Tuesday Mar 10, 2026

Ep 345| Gulf Coast Raiders

On this episode of Brown Water Banter, we sit down with Donnie Handler and Josh Heppel from the Gulf Coast Raiders to talk about what they are building on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. What starts as a football conversation turns into something much bigger — a discussion about leadership, discipline, respect, and creating real opportunities for players who need a shot both on and off the field. The episode also dives into how the team evolved from its earlier days into the Raiders brand and what it takes to keep a developmental football program moving forward.

🏈 The story behind the Gulf Coast Raiders and how the team was built
💪 Why this program is about more than wins and losses
🇺🇸 How football helped shape purpose, structure, and giving back
📍 What the Raiders want to represent on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
🔥 The culture, identity, and standards they are trying to set for developmental football
🛡️ Why respect, family, and community are at the center of the Raiders brand

This episode gives you a real look at the people behind the organization, the purpose driving the program, and why the Raiders are trying to build something that lasts. If you care about Gulf Coast football, local community, and stories about building something from the ground up, this is a good one.

Watch the full episode here ⬇️

https://youtube.com/live/gJG8n7QibBs?feature=share

Also big thanks to Southern Magnolia Smiles, Forever Young Men's and Women Health, and Taylor and Cox Law Firm, for the support!