Episode 417
Jason Hanson played 21 seasons in the NFL, all with the Detroit Lions from 1992-2012. He was selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by Detroit (56th overall) out of Washington State and would go on to be one of the greatest kickers in NFL history.
He was a 2-time Pro Bowl selection and currently ranks fourth on the NFL's All-Time points scored career list with 2,150. He holds multiple NFL records including most field goals of 40 or more years, most consecutive field goals of 40 or more yards and most career games with one NFL team (327).
Hanson was inducted into the Detroit Lions Ring of Honor in the Fall of 2013 at Ford Field following his retirement from the NFL in April of 2013.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jason about the memory of his first NFL kick, how his faith in Christ was shaped, the hope and encouragement he has for Lions fans, bringing his faith to the NFL and the spiritual mentors that helped shape him as a player and a man.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 416
Charlie Ernst is the men’s basketball head coach at Findlay University in Ohio. He is a two-time GMAC Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
Since becoming head coach on March 30, 2011, Ernst has led his program to a pair of Sweet 16 appearances, six NCAA Division II National Tournament appearances, two Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) titles.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Charlie about the different hats he wears as coach at the NCAA Division II level, why he chose the coaching profession, how his faith has taken shape more recently and the awesome story of Charlie and his wife adopting a young boy in Africa just a few months ago.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Today we listen to a portion of our inspiring interview with former Tennessee Volunteers football player Inky Johnson.
With a dream of playing in the NFL, Johnson rose from a life of poverty and drugs in the ghetto of Atlanta to play college football with the Volunteers. In 2006, his dream was shattered when he suffered a life-altering injury on the football field that would take him from starting defensive back to sitting in a hospital wondering if his life would ever be the same.
Today, Johnson travels the country sharing his story and encouraging others as a motivational speaker. He’s a mentor to many athletes and teams both in college and professional sports.
On this Throwback edition of the podcast, we turn it back to May of 2018, Episode 112 with Inky sharing his story of faith and how an accident on the football field changed his life forever.
You can listen to the entire interview with Inky from May of 2018 here.
Episode 415
Harvey Pendleton is one of three chaplains for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. He came to the Spurs in 1996 and has served as a chaplain, ministering to players and coaches before select NBA games.
He was a former platoon leader in the 173rd Army Brigade in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal along with other awards for his service in the United States military.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Harvey about his amazing journey from serving in the military and Vietnam to serving Jesus in the world of the NBA
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 414
Chris Marlow is the founder of "Help One Now." Last year, Help One Now partnered with Big League Impact and MLB players to build a secondary school in Haiti. MLB players Kyle Gibson, Zach Duke, Brian Dozier and Logan Morrison partnered with BLI to invite fans and supporters to work together to make the school become a reality.
Marlow started "Help One Now" after meeting a starving young orphan at an abandoned gas station in Zimbabwe. At that moment, he was compelled to dedicate his life to seeking justice by empowering high-capacity local leaders to care for orphans and vulnerable children, and to help them see their communities transform. His passion is organizing tribes of everyday people—people like you!—to partner with global movements that do good.
In 2016, Chris wrote the book "Doing Good is Simple."
On this episode of the podcast, Chris shares the incredible story of starting "Help One Now," his love for sports at a young age, his broken relationship with his father and how God has helped him overcome fears to move past regret.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 413
Ryan Clark played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Giants, Redskins and Steelers from 2002-2014. After going undrafted out of LSU, Ryan was signed by the New York Giants and played there from 2002-2003. In 2004, he signed with the Redskins and played two seasons there before settling in with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would play 8 seasons from 2006-2013.
Ryan's success saw him play in two Super Bowls with the Steelers, winning Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals. In 2011 at the age of 32, Ryan made his first Pro Bowl and four years later, would announce his retirement from the NFL in February of 2015.
He signed on to be an NFL analyst with ESPN in 2015 and continues in that role today on shows such as Get Up, NFL LIVE, First Take and SportsCenter.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Ryan Clark about turning 40 years old, his journey to broadcasting, the evolution of social media, being told he couldn't play in the NFL, and how his faith grew during a health scare in Denver.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 412
Sam Acho is currently a linebacker with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was selected in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals after playing his college football at the University of Texas.
He spent four seasons with Arizona before signing with the Bears in 2015. He would play four seasons with the Bears and after a brief stint with Buffalo, he signed in November with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Sam about his new role with the Buccaneers, finding his value in Christ and not football, getting to know Jesus intimately, writing his first book and how the wisdom of a dying friend changed his life.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Today we bring you a conversation with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. Kirk signed the richest contract in NFL history with the Vikings in March of 2018.
Originally drafted by the Redskins, Kirk's final 3 years in Washington saw him pass for over 4,000 yards and was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2016.
On this throwback edition of the podcast, we listen to our conversation with Kirk from April of 2018 as he shares about his faith journey and how he makes Christ, not the NFL, the most important thing in his life.
You can listen to the entire interview from our conversation with Kirk on Episode 96 HERE or by searching his name in the Sports Spectrum podcast archives.
Episode 411
Jake Sullivan played college basketball at Iowa State from 2000-2004. Starting 115 of the 123 games he played in college, Jake finished his career as the Cyclone's all-time leader in three-pointers made with 270.
In high school, Jake eclipsed 3,000 career points in leading Tartan High to a Class 4A state championship game in 2000.
Currently, he is the student and family pastor at Grace Church in Minnesota. Jake is also the father of six children, 3 biological, 3 adopted including Justice, who is a highly recruited linebacker.
On this episode of the podcast, we walk through the journey of Jake Sullivan's life from basketball, to mental illness to adoption and now to ministry.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 410
Kristen Bell is in her ninth season as a Division 1 NCAA Women's Basketball referee. She is also a Sports Dietitian for the Red Bull North America team where she works with professional athletes of all sports. She has worked with actors on Dancing with the Stars, Los Angeles Lakers, Major League baseball players, Crossfit games athletes, UFC fighters, tennis and golf players, and many others to assist them in their nutrition goals.
On this episode of the podcast, Kristen shares how she became a college basketball referee, what the demands look like during a season, that time she ref'd a game 6 months pregnant, and what she prays for before every single game.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
From the creators of Sports Spectrum comes a brand new podcast --- FOOTBALL SUNDAY.
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Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/football-sunday/id1484216711
You can also subscribe on Spotify, Stitcher and everywhere else podcasts are found.
Episode 409
Turner Ward has been a part of Major League Baseball since making his debut as a player in 1990. He was selected in the 18th round of the 1986 MLB Draft by the Yankees but was traded to the Indians in March of 1989. He would make his debut on September 10, 1990 and play 12 seasons with Cleveland, Toronto, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Arizona and Philadelphia. He retired from playing following the 2001 season.
Ward has two World Series rings during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, when they won back to back championships in 1992 and 1993.
Moving into coaching, Turner was the hitting coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2013-2015, the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2016-2018 and with the Cincinnati Reds in 2019.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Turner and his wife Donna about their baseball life, coaching, playing, coming to faith and their participation in an IAmSecond.com video as they share on our show how their world was changed when Donna was diagnosed with cancer in 2012.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 408
Matt Adams is a World Series champion. In 2019, he was part of the Washington Nationals team that defeated the Astros in 7 games to win Major League Baseball's championship.
Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 23rd round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, Matt made his MLB debut with the Cards in May of 2012.
He would go on to play six seasons in St. Louis, including a World Series appearance in 2013, before moving to the Braves in 2017 and then the Nationals in 2018, back to the Cardinals and then back to the Nationals in 2019.
The 2020 free agent is coming off of three straight seasons of hitting at least 20 home runs and is one of the more dangerous power hitting left handed bats in the big leagues.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Matt Adams about winning a World Series, his favorite moment from this season, how God was working in the clubhouse of the Nationals, where his faith journey began, and his desire for God to lead him in his decision to sign with a team in 2020.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
BONUS EPISODE
Patrick Estepp is beginning his 20th season of coaching college basketball at Cedarville University (NCAA Division II). His school is part of both the NCAA and the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association).
In 2019, Coach Estepp was named the NCCAA National Coach of the Year in helping lead his team to the NCCAA National Championship.
He was named the head coach of the team in 2008 and was also a graduate of Cedarville in 1997.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Coach Estepp about his team's motto of "fearing one," preparing for the 2019-20 season, his testimony of faith in Christ, how he stays connected to God during a long season and the challenges in coaching at a Christian organization.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 405
Tim Lopes is an infielder with the Seattle Mariners. He was selected in the 6th round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft by the Mariners.
He would spend the next 4 years in the Mariners minor league organization before being traded in September of 2016 to the Toronto Blue Jays organization. After two seasons in the minor leagues with the Blue Jays, he signed a minor league contract to return to the Mariners in November of 2018.
After starting the 2019 season in AAA with Tacoma, Tim was promoted to the Big Leagues and made his Major League debut on July 24. He would remain with the Mariners for the rest of the 2019 season, hitting .270 in 41 games.
On this episode of the podcast, Tim Lopes shares what that experience was like getting called up to the Big Leagues and emotions surrounding that special moment. He also tell us about his faith journey and beginning his walk with Jesus and how he lives that faith out as a pro baseball player everyday.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 406
Danelle Bishop is the women's basketball coach for Cal Poly Pomona (Division 2). She was hired by CPP in 2010 and has led her teams to three Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights and a Final Four berth in 2014.
Entering her 10th season, Danelle is striving for that national title that has come Cal Poly Pomona's way 5 times previously.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to coach Bishop about her core values as a coach, what being "All In" means, why she almost quit coaching, women coaching in the NBA and why coaching for Christ is her true calling.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 405
Jake Locker is a former NFL quarterback. He was selected 8th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He would go on to play four seasons with the Titans before abruptly retiring from the NFL at the age of 26 in March, 2015.
In college, Jake was a standout quarterback at the University of Washington. He was also a top prospect in baseball, being selected by the Angels in the 40th round of the 2006 MLB Draft.
On this episode of the podcast, we hear Jake's story of faith, how that faith became the most important thing in his life and led him to walking away from his NFL career. We also talk to Jake about his journey through the NFL, the impact his teammate Matt Hasselbeck had on him and the pressures that came with becoming a millionaire, first round pick in 2011.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 404
Carly Thibault-DuDonis is the assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Minnesota. She came to Minnesota in April of 2018. Prior to that, she was two seasons with Mississippi State from 2016-18, where she was a part of two teams that made it all the way to the NCAA Women's National Championship game in 2017 and 2018.
Her father Mike is the head coach of the WNBA champion Washington Mystics and her brother Eric is an assistant with the club.
Carly played her college basketball at Monmouth University, graduating in 2013.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Carly about celebrating a WNBA title with her family, how tragedy led to her walk with Christ, growing deeper in her faith with her husband and the toughest part of being a basketball coach.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
BONUS EPISODE
Derrick Brown is a senior defensive tackle for the University of Auburn. Projected by many to be a first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Derrick came to Auburn as a top recruit from Buford, Georgia where he was a dominant high school player and the MaxPreps national player of the year in 2015.
In a September win over Texas A&M, Derrick had two sacks, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss. At 6'5 and 318 pounds, Brown has consistently been in the top 10 list of prospects on Mel Kiper's ESPN Big Board.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Derrick about returning for his senior season, the influence his Dad has had on his life, his journey to Jesus and going on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic and the impact that trip had on his faith.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 403
Rennie Curran is an author, speaker, podcast host and the CEO of Game Changer Coaching, whose mission is to help business professionals and elite athletes reach their fullest potential through personal development workshops and one-on-one coaching in order to improve leadership and career performance.
Prior to his business career, Rennie was an All-American linebacker with the Georgia Bulldogs from 2007-09. He was selected in the third round of the 2010 NFL Drafty by the Titans (97th overall) and played two seasons with Tennessee before moving to the CFL where he played three more seasons before retiring.
His book "The Perspectives of a Young African American Athlete" was released when Rennie was just 23 years old in 2012.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Rennie about his football journey, his struggles with identity, his first meeting with coach Mark Richt, dealing with disappointment and having a personal board of directors.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 402
Brooks Webb is currently the Director of Operations for the Vanderbilt University baseball team. Prior to his role with Vanderbilt, he was a General Manager with Team USA Baseball from 2013-2016. A former pitcher with Birmingham-Southern college, Brooks helped the Panthers to there conference titles.
In 2019, Brooks was a part of a Vanderbilt team that went 59-12, won the SEC title and then the College World Series title to become NCAA Division One champions.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Brooks about being a part of a national championship team, leaving a legacy for Christ, how a Christmas Eve service in 2008 changed his life and how he lives out his faith in his job each day.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 401
Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. He is the author of numerous books including the New York Times Bestseller "The Circle Maker" and "Chase the Lion." His latest book is called "Double Blessing" and released October 15, 2019.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Pastor Mark about why he wrote his new book "Double Blessing," his love for sports, getting connected with Ravens coach John Harbaugh, chasing worldly success, and the athletes responsibility on social media.
You can learn more about Mark's books including "Double Blessing" by going to his website MarkBatterson.com.
Episode 400
Demario Davis is a Man of God. He's also a starting linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, a place he's been since signing with the team in March of 2018.
He was selected in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, where he played 5 seasons from 2012-2015 and again in 2017. During the 2016 season, he played with the Cleveland Browns.
Demario was fined for wearing a "Man of God" headband early in the 2019 NFL season and after the NFL rescinded the fine, he was able to make these headbands available and raise money for St. Dominic Hospital in his home state of Mississippi.
In October of 2019, he became a published author, releasing his first book "The Unsuccessful Champion: Finding True Victory in the Midst of Adversity."
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Demario about his "Man of God" headband, turning a wrong into a right, why he decided to write a book, his pregame pep talks and his thoughts on the new Kanye West album.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 399
Alterraun Verner played eight seasons in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins. He selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft (104th overall) by the Titans and played four seasons in Nashville before departing as a free agent in 2014 to play with Tampa.
The 2013 Pro Bowler announced his retirement from the NFL on March 18, 2019 and signed a one day contract to retire as a Titan on April 16, 2019.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Alterraun about the decision to retire at the age of 30, his story of coming to faith watching a Kirk Cameron movie, his NFL Draft Day memory, lessons from his father and the unique direction he's moving in post-NFL.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 398
Jimmy Dykes is a college basketball analyst for ESPN. A 1985 graduate of the University of Arkansas, Jimmy played college basketball under head coach Eddie Sutton before joining the coaching ranks as an assistant at places like Kentucky and Oklahoma State.
After scouting in the NBA for a few years, Jimmy joined the broadcasting ranks and began his career with ESPN in 1995 where he would remain for 19 years. From 2014 to 2017, Jimmy served as the women's head basketball coach at his alma mater of Arkansas. Upon his departure from coaching, he would return to the broadcasting ranks at ESPN.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jimmy about the upcoming college basketball season, his journey to faith in Christ, using his platform to encourage others, what coaching college basketball taught him, dealing with challenging trials, and seeking God in making life decisions.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com