Joe Theismann grew up in South River, NJ where he was often found outside playing basketball, baseball or football. After he convinced his mom to allow him to play organized football, he teamed up with future Hall of Famer Drew Pearson at South River High School and became a star. Highly recruited, Theismann initially committed to NC State before eventually signing with Notre Dame and head coach Ara Parseghian. An injury led to him becoming the starting QB his sophomore year and he became an All-American his senior season in 1970. Before that year, his last name was pronounced "Theesmann". But Notre Dame PR man Roger Valdiserri convinced him to change the pronunciation of his name to rhyme with the Heisman Trophy. While he finished second that year for the award behind Jim Plunkett and ahead of Archie Manning, the name stuck. In 1971, he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the NFL and the Minnesota Twins in MLB. After failed negotiations with the Dolphins, Theismann signed with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL. Following three seasons in Toronto, the Washington Redskins obtained Theismann's rights. Waiting his turn at quarterback, Theismann returned punts to stay fresh. He eventually became QB1 with Washington where he led them to the Super Bowl XVII championship over the Dolphins. His playing career came to an end in 1985 after a gruesome injury on Monday Night Football. Broadcasting, speaking and even acting all followed along with charitable work with St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. In this episode, Joe recounts the many twists and turns of his career. He tells us why Don Shula wasn't his biggest fan, why his injury was a blessing and why St. Jude's has a special place in his heart. He also shares stories from the Super Bowl season and his teammates "The Hogs" and "The Smurfs" - a group he calls "characters with character". Plus, he remembers what it was like hosting the first season of "American Gladiators" and shares why he wore the single bar facemask. (For more on Joe Theismann and you can help his efforts with St. Jude's visit https://www.joetheismann.com/autographs).For more on the "American Gladiators", watch Episode 90 featuring Dan "Nitro" Clark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlSmGTln55g&t=34s
Tony Silvagni was born in Pennsylvania, but moved to Kure Beach, NC when he was 5. That move led to a love of the water and surfing. Silvagni gravitated to longboard surfing, idolizing surfing legend Kelly Slater. His professional career has taken Silvagni around the world where he has won numerous championships and placed 5th in the world in 2023. Back home in North Carolina, Silvagni owns and operates a surf school and puts his marketing degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) to good use. Silvagni also organized numerous charities to support his community and was recently inducted into the Wrightsville Beach Hall of Fame. In this episode, Silvagni shares his journey and tells us where the best waves are. He also recounts how he once taught surf lessons to President Barack Obama's Secret Service agents while living in Hawaii. Plus, he explains what it means to be regular or goofy footed, what hang ten means and what animal he had a close encounter with one day in the water.
Bob Kendrick grew up in the small town of Crawfordville, Georgia. In 1980, he accepted a basketball scholarship to play at Park College in Parkville, Missouri making his way to the Midwest for the first time. Following a 10-year newspaper career, Kendrick began his tenure with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO in 1998 and was named President in 2011. Since then, Kendrick has had many roles and responsibilities including historian and fundraiser. In this episode, Kendrick tells us about the founding of the Museum in 1990 with the help of former Negro Leagues player Buck O’Neil and shares what made O’Neil a special person. He also recounts the names and stories from the Negro Leagues including Oscar Charleston, Willie Mays, Cool Papa Bell, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and others. Kendrick gives his thoughts on the treatment endured by black players of the past and the lack of black players playing baseball today. Plus, he tells us about the growing respect for the Negro Leagues with stats added to MLB records and the focus of the leagues in the recent MLB game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Kendrick also tells us how the inclusion of Negro League players in a video game has done more to promote the Negro Leagues than anything else.
Dick LeBeau on 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers, Hall of Fame Playing Career and 45-Year NFL Coaching Career Dick Lebeau was born in London, Ohio just 25 miles from Columbus. He stayed close to home and played for legendary coach Woody Hayes at Ohio State and was a two-way player on the 1957 Buckeyes National Championship team. The Cleveland Browns drafted LeBeau in 1959 but cut him in training camp. He would sign with the Detroit Lions and spend 14 years in the Motor City where he was a three-time Pro Bowler and would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Following his playing career, LeBeau began what would be a 45-year coaching career starting as special teams coach with the Philadelphia Eagles. That led to an assistant coaching position under Bart Starr at Green Bay and notable stints with the Cincinnati Bengals (19 total seasons) and Pittsburgh Steelers (16 seasons). In his new book published by Triumph Books, "Legendary", co-written with Scott Brown and George Von Benko, LeBeau recounts the 2008 Steelers Super Bowl team. LeBeau tells us what made his defense so special on that 2008 team. He also takes us through his football journey, including lessons learned from Hayes and why he had mixed emotions working for Bart Starr. Now 86 years old, LeBeau still follows the NFL and tells us what his Sundays are like away from the game.
Josh Rawitch is a Los Angeles native who grew up playing baseball and idolizing the Los Angeles Dodgers. He attended Indiana University thinking he would be the next Vin Scully and instead became Scully's "boss" during his 15 years working for the Dodgers rising to Vice President of Communications. Rawitch also spent a decade working for the Arizona Diamondbacks ss Senior Vice President of Content and Communications before he was named President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in September of 2021. As just the 8th president in the 85 years of the Hall, Rawitch recently took part in his 3rd induction ceremony in Cooperstown, NY where the Class of 2024 included former Dodger Adrian Beltre'. He tells us what makes the Hall so special and remembers moments around the game's greats like Johnny Bench. We hear about some of the Hall's exhibits including a new exhibit coming next July highlighting the Japanese influence on the national pastime. Rawitch also tells us how the Hall decides what new items to collect such as a Shohei Ohtani bat and Paul Skenes' All Star Game hat. Along with his love of baseball, Rawitch also tells us about his infatuation with the Dave Matthews Band which he's seen more than 70 times in concert.
Lance Parrish was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in California where he was a three-sport star in high school. With an offer to play football at UCLA, Parrish was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Tigers in 1974 and decided to start his professional career. While making his way through the minor leagues, Parrish had a brief stint as a "bodyguard" for singer Tina Turner, a story that attracted much attention at the time. He made his MLB debut in September of 1977 and had a somewhat memorable first hit during his second game. He became the starting catcher in 1979 and the Tigers started to come together when Sparky Anderson took over as manager that same season. It all led to 1984 when the Tigers began the season 35-5 on their way to 104 wins and the team's first World Series title in 16 years. Now a special assistant to the Tigers GM, Parrish looks back at his 19-year career that included 8 All-Star appearances, 3 Gold Glove awards, 6 Silver Slugger awards and the nickname "The Big Wheel" given to him by broadcaster Mel Allen. He also tells us what it was like to catch Jack Morris' no-hitter in the fourth game of the 1984 season and setting the homerun record for American League catchers. The stories and more are also shared in "The Enchanted Season" co-written by Tom Gage and published by Triumph Books (https://www.triumphbooks.com/the-enchanted-season-products-9781637275641.php).
Dre' Bly Reflects on His 11-year NFL Journey, from Winning a Super Bowl to Coaching Dre' Bly grew up in Chesapeake, VA raised by parents who were long-time educators. Bly played multiple sports as a kid highlighted by baseball and football. A fan of Michael Jordan and the Tar Heels, Bly chose to play at North Carolina over schools like Virginia, Virginia Tech and Syracuse. Playing for coaches Mack Brown and Carl Torbush, Bly was a three-time First Team All-American. As a freshman, he led the country with 13 interceptions and was named ACC Rookie of the Year. (In 2014, Bly was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.) In 1999, the St. Louis Rams drafted Bly in the 2nd Round starting what would be an 11-year career in the NFL. He won a Super Bowl (XXXIV) and lost a Super Bowl (XXXVI) with the Rams before signing with the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2003. The cornerback was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Lions before spending time with the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers. Following his playing days, Bly coached youth sports in the Charlotte, NC area before coaching back at his alma mater along with the NFL. He's returned to Charlotte as Defensive Analyst for the Charlotte 49ers, coaching alongside his son Trey who is a student assistant. In this episode, Bly shares his journey and the role his parents and coaches played in his career. He tells us about a special bond he shares with former rival, turned teammate Torry Holt. He also tells us what it means to be in several halls of fame and what the future holds for him in coaching.
Dan “Nitro” Clark on being an American Gladiator and Netflix docuseries “Muscles & Mayhem” Dan Clark was born in Japan. After trying boxing and baseball, he turned to football which would take him to San Jose State and a brief stint in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams. When his football career ended, Clark moved to Hollywood with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone as his role models. He eventually auditioned for a sports game show and would get the call after one specific line he used during his audition. He became “Nitro” on American Gladiators which would become a hit show in the 1990s and become a cultural phenomenon. Clark shares about his time on the show and the stories that became the basis for a book that was turned into a hit Netflix docuseries “Muscles & Mayhem”. He also tells us about his ventures after the show ended along with his outlook on life as he gets set to celebrate his 60th birthday.
Joe Kleine grew up in Slater, Missouri where he was a 2nd Team Parade All-American basketball player. Raised Catholic and a big Notre Dame fan, Kleine chose to play for the Fighting Irish and head coach Digger Phelps. After transferring to Arkansas where he played for another legendary coach in Eddie Sutton, Kleine saw his game flourish. From 1982-85, Kleine and the Razorbacks were a force in the Southwest Conference often battling with Houston’s “Phi Slama Jama” Cougars led by Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. Before his senior season, Kleine helped lead the US Olympic team to a gold medal in the Los Angeles Olympics playing for Bob Knight and alongside Michael Jordan. In 1985, Kleine was drafted 6th overall by the Sacramento Kings and would begin a 15-year career in the NBA. During his stops, Kleine was coached by Bill Russell, was teammates with Larry Bird, Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan, and battled against some of the game’s greatest big men. He won an NBA title with the Bulls in 1998 and would eventually retire in 2000. Now a broadcaster for the SEC Network and owner of multiple Corkey’s Ribs and BBQ restaurants, Kleine shares his journey with us including his Top 5 Centers he faced.
Jack "Goose" Givens on 1978 Kentucky National Championship and his NBA coach Hubie Brown Jack Givens grew up in the housing projects of Lexington, KY playing baseball, but his sport of choice changed as his body changed and he started to grow. His growth spurt helped him excel at basketball and become Mr. Kentucky Basketball and a Prade All-American in 1974 while also earning his nickname "Goose". Kentucky head coach Joe B. Hall and Big Blue Nation convinced Givens to stay home. Playing for the Wildcats, Givens helped them to a national runner-up finish his freshman year followed by NIT appearances. Everything came together in his senior year when he led the Wildcats to the 1978 NCAA National Championship with a win against Duke scoring 41 points to earn Most Outstanding Player. A fan favorite, he finished his career with 2038 points, was a three-time All-SEC selection and an All-American playing in Rupp Arena were his #21 jersey currently hangs. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, Givens played two seasons for head coach Hubie Brown before playing several years overseas. Business and broadcasting followed his playing career including his current role back in Lexington as the analyst on Kentucky Radio broadcasts. In this episode, Givens shares his story with us including how the 1966 Texas Western basketball team's win over Kentucky in the NCAA Championship game opened his eyes to the possibility of him playing for the Wildcats. He also recounts a deeply personal and difficult moment in his life that's a part of his new memoir coming out this year. Plus, he gives us his Top 5 Kentucky Wildcats basketball players of all time.
Kevin Eastman on the 2008 Celtics Championship TEAM and Coaching KG, Ray Allen, And Paul Pierce Kevin Eastman grew up in New Jersey playing basketball. After graduating high school, Eastman played at Richmond where he was a two-time captain and 1000-point scorer (he was inducted into the Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004). Eastman played one year of pro ball before he started his coaching career. Following several stops as an assistant coach, Eastman became a head coach at Belmont Abbey in 1986. Stints at UNCW (1990-94) and Washington State (1994-99) followed before Eastman served 4 years as Athletic Director at Randolph-Macon College. While working with Nike Basketball, Eastman found himself at a camp that led to a successful career as an NBA assistant coach under Doc Rivers. From 2004-2013 Eastman coached with the Boston Celtics and helped lead the storied franchise to the 2008 NBA title against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Eastman ended his time in the NBA spending three years alongside Rivers with the Los Angeles Clippers. Now a motivational speaker and author, Eastman shares his experiences and the lessons he's learned from some of the best players he's coached. He also recounts his time at UNCW and what made coaching the Seahawks so special. Plus, he gives us his Top 5 list of players he's coached.
Josh Bonifay grew up around baseball with a grandfather who was a minor league general manager and a dad who was the GM for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After excelling in high school, Bonifay attended UNCW where he played for legendary head coach Mark Scalf. Following his junior year, he was drafted by the Pirates receiving the phone call from his dad. Bonifay spent 8 years in minor league baseball before injuries eventually forced him to retire. Bonifay returned to UNCW to earn his degree before pursuing a coaching and managing career back in the minors. Josh eventually moved to MLB front office positions with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Word Series Champion Texas Rangers. In this episode, Bonifay remembers what it was like being around professional baseball players such as Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr. and others while his dad was GM of the Pirates. He shares what made his time at UNCW so special and why he still has ties to the Seahawk program. Plus, we hear about his future professional goals along with his Top 5 players he’s been around including a very special player that tops that list.
Brett Blizzard on UNCW Basketball, LESSONS learned from Coach Jerry Wainwright and playing in Italy Brett Blizzard grew up in Tallahassee, FL playing football for his dad, Al, but focused on basketball when his dad coached the high school team. A prolific scorer and Player of the Year at Florida State University School, Blizzard chose to play for UNCW (University of North Carolina Wilmington) over walking on at Florida State or attending other schools. From 1999-2003, Blizzard helped lead the Seahawks to their first three CAA Championships while becoming the all-time leading scorer. He was also the CAA Rookie of the Year, a four-time First Team All-CAA Selection and two-time CAA Player of the Year. Following his time in Wilmington, NC, Blizzard played 16 years professionally in Italy in addition to two stints in the NBA Summer League. In this episode, Blizzard remembers his time at UNCW and what it was like playing for coaches Jerry Wainwright and Brad Brownell. He shares what it took to be the player he became and what it's like to have his jersey retired by the school. Blizzard also tells us about what he's doing now to help current and future Seahawks, and he gives us his list of Top 5 players he loved to play against.
Scoop Jackson on writing about Sports and Hip Hop, plus lessons learned from NBA Legend George Gervin Robert “Scoop” Jackson was born and raised in Chicago and given his nickname by his Uncle. He attended Xavier University of Louisiana intending to be a lawyer. After earning a Master of Arts degree from Howard, Jackson went into writing following advice from a professor. That advice led to a career writing about sports with publications such as SLAM, Hoop and Inside Stuff, along with Hip Hop magazine XXL. Jackson recently co-authored the book Ice with NBA Legend George Gervin published by Triumph Books. In this episode, he shares his story with us including the origins of his nickname, his first article for SLAM featuring Shaquille O’Neal and his thoughts on the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. He also tells us what life lessons he learned from George Gervin and looks back at his career as he turns 60. Additionally, we hear about the person he wished he could have interviewed, his fandom for the Chicago White Sox and New York Knicks and why the late 60 Minutes and CBS Nes reporter Ed Bradley is his idol.
Dr. Matt Provencher on working with the Navy Seals and Bill Belichick plus the Grass vs. Turf debate Dr. Matt Provencher attended the US Naval Academy where he was an All-American oarsman. That experience led him to a career as an orthopedic surgeon. His first job was developing a training program for the Navy Seal Teams followed by an opportunity working with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots as head team physician. One of the country's top shoulder and knee surgeons, Dr. Provencher has his own practice and is also the Fox Sports Athletic Injury and Performance Analyst while also co-hosting The Predictors (https://thepredictors.com/) using NFL Injury Analytics. In this episode, Dr. Provencher shares his journey and his injury knowledge. He explains the difference between grass and turf when it comes to injuries and takes us inside the recent procedures used to repair Achilles injuries like the one suffered by NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He also explains the recent shoulder injury suffered by Colts quarterback Antony Richardson, the advancements made with concussions and how his Navy training has prepared him to be ready for any situation such as Demar Hamlin's cardiac arrest.
Steve Wright from the LA Raiders to SURVIVING 31 Days on "Survivor" Before a long career in the NFL and lasting 31 days on Survivor, Steve Wright was a four-sport athlete as a youth playing football, basketball, hockey as well as track & field. He played football for four years at Northern Iowa and was later inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame. An 11-year NFL career started in Dallas where he made the Cowboys as a free-agent and played for legendary head coach Tom Landry. After two years with the Balitmore/Indianapolis Colts and one year in the USFL, Wright found a home with the Los Angeles Raiders. From 1987-93, Wright played offensive line for the Silver and Black blocking for notable running backs Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson while also competing against Howie Long in practice. Wright moved on from the NFL after the 1993 season to begin a successful business career with a mist cooling company called Cloudburst. In 2010, he was invited to be a contestant on the 22nd season of "Survivor" and lasted 31 days on the show. Wright shares these moments of his life with us which are also part of his new book "Aggressively Human" which he co-wrote with his wife Lizzy. He takes us back to his block which led to the record-setting 99-yard touchdown run by Tony Dorsett with the Cowboys and compares blocking for Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson. He recounts what it was like during his time in the jungle of Nicaragua during "Survivor" and the effects that show had on him. Plus, he gives us his Top 5 defensive linemen he faced, and we hear about his rearward facing toilet for which he was awarded a patent recently.
Steve Largent on Hall of Fame career with Seattle Seahawks and Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Steve Largent was born in Tulsa, OK before moving to Oklahoma City at a young age. At Putnam City High School, Largent was a running back on the football team before a coach convinced him to move to wide receiver. That change in positions led to a record-setting career at the University of Tulsa and selection in the 1976 NFL draft. Picked in the 4th Round by the Houston Oilers, Largent was about to be cut after four preseason games when the Oilers decided to trade him to the expansion Seattle Seahawks. From 1976-89, Largent broke every major NFL receiving record and was the first Seahawk selected to a Pro Bowl (he was selected 7 times overall). In 1995, Largent became the first Seahawk elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame doing so in his first year eligible. In addition to spending time with his 10 grandchildren, Largent is currently working to help raise money and awareness for the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund (https://www.gridirongreats.org/) through Pork Rind Appreciation Day (Learn more at https://www.southernrecipesmallbatch.com/pork-rind-appreciation-day). Largent shares why he was so successful, what adjustments he made catching balls from lefthanded quarterback Jim Zorn to righty Dave Krieg and which teammates he enjoyed playing alongside. He also tells us about the Steve Largent Award, the connection he has with current Seahawk receiver Tyler Lockett and the return of the retro Seahawks jerseys. Largent also recounts the concussion he got on a hit from Broncos DB Mike Harden and the revenge hit he delivered weeks later.
Christian Okoye on growing up in Nigeria, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and his Top 5 Big Running Backs Christian Okoye was born in Enugu, Nigeria and grew up playing soccer and running track despite his dad not wanting him to play sports. Okoye excelled in track and field but when the Nigerian government declined to put him on the 1984 Olympic team, he focused on football which he saw for the first time when he moved to United States in his early 20s. Okoye combined speed with his 6'1" and 260-pound frame to become a force in his new sport at Azusa Pacific University in California. Kansas City drafted Okoye in the 2nd Round in 1987 and he embarked on a 6-year career with the Chiefs. Under coach Marty Schottenheimer, Okoye led the NFL in rushing in 1989 and was named First Team All-Pro, AFC MVP and a Pro Bowler that year. Nagging injuries forced Okoye to retire following the 1992 season as Kansas City's all-time leading rusher. In 2000, he was named to the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. Okoye, known as the "Nigerian Nightmare", shares his incredible story with us including the impact Schottenheimer had on his career, the NFL running backs he studied to learn the game and whether or not he could play in today's NFL. He also gives us his Top 5 (or 6) Big Running Backs. Okoye also tells us about his memoir "The Nigerian Nightmare: My Journey Out of Africa to the Kansas City Chiefs and Beyond" available November 7 published by Triumph Books.
Alonzo Highsmith on playing football at Miami, his boxing career and his Top 5 players from the “U” Alonzo Highsmith grew up in Florida influenced to play football by his dad, Walter, who played and coached football including a stint at Texas Southern where he coached future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Michael Strahan. The younger Highsmith was a defensive end in high school and was the Florida high school Defensive Player of the Year. With offers from Notre Dame and Michigan, Highsmith elected to stay in state and played for the University of Miami. His freshman season, Miami coach Howard Schnellenberger convinced Highsmith to move to fullback, a move that helped lead the Hurricanes to their first national championship in 1983. After Schnellenberger left Miami, Jimmy Johnson took over as head coach and Highsmith continued to flourish. The Houston Oilers made Highsmith the 3rd overall pick in 1987 but knee injuries led to a short professional career. He went from the football field to the boxing ring when he retired and after a successful heavyweight career, Highsmith worked in NFL front offices in Green Bay, Cleveland and Seattle. He returned to his alma mater as the General manager of Football Operations in 2022. In this episode, Highsmith takes us back to the 1980s when the “U” started to take over college football and what it was like playing for both Schnellenberger and Johnson who he later played for with the Dallas Cowboys. He also tells us about being inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame and what led to his boxing career. Plus, he gives us his Top 5 Players to Play at the “U”.
Devon Harris: From the Original Jamaican Bobsled Team to Disney's "Cool Runnings" Devon Harris was born in the ghetto of Olympic Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica. He played soccer and ran track while dreaming of representing his country in the 1984 Olympics. When that didn't happen, Harris attended the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England. While a member of the Jamaica Defense Force, a colonel convinced him to try out for the newly formed Jamaican bobsled team. Making the team in late 1987, he was a member of the four-man team in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. That story became the Disney movie "Cool Runnings" in 1993 starring John Candy. In this episode, Harris talks about the sport he became synonymous with and takes us inside the training for their debut run in Calgary. He also shares how "Cool Runnings" differs from real life and how he's received when he returns to his native country. Harris also tells us about his motivational speaking career, the foundation he started and whether or not he spent time in a freezer to prepare for the Winter Olympics as depicted in "Cool Runnings".