Big Al & CJ Podcast

CJ and Chad Brown open Super Bowl week reflecting on why football holds such a powerful place in American culture and why the Super Bowl magnifies both the best and worst parts of fandom. From there, the focus shifts to Super Bowl 60, where the Seahawks enter as favorites but the Patriots loom as a dangerous opponent built for close, situational football. Chad explains why execution, coaching, and late-game composure may matter more than raw talent, while CJ argues the Patriots’ self-awareness and discipline make them especially dangerous if the game stays tight.The discussion expands into quarterback pressure, including the spotlight on Sam Darnold and Drake Maye, and how a handful of critical plays will likely decide the outcome. Chad shares insight from his time playing in a Super Bowl with the Steelers, describing the emotional weight, preparation, and distractions that come with the biggest stage in football.Beyond the game, CJ and Chad tackle major league-wide issues, including the Hall of Fame process, the flawed structure that delayed Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft’s induction, and the ongoing lack of Black head coaches in the NFL. They speak candidly about systemic barriers, performative hiring practices, and why real progress requires more than rules on paper.The episode closes with thoughts on Super Bowl culture, the Bad Bunny halftime show, public backlash, and why the event continues to reflect broader social conversations. A thoughtful, layered episode that blends football analysis with perspective earned through decades in the game.00:00 – Super Bowl week reflections and why football holds such cultural power03:00 – Football as America’s shared obsession and cultural mirror07:00 – Fan behavior, tribalism, and the emotional extremes of the sport13:25 – Transition to Super Bowl 60 matchup: Patriots vs. Seahawks15:40 – Why this game is closer than the narrative suggests17:45 – Talent vs. execution: how the Patriots stay competitive20:55 – Quarterback pressure and what Sam Darnold must prove23:25 – Patriots’ identity, discipline, and situational football edge26:00 – Seahawks atmosphere, crowd impact, and in-stadium experience30:50 – Super Bowl location, stadium aesthetics, and media spectacle31:20 – Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft Hall of Fame discussion36:15 – NFL coaching cycle and lack of Black head coaches39:00 – Play-calling, offensive opportunities, and systemic barriers44:05 – Football’s responsibility in reflecting society48:20 – Super Bowl halftime show, Bad Bunny, and cultural backlash52:00 – Pro Bowl changes and modern fan expectations55:15 – Chad Brown’s Super Bowl experience with the Steelers57:30 – What truly decides championship games01:02:45 – Final Super Bowl thoughts and closing reflections

The Broncos were one play away from changing everything, and the episode opens with a deep breakdown of the fourth-and-one decision that defined the AFC Championship loss. CJ questions both the call and the play design, while Chad Brown evaluates the moment from a defensive and situational football standpoint. Brandon Krisztal adds perspective from around the team, explaining how Sean Payton’s aggressive instincts have shaped games throughout his career.The discussion widens to a coaching contrast between offensive aggression and situational discipline, using Mike Vrabel and the Patriots’ approach as a counterpoint. The group examines how weather, personnel limitations, and game flow should have influenced Denver’s strategy, especially with a backup quarterback and a defense that was controlling the pace of the game. Chad draws on his Patriots experience to explain how preparation and adaptability often decide playoff outcomes.The episode closes with a forward-looking conversation about the Broncos’ future. Is this roster built to sustain championship contention, or did Denver benefit from a rare convergence of circumstances across the AFC? The panel weighs coaching turnover risks, injury luck, divisional improvements, and whether defense provides a reliable championship blueprint heading into next season.

The Denver Broncos are one win from the Super Bowl after beating the Bills, but the mood shifts fast when news breaks that Bo Nix has a season-ending ankle injury and will miss the AFC Championship Game. Big Al, CJ, Brandon Krisztal, and Chad Brown dig into what that changes — and what it doesn’t — for a Broncos team built on defense, resilience, and situational football. They unpack who Jarrett Stidham is inside the building, how Sean Payton might tailor the plan to avoid putting the whole game on an “unknown,” and what the rest of the roster has to do to elevate with the starter sidelined.From there, the focus shifts to Denver’s defensive identity and what it means against New England and Drake Maye, plus how Josh McDaniels game-plans and where explosive plays can come from even when a QB is getting hit. The conversation then turns to the league-wide coaching carousel — including Buffalo moving on from Sean McDermott — and how thin the margin is between “good enough” and “time to start over.”The episode closes with Chad reflecting on Indiana completing a perfect season and winning the national championship, pointing out the parallels to Colorado’s first title — including the way both games ended on a sealing interception and the on-field pile-on aftermath. CJ and the guys wrap by previewing upcoming coverage and teasing the next episode featuring Phillip Lindsay.

CJ, Chad Brown, and Brandon Krisztal open with an in-depth breakdown of the Broncos–Bills Divisional Round matchup, focusing on why this game represents a defining moment for Josh Allen and how Denver’s defense must balance pressure versus containment. Chad explains why wins and losses ultimately shape quarterback legacies, while CJ challenges how narratives are formed when quarterbacks lose games they aren’t favored to win. Brandon details Buffalo’s depleted receiving corps and why Denver may be able to trust its secondary while aggressively attacking Allen.The conversation then widens to the rest of the playoff field, examining how this postseason could permanently reshape the perception of several quarterbacks. Caleb Williams’ rise, Bo Nix’s ceiling, Brock Purdy’s limitations and upside, CJ Stroud’s inconsistencies, and Sam Darnold’s chance to finally rewrite his career narrative are all dissected through the lens of pressure, legacy, and opportunity.The episode closes with a College Football Playoff National Championship preview, as the group debates Indiana’s efficiency versus Miami’s physical dominance and why this matchup could be far more competitive than the point spread suggests.

CJ and Chad Brown open with a wide-ranging look at the NFL postseason, highlighting Denver’s unexpected rise to the top of the AFC and breaking down which Wild Card teams present the best and worst paths forward for the Broncos. They examine matchups involving Buffalo, Jacksonville, Houston, the Chargers, and Pittsburgh while also touching on NFC contenders like Philadelphia, Seattle, and the Rams. The conversation shifts to individual awards, where Chad makes the case for Matthew Stafford while CJ argues that Myles Garrett’s dominance should put him at the center of the MVP discussion despite the quarterback bias. The second half of the show explores the league’s coaching carousel and how potential staff changes could affect Denver, before turning to college football with a detailed look at Colorado’s new athletic director, NIL economics, donor influence, and what it will take for the Buffs under Coach Prime to compete in the evolving landscape of the College Football Playoff.

The Broncos take care of business again and improve to 11–2 after beating the Raiders, keeping pace in the race for the AFC’s top seed. Big Al and CJ dive into Denver’s strengths, including elite red-zone efficiency, a defense that continues to travel, and Bo Nix delivering another poised, turnover-free performance. They debate whether the Broncos have enough offensive versatility to win against the NFL’s true heavyweights and how Sean Payton’s play-calling has evolved as the season’s gone on. The conversation expands to the conference landscape, including New England’s surprising run, Buffalo and Baltimore “leaking oil,” and how the final four weeks could determine everything from playoff positioning to coaching futures across the league. In Boulder, CU installs a new offensive coordinator — a move designed to accelerate Shedeur Sanders’ development and reshape the Buffs’ offensive identity heading into next season. With trademark humor, tension, and storytelling, Big Al and CJ deliver a lively, revealing look at football from both the NFL and college angles. 

In this episode, Big Al and CJ react to the Broncos reaching 10–2 and what that record truly says about the team’s Super Bowl chances. Al explains the mentality needed to win in January and why this roster might still be a piece short, while CJ argues this is the most unpredictable NFL season in years, with no clear favorite. They compare the AFC squads nobody wants to face — including Buffalo, Baltimore, and Kansas City — and evaluate whether Denver, New England, or Chicago are actually better positioned for a postseason run. The conversation moves to the NFC where the Cowboys, Rams, Lions, and Eagles dominate the debate. From there, they revisit the Bo Nix vs. J.J. McCarthy draft storyline, Sean Payton’s evaluation style, and what makes a quarterback the right fit for his system. The show closes with a fiery back-and-forth over Colorado’s 3–9 finish, whether the season was disappointing or dysfunctional, the impact of coaching breakdowns, and what the next year looks like for Deion Sanders and the Buffs.

On this week’s Big Al & CJ Podcast, the guys open with Thanksgiving week — not stories, but their must-haves, favorite dishes, and the family traditions they carry forward. They pivot into another heartbreaking CU loss, discussing turnovers, the lack of offensive identity, and why Coach Prime must overhaul his staff heading into next season. From there, they revisit Vance Joseph’s appearance on their podcast and explain why his relatability and defensive teaching are unlocking another level from players like Nik Bonitto. The conversation shifts to the Broncos returning from their bye at 9–2, their path to the No. 1 seed, and the challenge Washington presents despite losing Jayden Daniels for the year. The guys then go deep on Myles Garrett, debating whether he’s delivering the most dominant defensive season in NFL history. Finally, they break down Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL start, why he fell to the fifth round, the perception around him leading up to the draft, and their thoughts on Coach Prime traveling to Cleveland to watch the game. It’s football, family, and a whole lot of debate — just the way Big Al & CJ like it.

Big Al and CJ head back to their CU roots as they host a live pregame show from the Boulder Marriott ahead of Colorado vs. Arizona State. They’re joined by Broncos defensive coordinator and former Buffs quarterback Vance Joseph, who dives into everything from the evolution of his coaching philosophy to the resilience of his Denver defense. The three swap stories about their CU playing days, including running behind Ralphie, special teams battles, national titles, and the unforgettable personalities that shaped the program. They also discuss Coach Bill McCartney’s recent statue unveiling and reflect on his influence as both a coach and mentor. The conversation shifts into current college football — NIL, the transfer portal, redshirting, and how programs evaluate quarterbacks in today’s environment. Vance explains why Bo Nix has Denver positioned as a contender, how situational football separates the best defenses, and why coaching matters more than ever in the modern NFL. It’s a wide-ranging, funny, insightful, and emotional episode that captures the full history and energy of Colorado football.

The Broncos’ wild 22–19 walk-off win over the Chiefs launches the top of the show, as Big Al and CJ debate whether Denver is officially a championship-caliber team. They examine why the Broncos’ fourth-quarter toughness has become their identity, how Vance Joseph has completely reshaped the defense despite major injuries, and why Sean Payton is finally coaching complementary football that matches the roster’s strengths.The conversation shifts to college football as CU Athletic Director Rick George announces he’s stepping down. Al and CJ reflect on their long personal connection with Rick dating back to the ’80s, his impact on Colorado athletics, the move back to the Big 12, and how his departure affects Coach Prime’s future in Boulder. They also discuss what CU needs in its next AD and why stability is crucial as college football inches toward a new era of super-conferences.

Big Al and CJ kick things off with the weather and a huge Broncos-Chiefs matchup at Mile High. They debate which team needs the win more and whether Denver’s defense gives them a real shot against Patrick Mahomes. The conversation turns to Bo Nix and Sean Payton’s offense — is it too complicated, or just underperforming? Then they tackle the Colorado Buffaloes’ loss at West Virginia and the rise of freshman QB Juju Lewis, with Al arguing to protect his redshirt while CJ insists it’s time to hand him the keys. They also discuss Travis Hunter’s injury, Amarion Miller’s breakout, and how CU’s future is shaping up under Coach Prime. The show closes with a heartfelt tribute to Michael Ray Richardson and a salute to all veterans.

Big Al and CJ dive into a tale of two programs — one surviving on defense, the other trying to find its future on offense. The Broncos’ 8–2 record may look good on paper, but their double-pass fiasco, missed field goals, and lack of offensive rhythm have fans uneasy. CJ argues it’s time for Sean Payton to embrace the run game and stop overcomplicating things, while Al questions if the Bo Nix experiment is already plateauing.Then it’s on to the Buffs, where all eyes are on five-star freshman Julian Lewis as he takes over at quarterback. The guys break down what to expect against West Virginia, the risks of starting him on the road, and why this game could define not just the season — but the next era under Coach Prime.

Big Al & CJ open with some light-hearted banter about Colorado’s sunshine and Daylight Saving Time before jumping into the Broncos’ latest statement win — a road victory over the Texans that pushes Denver to 7–2. They question how much better this offense can get, while praising a defense that’s playing “as good as any Broncos front ever.” The conversation shifts to Bo Nix’s consistency, a fiery “redraft” of the 2023 QB class, and what separates the Broncos from the true title contenders. In the back half, they turn to college football and examine the Buffs’ freefall, debating whether JuJu Lewis can revive the program and what Deion Sanders must change heading into next year. They close by previewing the upcoming Raiders game, warning Denver not to fall into a trap before a massive Thursday night showdown with the Chiefs.

In this episode of The Big Al & CJ Podcast, the guys break down a tale of two weekends in Colorado football. They start with Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes getting embarrassed in Salt Lake City — their most lopsided loss under Coach Prime — and why the team seemed completely unprepared after the bye. Then the conversation turns to the Broncos, who dismantled Dallas with balance, execution, and swagger. Al shares how ownership, coaching, and player development have made Denver one of the NFL’s most complete teams, while CJ pushes back on whether that’s sustainable without Pat Surtain. They also dive into Riley Moss’ performance stepping in at cornerback and a spirited debate over race and opportunity in the NFL that only Big Al & CJ could have.

Big Al and CJ are back — lotion jokes and all — breaking down a big weekend for Colorado football.The Buffs head to Salt Lake City to face Utah after a bye week, and the guys debate whether Caden Solder can take the next step against a physical Utes team. They talk injuries on both sides, what Pat Shurmur’s offense needs to do to stay balanced, and why turnovers are the key to pulling off a road win.Al also reacts to Coach Prime’s bold “portal scrimmage,” calling it a trendsetting move that shows real compassion for players entering the transfer portal. That sparks a deeper conversation about loyalty, leadership, and what makes Prime’s staff different from the rest of college football.Then it’s back to the NFL — the No. 1 offense meets the No. 1 defense as the Cowboys come to Denver. Can Vance Joseph’s defense get pressure on Dak Prescott? Will Sean Payton finally commit to the run game with Javonte Williams? And yes, Al really does compare J.K. Dobbins to Eric Dickerson.

Alfred Williams and Charles Johnson relive one of the wildest Broncos comebacks ever — the 33-point fourth quarter eruption against the Giants. Al admits he was already “bottoms up” when the magic started, while CJ wonders if this was just luck or the return of true Mile High Magic with Bo Nix leading the way. The guys debate whether this win means Denver can actually challenge the Chiefs, and discuss what Max Crosby to Dallas could mean for the NFC. Then they take a nostalgic turn, revisiting Colorado’s infamous Fifth Down Game against Missouri — from slick fields to stolen goalposts — before pivoting to this week’s Buffs matchup at Utah. Things get heated when the conversation turns to Penn State firing James Franklin, the fallout from the Sandusky scandal, and the changing values of college football. Al opens up about recruiting visits, etiquette lessons at CU, and the “$900 gas money” story that still cracks him up.

It’s a wild one from start to finish on this week’s Big Al & CJ Podcast. Former CU Buffs legend and NFL trailblazer Kordell “Slash” Stewart joins the show for an unfiltered, emotional, and funny conversation about his career, the evolution of the modern quarterback, and what it means to truly be ahead of your time. CJ opens the show solo as Al battles a hilarious off-field mishap — involving a moving truck, a rogue mattress, and a near-disaster on the road — before joining the episode and immediately running into tech problems of his own. Once connected, the guys dive into Stewart’s legacy at Colorado, his role in shaping the dual-threat era, his AFC Player of the Year season, and his candid reflections on being misunderstood in Pittsburgh. Kordell also talks about coaching, life in Atlanta, and his hopes for the next generation of quarterbacks who finally play the way he did decades ago.

Big Al and CJ dive into a massive weekend for Colorado football — starting with the Buffs’ upset win over No. 22 Iowa State. Kaidon Salter was exactly what the team needed him to be, leading the offense with confidence while the Buffs’ defense clamped down in the second half to seal the statement victory. The guys debate how much this win reshapes the Buffs’ season and what it says about Salter’s emergence as the real deal in Boulder. Then it’s across the pond to London, where the Broncos’ defense dominated the Jets in one of the most complete defensive efforts of the Sean Payton era. From Nik Bonitto’s relentless pursuit to Pat Surtain II’s lockdown coverage, Al and CJ break down what makes this unit special — and whether it’s time to start mentioning Denver’s defense among the league’s elite.

Big Al and CJ are back to preview CU's Ranked matchup against Iowa State

Big Al and CJ go deep on a loaded week in football — starting with the Buffaloes’ tough loss at TCU and what it reveals about Kaidon Salter's abilities and Deion’s navigating through QB room. They break down the Broncos’ thrilling win in Philadelphia, analyze what kind of win it is for the team, and debate whether Bo Nix’s poise in the second half is the real turning point. The guys also react to Joe Flacco’s trade from the Browns and what that could mean for Shedeur’s NFL future. Plus, they set the record straight on Eli Manning’s false report about Travis Hunter on Monday Night Football and discuss Deion Sanders’ latest health update. #Broncos #CUBuffs #DeionSanders #BoNix #KaidonSalter #TravisHunter #EliManning #JoeFlacco #NFL #CollegeFootball #FootballPodcast #BigAlAndCJ