In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

Jake Plummer grew up in Idaho playing sports with his two older brothers. A three-sport athlete in high school, Plummer became an All-State quarterback who wanted to go to Stanford. Instead of being a walk-on for the Cardinal, he accepted a scholarship to Arizona State where he played for Bruce Snyder and became a starter his freshman year. A record-setting career culminated in 1996 when the Sun Devils were 11-0 before falling in the Rose Bowl denying them a chance at a share of the National Championship. That senior season, Plummer was the PAC 10 Offensive Player of the Year, a First-Team All-American and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Danny Wuerffel (Ep. 22 featuring Wuerffel: https://bit.ly/40wgbLf). Plummer was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019. Ten years in the NFL followed college including the first six in Arizona where he helped lead the Cardinals to a postseason victory in 1998, their first in 51 years. He finished his career with the Denver and helped lead the Broncos to the 2005 AFC Championship game, falling to Pittsburgh. Since his retirement in 2007, Plummer has played handball professionally and helped co-found Umbo Functional Mushrooms for Athletes. In this episode, Plummer shares his journey and remembers his teammates including the late Pat Tillman who he played with at Arizona State and with the Arizona Cardinals. He also tells us about being labeled a "gunslinger" and why he likes his nickname, Jack "The Snake". He also explains the benefits of the natural ingredients Umbo uses and the positive affects the mushrooms have on the body and mind (Get 15% off your order at https://getumbo.com/ using the code ITFR15). In the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro is your front row seat to one-on-one conversations with sports figures. Each episode we go beyond the bio and hear about the stories that made headlines. Our guests are hall of famers, gold medalists, record holders, trailblazers and more. We cover all sports and all eras to bring you amazing guests with incredible accounts of the moments that made them the athlete and person they are today. Join us as our guests share memories of their best, and worst, moments of their journey in sports and in life.

Ryan Nyquist grew up in California riding bikes and doing trikes with his brother. What started out as a hobby became a profession when he left college and turned pro in 1995. He competed in his first X Games in 1996 and would rise to the top of the sport soon after. He moved to Greenville, NC where he lived with, and competed against, BMX legend Dave Mirra. Known for his bar spin variations, Nyquist won 16 medals at the X Games including 4 gold medals. In addition to BMX, Nyquist also competed in freeride and slopestyle mountain biking. He was inducted into the National BMX Hall of Fame in 2023. From competing to coaching, Nyquist is the head coach of Team USA's Olympic BMX Freestyle Team leading them in Tokyo, Paris and again in his home state for the 2028 LA Olympics. Now living in Wilmington, NC, Nyquist tells us about becoming one of the bests along with what he learned from the late Dave Mirra. He also takes us through several high moments along with several of the worst crashes he's endured. Plus, he describes the business he runs with his wife and the love for BMX that his son shares with him. In the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro is your front row seat to one-on-one conversations with sports figures. Each episode we go beyond the bio and hear about the stories that made headlines. Our guests are hall of famers, gold medalists, record holders, trailblazers and more. We cover all sports and all eras to bring you amazing guests with incredible accounts of the moments that made them the athlete and person they are today. Join us as our guests share memories of their best, and worst, moments of their journey in sports and in life.

Mario Andretti was born in Italy during World War II. At 8 years old, he and his family spent time in a refugee camp in Italy before moving to the United States. The Andretti family settled in Nazareth, PA where Mario and twin brother Aldo discovered the nearby Nazareth Speedway. Lying about their age and experience, the brothers began racing at age 19 sharing one car and one helmet. Racing quickly became a passion and led to a career that prospered in the 1960s. He raced all discplines and won NASCAR's Daytona 500 in 1967 and the Indianapolis 500 in 1969. He raced Formula 1 in the 1970s and 1980s and returned to IndyCar winning the Pocono 500 in 1986. He watched his sons Michael and Jeff and grandson Marco follow in the family business that was built into Andretti Global. A member of numerous halls of fame, Andretti recounts his life including the moment he and his family passed the Statue of Liberty on their way from Italy. He remembers some of the big wins and also takes us behind the wheel for his crash at the 2003 Indianapolis 500 during testing. He also shares the enjoyment he gets out of his family's successes and why he's still involved with the sport. Plus, he gives us his take on whether or not racing is a sport. 

Nick Mangold grew up in Ohio, the oldest of four kids with three sisters. He was all-state in football while also wrestling and competing in the shot put. A highly recruited offensive lineman, Mangold chose Ohio State over Notre Dame despite his mom's wishes that he'd play for the Fighting Irish. A three-year starter at center for Jim Tressel, Mangold was a member of the 2002 National Championship team for the Buckeyes and won three Fiesta Bowls including his senior season defeating Notre Dame. The Jets made him the 29th overall pick in 2006 and he played his entire 11-year career in New York where he was a 7-time Pro Bowler who committed just 20 penalties in 164 games. At one time the highest paid center in the NFL, Mangold officially retired in 2018 and was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022. Mangold remembers his journey and recounts his recruiting process along with the draft process. He also describes the role of a center in the offense, how his wrestling career helped his football career and his welcome to the NFL moment. Mangold also tells us what it was like playing with a revolving door of quarterbacks in New York and why he never entertained going anywhere else. Plus, Mangold gives us his take on being eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now the owner of Mangold's 74 BBQ Sauce (https://www.mangolds74bbq.com/), he shares how the business began, the cause it benefits and the sauces that are named after his four kids.

Julius Hodge grew up in Harlem and was named after NBA Hall of Famer Julius Erving. He fell in love with basketball after his dad took him to a New York Knicks game against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers as a kid. Hodge's game flourished in high school where he was a McDonald's All-American and the New York State Mr. Basketball. He grew up a Syracuse fan but spurned the Orangemen for NC State where he played for Herb Sendek. In Raleigh, Hodge was a two-time All-American and the ACC Player of the Year as a junior. He was a first-round pick of the Denver Nuggets in 2005 and played alongside several future Hall of Famers. After 3 years in the NBA, Hodge spent 8 years playing overseas plus 2011 playing for the Antigua and Barbuda national team. After retiring, Hodge embarked on a coaching career with time spent as an assistant coach at Buffalo, Santa Clara (for Sendek), San Jose State and Arkansas Little Rock. This summer, Hodge was named head coach at Division II Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Hodge shares his journey including the unusual way he decided to attend NC State. Plus, he talks about the ACC rivals and adversaries like Chris Paul with whom he had an altercation during his time at State. Hodge also recounts the drive-by shooting during his rookie season that changed his perspective on life and tells us what he learned from his time playing overseas. Hodge also gives us insight on his kids and their own hoop dreams.

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.