Monday Minute: NHL Misses The Mark, A Story To Love + Italians FTW
The need for holiday small talk is upon us.
We survived Thanksgiving, and now comes the continual need for icebreakers for holiday parties and beyond. Here’s what you need to talk about this week to be a small talk legend.
Tommy Devito's Italian Touchdown Celebration Sweeps the Nation
In the NFL (National Football League), the Giants' quarterback, Tommy Devito, stole the spotlight with not only his on-field prowess but also a touchdown celebration that's taking the nation by storm. Living with his parents hasn't stopped Devito from making waves, and his distinctive "Italian hand gesture" celebration this weekend adds a touch of personality to the game.
Grady Gross: A Smile-Worthy Story in College Football
Shifting our focus to college football, a heartwarming story emerged as Grady Gross, a sophomore kicker for Washington, kicked the game-winning field goal in the Apple Cup, helping his team remain undefeated. Even more touching, Washington's head coach rewarded Gross, a former walk-on, with a well-deserved scholarship, captured in a moment that defines the true spirit of the game.
NHL's Misstep on Native American Heritage Night
The NHL (National Hockey League) faced criticism over its ban on special equipment for Native American Heritage Night. Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury defied the league's directive by wearing a custom mask honoring his wife, who is Native Canadian.
Big News in College Football
Michigan and Alabama Triumph: In a shocking turn of events, Michigan overcame the absence of their head coach to defeat rival Ohio State, while Alabama staged a last-minute comeback to beat Auburn. The internet was flooded with memes capturing the emotional rollercoaster of Auburn fans.
What's Coming Up This Week
Looking ahead, we have an exciting week in college football with conference championships, including the Big Ten and SEC. On Sunday, Dec. 3, the matchups for all 41 bowl games will be announced, setting the stage for the postseason drama that lies ahead.
Tune into this Wednesday’s podcast, "Gift Athletes Give Each Other." In our upcoming Wednesday podcast, we delve into a unique theme—gifts athletes give each other. From thoughtful gestures to extravagant surprises, tune in for a heartwarming exploration of how athletes express camaraderie and friendship.
Photo: Instagram/Balmain
BADASS MOMS IN SPORTS
Never underestimate a girl. MORE
Photo: Instagram/newyorkjets
GAME CHANGER
Looking for ideas to break out of a dinner slump (or perhaps for an upcoming football watch party)? Check out our Tailgate Treats for inspiration. EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
Weekend Preview: Dolly Steals The Show, Black Friday History + Stache Wins
Small talk while Black Friday shopping.
Black Friday - shopping, deals and football.
Historic Black Friday NFL Game
The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins made history by playing the first-ever NFL (National Football League) game on Black Friday. Originally scheduled to feature Aaron Rodgers vs. Tua Tagovailoa, the game took an unexpected turn with Rodgers' injury and Jets' starting quarterback Zach Wilson getting benched. Career backup Tim Boyle will step into the game hoping to take down the red-hot Dolphins. Read more: Sports Yahoo Article
Dak Prescott's Turkey Leg Celebration and the Cowboys' Dominance
The Dallas Cowboys (NFL) performed spectacularly against the Commanders, securing a dominant victory. However, it was the Cowboys’ unconventional celebration that turned heads. Jumping into the Salvation Army Kettle has become a tradition for the Cowboys, but this time, KaVontae Turpin and Dax Prescott took it up a notch by revealing and indulging in a hidden turkey leg. While fines may be looming, the PR buzz for the Salvation Army could make it all worthwhile. Read more: Star-Telegram Article
Dolly Parton Steals the Halftime Show
Adding a touch of glamour to the Cowboys' game, Dolly Parton delivered a memorable halftime performance, captivating audiences with her timeless charm and talent. The 77-year-old arrived on stage in a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader uniform to sing some of her hits and a medley of Queen songs. Read more: For The Win Article
College Football Rivalries and Playoff Implications
The college football landscape is heating up as intense rivalries unfold, leading to conference championships and playoff eligibility battles. The highly anticipated match between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan holds significant playoff implications, with the loser likely facing elimination from the CFP (College Football Playoffs). Michigan fans, unhappy with coverage surrounding a "sign-stealing scandal," are rumored to be considering a boycott of ESPN College GameDay. Read more: Awful Announcing Article
Simone Biles Celebrates HER Husband's Touchdown
In a surprising turn of events during the Packers vs. Lions game, Simone Biles' husband, Jonathan Owens, scored a touchdown off a fumble. The upset victory for the Packers extended the Lions' losing streak to seven games. Biles, visibly ecstatic, added a touch of celebrity excitement to the football action. Read more: For The Win Article
Stache the Sealyham Terrier Triumphs at the National Dog Show
The Sealyham Terrier Stache stole the 2023 National Dog Show show, triumphing over 1,850 dogs representing 199 breeds. Despite tough competition, Stache emerged as the Best in Show. Read more: NBC Sports Article
We’ll see you on Monday for our Monday Minute podcast and blog post.
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What’s Cookin’?
Have you tried our Tailgate Treats? They’re fan favorite meals served best with friends (or you can keep them to yourself). READ
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GAME CHANGER
It’s a scary good time with this week’s “Haunted Sports Destinations: When Sports Meet the Supernatural” podcast. SO GOOD IT’S SCARY
How To Survive Awkward Conversations This Holiday Season
Making the holidays a breeze.
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As we share laughter, stories, and delicious food this Thanksgiving, let's sprinkle our conversations with these delightful table topics. Let's spice up our conversations with fascinating Thanksgiving table topics that will entertain, enlighten, or at least distract and deflect into safer conversation.
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. You would've found Halle Berry, Steven Spielberg, Alan Greenspan and Lionel Richie entertaining you in formation at halftime in college. It's much safer than venturing into the political minefield at the dinner table.
Or, if you're feeling like walking on the wild side, share something from our post about five athletes who turned their fame into a political career.
When anyone says you’re married to your work
We’re working more than Dolly’s 9-5. This year, halftime performances include Dolly Parton at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders game, Jack Harlow at the Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions game and Steve Aoki at the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks game.
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. The Seattle Seahawks, who are playing the San Francisco 49ers, are new to this year's Thanksgiving lineup. So, regardless of which team you're cheering for, you can count on these teams to play while you nap off your meal.
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 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 Behind the Scenes of an NFL Cheerleader.
For that relative who will drive 14 hours because they're afraid to fly
Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without the legendary John Madden's contribution to the holiday. In 1989, Madden (RIP) started the tradition of awarding a turkey leg to the MVP of the game. This quirky tradition has evolved, leading to turkeys with multiple legs – four, six, and even eight-legged turkeys.
As a tribute to Madden, each network will select a player of the game in their respective matchups, with a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to be given to a high school or youth football program in their name. Watch for the pregame coin toss featuring Madden's silhouette and a six-legged turducken.
We hope these topics add a spark to your Thanksgiving celebration, making your time together even more enjoyable.
The Sports Curious podcast, 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 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, 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.
Photo: Instagram/Balmain
BADASS MOMS IN SPORTS
Never underestimate a girl. MORE
Photo: Instagram/newyorkjets
GAME CHANGER
Looking for ideas to break out of a dinner slump (or perhaps for an upcoming football watch party)? Check out our Tailgate Treats for inspiration. EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY