the circle for the first time and I look out at the ocean of people and I see my mom and grandpa sitting right there and I felt like Keith Whitley and Brandon were just standing right up there with me, if that tells you anything.” And this past September, Dover dropped an eight-song collection Never Giving Up On That via Mercury Records/UMG Nashville. The collection features songs including “Dirt Road and Jesus” and an alluring cover of “If I Aint Got You,” among fan-favorite hits such as “Baby I Am,” “You Got A Small Town” and “Night To Go”. Also included is “Giving Up On That,” which debuted as the most-added song at Country radio and continues to climb the charts. Dalton mentioned to CountrySwag.com as this first ever EP released, “This feels like a new era for Dalton Dover and I’m so excited for what it’s going to bring.” And he credits country superstars Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton with influencing and inspiring him to make great music. He’s put in the work, has great people in his corner, and he’s excited with each and every opportunity that comes his way. “My papa is my best friend - I’m probably going to call him the minute I’m done here!” he said after the NowVIZ photo shoot in Nashville.

Dalton Dover has arrived.

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MUSETTI in action, Barcelona, Spain.

DALTON DOVER

Photo : Claude Sawyer

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Musetti and long-time coach Simone Tartarini in Paris.

Dalton: I started singing in church with my grandpa where I found a real love and passion for singing in front of people. I also started doing talent shows in school and I gotta say, I just fell in love with performing and singing! I think I started playing guitar when I was probably 15 years old. After that it was a wrap—I just fell in love with it. So I think that’s how it all started. NowVIZ: You opened for Luke Combs in 2022 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium show in Atlanta, performed at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Priscilla Block’s Welcome To The Block Party, and debuted at the Grand Ole Opry! Incredible! Will you talk about those experiences? Dalton: It’s really impacted me a lot just because I tell people all the time, this is what we dreamed about, you know. To be on the road with some of my favorite artists! And I’ve learned so much from them—it’s pretty incredible. NowVIZ: Your recent first two singles “Giving Up On That” and “I Wouldn’t Be Here” via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records are a hit! Will you give us some background on how the songs evolved? Dalton: I wrote, “Giving Up On That” with two of my close friends at my first or second writer’s retreat. So, when I got here, I had this title and I wanted to write it. I didn’t know what it meant. Well, I knew what it meant, but I didn’t know how it was gonna fall out. And I got into it with my buddies and we wrote the song and, I don’t know, we just knew that day it was special. For sure, it’s one of my best songs. Probably one of my favorite songs - I wrote “I Wouldn’t Be Here” for my momma. She’s my rock. My biggest fan and inspiration.

NowVIZ Q+A

NowVIZ: You’ve been named a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class, a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, and lauded by MusicRow as a “master country talent!” Tell us, how did your journey begin?

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On location in Nashville with Dalton Dover.

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NowVIZ: Country music has really broadened as a genre with so many styles from old school, progressive, to crossover pop. Will you describe your individual country vibe? Dalton: When somebody asks me that I usually just say it’s Southern Fried because it’s just kind of a mixture of everything that I knew growing up. Yeah, that’s pretty much how I would describe it!

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NowVIZ: What’s your writing process? Dalton: if I get inspiration that just hits me and I have a title or a melody or something, I usually put it down on my voicemail. And I work off of that and I bring it up to the friends that I’m writing with that day, and then we just go from there; we just see what happens.

On theon road Arrow McLaren NTT IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward set!with Parker McCollum.

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NowVIZ: Who would you say has had the biggest influence on your music? Dalton: It’s a big toss-up between Keith Whitley and my grandpa. My grandpa introduced me to artists like Tom Waits, Woody Merle Haggard, and Vince Gill, and so it’s always been those artists for me. I just grew up listening to all of them. And my grandpa sang and played and I grew up singing beside him. He’s my papa. He’s the one who told me, “We got a Vince Gill, we got a Keith Whitley, and now we need a Dalton Dover.” He’s the one that really inspired me to do this.

112Dalton Dover working with photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

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Debuting at Grand Ole Opry December 2022.

NowVIZ: What motivates and inspires you on a daily basis? Dalton: Probably my son and daughter. Just because I want them to see me succeed so they know that if I can do it - they can do it. Also my family - my mom, my brother, my sister, my grandparents, you know, my family. What else do you need? NowVIZ: Can you talk about anything in the works?! Dalton: We have a lot of new music coming - a lot of shows! Just coming left and right!

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On location with top NFL cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.

The odds of being drafted into the NFL are extremely slim. According to

the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), only 1.9% of NCAA college football players will end up playing pro. You need talent, grit, and good people in your corner. Isaiah Spiller, the 22-year-old running back for the LA Chargers, has all three. At eight years old, Texas-born Spiller knew he wanted a future in football. His dad, Fred Spiller, had played tight end at Texas A&M before he was forced to stop due to severe back problems. When Spiller Snr. realized that his young son shared the same passion as he did for football, he decided he would do everything in his power to help Isaiah achieve the sporting career that had slipped from his own grasp. Luckily, Spiller had shown promise from the get-go. As an eight-year-old playing little league in Tomball, Texas, his first carry went for an 80-yard touchdown! At this time, Fred Spiller engaged the “footwork king”, Rischad Whitfield, to help his son master foot speed and agility. To this day, the young running back continues to put in his hours with the Houstonbased trainer whose other clients have included Richard Sherman, Le’Veon Bell, and Odell Beckham. He knows that without Whitfield’s support, just like the support he can depend on from his dad, he wouldn’t be where he is today. Spiller’s determination to follow his football dream never waned. He was a first-team all-state pick at Klein Collins High School before he committed to play at Texas A&M in 2018. Though other college offers had come in, Spiller knew he’d always take the route his father laid out before him if the chance arose. Speaking to the press at the time he said of his signing with the Aggies, “It felt like home. My dad went there, everything about it was perfect for me. It just felt right. I can’t wait to go there and show what I’ve got.” And boy, did he show them! Spiller led the Aggies in rushing over 1,000 yards in each season and made 74 receptions during his three years on campus. He finished his 2021 season with a total of 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns. But more was to come. In 2022, the 6-1 foot and 217 pound running back was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round. At 20 years old, he was welcomed into the league as the youngest player selected from that draft. It was an incredible achievement, but one that Spiller had been working towards all his young life. His talent had shone. His hard work had paid off. And now, the dream his father had passed onto him had been realized – for both of them.

Isaiah Spiller on location in Los Angeles with photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

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“Hard work pays off.”

--ISAIAH SPILLER

NowVIZ Q+A

NowVIZ: Could you give us background about how you got your start and what keeps you motivated day in and day out on the field? Isaiah: I started playing football at the age of 8 years with a little league in Tomball, TX. My Dad always took me to games, showed my how to watch film and from there I began to love the game. There are a couple of things that motivate me. One is the goal that I have set for myself as a player, to give someone hope that this is possible if they continue to work hard everyday and my family. NowVIZ: This is looking to be an exciting LA Chargers 2023 season! Will you discuss your thoughts as you head into your second season with the Chargers? Isaiah: I believe this is going to be our year. We have all the right tools in position to be a great football team. I am looking forward to embracing whatever the team needs me to do for us to be successful. NowVIZ: You’ve had the opportunity to train with Rischad Whitfield, known as “The Footwork King,” in Houston. Whitfield has trained NFL players, including Richard Sherman, Le’Veon Bell, DeAndre Hopkins, Melvin Gordon, Xavien Howard, and Odell Beckham. What was your experience like? Isaiah: Rischad is my guy! I’ve been working with him since I was 9 years old and he’s been consistent in helping me with my footwork and other skills. He’s played a huge role in my development as a running back. NowVIZ: In 2022 at 20 years old, you entered the league - as the youngest player selected from the draft - -. What are some of the challenges you have faced transitioning to the NFL? Isaiah: Some of the main challenges included learning how to be a pro, practicing how to take care of my body, and paying attention to those things off the field to help on the field such as my diet, workout regimen, and proper rest. I also had to adapt to the speed of the NFL games.

Isaiah Spiller working with photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

NowVIZ: Intense strength and speed are necessary to play at the top level. Would you tell us what type of training regimen you maintain? Isaiah: In the off-season I really focus on my speed. I work with my guy Will Collins in Houston, TX, of Fast University. He’s a track/speed guy. He taught me the proper way to run, you know, the techniques of running, and we also focused on my diet. I worked with Will right out the gate when the last season was over, and I completely changed my eating habits. NowVIZ: How do you stay in control of your game mentally when you get on the field? Isaiah: I stay focused on all the details of the game, knowing my role and my responsibility of play. I have to be that guy my QB can depend on to execute each play. NowVIZ: How do you fuel your body nutritionally throughout the season? Is there a specific diet or regime you follow? Isaiah: I do watch what I eat. I love seafood - that’s my go-to food for most days. Plus, I’ve cut back on everything that has sugar in it as well as any fried food. I typically workout with the team but also do cardio and weights on my own outside team workouts.

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NowVIZ: Your father Fred Spiller was an incredible tight end with the Texas A&M Aggies and has also played an intricate part in helping you navigate your football career. Can you talk specifically about how he has been able to help you? Isaiah: My father is my rock. He helps me think through the game, simplify it, and understand it. He’s always taught me to control what I can control, which is myself, and to be ready when my name is called. After every game, he calls. We break down each play I ran and we talk about what I could do to be better, and how I could handle the situation the next time. He’s always teaching me life lessons with biblical principles and that has kept me grounded on and off the field.

Isaiah Spiller and photographer Andrea Mead Cross on set.

“There are a couple of things that motivate me. One is the goal that I have set for myself as a player, to give someone hope that this is possible if they continue to work hard everyday, and my family.”

NowVIZ: What philosophy do you live by?

Isaiah: “Hard work pays off.” My Dad always told m what you do when no one is watching prepares y when everyone is watching!

NowVIZ: What are your passions off the field? Isaiah: I am a gamer, and I love spending time with Typically, I’m a laidback type of guy. Now, I’m also le about different business opportunities that I would invest in.

me that you for

h family. earning d like to

DALTON DOVER, COUNTRY SINGER

It ranges from George Strait to little baby. Sometimes, like if I’m driving, I don’t always listen to music, I’ll just ride in silence and just think.

ISAIAH SPILLER, NFL LA CHARGERS Gunna, Lucki, Maverick City

MUSIC

ETHAN KIYOSHI, OIL+LUMBER

At work, I’m primarily listening to podcasts, music, and some audiobooks. For reference, I listen to a lot of podcasts on expert-level folks in a lot of different fields including design. Music-wise, I have bands like Khruangbin and Tame Impala type bands on repeat for those focus vibe kind of days.

DUANE LAWRENCE, ANTA DESIGN DIRECTOR

Right now it’s “King’s Disease 3” from NaS, SZA’s “SOS” and I just bought some Japanese Jazz records in Osaka that I can’t wait to design to.

Downtown Nashville.

behind the scenes behind the scenes

Dalton Dover working with photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

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behind the scenes

Dalton Dover on set in Nashville.

behind the scenes

Isaiah Spiller on set in LA.

179

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Love the moment.

Dalton Dover in concert!

2023

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2022 is a wrap! Traveling through Charles de Gualle airport Paris, France.

OUTRO