Bryan Gee almost died. In 2016, after going in for a routine appendectomy surgery, Bryan suffered complications in the aftermath and almost suffocated.
His Dad, Jayson Gee, is basketball coach at the University of Cincinnati and was featured on Episode 268 of the podcast.
The former Longwood University basketball player joins us on the show today to share his story of basketball, faith, and staying connected to the Lord when life doesn't go the way you planned.
Listen to Bryan Gee's story here on Sports Spectrum.
---From the creators of Sports Spectrum comes a brand new podcast called FOOTBALL SUNDAY. Released on December 16, this show will feature 12 unique, first-person stories from current and NFL players on how Jesus has worked in their lives. Told by the players themselves, this podcast will feature a new story each Monday, culminating with our final 3 episodes, releasing on Monday February 3, 2020. Download and subscribe HERE to Football Sunday TODAY---
Episode 424
Joel Dreessen played eight seasons in the NFL as a tight end with the Jets, Texans and Broncos. He was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the New York Jets in 2005 after a successful college career at Colorado State. After playing his rookie season with the Jets, Joel was out of football in 2006 but signed with the Texans in 2007 and would remain in Houston until 2011.
In 2012, he would sign a contract to play with the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning. Dreessen was a member of the 2013 AFC Championship team in Denver and played in Super Bowl XLVIII against Seattle.
Injuries would cause Dreessen to retire in 2014 after eight seasons.
On this episode of the podcast, we talked to Joel about his NFL career, catching passes from Peyton Manning, the tough adjustment to life after football, how his faith in Christ helped him on his journey and why his walk with God remains a work in progress.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 423
Mark Immelman is the Director of Golf at Columbus State University where he's oversees both the men and women golf programs.
In addition to coaching, Immelman is featured on countless PGA Tour events, including the Masters and PGA Championship, serving as a commentator for CBS Sports. You can also hear Mark hosting his own "On the Mark" podcast on PGATour.com.
Mark is the older brother of Trevor Immelman, and helped coach his brother to a Masters victory in 2008.
On this episode of the podcast, we hear Mark's life as a podcaster, growing up in South Africa, coming to faith in Christ and living his faith in the golf world.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 422
Jefferson Bethke is a New York Times-bestselling author and speaker who has written four books. In 2012, Bethke’s YouTube video, “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus,” went viral and has since received more than 34 million views. After the video, he decided to write the book “Jesus > Religion,” which would go on to become a New York Times bestseller.
His latest book is titled: "To Hell with the Hustle" and released in October 2019.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jefferson about his latest book, the hustle mentality, why it needs to go away, how it correlates with athletes and coaches and his love for Ken Griffey Jr.
Episode 421
Mike DeVito played nine seasons in the NFL with the Jets and the Chiefs. He was undrafted coming into the league in 2007 from the University of Maine, where he was a First-Team Atlantic 10 selection his senior year.
During Mike's career, he played in two AFC Championship games with the New York Jets in 2009 and 2010 and retired from the NFL in April of 2016 at the age of 32.
Mike is currently back in college studying theology and philosophy and also is the co-host of his 3-Point Stance podcast.
On this episode of the Sports Spectrum, we talk to Mike about the difficult adjustment to NFL retirement, enrolling back full-time into college, coming to Christ in 2007 and managing pain as an NFL defensive lineman.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 420
Bill Curry is a football treasure. He is a former NFL player with the Packers, Colts, Oilers and Rams. During his playing career, he was a member of three NFL championship teams and two Super Bowl winning teams.
After his playing career, he moved on to coaching and after a few seasons in the NFL as an assistant, he moved to the college ranks, where he was a head coach with Georgia Tech, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia State before retiring after the 2012 season. He is a 2-time SEC Coach of the Year (1987,89) and the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year in 1989.
Bill is now a highly sought out speaker who travels across the country encouraging audiences with his motivational stories of football and life.
On this episode of the podcast, Bill Curry returns to the podcast to talk about the six characteristics of being a great leader, the importance of learning and growing at the age of 77, adversity as a teacher, his favorite Bart Starr story and the disciplines that he's instilled to stay connected to God.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
BONUS EPISODE
James Hurst is an offensive lineman with the Baltimore Ravens. Hurst was undrafted in 2014 out of North Carolina but made the Ravens squad out of training camp and has been with the team ever since.
As he worked his way up through the ranks, Hurst found himself a valuable member of the Ravens team because of his versatility in being able to play multiple positions on the offensive line. In 2018, Baltimore rewarded Hurst with a four-year contract extension.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to James about the 2019 Ravens, blocking for Lamar Jackson, leading team Bible studies, baptizing his teammate at the Ravens facility and how the influence Benjamin Watson had on James' faith journey.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 419
Clay Scroggins is a pastor of Buckhead Church in Atlanta and the author of two books, How to Lead When You're Not in Charge and his latest, How to Lead in a World of Distraction.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Clay about leadership within the world of sports, moving forward after failure, how to lead like Jesus, choosing positivity and rejecting passivity.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 418
George Barber is the head basketball coach at Greenville University, a Division III school in Greenville, Ilinois. Prior to his time with Greenville, George was an assistant coach at Bradley University as well as with the University of Kentucky under Rick Pitino, where he was part of a national championship team in 1996.
Competing in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, George's Greenville club in 2018-19 set the NCAA Division III record in scoring offense (135.1 ppg) and led the country in assists per game, steals per game, turnover margin, total assists, three-point field goal attempts, and three-point field goals made.
On February 2, 2019, Greenville scored 200 points in a regulation game.
Besides his job as a head coach, Barber is also a professor Kinesiology and Sport for Greenville University.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Dr. George Barber about his high scoring offense, his time at Kentucky, winning a national championship, scoring 200 points in a game, keeping Christ at the center of his life and why humility is so important to him.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
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.
Subscribe today!
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