LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/4/23 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/4/23

Sporting Events We're Looking Forward To In 2023

Football with The Rock, Rihanna and the Women’s World Cup means great times are ahead.

(Podcast length - 4:42 mins)

The best part about January is looking ahead at the year and all the possibilities to be entertained.

Phoenix Open/Super Bowl

February 9 - 12

Phoenix will be the home to two of the rowdiest events of the year – the Super Bowl and The Waste Management Phoenix Open. Leading up to the Super Bowl (with the final round on Super Bowl Sunday) is the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which is hands down the biggest party of the golf season. The 16th hole is surrounded by stadium seating and is known for its’ wild and tipsy crowd.

We all love the Super Bowl (February 12), the commercials, the music and the food. Rihanna is this year’s halftime entertainment. LIFT ME UP

The Launch of the XFL

The XFL is back, but this time it’s under the watch of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. It seems like everything Johnson touches turns to gold, and he’s hoping that’s the case for the defunct football league he purchased for $15M. The new league, which starts February 18, will have eight teams. What’s different about The Rock’s XFL? He has already established a five-year TV deal with major networks, and he’s partnering with the NFL (National Football League). If you’re wondering what XFL stands for, it doesn’t stand for anything, so feel free to use your imagination. NEW AND IMPROVED?

World Baseball Classic

March 8 - March 21

The World Cup (soccer) brought the world together at the end of 2022, and now it’s baseball’s turn. The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament featuring Major League Baseball caliber players representing their countries. The event is traditionally every four years but was canceled in 2021. Taichung, Tokyo, Phoenix and Miami will be the four host cities of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, with Miami hosting the championship game. BATTER UP

FIFA Women’s World Cup

July 20-August 20 in host countries Australia and New Zealand

Will the US Women’s National Team claim the title of best in the world for the third time in a row? 31 other nations will do their best to stop that from happening – the largest field to date. With the expanded field comes newbies to the tournament, including Morocco, the Philippines, the Republic of Ireland, Vietnam and Zambia, which will play in the World Cup for the first time. GLOBAL PHENOMENON

Ryder Cup

September 29 to October 1 in Rome, Italy

A biennial event that we love is the Ryder Cup. The tournament that pits the USA vs. Europe against each other provides global bragging rights, camaraderie, and teamwork in a mostly individual sport. Expect to see your favorites hitting the links as friends become foes. Team Europe hasn’t ruled out inviting LIV golfers to play, but the US has decided against including any players who defected from the PGA for the Saudi-backed golf league. FORE!

Honorable mention

As Las Vegas natives, we must show a little love for our city, which will host its first-ever F1 (Formula One) race in November 2023. The race will take place at night on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. FROM SIN CITY TO SPORTS CITY

Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down 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 networking event switches to sports.

You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/21/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/21/22

Dreaming Of A Polite Christmas? We've Got You.

How to keep your holiday merry and bright.

(Podcast length - 4:26 mins)

We all have this idyllic vision of our family holiday with chestnuts roasting on an open fire while drinking eggnog and laughing in our Christmas sweaters. Now let’s be honest; that only happens in the movies. When things take an awkward turn, here are a few ways to redirect the conversation to safer ground.

WHEN anyone starts talking POLITICS, all you want to do is run.

Hold your horses; there's a way to deflect into safer conversational waters. You could make a joke about politics being controversial and then dive into something non-confrontational – random acts of kindness. NBA Hall of Famer and broadcaster Shaquille O'Neal is known for his random acts of kindness. From buying an engagement ring for a fellow customer at a jewelry store to purchasing shoes for a 13-year-old boy with size 18 feet to a new car and food for a family in need, may Shaq's generosity inspire us all this holiday season to do more good.

The holidays are a time of year to give, and no one gives more than these five athletes who give back to their community in a big way.

AT YOUR OFFICE POTLUCK, YOU'RE STUCK IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE MOST BORING PERSON IN THE OFFICE WITH NO RESCUE IN SIGHT

They must be passionate about something – pets, travel, stamp collection, or not having to work on Christmas. Christmas Day is usually a coveted day for NBA teams to take the court, but this year, they're being overshadowed by the NFL. The empire that is the NFL has a tripleheader planned for Christmas Day. If you're staying up late waiting for Santa, you can catch a game on Christmas Eve. EGGNOG AND ENDZONES

YOU WERE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY, BUT NOW THERE'S NOT ENOUGH ADVIL IN THE WORLD TO STOP YOUR HANGOVER.

You can thank athletes like Danica Patrick for that infamous "one last glass." The retired racecar driver has gone from breaking the glass ceiling in racing to wine. One might say her career drove her to drink, but she's accomplishing a dream in retirement. No, really. Her Napa Valley vineyard Somnium means "dream" in Latin.

From wine to tequila, here are more athletes you can thank for your next hangover.

WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR BIG FAKE SMILE BECAUSE YOU RECEIVED YET ANOTHER PAIR OF UNDERWEAR

Be a good sport because it could be worse. It's bowl game season, and the winning coach of the Duke Mayo Bowl will get mayonnaise dumped on his head instead of the traditional Gatorade. After a flub last year that resulted in a near concussion, the bowl game has hired official "Mayo Dumpers."

If you need New Year's plans, the top four teams in the country (in ranking order – Georgia, Michigan, TCU and Ohio State) will take the field on New Year's Eve in the College Football Playoffs. The two winners will play for the national championship on January 9.

For more on what you need to know for bowl game season, check out our "Five Things You Need To Know About Bowl Game Season."

No matter how hard you try, your sibling always upstages your gift with your nieces and nephews.

Do you know who is good at epic gifts? Athletes. Like Trevor Siemian. The Chicago Bears QB, Siemian loved Skittles, so he purchased custom parkas for his linemen that dispense Skittles. Yes, the fur-trim hooded parkas have a button on the chest that, when pushed, Skittles arrive in a coat pocket.

Need last-minute gift ideas? These athletes deserve a championship trophy for the well-thought-out gifts to their teammates and loved ones. READ

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/14/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/14/22

What You Need To Know About College Football Bowl Game Season

The couch is calling.

(Podcast length - 5:07 mins)

While you might be knee-deep in the holiday shopping season, others are immersed in college football bowl game season.

Transcript

1. What's in a name? Well, for bowl games, it's big money, with the cheapest bowl game sponsorship costing an estimated $500,000. The committees will do anything to please their title sponsors, including naming the game something odd. The most memorable bowl game names roll off the tongue this season, like the Cheez-It Bowl, Gasparilla Bowl, the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, and the Cure Bowl. And yes, there used to be a game called the Salad Bowl. HOW LONG UNTIL WE HAVE THE SMOKE-A-BOWL?

2. Not all teams are invited to bowl games. The program's TV exposure and additional revenue make a bowl game a coveted spot. Traditionally teams had to have six wins to be eligible, but then we had more bowl games than teams. So now the NCAA defers to a team's APR (Academic Progress Rating) for those final spots, and because of that, five-win Rice landed a spot in the LendingTree Bowl. HEAD OF THE CLASS

3. Players heading into the NFL Draft (National Football League) tend to opt out of participating in non-playoff bowl games, and teams are hoping NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) will change that. Who can turn down the offer from Cheez-It? They will honor one player from each of the four teams participating in its sponsored bowl games, the Cheez-It Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The players will enjoy the Cheez-It "Feelin' the Cheeziest" hotel rooms, which are precisely what you think they are – very orange. ORANGE YOU EXCITED?

4. If you think being named the Heisman this season was impressive, how about the title of "Mayo Dumper?" The winning coach won't get Gatorade dumped on his head at the Duke Mayo Bowl, but mayonnaise instead. For the record, Caleb Williams took home the Heisman Trophy this season. Still, of the finalists (CJ Stroud - Ohio State), Stetson Bennet – Georgia and Max Duggan - TCU), Williams is the only one not heading to a college football playoff game. WIN SOME, LOSE SOME

5. The top four teams in the country (in ranking order – Georgia, Michigan, TCU and Ohio State) will play each other on New Year's Eve in either the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix or the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. Each conference receives $6 million for each team selected for a semifinal game and $4 million for each team that plays in a non-playoff bowl. There is no additional payout for the National Championship Game, only additional expenses covered. BOWLED OVER

Worth noting: Bowl game season begins on Friday, December 16. There are no bowl games set for New Year’s Day, January 1, which is traditionally a big bowl game day. That day officially belongs to the NFL this year, as New Year's falls on a Sunday. The winner of the two playoff games on NYE will play each other in the National Championship Game on Monday, January 9. SCHEDULE

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 break down 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. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/30/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/30/22

Athletes And Their Thoughtful Gift Giving

Coworkers, take note.

(Podcast length - 4:38 mins)

These athletes deserve a championship trophy for the well-thought-out gifts to their teammates and loved ones.

Transcript

1. Truly a gift from the heart. For years Peyton Manning wrote handwritten notes to athletes and sports figures he admired. He spent his off-season writing to the people on this list, usually after they reached a milestone or retired. He would note the person's respect for the game along with his notes of best wishes. AN INVALUABLE GIFT

2. Pitcher Max Scherzer (MLB - Major League Baseball) and quarterback Trevor Siemian (NFL - National Football League) know the way to a man's heart through their stomach. The Chicago Bears QB, Siemian loved Skittles, so he purchased custom parkas for his linemen that dispense Skittles. Yes, the fur-trim hooded parkas have a button on the chest that, when pushed, Skittles arrive in a coat pocket.

Scherzer spent time in the minor leagues rehabbing from an injury. He bought his Binghamton Rumble Ponies teammates Apple Air Pods and treated them to a $7,000 lobster and filet mignon dinner to thank them for their hospitality. A DREAM COME TRUE

3. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) offensive line is a giving group that put a new spin on gift-giving. Instead of exchanging with each other, they pooled their money to give special bonuses to staff members who might get overlooked. These people take care of them daily, like the kitchen staff, trainers and the equipment team. THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

4. Pavin Smith is still in the minor leagues, but his heart is big league. Pavin used his $5M signing bonus from the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB) to pay off his parent's mortgage. Smith joins famous athletes like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Russell Wilson (NFL), who bought their parents a home. GRATITUDE

5. A gift that was designed to be the gift that keeps on giving, New England Patriots (NFL) quarterback Mac Jones gave his linemen bitcoin for Christmas in 2021. Hopefully, they cashed in while it was good. BEST OF INTENTIONS

Bonus: Ever wonder what one might buy a professional athlete who has everything? Well, Roger Federer has been gifted a cow (twice). Other notable gifts professional athletes have received include ice cream, scrapbooks and tribute haircuts and tattoos.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/21/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/21/22

Turkey Day Table Topics To Avoid Awkward Holiday Moments

Steer clear from a flare-up at the Thanksgiving table with easy ways to change the subject in any scenario.

(Podcast length - 4:35 mins)

Steer clear from a flare-up at the Thanksgiving table by avoiding these conversation minefields and diverting to safer (and dare we say sportier?) ground.

Transcript

For any conversation involving politics

Plenty of political and Hollywood icons once ran the sidelines. Samuel L. Jackson, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Meryl Streep and four former US Presidents (Eisenhower, Roosevelt, Reagan and George W. Bush) had the cheerleader spirit. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the marching band. In college, you would've found Halle Berry, Steven Spielberg, Alan Greenspan and Lionel Richie entertaining you in formation at halftime. Much safer than venturing into the political minefield at the dinner table.

Or, if you're feeling like taking a walk on the wild side, share something from our post about five athletes who turned their fame into a career in politics.

If anyone brings up the disaster that was the Taylor Swift ticket on sale.

Do you want a disaster? Let's talk about the World Cup in Qatar. From the country's reversal of the decision to allow alcohol at matches to the Frye Festival-like accommodations to the long list of human rights violations in the country's preparation for the world's biggest sporting event.

On the positive side, Stadium 974 in Qatar is the world's first transportable soccer arena. The temporary stadium is made of repurposed shipping containers and can be completely dismantled, transported to another country and put back together like your Legos. Stepping on one of the said Legos likely evokes more swear words than the TS on-sale. WEIRD BUT F-ING BEAUTIFUL

When grandma asks you why you're not married…for the 10th time, that day.

Tell grandma that a long-lasting marriage isn't a sure bet, but you know what is? The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys (NFL - National Football League) taking the field on Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving tradition started for the Lions in 1934 and in 1966 for the Cowboys. So regardless of which team you're cheering for, you can count on these teams to play while you nap off your meal. EVERLASTING LOVE

When everyone wants to take family photos, but you just ate ten days' worth of calories.

Be thankful you don't have to pass a post-meal jiggle test. Some NFL team's cheer coaches conduct "jiggle tests" to assess the firmness of the cheerleaders' bodies during the season, and if they don't pass the test, they're benched. With practices, appearances and games, they put in 30-40 hour weeks during the season, but most are required to have a full-time job elsewhere. When it's all said and done, on average, they make the same amount as the lifeguard at the community pool.

Want more? Check out five things you never knew about NFL cheerleaders.

For that relative who will drive 14 hours because they're afraid to fly

It's the first Thanksgiving without NFL broadcaster John Madden, a man who is synonymous with Thanksgiving football. Hall of Fame broadcaster Madden refused to fly because he was claustrophobic, so he adopted the now iconic Madden Cruiser bus for his cross-country adventures to games. The NFL is honoring Madden this year with a "Madden Player of the Game," as the best player in each game will get $10,000 towards their choice of high school football programs. Other areas include a "John Madden Thanksgiving" logo on the fields and helmets, as well as a Madden NFL 23 competition. AN HONOR

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/9/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 11/9/22

Celebrating 5 Veterans Who Are Also Professional Athletes

Thank you for your service.

(Podcast length - 3:29 mins)

In honor of Veterans Day, we salute our athlete veterans and say thank you for your service to all our veterans.

Transcript

1. MLB (Major League Baseball) legend Ted Williams' put his hall of fame career on hold for three years of military service. In the middle of his 19-year baseball career, he opted out of baseball and into the Navy for three years. During his assignment to the Marine Corps, his piloting skills were as revered as his ability to swing a baseball bat. In 1952, he missed part of the season when he was called up to fight in the Korean War. He returned home and finished his historic career in 1960. SOARED TO NEW HEIGHTS

2. Pat Tillman is likely this generation's most notable veteran. He walked away from a successful career with the Arizona Cardinals (NFL – National Football League) to join the Army after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. His brother joined the Army as well. Pat served with the Army Rangers until he tragically lost his life in action in 2004. TRUE LEADER

3. Before offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva played for the Baltimore Ravens (NFL), he went to West Point and served as an Army Ranger Captain until 2015. He has had quite an impressive football career since then. Villanueva is one of the few active professional athletes that are veterans. BRAVERY ABOUNDS

4. Before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers (MLB), he was drafted into the Army during World War II. While he never served overseas, he spent time at Fort Hood and Camp Breckinridge in Kentucky, where he served as an athletic coach. DEDICATED

5. Legendary "Coach K" - Mike Krzyzewski (pronounced Sha-chef-ski) - played basketball at West Point and served as a field artillery liaison to the infantry in the early 1970s at Camp Pelham. After his military career, he began coaching and was the basketball coach at West Point before leaving to coach the Duke basketball team. Krzyzewski, who also coached Team U.S.A., is the most successful coach in men's college basketball history and was inducted into the basketball hall of fame. Coach K will retire after the 2021-22 basketball season. SUCCESS AT ALL LEVELS

Links:

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/19/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/19/22

Behind The Scenes Of Being An NFL Cheerleader

Moving and shaking do not bring home the bacon.

(Podcast length 4:43 mins)

Like most jobs, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

1. If you become an NFL (National Football League) cheerleader, you're not doing it for the money. On average, they make the same amount as the lifeguard at the community pool. They put in 30-40 hour weeks during the season with practices, appearances and games. For the most part, they do not receive reimbursement for money spent maintaining their team-defined appearance. (Think coloring their hair, uniforms, makeup, etc.).

According to NBC, on average, NFL cheerleaders earn about $150 per game or $22,500 per year. Meanwhile, NFL waterboys usually make $53,000 annually, and NFL mascots make $25,000 per season. TIME FOR A SIDE HUSTLE

2. There are seven NFL teams without cheerleaders - Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, LA Chargers, New York Giants, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Los Angeles Rams broke down barriers in 2019 with the first male cheerleaders at Super Bowl. The Panthers TopCats, the name of the Panthers cheerleading squad, made history by hiring Justine Lindsay, the NFL's first openly trans cheerleader, in 2022. SHARING THE SIDELINE

3. The NFL's most famous pom-pom-wielding gals, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, have a vigorous application process that includes a written test. Past questions have included "who won the Super Bowl last year," "name five former U.S. presidents," or "how many yards are assessed for a personal foul penalty?" A few years back, ESPN talked 12 Cowboys players into taking the test and…they failed. BRAINS AND BEAUTY

4. The cheerleaders must maintain a particular look (see above) because if they don't, they can be benched without pay for violating their contract. Some team cheer coaches conduct "jiggle tests" to assess the firmness of the cheerleader's bodies during the season, and if they don't pass the test, they're benched. Others have a height-to-weight ratio requirement to ensure the cheerleaders do not become too skinny. (NOT) BODY POSITIVE

5. In 2021, teams like the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to name a few, were sued by their cheerleaders for wage theft, unsafe working conditions, sexual harassment and discrimination. Ten out of 26 teams were sued by their cheerleaders, who are deemed independent contractors. Some teams have settled, but in the case of the Buffalo Bills, they disbanded their cheer squad altogether.

The Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers are an anomaly, with both teams paying their cheerleaders around $75,000 a year. STEP IT UP

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 break down 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 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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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/4/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/4/22

Our Favorite College Football Traditions

Creative, quirky and, dare we say, kind?

(Podcast length 4:07 mins)

They're weird, fun and a little heartwarming - after all, what is college for?

1. Iowa Hawkeye fans have started a tradition, the Iowa Wave. When the first quarter ends, fans wave to the patients at Iowa's Stead Family Children's Hospital, which overlooks the stadium. MOST IMPORTANT PLAY OF THE GAME

2. Florida State University began a “sod cemetery” in 1962. The team would bring back grass from their opponent's field after a win. But now, there are new rules in place. The Seminoles must be underdogs, or the victory must be in a championship or bowl game to warrant a sod funeral. REST IN PEACE

3. After their rival Georgia Tech discontinued their annual game, Clemson Tigers fans hit back with their wallets. They spent $2 bills stamped with the team’s signature orange tiger paw logo all over Atlanta. This 40-year tradition remains, with Clemson fans paying with said $2 bills when traveling to away games. WAIT, SOMEONE CARRIES CASH?

4. Remember when toilet papering a house was something you did to your worse enemy? Not at Auburn University. After a win, fans toilet paper the oaks on Toomer's Corner on campus. This tradition, which started in 1972, was stopped for three years after an Alabama fan poisoned the trees, but now it’s back. After 2020’s TP shortage, this tradition seems sinful. TWO-PLY PARTY

5. At the University of Wisconsin – Madison (aka Wisconsin), Badgers fans work off their tailgate treats at the end of the third quarter. When the song “Jump Around” by House of Pain is played, the entire stadium literally jumps. THAT’S ONE WAY TO BRING DOWN THE HOUSE

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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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/28/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/28/22

The Strangest Mascots In College Sports

They rally the crowd and scare the children (and sometimes adults).

(Podcast length 4:07 mins)

Add these mascots to the list of things that make you go hmm.

Scan to the bottom for images of these gems.

1. Replacing its Indian mascot in the 2000s, a student vote led to Dartmouth's unofficial mascot, "Keggy the Keg." The barrel of booze may be a fan favorite, but the Dartmouth administration also isn't very fond of Keggy. Sadly the school isn't very good at sports, so the rest of the world doesn't get to join in on the fun that is Keggy in the stands. TAP THAT

2. Wake Forest is known as the Demon Deacons. The odd mascot is an older man in a top hat and tails and is a byproduct of a frat boy facing a challenge from his peers. The aforementioned frat brother accepted the challenge of creating and becoming a mascot as a dare from a fellow frat brother. No one expected the joke to become a reality, much less that it would stick around as a vital piece of the institution. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR

3. Wichita State University is known as the shockers. (Yes, you read that correctly). The nickname was created because many of the players worked in the off-season harvesting (aka shocking) wheat in the fields. LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY

4. Kernel Cobb is the mascot for the Concordia College Cobbers. The liberal arts school based in Minnesota describes its mascot as a "snarly, though friendly" ear of corn. Long story short, in the 1890s, the term 'corncobs’ was initially used as a slur by their urbanite rival and was later adopted as the school's mascot. WE'RE ALL EARS

5. Stop us if you’ve heard this one about Speedy the Geoduck. The mascot of Evergreen State College, an experimental and non-traditional college in Washington State, is a symbol of environmental sustainability. Geoducks, a kind of mollusk, filter 30 gallons of water daily and are integral to the pacific northwest ecosystem. SOUNDS LIKE DINNER

Honorable mention: Artie the Artichoke, the official mascot of Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Keggy the Keg, the unofficial mascot of Darthmouth

Photo: twitter.com/DartmouthKeggy

Demon Deacon, mascot for Wake Forest

Photo: instagram.com/wfuniversity

WuShock, the Wichita State mascot

Photo: instagram.com/goshockers.wushock

Kernel Cobb, mascot for the Concordia College Cobbers

Photo: http://atconcordia.areavoices.com/

Speedy the Geoduck, mascot of Evergreen State College

Photo: NY Times

Artie the Artichoke, mascot for Scottsdale Community College

Photo: instagram.com/scottsdalecc

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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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/21/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/21/22

NFL Players And Their Secret Talents

You know those people who are good at everything? Well, here are five more to add to the list.

(Podcast length 4:15 mins)

A danseur, an accomplished harmonica player and an opera singer, sounds like a start of a bad joke, but they’re the subjects of this week’s podcast.

1. Christian McCaffrey is not only a GQ cover model and the guy you want on your fantasy football team but also a coveted musician. McCaffrey, who is dating model Olivia Culpo, is a master of the harmonica and a skilled pianist. MAN OF MANY TALENTS

2. Kyler Murray is one of the few athletes who could have gone pro in more than one sport. While has was drafted in the MLB Draft (Major League Baseball), he chose football. The Arizona Cardinals quarterback is a chess guru and a professional gamer. When renewing his contract in 2022, the Cardinals built in an ‘independent study’ clause, requiring Murray to “perform at least four hours of independent study of Arizona's opponent in a non-bye week.” After the media caught wind of it, the team removed the clause, calling it a ‘distraction.’ ABOVE AVERAGE

3. Jon Dorenbos retired after having open heart surgery. During and after his career he spent time impressing TV viewers worldwide on shows like “Ellen” with his hidden talent, magic. The long snapper appeared on “America’s Got Talent” where he didn’t win, but fans rallied hard for his own magic show in Vegas. (It never happened). A GUY CAN DREAM

4. Placekicker Justin Tucker has a voice of an angel and a leg of a giraffe (they can decapitate a lion with a kick). Tucker is a remarkable opera singer. He has been asked to perform at the Baltimore Symphony and the New York Opera and has performed as part of an NFL commercial. MUSIC TO OUR EARS

5. Herschel Walker is one of the biggest names in football. The retired running back credits his ballet training in his fitness routine as part of his success. He made his ballet debut with the Fort Worth ballet in 1988. If that’s not impressive enough, Walker went to the 1992 Olympics as a bobsledder and is a martial artist. WHAT CAN’T HE DO?

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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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/14/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/14/22

Women Leading The NFL

These trailblazing women represent over 47% of women who call themselves NFL fans.

(Podcast length 5:45 mins)

Like many other professional sports leagues, the NFL has seen an increase in women in leadership roles, but there's still plenty of room to grow. In the 2021 season, women made up 38.8% of the NFL league office, 25.3% of teams' senior administration, 3.1% of team CEOs and presidents and 1.5% of team assistant coaches (TIDES report card).

1. Amy Trask became the Oakland Raiders' chief executive and the first woman of that rank in the NFL in 1997. After nearly 30 years with the team, Trask now serves as an analyst for CBS. In an interview, Trask recalled a story about a reporter asking her Hall of Fame offensive lineman Gene Upshaw what it's like to have a girl on the team. Upshaw replied, "She's not a girl. She's a Raider." TRUTH

2. For Sarah Thomas landing the role as the first female referee in the NFL in 2015 wasn't easy. In 2021, Thomas became the first woman to officiate at the Super Bowl. Thomas paved the way for other women like Maia Chaka, who, in 2021, became the first Black female official in the NFL. Having women referees drove the league to change the name of one of the officiating positions from Head Linesman to a gender-neutral title of Down Judge. GAME ON

3. Move over, Jerry Maguire; Nicole Lynn is here. Lynn, 33, became the first Black woman to represent a top-five NFL draft pick. Before the draft, she took to the internet to figure out what other women agents had worn. She found no inspiration because only two women have ever previously represented players in the draft. Lynn continues to grow her roster of clients and has even written a book to inspire women to become their most effective advocates. In addition, Lynn serves as the President of Football Operations for Klutch Sports Group, led by basketball agent Rich Paul (aka singer Adele's beau). TAKE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE

4. Jen Welter, a former women's pro player and two-time Team USA Olympic medalist, became the first female to coach in the NFL when the Arizona Cardinals hired her in 2015. Following in the path Welter blazed, Jennifer King made history in 2021 as the first Black woman to become a full-time coach in the NFL. King said, "I never ever, literally never, thought about being a first. I just wanted to coach football." DREAM JOB

5. These women are also making history in the Super Bowl. Katie Sowers became the first openly gay female full-time NFL coach in 2021 and the first to coach in the Super Bowl. Sowers was in the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers and now coaches for the Kansas City Chiefs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaches Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar were the first female NFL coaches to win a Super Bowl. CHAMPIONS

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/7/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 9/7/22

What You Need To Know To Shine This NFL Season

Giving you the tools to survive and thrive in America's favorite season

(Podcast length 4:39 mins)

The NFL (National Football League) is back, and just like that, there goes your Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and sometimes Saturdays.

1. We're used to seeing players change teams, but the broadcaster shuffle in the off-season was unprecedented. The top duo at FOX, Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, bolted for ESPN and “Monday Night Football.” College GameDay mainstay Kirk Herbstreit ventures into the NFL with Amazon Prime on Thursday nights. He joins longtime “Sunday Night Football” broadcaster Al Michaels. Lastly, Cris Collinsworth gets new teammates on “Sunday Night Football” on NBC with Mike Tirico (you might also recognize him from NBC's Olympics coverage) and Melissa Stark. COMING TO A TV NEAR YOU

2. The Washington Commanders (formerly known as the Washington Football Team) have one of the worst stadiums in the NFL, but they also hold the record for the highest-priced "cheapest" beer at $14. The team ownership has been in hot water in the off-season, with the owner subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee. COLD BEER & COLD SHOULDER

3. The NFL will play its first-ever game in Germany. The league is bringing Tom Brady to rally fans when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Seattle Seahawks in Munich. There will be five international games this season, with the other games in London and Mexico City. AMERICAN FOOTBALL IS ON THE MOVE

4. Regarding on-field performance, the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the favorites to reach Super Bowl. The oldest player in the league is leading the Bucs, Tom Brady, who signed a one-year extension with the team. Could this be his last season, as he's already signed a record-setting broadcast deal with FOX? Speaking of QBs, Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers is the back-to-back league MVP. Still, will his off-the-field activities (like ayahuasca consumption) distract him from the ultimate victory, a Super Bowl? GAME FACE

5. There are an unprecedented number of new head coaches this season - 10. The most notable change is Todd Bowles. Bowles spent years at the New York Jets in his first head coaching job going 24-40 before joining the Bucs under head coach Bruce Arians. Now he's leading the charge at the Buccaneers, taking over for Arians. Luckily having Tom Brady at quarterback and Arians' staff still on board should make for a winning (dare we say Super Bowl winning) combination. FAMILIAR FACE

Don't think we forgot about the women of the NFL. We dedicated next week's podcast to these talented women.

How to watch

How to watch an NFL game became a little more confusing this year with more platforms joining the lineup. "Thursday Night Football" can be seen exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, Sunday's games on FOX and CBS with "Sunday Night Football" on NBC and Peacock. "Monday Night Football" will remain on ESPN. TUNE IN

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 8/17/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 8/17/22

5 Tips To Avoid The Intimidation That Is Fantasy Football

Here’s how to talk shop. Athletic ability (or football knowledge) is not required.

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(Podcast length - 5:13 mins)

Being a fantasy football pro doesn’t have to be a fantasy at all. So much of it is luck and knowing a few key strategies. There’s nothing wrong with embracing the way you want to pick your team and enjoying the game.

Transcript

1. The “sport” of fantasy football was originally developed in 1962, but modern fantasy football started in 1999 when Yahoo! offered an online league. Now players can create teams using ESPN or other sports apps and make some dough with online betting sites like DraftKings, although sports betting sites are still illegal in a few states. BETTING IT ALL

2. It’s a male-dominated sport, with men making up over 80% of the 60 million participants. But don’t look now because women are whipping up teams of their own. Just because some men want to debate the 1982 Super Bowl champions doesn’t mean that means that’s required to enjoy a fantasy football league. Women have to remember their mother-in-law’s birthday and the neighbor’s cat’s name, so there is no need to use those brain cells up with useless football factoids. There are whole leagues and even businesses dedicated to helping female football fans (like our women’s only league) join in on the fun. YOU GOT THIS

3. Fantasy football is usually fun, but some leagues aren’t for the faint of heart. They take it very seriously, and there’s a punishment for coming in last. The penalties include spending 24 hours at a Waffle House (seriously), buying drinks for the entire next football season, doing standup at a local open mic night or waxing of the nether regions (by a professional, of course, because what are we animals)? THAT’S GOING TO LEAVE A MARK

4. Picking a team name is the best part but remember no one is intimidated by the “Unicorn Underdogs.” Luckily for you, there are massive lists of names out there for inspiration. Some of our favorites? Blitz Creek, Sacks and the City, Game of Throws, Drinkers with a Kicking Problem, Teddy Throwsevelt and Real Housewife Who Fantasizes. CLEVER EH?

5. Our biggest pointer for first-time fantasy football players is: don’t forget to set your lineups once a week. You have up until your first player’s game starts to adjust. Remember, some teams play on Thursday night. With the average person spending $556 on entry fees, materials and prizes, you want to put your best foot(ball) forward. ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS

Bonus: If you play, you may hear the word PPR or points per reception. Some leagues use it and some don’t. It means every time your player catches the ball you are rewarded with a point.

Who is the commish, why do I care about bye weeks and what's the recipe for success? Check out our fantasy football 101 for the answers to all your questions.

Links:

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/6/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 7/6/22

True Crimes - Athletes Edition

Serving up championships with a side of murder.

(Podcast length 5:28 mins)

They might be invincible on the field, but not in the eyes of the law.

Transcript

1. During his career, Chicago Bears (NFL – National Football League) wide receiver Sam Hurd was the head of a high-level drug-dealing operation. It appeared he thought he was invincible. How so? Before being arrested, one of his associates was pulled over with $88,000 in cash while driving Hurd's car. Hurd had the guts to ask for the money back. He knew the police were onto him, but he refused to believe that police could wiretap cell phones from Mexico. He's serving out a 15-year sentence in Texas. NEW PHONE, WHO DIS?

2. Currently serving his 25-year sentence in a Moroccan prison is former UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fighter Lee "Lightning" Murray. His former boss UFC President Dana White, once said, "He's a scary son of a b---h, and I don't mean fighter-wise." Murray was charged with being the mastermind of the largest bank heist in history - $100M. While the plan was flawlessly executed – the robbery took place without any injuries or even a bullet being fired. They weren't so bright afterward, where flubs like abandoned guns and cars and snitches were prevalent. Don't think this half-Moroccan citizen has let the downtime in the slammer go to waste. He tried to escape using tiny saws that were snuck inside of biscuits. WHERE THERE'S A WILL

3. The world fell in love with track and field star Oscar Pistorius, who was born with a congenital disability and had his lower legs amputated as an infant. In 2004, the "Blade Runner" won a gold medal at the Athens Paralympics and later competed in the 400-meter run at the 2012 London games. In 2013 he was arrested for shooting his girlfriend Reva Steenkamp multiple times through a bathroom door in his home on Valentine's Day. He was later found guilty of culpable homicide (the South African legal system's equivalent of manslaughter). He was sentenced to 13 years and five months in prison but is now eligible for parole. Although there's one sticking point before that happens. He has to meet with Steenkamp's parents, who have a right to do so under South Africa's victim-offender dialogue policy. Steenkamp’s parents can then make a recommendation to the parole board. NOT SO FAST

4. We've all stepped out of the house in our favorite outfits only to get something on them. The same happened to former NFL player Ray Lewis at a post-Super Bowl party. He and some friends got into a fight that left two people dead. Lewis was a suspect because he had blood on his suit and in his limo. The cream-colored suit became the storyline of the trial. Lewis said his suit was too nice to have committed murder, but the suit disappeared not long after the crime and is still MIA to this day. No one was charged with the murder, and Lewis ended up going to jail for obstruction of justice because he instructed his friends not to speak of the incident. SNITCHES GET STITCHES

5. The story of professional bodybuilders Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan is a little crazy. Titus had a bit of a storied past with drug-related arrests and parole violations. Then he met and married three-time Fitness Olympia runner-up Kelly Ryan, and it was all downhill from there. In 2005 police discovered the burned body of Melissa James, the couple's personal assistant. Ryan and Titus ran from the police for a week and were eventually arrested. They claimed James was stealing from them when she died of a drug overdose; they set her body on fire, abandoned it in a car and left town because they were afraid they would be accused of her death. James had been shot with a stun gun, given morphine, and strangled. In 2008, Titus was sentenced to between 21 and 55 years in prison, while Ryan was given two consecutive terms of 3 to 13 years. Ryan was released on parole in 2017. NOT SO SMART CRIMINALS

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/27/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/27/22

How the NFL Draft Became A Pop Culture Phenomenon

There’s something for everyone, even the non-sports fan.

(Podcast length 4:40 mins)

From features on the “Today Show” to concerts and red carpets, the NFL Draft has come a long way since first being televised in 1980. Here's what you need to know.

Transcript

1. Until a few years ago, the draft had always been in New York. This year is the first time Las Vegas has hosted the draft (they were supposed to host it in 2020), and they're blowing out all the stops for the expected 600,000 fans. As part of the opening festivities on day one of the draft, prospects will walk a floating red carpet in the Bellagio fountains. Weezer, Ice Cube and Marshmello will all take to the stage separately for the 2022 NFL Draft Concert Series. ONLY IN VEGAS

2. Typically quarterbacks dominate the first pick but not this year. The worst team in the league last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars, have the No. 1 pick for the second year in a row. Projections have a defensive player as the first draft pick, an honor that seems to go to a quarterback more often than not. PICK ME

3. A few notable players to watch for include Colorado State star Trey McBride, who is poised to become the first NFL player with same-sex parents. Then there's Malik Willis, quarterback from Liberty, who made headlines for donating gear right out of his suitcase to a homeless woman when he was in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. (Combine is the 'tryout' for draft prospects). Willis didn't know, but a fan recognized him and caught his act of kindness on video. He could be the first quarterback selected in the draft. RAISED 'EM RIGHT

4. It's tradition for the fans at the draft to boo NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell every time he walks out on the stage to announce first-round draft picks' names. In an attempt to quiet the boos for Goodell, the league introduced notable guest pickers. They include kids from Make-A-Wish and fans from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the National Gay Flag Football League and more. The first special guest at the podium is Sam Prince, who is fulfilling his Make-A-Wish request when he announces pick No. 5 on behalf of the New York Giants. THE MORE THE MERRIER

5. The Jags may have the first selection, but it's all about the last pick, at least to some. Mr. Irrelevant is the title given to pick No. 262, the last person drafted. Why irrelevant? Because of the multitude of players chosen before them, they are not likely to make the team roster. Making a negative into a positive, one Mr. Irrelevant established Irrelevant Week, celebrating that last player. The week, which has turned into a big event with a charitable element, preaches that it's not a negative to be picked last in the NFL Draft; instead, it's an honor to be drafted at all. FINDING THE SILVER LINING

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday in Las Vegas, and it runs through Saturday.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/20/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 4/20/22

The Sports World Is Upping Its Game When It Comes To Mother Earth

The sports world is doing more than ditching the hot dogs for kale to save the planet.

(Podcast length 4:49 mins)

Kermit the Frog said, "it isn’t easy being green," but in the world of sports, lofty goals come true, and rivals unite all in the name of Mother Earth. And not just on Earth Day.

Transcript

1. The Forest Green Rovers, a soccer team from Western England, is the “greenest football club” (or soccer to Americans) in the world. They claim the title of the world's only vegan football club. Since 2015, there have been no animal products for sale in the stadium. Some players eat non-vegan outside of the stadium (and there are paparazzi photos to prove it), but some have adopted the vegan lifestyle. Other ways they're helping to save the planet include a field free of chemical fertilizers, using reusable energy and a "mow-bot," a GPS-directed solar-powered lawnmower. NO MEAT PIES FOR YOU

2. The name says it all - Climate Pledge Arena. The home to the Seattle Kraken (NHL – National Hockey League) and the Seattle Storm (WNBA – Women's National Basketball Association) uses no fossil fuel consumption for daily use. It also has a "rain to rink" system utilizing rainwater to resurface the ice along with waterless urinals and ultra-efficient showers. By 2024, they plan to have no single-use plastics in the arena. The price of being named the first International Living Future Institute certified zero carbon arena in the world? $1.5 billion, all from private funding. MAMA EARTH IS SO PROUD

3. There's a new league in town – the National Recycling League. Anheuser-Busch is pulling together its sports team partners in the NFL (National Football League) and MLB (Major League Baseball) to combat the lack of recycling, including the estimated 51 million plastic cups used every year at sporting events. Recycling Hawkers, or volunteers from Keep America Beautiful, will be deployed in stadiums to collect cups, cans and bottles to ensure they're recycled properly. Ten MLB teams have already signed on to be inaugural members of the "league." WHEN IN ROME

4. Pocono Motor Speedway's (NASCAR - National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) green efforts benefit the earth and you. The raceway runs entirely on solar power and has sheep for lawn mowers but has an industry-specific problem – what to do with as many as 600 used tires after a race? Answer – recycle. The recycled residue from old tires is used in everyday items such as portable speed bumps and the anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen or playgrounds. WHERE THE RUBBER HITS THE ROAD

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 break down 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 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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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/23/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/23/22

And The Oscar Goes To...

The most celebrated sports movies that you know and love.

(Podcast length 4 mins)

King Richard will represent the sports world when the Oscars air on Sunday night. If it wins, the movie, nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture and a Best Actor nomination for Will Smith, is in good company with these Oscar-award-winning sports movies.

Transcript

Million Dollar Baby (2004) This movie about a middle-class female boxer who forges a life-changing bond with her trainer is tied for the most celebrated film on our list. The movie took home Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actress (Hilary Swank), Best Director (Clint Eastwood) and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman). The other flick with four wins? Chariots of Fire. GIRL ON FIRE

Rocky (1976) We all remember the iconic line of “Yo Adrian” and Sylvester Stallone’s run up the steps. Still, while the actors and their lines are what we remember, the movie took home the Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing awards. A big fat TKO for Rocky and Adrian. WE’LL STILL NEVER EAT A RAW EGG FOR BREAKFAST

Jerry Maguire (1996) Tom Cruise may have yelled “show me the money” in a story about a sports agent down on his luck, but Cuba Gooding Jr. showed them how it was done as he received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. OSCAR, YOU COMPLETE ME

The Blind Side (2009) Sandra Bullock took home her first Oscar for her role as a pushy mom who takes in a homeless teen and helps to harness his talents to turn him into a football powerhouse. The film is based on the true story of Michael Oher, who became a college football sensation and an NFL (National Football League) player. DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Ford vs. Ferrari (2019) The movie about the 24 hours Le Mans race pitted Christian Bale as Ken Miles and Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby against each other. The movie was nominated for four Academy Awards that included Best Picture and took home two trophies for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing. Arguably one of the best racing movies ever, the movie lost to Parasite for Best Picture. No racing-themed film has ever won Best Picture. SO YOU’RE SAYING THERE’S A CHANCE?

Honorable mentions: Chariots of Fire won four Academy Awards, including one for its inspiring musical score. Kobe Bryant won for his animated short, Dear Basketball. Bryant said that his win “felt better than winning a championship.” THE TROPHY ISN’T AS COOL

PS: If you prefer to watch March Madness basketball over the Academy Awards, check out our Guide to March Madness for the background on the tournament and more of what you need to know.

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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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/8/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 2/8/22

The 5 Things You Need To Know About The Super Bowl

Super Bowl Sunday - arguably the best holiday of the year.

(Podcast length 5:13 mins)

Talk sports confidently leading up to the battle of the gameday buffet, commercials and the game between Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals with your all-inclusive Super Bowl Guide.

Transcript

1. Let's talk about This year's halftime show is every millennial's dream featuring five rap and R&B stars: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. Blige is the only one of these artists who has performed at the Super Bowl before (2001). Combined, the five performers have 43 Grammys and 21 Billboard No. 1 albums. Did you know that halftime performers are not paid for their performance? The NFL pays the production costs, but there's no appearance fee.

2. The price of a Super Bowl commercial increased this year with NBC charging $6.5 million for a 30-second spot, up from the $5.5 million CBS fetched for last year's game. This year, newcomers to the Super Bowl commercials include crypto.com and wholesale chain Sam's Club, which Wal-Mart owns. Now you just have to be prepared to explain to your Aunt Laudie what cryptocurrency is.

Want a sneak peek into the 2022 Super Bowl commercials? Here you go.

3. After Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl is the second-highest calorie intake day in America. The average person will consume 11,000 calories - more than four and a half times the recommended daily calorie intake.

As a country, here's what we're eating, by the numbers:

1.3 billion chicken wings (the most popular Super Bowl food)
325 million gallons of beer (Coors Light is the most popular, followed by Miller Lite and Bud Light)
200 million pounds of avocados
88 million pounds of cheese
2 million pizzas

Here are 15 party-pleasing recipes for your Super Bowl party.

4. The Super Bowl is known for its fun prop bets, bets on individual things that will happen throughout the game. Here are some popular prop bets in Super Bowl:

The over/under of the length of country singer Mickey Guyton's national anthem
Who will win the opening coin toss?
What color is the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach?

Want to place your bets? Check out our Sports Betting 101.

5. What about the teams taking the field? Rams coach Sean McVay and Bengals coach Zac Taylor are the youngest head coaches ever to meet in the Super Bowl. It's been 33 years since the Bengals played in the Super Bowl. The Rams played in the Super Bowl in 2019 when they lost to the Patriots. Of the last 16 champions, 13 of those teams were wearing white jerseys. The Bengals elected to wear their black jerseys.

Did you see that Cincinnati Public Schools will be closed on Monday after Super Bowl so everyone can support their team? Now, if we could only get the Super Bowl moved to a Saturday, so we didn't have to get up for work the next day…

How to watch:

Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers

Watch: Sunday, February 13, 2022 - kickoff time for the Super Bowl is 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm ET. You can watch on NBC, Peacock or with a live TV streaming subscription on services like Hulu and YouTube.

With the game kicking off around 6:30 pm ET, you can estimate that halftime will be around 8 pm ET.

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/26/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/26/22

Athletes Spend How Much To Stay At The Top Of Their Game??

From LeBron to your favorite Olympians, being at the top of your game isn’t cheap.

(Podcast length 5:27 mins)

Eating healthy and staying in shape isn’t cheap, and while some professional athletes make millions to be in mint condition, what about our Olympians? Food for thought.

Transcript

1. If you follow LeBron James, 37, on Instagram, you know he loves wine and is in insane shape. There’s no word on his annual wine budget, but he reportedly spends $1.5 million a year staying in shape. The two-time NBA (National Basketball Association) MVP uses cryotherapy and a hyperbaric chamber (amongst other things) to remain in prime condition along with a team that includes a personal chef, masseuse and a trainer. That’s nothing considering, according to Forbes, he’ll make $41.2 million in salary alone for the upcoming 2021-22 season and an estimated $70 million from other business ventures. WORTHY INVESTMENT

2. In an interview, Russell Wilson, one of the highest-paid players in the NFL (National Football League), said he pays close to $1 million a year on recovery. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback has a team that travels everywhere with him and his wife Ciara, including a physical therapist, a “mobile person” who makes sure Wilson is “moving the right way,” a massage therapist and two chefs. DON’T WE ALL?

3. Let’s talk about the ageless Tom Brady. How about shelling out a minimum of $16,000 a year to eat like him? (Chef not included). His diet is legendary, and it has not only inspired his company TB12 and food line Purple Carrot, but it has inspired his fellow players to up their game. Case in point, Odell Beckham Jr. of the Los Angeles Rams. He liked what he saw in the 44-year-old Brady and credits him for the longevity in his own career. OBJ said that he spends around $300,00 a year on doctors, trainers and track coaches who help him train and recover. WHATEVER IT TAKES

4. Sure, that’s great that these prominent athletes can swing the price tag to stay at the top of their game, but what about when it comes to the Olympics? In a sport that doesn’t get much time in the limelight, table tennis athletes train for anywhere between eight to 12 years to reach the Olympic level at the tune of $20,000 a year. Mom of Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas said the expense of her daughter’s training, which is around $15,000/year just in training, was one of the factors in why she had to file for bankruptcy. Remember, athletes aren’t paid to participate in the Olympics, and those who compete in less mainstream sports have to work hard to secure sponsors. Although it doesn’t even out, Olympians receive a financial reward for winning a medal. ALL-IN

5. What happens when you spend all of that money and don’t make it to the big show – the Olympics? Ice dancers, siblings Rachel and Michael Parsons’ family spent over $500,000 during their 12-year career. With their eyes on the Olympics, expenses were mounting up to the tune of $40,000 - $75,000 a year. Sadly, the two never did qualify for the Winter Olympics. HEART AND BANK-BREAKING

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/19/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/19/22

It's Our Birthday - Celebrate With Our Favorite Moments

There’s never a dull moment around here.

(Podcast length 25:14 mins)

It’s our birthday, and to celebrate, we’re sharing our favorite daily conversation starters from the past year. The one good thing about working in sports is that there’s never a dull moment, and that’s obvious in this week’s podcast.

Transcript

1. The Bills Mafia knows a thing or two about giving back. This season alone, the Buffalo Bills (NFL - National Football league) fans donated more than $65,000 to a visual impairment charity on behalf of the gameday referees and $120,000 to injured Bills player Tre’Davious White’s hometown charity - the Food Bank of New Orleans.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans took a page out of the Bills Mafia playbook, donating to Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson after Carlson won the game for the Raiders, which subsequently sent the Steelers to the playoffs.

2. Furthering women’s sports, celebrity women all over the country have been investing in NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) teams. Washington Spirit investors Jenna Bush Hager and Chelsea Clinton joined Los Angeles Angel FC owners Natalie Portman, Jennifer Garner, Billie Jean King and Eva Longoria, to name a few. Tennis star Naomi Osaka purchased a stake in the North Carolina Courage. Patrick Mahomes’ fiancée Brittany Matthews is a co-owner of the Kansas City expansion team.

The league saw increased viewer numbers this season.

3. For just a moment, the man who seemingly has it all together did not. The vegan health nut Tom Brady had a little bit of fun at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) boat parade celebrating their Super Bowl win and had to be carried off by security. Brady launched the Lombardi Trophy to another boat during the parade and allegedly had some tequila. Either way, he had no problem poking a little fun at himself afterward. And neither did anyone else.

4. Atlanta Braves (MLB - Major League Baseball) Joc Pederson rallied his team and city with a pearl necklace. He started wearing a pearl necklace for whatever reason, and then he played lights out while wearing it. The Braves beat the Houston Astros to win the World Series, all while their fans, including grown men, wore pearl necklaces to the game in support of their team.

5. We’ve seen some pretty horrendous penalties for losing a fantasy football league but making Lee Sanderlin spend 24 hours in a Waffle House ranks right up there with body waxing and tattoos on the list. Sanderlin had to spend 24 hours at the local Waffle House, but there was a caveat. He could shave off an hour for every waffle he ate. Sanderlin took to Twitter to pass the time, and his journey went viral. A ‘mere’ 9 waffles, and 15 hours later, he was free. And not a moment too soon.

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Phoenix Open/Super Bowl

The Launch of the XFL

World Baseball Classic

FIFA Women’s World Cup

Ryder Cup

Honorable mention

WHEN anyone starts talking POLITICS, all you want to do is run.

AT YOUR OFFICE POTLUCK, YOU'RE STUCK IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE MOST BORING PERSON IN THE OFFICE WITH NO RESCUE IN SIGHT

YOU WERE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY, BUT NOW THERE'S NOT ENOUGH ADVIL IN THE WORLD TO STOP YOUR HANGOVER.

WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR BIG FAKE SMILE BECAUSE YOU RECEIVED YET ANOTHER PAIR OF UNDERWEAR

No matter how hard you try, your sibling always upstages your gift with your nieces and nephews.

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