The 5 Things You Need To Know About The 2021 Super Bowl
Here’s how to get your game face on, even if you don’t care about the game on the field.
(Podcast length 5:45 mins - the transcript is below)
We have plenty to talk about for those who prefer the commercials and the halftime show over the game when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the defending Super Bowl Champ Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
Transcript
1. Three familiar brands you won’t see paying $5.5 M for a 30 second Super Bowl commercial this year are Coke, Pepsi and Budweiser. The three big brands join Audi and Avocados from Mexico in skipping the big game advertising altogether. Budweiser is reallocating the media investment to raise vaccine awareness. Pepsi (Mountain Dew and Frito-Lay) and Anheuser-Busch (Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and their seltzers) will still promote other products. As a side note, because of COVID, there will be no viewing parties, and people are hungry for something to watch, so experts expect this Super Bowl to be one of the biggest viewing audiences in history. THE RIGHT MOVE?
2. Two women making history this Sunday are youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman and Referee Sarah Thomas. Gorman will recite an original poem that will honor three pandemic heroes who are the game's honorary captains. It will be the first time a poet participates in the Super Bowl pregame festivities. Thomas will be the first woman to ever officiate at the Super Bowl. JUST THE BEGINNING
3. Let’s talk quarterbacks. There’s quite the age difference between the two starting quarterbacks - Tom Brady, 43, the oldest quarterback in the league and Patrick Mahomes, 25, one of the youngest. Mahomes was six-years-old when Brady played in his first Super Bowl. In fact, Brady is 7 years younger than Mahomes’ professional baseball player father. THAT STINGS A BIT
4. The Bucs will be wearing their white jerseys when they play at home. They reportedly chose the white jerseys because Tom Brady is 4-1 in Super Bowls while wearing white. In 13 of the last 16 Super Bowl games, the winning team was wearing white jerseys. WINTER WHITE
5. Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan will be singing the national anthem and H.E.R. will sing “America the Beautiful.” Be prepared to be blinded by the lights of The Weeknd as he performs at halftime. He spent $7 million of his own money to make the halftime show more “cinematic,” so you’re in for a treat. Spoiler alert: None of the performers are paid for their appearance at the Super Bowl, but the NFL does pay for the production costs (minus the above and beyond that The Weeknd is paying for). MUSIC TO OUR EARS
There’s more where that came from in our Guide to Super Bowl LV. Sunday’s game will air at 6:30 pm EST on CBS.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table, or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Five Unwritten Rules Of Sports
We made these mistakes so you don't have to.
(Podcast length 5:57 mins - the transcript is below)
If you don't know, then now you know.
Transcript
1. Don’t walk across the green. Have you ever seen golfers squat behind the ball before they putt? They’re lining up their shot - imagine an actual line from the ball to the hole. That’s why you NEVER EVER walk across the green. If you walk across the green and end up walking through another golfer’s line, their ball could rollover your footprint and possibly change direction. While walking through someone’s line is disrespectful and annoying, it’s best to stay off the green as much as possible. Better to be safe than sorry!
2. Kick the ball out of bounds if an opposing player is hurt. This is one of the more sincere and compassionate unwritten rules of sports. In soccer, when a player gets hurt, the referee usually blows the whistle to stop play. However, the ref doesn’t always see it, therefore it is customary to kick the ball out of bounds. (This is assuming the player who hurt is actually down and not faking one of those Academy Award-winning performances we sometimes associate with soccer). Most of the time, the team that kicked the ball out will get it back, but even if your team doesn’t, it’s the right thing to do and you can pat yourself on the back for being a respectful opponent.
3. Don’t bunt during a no-hitter. It’s no secret that being on the opposite side of a no-hitter in baseball sucks. It’s pretty dang embarrassing for the other team. But for the pitcher, it’s a feat unlike any other. The first thought for the team up against the pitcher would be to bunt -just an easy little tap and then an all-out sprint to first base. Simple, right? Just one hit, and the frustration ends? No. Nope. Can’t do it. Why? Well, even though there’s no written rule for it, it’s a respect thing, so don’t do it.
4. Don’t shoot a last-second basket when your team is up. This one might seem like a no-brainer when your basketball team is up by a lot, and the other team is dragging a bit because they know they’re not going to win. It would be super easy to run the length of the court and hit the most impressive slam dunk of all time. Don’t do it. There’s no reason to do it except to embarrass yourself and the losing team. It’s disrespectful and adds nothing to the game itself. Although nobody can technically stop you, an earful from your coach and some snide remarks from opposing players will be sure to follow.
5. Don’t even think about an onside kick if you’re demolishing the other team. This unwritten rule in football is similar to not shooting a last-second basket when you’re up by a lot. An onside kick is a kickoff strategy that involves the kicking team kicking the ball more laterally and a shorter distance so their team can more easily retrieve the ball. When you’re up by a lot in football, an onside kick is flashy, obnoxious, and there’s really no reason for your team to need the ball back when they’re not receiving. Not onside kicking when you’re up by a lot is just a respect thing. Just like running up the score a bunch just because you can is disrespectful, so is this. Be a good sport.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table, or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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What You Didn't Know About Sports Teams Visiting The White House
The antics and the history around the tradition of celebrating for champions at the White House.
Photo: Instagram/LSU Football
(Podcast length 4:45 mins - the transcript is below)
What better way to talk politics but not really? Let’s discuss the antics when athletes head to the White House.
Transcript
1. The tradition of sports teams visiting the White House began in 1865, but it wasn’t until 1924 that President Calvin Coolidge celebrated the World Series Champion Washington Senators (baseball). Although the NBA (National Basketball Association) champs didn’t make their first visit until 1963, NFL (National Football League) in 1980 and NHL (National Hockey League) 1991. The regular tradition of welcoming the championship teams from professional, collegiate and Olympic sports really started with President Ronald Reagan.
2. Since you never show up to a party empty-handed, teams typically bring along their winning trophy and a gift for the president, usually a team jersey, or in Texas A&M’s case, a pair of A&M cowboy boots. When the New York Giants (NFL) visited, they brought their own snacks. The team dumped a cooler full of popcorn on President Reagan to honor the traditional merriment of pouring Gatorade on the head coach to celebrate a victory. A DREAM COME TRUE
3. Plenty of teams, especially collegiate teams, fly in and out on the same day, but others stay in hopes of leaving a lasting impression. When the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) visited the White House, the team and the president packed over 3,000 care packages for troops serving overseas. During their time in D.C., the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) visited wounded veterans and the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team put on a youth soccer clinic. DOING THE MOST GOOD
4. It’s not always warm and fuzzy as some players boycott the visit and use it as an opportunity to speak out against the president’s policies or the government. It used to be rare to decline the invitation, but we’ve seen a lot of that in President Trump’s presidency with partial rosters attending or entire teams declining to attend the visit. While there are still plenty of championship teams that visited the White House during his tenure, President Trump never extended an invitation to the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) champions. RAIN CHECK
5. No matter who the sitting president is, the overwhelming majority of athletes who visit the White House talk about the surreal and unbelievable experience. While most presidents avoid restricted areas of the White House, President Trump was known for throwing the Secret Service for a loop and bringing his athletic visitors into the Oval Office and other rooms usually not open to the public. A CASUAL HOME TOUR
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table, or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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The 5 Bachelor Contestants Who Will Give Matt James A Run For His Money
Who will be the perfect match for the former football player when it comes to physical fitness?
Photo: ABC/The Bachelor
(Podcast length 4:31 mins - the transcript is below)
There has been no shortage of athletes when it comes to the men of “The Bachelor” franchise but what about the ladies? Mandy Clemens from Jesse Palmer’s season remains the only female member of the franchise who played an NCAA (i.e. college) sport.
That got us thinking, who on Matt James’ season could hang with the former football player when it comes to physical fitness. Because you know his family and friends seem like the type to run a turkey trot on Thanksgiving.
Transcript
Abigail
The first thing we learned about Abigail is she has a hearing impairment but that didn’t stop the 25-year-old from earning the first impression rose and the first kiss on night one. The small town girl (Beaverton, OR has less than 98k people) loves to be outdoors and is ready to hit the links with Matt, 29. She has plenty of practice as she loves to play golf with her grandparents. CAN'T WAIT FOR THAT HOMETOWN DATE
Bri
Front runner Bri’s favorite activity may be brunching (whose isn’t?) but she loves spending time outdoors hitting the beach and hiking. Now Matt may live in Manhattan but even a city boy could use some time outside. Bri also has a tattoo on her rib cage that reads “thirteen” in Farsi so maybe she and Matt can take in an outdoor Taylor Swift concert or two as well? LOVE STORY
Illeana
Illeana is not only an entrepreneur like Matt but she’s also into health and fitness. The former synchronized ice skater made her own nutritional snack called “Funky Munky Energy.” It might be the perfect fireside snack while out on the ice. No word if her cat Sir Theo, who goes to the bathroom in a toilet, is into said nutritional snack though. I THINK WE’RE IMPRESSED?
Anna
While Matt will probably not be taking Anna from Chicago out fishing - she’s TERRIFIED of fish - she is an experience junkie. The girl who once convinced a pilot to let her fly a plane over the Minnesota bluffs seems like she would be up for any fitness challenge thrown her way. Will she and Matt paddleboard off into the sunset? TIME WILL TELL
Serena C.
Flight attendant Serena C. finds her happiest place in the closet putting together the perfect outfit but she does love a good chicken wing. (Maybe Super Bowl is her favorite holiday since over 5 billion wings are consumed that day)? Since her feet are never planted firmly on the ground and she's always up for an adventure we could see her being game for physical fitness, provided she has the right attire. WANNA GET AWAY?
If you haven’t already, make sure to select your picks in our Bachelor Bracket in partnership with I Hate Green Beans. If you want a brilliant recap of the last episode, make sure to check out Lincee and Some Guy In Austin on the “I Hate Green Beans” podcast recap episode that’s sure to have you laughing.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table, or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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The 5 Things You Need To Know About The College Football National Championship Game
DVR “The Bachelor” on Monday; this one’s going to be good.
(Podcast length 6:06 mins - the transcript is below)
Starting off 2021 with the second biggest football event of the year.
Transcript
1. The College Football National Championship Game is set between the Crimson Tide from Alabama (No. 1) and The Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 3). The game will take place where everyone wants to go in the winter – Miami on Monday, January 11. If necessary (and there’s a good possibility this could happen), the game would be pushed back to January 18. Both teams’ head coaches have had COVID, so all they can hope for is that you can’t get COVID twice. HOLDING OUR BREATH
2. Since it’s all about the Benjamins, a conference will receive $6 million for each team that is selected for the semifinal games. (Notre Dame, Clemson, Alabama and Ohio State played in the semifinals). Keep in mind that this money goes to the conferences, not the schools directly, to distribute as they see fit. These were the payouts originally promised, but they could be smaller after a season and playoffs without fans. WHO’S GOING TO PAY THE BILLS?
3. Because why not? There will be friends, family and fans in the stands in Miami. The schools were given 3,750 tickets each and there will be 16,000 fans in attendance. The fans will have a chance to see the newest Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith (wide receiver) from Alabama, as well as Heisman runner-up in ‘Bama quarterback Mac Jones. The Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields was a Heisman finalist in 2019 and is a darn good football player, but he didn’t play enough games to impress the Heisman voters this year. Fields is also battling an undisclosed injury, which is likely his ribs, an injury sustained in the semifinals. IN IT TO WIN IT
4. If you’re keeping score, Alabama has won as recently as 2017 and Ohio State, 2014. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is currently tied with legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant with the most Titles at six. If he wins this game, he will break the record. (Anyone remember all the Bear Bryant references in “Sweet Home Alabama?” It makes sense now). LIGHTBULB MOMENT
5. It’s been quite the rollercoaster season for Ohio State. In August, the Big Ten (their conference) cancelled the season, only to reverse the decision later. But they didn’t make it to the championship game without controversy. Ohio State didn’t play the necessary number of games to qualify for their conference championship game, but they got in anyway. (Their last game was cancelled due to COVID, and even if they would’ve played and lost, they still would’ve qualified for the conference championship. Now you know in case it comes up). STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM NOW WE’RE HERE
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table, or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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The 5 Most Memorable Moments Of 2020
Sports transcended real life this year and, in many cases, led the charge for change.
(Podcast length 6:47 mins - the transcript is below)
2020 - a year unlike any other. Here are the moments to remember, for better or for worse.
Transcript
1. The year started with a punch to the gut when basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others died in a morning helicopter crash. The shock wave was felt around the world, impacting the greatest of athletes to the everyday person. Their legend lives on through the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation and their work in making sports accessible to all. We hope in 2021 that Orange County (where the Bryant family still calls home) will continue the tradition of “Kobe Bryant Day” on August 24 (8/24 - his two jersey numbers). In a bittersweet moment, the Lakers won their first championship since the Kobe era this year. THE LEGEND LIVES ON
2. 2020 was a tough year for many, but it was a year filled with milestones for women in sports. From the hiring of Kim Ng by the Miami Marlins as the first-ever female general manager in MLB (Major League Baseball) to Callie Brownson of the Cleveland Browns, who became the first woman to coach an NFL (National Football League) position group during a regular-season game. Brownson again made history when she and Jennifer King, Washington Football Team's full-year coaching intern and NFL official Sarah Thomas were part of the first regular-season game in NFL history to have a female coach on both sidelines and a female official. We can’t leave out DC United (MLS - Major League Soccer) hiring Danita Johnson as president of business operations, making her the first Black woman or man to serve as a team president and one of the highest-ranking female club executives in league history. CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP
3. The topic that dominated 2020 and the world of sports, COVID-19. We’ll never forget March 11, the day sports stopped when Rudy Gobert of the NBA (National Basketball Association) tested positive for COVID, and it subsequently spread through the league. The sports world will remember the look of shock and disbelief on Mark Cuban’s face when he received notice courtside that the basketball season had been suspended. There were plenty of unknowns that led to a lack of confidence in any sports proceeding this year but led to playing in a bubble for some leagues and cancelled/rescheduled games in others. This year also brought us brilliant acts of COVID kindness from the sports community, new champions and, of course, resilience. WE SHALL PREVAIL
4. After the unexplained death of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor, Jacob Blake and so many countless others, athletes had had enough. The Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) led the movement that stopped sports in protest of the racial injustice in America. The movement that started in Milwaukee quickly spread across the NBA and the sports world. We saw NASCAR’s (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) Bubba Wallace become a household name after a noose was found in his garage at a race track. Wallace is the only Black driver on the professional circuit. The drivers came together and it led to changes, including NASCAR outlawing confederate flags at races. Superstars like LeBron James started “More Than A Vote,” a non-partisan organization to combat systemic, racist voter suppression. Their efforts included rallying sporting facilities to become polling places. While there is still a long way to go, leagues, owners and athletes across sports have listened to their communities. They have pledged millions of dollars to support programs, implement best practices and start a movement that will lead our country in the right direction. BETTER TOGETHER
5. While we were all quarantined, we binged watched a lot of TV. On the heels of the “Tiger King” phenomenon came Michael Jordan’s “Last Dance.” Because we were all at home glued to the TV for any sense of normalcy, the production of the series was moved up by a few months and it was a hit. Sports fans and non-sports fans rejoiced in Jordan’s victories and felt the pain of his perils. Since you haven’t made it until you’re a meme, there were plenty of Jordan memes to go around, like the one about him eating an entire pizza himself - and subsequently coming down with food poisoning. If you haven’t seen the series yet, you’re in for a treat. (Also, where have you been)? FOR THE WIN
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table, or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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It's Back! The NBA Season Returns - The 5 Things You Need To Know
Expect the unexpected.
(Podcast length 5:23 mins - the transcript is below)
We know it seems like just yesterday that we wrapped up last season and you’re right – it was. While the players had the shortest off-season ever, we’re excited they’re back. Here’s what you can look forward to.
Transcript
1. The NBA (National Basketball Association) season may start today but the league has only released half of the season schedule. They did this to leave flexibility for cancelled and rescheduled games but we do know that the season has been shortened from 82 to 72 games. The NBA All-Star Game was scheduled to be in Indianapolis but it has been cancelled with those dates serving as a possibility to make up missed/cancelled games. (Indianapolis will instead get the big game in 2024). BEST LAID PLANS
2. The Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship on October 11 in the “bubble.” which makes for the shortest offseason ever (71 days) between seasons. There will be no bubble this year but the league has put in strict rules to keep players, coaches and personnel healthy including fining or suspending players for breaking the rules. Teams could also lose draft picks if they violate the rules. KICK ‘EM WHERE IT COUNTS
3. “Load management” has become a hot topic in the NBA. That means resting a healthy player (usually a star player) for a game with eyes on the postseason vs the game at hand. The league approved fines of up to $100,000 for resting a player during a nationally televised game. Why? Well, the league puts together these blockbuster matchups that are made for TV and if the big named players don’t play, viewer numbers fall. This will be more challenging for some teams vs. others with the Lakers playing 16 nationally televised games and seven teams have none on the schedule. DON’T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU
4. Like many people during the cold winters, the Toronto Raptors have become snowbirds, moving to Tampa to play this season. The team relocated because of the travel restrictions between Canada and the U.S. but escaping cold weather sounds like a good idea too. Coming from the other side of the continent, the Golden State Warriors are scheduled to travel the most miles during the first half of the season – 20,871 flight miles. GOLD STATUS HERE WE COME
5. As strict as the league is being with the team personnel, there is no directive from the NBA on fans in the stands. Like the NFL (National Football League), they have left the decision on fans to individual teams and medical personnel. For now, five teams will be hosting fans - Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors (by way of Tampa). SOLD OUT CROWDS NO MORE
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Like us? Share us with your friends.
Tell Me Something Good - Athletes Who Give Back In A Big Way
Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
(Podcast length 5:23 mins - the transcript is below)
If volunteering reduces depression and early mortality rates, these athletes are going to be the happiest centenarians around.
Transcript
1. John Cena’s heart is bigger than his biceps. The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler’s mantra is “Never Give Up” and that’s what he’s told the countless Make-A-Wish kids he’s met with. There are so many moments to make you smile like the time he had a tea party with one Make-A-Wish visitor, while decked out in his full wrestling regalia. Because of the orchestrated nature of his sport, he’s even gone as far as to weave certain moves requested by the kids into his “performance” during a matchup. TINY UNIFORM, BIG HEART
2. Love him or hate him, LeBron James (NBA -National Basketball Association) has left the community better than he found it. His big project is the I Promise School in Akron, OH. The school serves nearly 300 at-risk third and fourth graders. In the first year, the year-round school has seen growth among the 90% of students – who started the school year at least one year behind grade level – met or exceeded their expected growth in math and reading. He recently purchased an old restaurant to turn into a multi-purpose facility for the I PROMISE families. CHANGING THE FUTURE
3. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff are among the NFL (National Football Association) players donating Christmas trees to their local communities. Through a partnership with Lowe’s they will be donating over 13,000 trees to homes and facilities like first responder stations, nonprofit housing organizations and youth centers. DELIVERING HAPPINESS
4. No act goes unnoticed and Virginia’s head men’s basketball coach made a selfless choice that will benefit so many others. After winning the first-ever national championship for the school, coach Tony Bennett recently turned down a raise. In an unprecedented move, he asked that the money be given to his assistant coaches and the school. He also pledged $500,000 toward a career development program for current and former UVA basketball players. GOOD GUY
5. International soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his cover model looks, supreme soccer skills and the big payday those bring in. While he’s not afraid to write a significant check, he’s also been known to roll up his sleeves, literally, as a frequent blood donor. The father of four has made a huge impact on his young fans all over the world. In one instance, he invited a Syrian orphan, who lost both his parents in the war, to a game and spent time with him. He has also paid for numerous children’s lifesaving medical treatments. His signature move is auctioning off coveted trophies he’s been awarded with the proceeds going to charity. INTERNATIONAL MAN OF GOOD
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.