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?

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 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

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 9/7/22 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

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 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.

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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 8/3/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 8/3/22

The Kardashian's Love Affair With Sports

The Kardashians have a long history with the world of sports.

(Podcast length 4:00 mins)

It's not all basketball and breakups; they also have their eye on the business of sports.

Transcript

1. First, we have to acknowledge the elephant in the room – there has been a fair share of relationships with athletes, primarily with the players of the NBA (National Basketball Association). We were all sad to see Devin Booker and Kendall Jenner break up, although rumors are they are back together. Then there was Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. Kim also dated international soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and don't forget about NFL (National Football League) player Reggie Bush. The Khloe Kardashian-Lamar Odom drama seemed intense until we met Tristian Thompson. HEARTBREAK HOTEL

2. Kim's underwear, shapewear and loungewear company SKIMS outfitted all of Team USA in its loungewear and undergarments at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. They continued their collaboration into the Winter Games, equipping all female members of Team USA in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games with lounge and sleepwear to wear in their downtime. TEAM SPIRIT

3. Let's not forget about Caitlyn Jenner and the patriarch Robert Kardashian. Robert became a household name after being a part of NFL player O.J. Simpson's defense team. He passed away in 2003. Jenner graced the cover of the coveted Wheaties box after winning a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics. LEGENDS

4. After the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in November 2021, Kim Kardashian partnered with a New York Rabbi and a U.K soccer club to evacuate members of the Afghanistan's women's youth development soccer team and their families to Britain. A plane charted by Kim carried 130 people to an airport near London where the English Premier League club, Leeds United, offered support to the teenage athletes. FORCE FOR GOOD

5. As daughters of an Olympian, Kendall and Kylie have dabbled in athletic contests. Kylie revealed she played on a boy's football team. Kendall certainly has the athletic spirit in her blood, saying, "Every blood test I have ever done has said that I am, like, over the normal limit of athleticness." Kim has left her mark on the sports world, serving as a cover model for this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. And it was so fast you may have missed it, but Kim’s face appeared on the hood of a NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) car promoting her fragrance line. BRANDING AT ITS BEST

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 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 6/15/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 6/15/22

Athletes Who Are The Definition Of Dad Goals

#raddads

(Podcast length 4:56 mins)

Just because these dads have careers that put them in the limelight doesn’t mean they don't know which job is most important.

Transcript

1. Retired NBA (National Basketball Association) player Dwyane Wade grew up in a challenging environment which taught him to "lead with love" as he raises sons Zaire, 20, and Xavier, 8, and daughters Zaya, 15, and Kaavia, 3, and his nephew Dahveon Morris, 20. He and his wife actress, Gabrielle Union, rallied around Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020. He refers to Zaya as the "bravest" person he knows for sharing her story, "knowing there's other kids that are going through similar things, and knowing that they do not get the love and attention and the respect from their parents." The couple is also very open about their journey with surrogacy with Kaavia after struggling to conceive. FAMILY IS EVERYTHING

2. Denver Broncos (NFL – National Football League) quarterback Russell Wilson never had a chance to celebrate his illustrious career with his dad. His dad passed away shortly after he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies (MLB – Major League Baseball), and he never had a chance to see him play in the NFL. Wilson, married to singer Ciara, is dad to 1-year-old son Win Harrison, daughter Sienna Princess, 5, and son Future Zahir, 8, whom Ciara shares with ex Future. Wilson and Ciara not only invest in their own family but in children in their community through their Why Not You Foundation, which fights poverty through education and empowering youth to lead with a "why not you" attitude. ROLE MODEL

3. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best soccer players of our generation, but the title that makes him most proud is "dad." Losing his father at a young age at 20 years old is a topic that brings him to tears. Ronaldo is the father to Cristiano Jr., 11, whose mother has not been revealed, five-year-old twins Evan and Mateo, born via surrogate, and Alana, 4, and one-month-old Bella with longtime girlfriend, Georgina Rodríguez. Ronaldo and Rodríguez lost Bella's infant's twin brother during childbirth. While he's used to being the rock, after the death of his son, soccer fans stepped up to support him, signing the song "You'll Never Walk Alone" during Ronaldo's first game back. RAISE 'EM UP

4. Most dads would do anything to help their kids achieve their dreams. Enter Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB). The beginning of last season wasn't going so well for Freeman. His son Charlie said, "Daddy, I'm gonna need you to start playing better so I can go to the All-Star Game and meet Fernando (Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres)." Freddie said, 'That's the only reason you want me to play better?" Charlie said yes, and the rest is history. Charlie had a chance to make his dreams come true by meeting Tatis and his other heroes at the 2021 MLB All-Star Game. Freddie then made his own dreams come true by winning the World Series with the Atlanta Braves. DREAM BIG

5. While you might disagree with his antics, LaVar Ball has taken a page from Kris Kardashian's book regarding his sons' successes. His undying belief in his offspring's abilities is second to none. Lonzo Ball was the second pick in the NBA Draft in 2017, Lamelo was the No. 3 pick in 2020 and LiAngelo is in the G League (the NBA's development league). Nobody markets like LaVar, but he's also not perfect, so we won't judge him on his Big Baller athletic apparel company and its' $800 shoes. ULTIMATE CHEERLEADER

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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 3/2/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 3/2/22

Women Who Have Changed The Sports World For The Better

Standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.

(Podcast length 5:13 mins)

These legends have made sports more accessible to the next generation.

Transcript

1. Thanks to athletes like Simone Biles (gymnastics) and Naomi Osaka (tennis), mental health became a dinner table topic. Osaka withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon to focus on her well-being. But the world saw just how the pressure impacted an athlete when Simone Biles battled the "twisties" in the Summer Olympics. She put her safety and her team first, withdrawing from the Olympic women's gymnastics all-around competition. BRAINS > BRAWN

2. Billie Jean King has advocated for women's sports for more than five decades. King was a part of the Original 9, a group of trailblazing women who put their tennis careers on hold to push for equal pay among men and women. Did you know that she was the first woman in sports history to win $100,000 in a single year? King continues her advocacy work and frequently uses her social media to promote and celebrate women breaking the glass ceiling. Most recently, she conducted the coin toss ahead of the 2022 Super Bowl to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which provides equal funding for men and women at high schools, colleges and universities. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN

3. Track and field star Allyson Felix is the most decorated US track and field athlete in history, winning 11 Olympic medals, but it's what she did off the track that has shaped her legacy. The formerly Nike-sponsored athlete took on the company, saying that she would be financially penalized for having a child per her contract. (Her daughter was born via emergency c-section in 2018). She was so fed up with NIKE’s lack of support for female athletes that she left NIKE for Athleta. (Simone Biles is also an Athleta sponsored athlete). Felix isn't the only athlete worried about being dropped for having a child – it's a far too common practice. NIKE has since changed its performance-related reduction policies for its pregnant athletes. A FORCE FOR CHANGE

4. Move over Jerry Maguire; Nicole Lynn is here. Lynn, 33, became the first black woman to represent a top-five NFL (National Football League) draft pick. Before the draft, she took to the internet to figure out what other women agents have worn and found no inspiration because only two women have ever represented players in the draft previously. 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 Adele's beau). TAKE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE

5. Doris Burke has long inspired the next generation of sports broadcasters. Burke is the first woman to be awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also the first woman to be a full-time NBA TV analyst on ESPN and ABC and the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA (National Basketball Association) Finals on network television or radio broadcast. She paved the way for so many in the broadcast world, like Jessica Mendoza. Medoza was the first woman to have a full-time baseball analyst role and call a World Series game on a national broadcast. STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

6. Our last honor goes to the loudest voices of this generation. The US Women’s National Team has four World Cup titles and six Olympic medals (four gold). In 2019, they filed a class-action lawsuit against US Soccer seeking equal pay and working conditions. In February 2022, the two finally reached a historic agreement for women's soccer and women's sports. The agreement states that US Soccer will pay the US women's and men's national teams an equal pay rate for all friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup. US Soccer will also pay $22 million to the players included in the case as well as an "additional $2 million into an account to benefit the USWNT players in their post-career goals and charitable efforts related to women's and girls' soccer." STICK TO YOUR GUNS

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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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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/5/22 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 1/5/22

5 Athlete Gameday Rituals To Incorporate Into Your Everyday Life

This is next level.

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(Podcast length 4:53 mins)

New year, new you? Well, we’ll let you decide whether or not these rituals are worth adopting in 2023.

Transcript

1. Who are we to argue with one of the best NBA (National Basketball Association) players ever to play the game when it comes to wine consumption? Wine lover LeBron James believes in drinking wine every day. He said, "Listen, I'm playing the best basketball of my life, and I'm drinking some wine pretty much every day. Whatever it is, I'll take it." BOTTOMS UP

2. Sleep seems like the first thing to go with so much on our plates. Well, that's probably the only reason we're not professional athletes. From skier Lindsey Vonn to tennis player Roger Federer to the world's fastest man, runner Usain Bolt, they all stress the importance of eight-plus hours of sleep to recharge. (Bolt sleeps 8-10 hours a night and takes a nap). Did you know that Tom Brady (NFL) nearly missed a Super Bowl when he fell asleep in front of his locker during the pregame? SLEEPING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP

3. Exercise is critical in keeping your stress levels low, and no surprise, yoga is a fan favorite for athletes across all sports. Yoga has been a mainstay for athletes from the NFL's Aaron Rodgers to the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) to LeBron James to Kevin Love (NBA). When learning yoga, former Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) player Jordan Farmar said, "I thought it was something that girls did. It couldn't hurt, and if I didn't like it, well, I still got to go on a nice trip and see what Tahiti was like." WELL, THERE'S THAT

4. Serena Williams has a packed schedule between her tennis career, fashion line, multiple businesses, and a family. So how does she keep her sanity? Apps. Her favorite is Toggl, an app that helps track her time, breaking down what percentage of each day goes to the three significant areas in her life: her family, her businesses and tennis. She admits to Fast Company that she has adopted a new appreciation for tech since marrying tech founder Alexis Ohanian. However, she still relies on everyday apps like Zoom and Slack to coordinate her work and Zero to track her eating habits. SAME

5. In the "do not try this at home" category, try a little urine if your hands are worn down from typing on the computer all day. Yes, you read that correctly. Baseball greats like Moises Alou and Jorge Posada made their hands gameday ready by peeing on them. IT'S ONLY CRAZY IF IT DOESN'T WORK

Honorable mention: Brooklyn Nets (NBA) star Kyrie Irving is known for his abstract ideas, like vehemently defending his theory that the world is flat. But one ritual he does before every game (if the away team allows him to) that you might be able to borrow is that he burns sage or "smudges" the court to clear the energy. That might come in handy when he returns to the court on January 5 after being out since the beginning of the season. He will still only be able to play at away games as the unvaccinated Irving is unable to play at home games in Barclays Center in Brooklyn. WHATEVER IT TAKES

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/29/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/29/21

The Most Memorable Sports Moments Of 2021

A year worth revisiting.

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(Podcast length - 5:22 mins)

In some ways, 2021 might have felt a bit like a reboot of 2020, but there were so many moments to be excited about. Let's look back before diving headfirst into 2022.

1. The college sports landscape changed forever with the July ruling that allowed athletes to be paid for their name, image and likeness (NIL). Athletes like the Cavinder twins who play women's basketball at Fresno State were the first to take advantage of the ruling. Some athletes like Michigan running back Blake Corum and Iowa lineman Tyler Linderbaum used their NIL money to benefit a good cause, not just their wallets. GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT?

2. Mental health became a dinner table topic thanks to athletes like Simone Biles (gymnastics), Naomi Osaka (tennis) and Lane Johnson (NFL). Johnson took a leave from the Philadelphia Eagles to face his battle with depression head-on. Osaka withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon to focus on her well-being. But the world saw just how the pressure impacted an athlete when Simone Biles battled the "twisties" in the Summer Olympics. She put her safety and her team first, withdrawing from the women's gymnastics all-around competition. BRAINS > BRAWN

3. Sports fans continued to realize what so many already knew, women's sports are the place to be. Not only did viewer ratings soar for the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association), women's college basketball championship game and the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League), but we saw the first college softball game on a major national network. The NFL and MLB (Major League Baseball) added more female coaches and front-office executives. In 2022, look for the women's college basketball tournament to use the coveted "March Madness" title for the first time. HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

4. The year brought us athletes who seem to get better with age. Tom Brady won the Super Bowl with his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL – National Football League), in February at age 43. (And then celebrated with maybe one too many shots at the championship boat parade). At 46, Helio Castroneves won the Indy 500, and Phil Mickelson showed off his impressive 50-year-old calves on his way to a PGA (Professional Golfers Association) Championship win. AGE-DEFYING

5. The delayed 2020 Summer Olympics gave the world the positivity and excitement we'd all been missing. COVID precautions meant athletes' families had to watch from the comfort of their couches, too, but the stories of athletes like Caeleb Dressel, Suni Lee and Katie Ledecky all brought us to our feet. The US topped the medal count with 113 total medals, 39 gold, including one from the US Men's Basketball Team, who continued their medal streak. WORLD’S GREATEST

Bonus:

If you’re a fan of F1 (Formula One) Racing, then you likely caught the race of the century when Max Verstappen beat out seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2021 championship. But did you know that Hamilton, the only Black F1 driver, is also a fan of fashion? He purchased a table at the Met Gala, which runs around $275,000, and filled it with three emerging Black designers to grow their reach. SMOOTH MOVE

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/8/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/8/21

'Tis the Season for Skittle-Dispensing Parkas and Audi A7's (For NFL Players, That Is... )

The gifts that keep on giving.

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(Podcast length - 4:02 mins)

Way better than coal in your stocking.

Transcript

1. Von Miller is known for dishing out heart-stopping hits as one of the longest-tenured defensive players in the NFL (National Football League). But he still has a soft spot for his opponents. Before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, Miller gifted an autographed bottle of wine, featuring an image of his signature eyewear and a handcrafted thank you note, to every player in the AFC West. (The NFL has two conferences, with one being the American Football Conference). Miller sent out a total of 289 bottles and made sure to include players on practice squads and the injured reserve list. CHEERS

2. 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

3. Quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Trevor Siemian have a sweet spot for their linemen. Flacco, who was a backup QB at the time, bought his linemen $2,000 slushie machines for the holidays one year, because why not? And the New Orleans Saints 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. A DREAM COME TRUE

4. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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 for staff members who might get overlooked. These people take care of them every day like the kitchen staff, trainers and the equipment team. THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

5. The offensive line is the first line of defense for offensive stars like running backs and quarterbacks. So it makes sense that they're gifted accordingly for taking the big hits. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson gave his linemen each $12,000 in Amazon stock when he signed his new four-year/$140 million contract. Dallas Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott gifted his linemen John Deere UTVs; Tom Brady doled out new Audi A7s and Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry, custom Pac-Man arcade games. THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/1/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 12/1/21

The Most Awkward Athlete Product Endorsements

This is what happens when you cross a laxative, perfume and a rental car company.

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(Podcast length - 4:45 mins)

We realize you have to pay the bills somehow, but these five athlete partnerships make us a little confused.

Transcript

David Beckham for Young Fish Sticks

Nothing makes you want to fire up dinner faster than David Beckham's face on the side of a box of fish sticks. Beckham, who modeled Calvin Klein skivvies on billboards and Adidas endorsed Young Fish Sticks in 2010, complete with his picture on the side of the box. IN THE FREEZER SECTION

Wilt Chamberlain for Fletcher's Castoria for Children

Wilt the Stilt's endorsement of a children's laxative was undoubtedly more uncomfortable than a stopped-up system. What's better? His mom was in the commercials too. In the commercial, she talked about how when her son was feeling sluggish, Fletcher's made him feel like himself again. MAMA KNOWS BEST

OJ Simpson for Hertz Rental Car

Oh, the irony. The man who was part of this century's most notable police chase was the spokesperson for a rental car company. Granted, the partnership was during Simpson's football career, and the high-speed chase was later but still. Simpson graciously offered to be the spokesperson again for the company in 2020 after they filed for bankruptcy. DON'T CALL US, WE'LL CALL YOU?

Brett Favre and Wrangler Jeans

The partnership is one you're not likely to forget – cowboy meets NFL quarterback. And nothing says, let's play a game of football like a pair of jeans. The partnership became a little more awkward (and a target for "Saturday Night Live") after Favre got into trouble sending lewd photos to women. NOT IDEAL

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom for Unbreakable Bond Perfume

A public breakup is tough when you're a celebrity, but what about when you share a booming business like Unbreakable Bond unisex perfume? The perfume, which features images of the couple all over the packaging, wasn't exactly a best seller like Kylie's lip kits. However, there was a second perfume made just for the holidays – Unbreakable Joy. THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

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

How To Survive The Awkward Holiday Moments

Easy ways to divert, deflect and dine in peace.

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(Podcast length - 5:15 mins)

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

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 U.S.A. Presidents (Eisenhower, Roosevelt, Reagan and George W. Bush) all had 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 a little something from our post about five athletes who turned their fame into a career in politics. Or there’s always COVID and the fact that the NFL is bringing back their mask mandate for all personnel, citing the Thanksgiving holiday. BREAK OUT THE HAND SANITIZER

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 1966 for the Cowboys. So regardless of whether you're cheering for the winless Lions or the first-place Cowboys, one thing you can count on is these teams to play while you nap off your meal. EVERLASTING LOVE

Your dog-obsessed aunt joins you for Thanksgiving lunch and brings her dog that she feeds from the table.

For the dog who doesn't earn the title of best showing at the table, there's still hope to claim the title of "Best in Show." Thanksgiving also doubles as the date of the National Dog Show. And just like your uncle, who avoids anything with Cheez-Whiz, the judges have high standards too. They're not only looking for a dog with defined features, correct gait and fitness level but a happy dog that enjoys the competition, so each dog's expression and general demeanor receive extra scrutiny. WOOF

Your little sister keeps taking selfies, and all you can think about is how full you are.

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. During a regular-season many make, on average less than $10/hour. 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. Want more? Check out five things you never knew about NFL cheerleaders. DO YOU HAVE SPIRIT?

When your sibling throws a dinner roll at you (You know it's going to happen no matter how old you are).

Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment, unlike Kelly Stafford. Kelly Stafford and her QB husband, Matt, are new additions to the LA Rams roster this year. Matt and his team took a beating in last week's Monday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers. During the game, Kelly threw a pretzel at a taunting opposing fan. A neighboring Rams fan called her out on it, and she later apologized for her bad behavior on Instagram. FOOD FIGHT!

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LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/13/21 LAST NIGHT'S GAME 10/13/21

Meet The Athletes Vying For 'Bachelorette' Michelle Young's Heart

We'll find out who’s a slam dunk when the season starts Oct. 19.

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(Podcast length - 4:25 mins)

These athletes have played tough opponents in their sporting careers, but will they be a match for Clint Eastwood’s grandson when it comes to “Bachelorette” Michelle Young’s heart? Go ahead, make my day.

Transcript

Bryan Witzman

Michelle has said that her favorite restaurants are food trucks, so maybe that’s something she’ll have in common with former NFL (National Football League) player and self-described amateur chef Bryan Witzmann. Witzmann, who is 6’7” to Michelle’s 5’9,” played football in college and played for nine different NFL teams, most notably the Kansas City Chiefs. COOKING UP SOME LOVE

Joe Coleman

Will Joe Coleman be the Mr. to Michelle’s Mrs.? Both from Minneapolis, he was named Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball in high school, and she was a finalist for Minnesota’s Miss Basketball award. Rumor has it that the two may have known each other from playing college basketball. TWO WINNERS

Olumide Onajide

Former Rutgers basketball player Olumide Onajide could be just what Michelle is looking for, the “superman to her superwoman,” as her bio says. He works as a field systems analyst, model and writes a fitness column. A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Alec Thompson

If she’s looking for a man with heart, Alec Thompson might be it. The Special Olympics volunteer is a civil engineer living in South Carolina. (Michelle is in Minnesota). Thompson might know a thing or two about structure and discipline that a former school teacher like Michelle would appreciate as he played football during his time at the Virginia Military Institute. TEN-HUT

Clayton Echard

Will orthopedic sales rep Clayton Echard be that “confident but not cocky” dream man Michelle is looking for? The former University of Missouri football player and former freestyle rapper (wait, what?) loves spending time outdoors. And SPOILER, he is rumored to be the next “Bachelor.” PLEASE SAY HE BEATBOXES ON THE SHOW….

If you haven’t already, make sure to select your picks in our Bachelorette bracket in partnership with I Hate Green Beans. If you want a brilliant recap of the latest 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.

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David Beckham for Young Fish Sticks

Wilt Chamberlain for Fletcher's Castoria for Children

OJ Simpson for Hertz Rental Car

Brett Favre and Wrangler Jeans

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Bryan Witzman

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Olumide Onajide

Alec Thompson

Clayton Echard

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