Reverend Earl Smith is the team chaplain for the NBA world champion Golden State Warriors and the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.
In 1983, at the age of 27, Earl became the youngest person ever hired as a Protestant Chaplain by the California Department of Corrections.
Earl was born and reared in Stockton California. The cycle of events in Earl’s life came to a head in 1975 when he was shot 6 times while living the life of a small time gangster. Although expected to die, Earl’s father’s faith, prayers and love seemed to bring him through. The words of his father have motivated him, since that event, “you are a rebel, but you are God’s rebel, and He is going to use you to His glory.”
In August of 2000, Chaplain Smith was recognized as the “National Correctional Chaplain of the Year.”
Earl currently serves as the Team Pastor for the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco 49ers’. From 1998 to 2005 Earl was the Chapel Leader for the San Francisco Giants.
Smith is the author of the book "DEATH ROW CHAPLAIN," released in 2014.
The ministry of Earl Smith is known across the nation. Earl has appeared on numerous broadcasts, including HBO, CNN, THE CBS Morning News, The 700 Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, 100 Huntley Street, The Discovery Channel and The History Channel. Earl has been featured in such publications as People’s Weekly, Ministry Today, Newsweek, Ebony, Christianity Today, Guidepost, The African Americans and Time. Earl has received two “Angel” awards for excellence in media.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Reverend Earl about being a team chaplain in the NFL and NBA, his amazing story growing up in a gang, almost dying, getting saved, becoming a prison chaplain and some of the incredible things he saw God do with inmates on death row.
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Taylor James plays the lead role as the title character in the upcoming PURE FLIX movie, SAMSON.
Taylor's many film and television credits include BLITZ for Lionsgate; MAMMA MIA for Universal; and JUSTICE LEAGUE for Warner Bros. His acting career launched on London's West End as an original cast member in the U.K. production of the musical Footloose, playing the iconic character of William Hewitt.
On this episode of the podcast, Taylor shares how he prepared for such an iconic role as SAMSON, how he was able to fast from food during the shoot, his love for the NBA, and why he feels forgiveness is something we can all receive from God.
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Tyler Beede is a pitcher with the San Francisco Giants organization. He was selected in the 1st round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt, where his club won the College World Series.
Alexandria (Allie) DeBerry Beede is Tyler's wife. She's an actress, appearing in many different movies and TV shows including Disney Channel's Ant Farm.
Tyler and Allie married on November 26, 2017.
On this episode, 2 days after getting married, Tyler and Allie shared why they decided to spend their honeymoon at a Christian baseball conference, the crazy story of how they met on social media, being on a platform of fame and celebrity as believers in Christ, and how they plan to honor the Lord in their marriage.
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On this special edition of the Sports Spectrum Podcast live from Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, we spoke with New York Jets QB Josh McCown, Jets RB Matt Forte and former Rams legendary WR Isaac Bruce.
Josh McCown came up with the idea to create FOOTBALL SUNDAY and show the stories of faith and football in churches around the country.
Matt Forte talks about promoting Jesus at the Super Bowl.
Isaac Bruce shares about being patience and praising Jesus while he waits for his opportunity to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Live from Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, we were able to chat with Eagles players Zach Ertz, Brandon Graham and Malcolm Jenkins as well as Patriots players Matthew Slater, Trey Flowers and James White.
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On this special edition of the Sports Spectrum podcast, we are live from Minneapolis at Super Bowl LII where we interview Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, Former NFL QB's Dan Orlovsky and Bruce Gradkowski and San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Leger Douzable.
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Clyde Christensen has been a part of the NFL coaching fraternity for over 20 years. He began his coaching career in college in the late 1970's and moved to the NFL in 1996 with Tony Dungy and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Coach Christensen followed Dungy to the Indianapolis Colts, where in 2006, they were a part of winning Super Bowl XLI, beating the Bears 29-17.
Clyde was the wide receivers coach, quarterback coach and offensive coordinator during his time with the Colts from 2002 to 2015.
In 2016, Clyde moved to Miami and became the offensive coordinator for the Dolphins. He held that position until January of 2018 when he was re-assigned in a new role as Senior offensive assistant coach.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Clyde about coaching Peyton Manning, what makes him so special, preparing for a Super Bowl, how he navigates being a man of faith with being an NFL coach and what he learned watching Tony Dungy live out his Christian walk during his coaching career, and now as a broadcaster.
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Jack Easterby is in his 5th season as the New England Patriots Team Character Coach as well as a Director of Team Development. In addition to his current role with the Patriots, Easterby has served in consulting roles for the National Football League, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Southeastern Conference, the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, the United States Olympic Teams, as well as being entrusted with dozens of head coaching searches at both power five and mid major universities for multiple sports. He is a trusted confidant to players and coaches alike.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jack about the Patriots 2017 season, how this Super Bowl season differs from last year, Tom Brady off the field, and how players like Matthew Slater and Nate Solder are living out their faith in Christ as leaders on the team.
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Ted Winsley is in his 17th season as the team chaplain of the Philadelphia Eagles. He is the senior pastor at “Family Church” in New Jersey and continues to minister to the Eagles players spiritual needs throughout the year.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Pastor Ted about the Eagles 2017 season, the remarkable run to the Super Bowl, overcoming adversity, the example of Carson Wentz, and why Nick Foles is a huge reason for the culture that has been built inside the Philadelphia locker room.
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Ryan Hollingshead is a professional soccer player in the MLS with FC Dallas.
On January 6, 2017, Ryan Hollingshead almost died.
While stopping to help a stranded motorist, Ryan was stuck by a motor vehicle that had crashed due to icy conditions, launching him 30 feet into the air. He sustained three broken veterbrae in his neck as a result of the collision, but miraculously survived and then returned to soccer in the summer of 2017.
On this episode of the podcast, Ryan shares his story of coming to faith in Christ, putting his professional soccer career on hold to help his brother plant a church, and how he survived a near-death auto accident.
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As a former NFL player, Bill Curry learned the game from such legendary masters as Bobby Dodd, Vince Lombardi, and Don Shula. He snapped the ball to a who's who list of quarterbacks, including Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, and Billy Lothridge. He was a two-time Pro Bowl center and a three-time NFL Champion, including victories in Super Bowls I and V.
As a coach, Bill restored the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to national prominence. At the University of Alabama, where he was named Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year, Bill led the Tide to an SEC Championship and to berths in the Hall of Fame Bowl, the Sun Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl. At Kentucky, Bill led his Wildcats to their first bowl game in nearly a decade. In 2008, Bill became the first head coach at Georgia State, who played its inaugural season in 2010.
As a leader, Bill served as President of the National Football League Players Association during one of the most tumultuous periods in NFL history. He was later the Chief Operating Officer for the National Consortium for Academics & Sports. From 2006 to 2008 Bill served as the Executive Director of the leadership initiative at The Baylor School in Tennessee. Bill's counsel is treasured throughout the country by businesses and other organizations attempting to cultivate leaders from within their ranks.
As an analyst and on-air personality for ESPN, Bill was the broadcast equivalent of comfort food. There was nothing better for the true football fan – no surer source for that indescribable feeling of satisfaction and contentment, and, indeed, that all was right in the world of college football – than settling into a plush easy chair on Saturday night and hearing that unmistakable voice analyzing . . . teaching . . . but never pandering.
In 1977, with dear friend and muse George Plimpton, Bill wrote his first book: "One More July – A Football Dialogue." In 2008, Bill's next book – "Ten Men You Meet in the Huddle" – was released by ESPN books and was immediately praised by author Pat Conroy as the best book ever about the NFL.
As a husband, he has somehow managed – through 35 moves and more than fifty years of marriage – to hang onto to his brilliant and beautiful wife Carolyn, who was Bill's grade school sweetheart. In Bill Jr. and Kristin, Bill has two incredibly accomplished and successful children. And, in grandchildren Alex, Elliot, Evelyn, Claire, Brett, Jack and Jamie, Bill has the most promising generation yet of the Curry family.
On this episode of the podcast, Bill Curry talks about growing up with a skeptic of a Father, how his faith grew from watching his Dad's conversion to Christ, asking for forgiveness on Vince Lombardi's death bed, and how his faith in Jesus has helped him overcome adversity as a head coach. This podcast is storytelling gold.
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Mac Powell is the lead singer of the successful christian rock band Third Day. With Mac's leadership, the band has sold over 7 million albums in the United States and had 28 number one radio hits.
Mac won the 2001 Gospel Music Association award for "Male Vocalist of the Year."
A die-hard sports fan, Mac's allegiances belong to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons.
In 2012, Mac released his first solo album, "Mac Powell" and followed that up in 2014 with his second album "Southpaw."
In August of 2017, Third Day celebrated their 25th anniversary and released their 13th studio album, "Revival."
Mac is married to Aimee, and has five children.
On this episode of the podcast, Mac shares his love for "Roll Tide," how he got started in the music industry, advice for young musicians trying to make it in 2018, why Larry Bird was his guy growing up, hanging with athletes who are fans of his music, and how discipleship on the road as a musician is a discipline that he implements daily.
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Darryl Strawberry played 17 MLB seasons with the Mets, Dodgers, Giants and Yankees.
Strawberry won a World Series with the Mets in 1986, is the their all-time leader in career home runs (252) and was inducted to the team's hall of fame in 2010.
Later in his career, Darryl was a part of 3 World Series teams with the New York Yankees in 1996, 1998 and 1999.
Off the field, Strawberry struggled with addiction for most of his adult life. It wasn't until after his playing days that he reached rock bottom and only by the blood of Christ, was Darryl able to overcome and resurrect his life.
Darryl now is an evangelist who travels all around the country, telling people about Jesus Christ and the hope that is found in our creator. He and his wife Tracy founded "Strawberry Ministries" and are cultivating opportunities for those stuck in addiction to find a way out and find hope through Jesus.
On this episode of the podcast, Darryl shares his very real, very raw story of addiction, his struggles off the field during his career, why fame and fortune was the worst thing for him and how God was able to bring him back from his lowest point to be a vessel for Him.
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Jrue Holiday is a starting guard for the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans.
He was selected in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to New Orleans in July of 2013.
An All-Star in 2013, Holiday is currently averaging a career-high 18 points per game, to go along with 6 assists and 4 rebounds.
In July 2013, Holiday married USA women's national soccer team midfielder Lauren Chaney. The two first met at a UCLA women's basketball game during his only season at the school.
In September 2016, Holiday took an indefinite leave from the New Orleans Pelicans to take care of his wife, after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The following month, Lauren had brain surgery, just weeks after giving birth to the couple's first child, a daughter, named Jrue Tyler Holiday.
On this episode of the podcast, Sports Spectrum's Justin Adams talks with Jrue about where his faith in Christ began, how his prayer life has evolved and brought him closer to his wife during one of the scariest times in his life.
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Adam LaRoche played 12 seasons in the Majors with 6 different teams, most notably the Pirates and the Nationals, where he won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award in 2012.
LaRoche abruptly retired from baseball in March 2016 after his club, the White Sox had placed a restriction on his 14-year-old son entering the team's clubhouse every day. By retiring, LaRoche walked away from a $13 million contract.
Adam's platform has allowed him to bring to light the issue of sex slavery and human trafficking.
Gary Haugen is the founder and CEO of International Justice Mission, who's mission is to rescue those enslaved in human trafficking, protect them from violence and bring hope and justice for the poor.
Before founding IJM in 1997, Gary was a human rights attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he focused on crimes of police misconduct. In 1994, he served as the Director of the United Nations’ investigation in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. In this role, he led an international team of lawyers, criminal prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and forensics experts to gather evidence that would eventually be used to bring the perpetrators of the genocide to justice.
Gary has been recognized by the U.S. State Department as a Trafficking in Persons “Hero” – the highest honor given by the U.S. government for anti-slavery leadership. His work to protect the poor from violence has been featured by Foreign Affairs, The New York Times, the New Yorker, The Times of India, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, the Guardian and National Public Radio, among many other outlets.
On this episode of the podcast, Jason Romano sits down with Gary and Adam in front of a live audience at a conference in San Antonio, Texas to talk about the real issue of human trafficking and sex slavery.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Brock Huard covers NFL and College Football for ESPN. He's also the co-host of the Brock and Salk show on 710 ESPN in Seattle and is the host of the "Above and Beyond" podcast.
Brock was selected in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks out of the University of Washington.
He played 6 seasons in the NFL, including 2 as Peyton Manning's backup in Indianapolis.
Brock was the 1995 Gatorade High School Football Player of the Year.
On this episode of the podcast, Brock and Jason talk about Brock's journey to faith in Christ, being authentic as an analyst, why he feels it's a necessity to meet weekly in a discipleship group, and balancing family with the rigors of a broadcast schedule that has him traveling across the country.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Team USA's Gigi Marvin is a two-time silver medalist at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia and 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C.
Born into a hockey family, Gigi takes after her Dad Mike, her brother Aaron, all who played college hockey and her grandpa Cal, who was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
Gigi played her college hockey at the University of Minnesota, where she helped the Gophers advance to the NCAA Women's Frozen Four in 2009 and earned All-WCHA Second Team honors and was named WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year.
Currently training in Florida, Marvin is hoping to make the 2018 U.S. Olympic Women's Hockey team that will compete for the gold at the Winter Olympics come February in South Korea.
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Gigi's journey to the Olympics, the dream of winning the gold, competing against her friends for a spot on the team, how she stays grounded in her faith and why Finding Nemo is her favorite movie.
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Francis Chan is the founding pastor of Cornerstone Community Church and author of Crazy Love, Forgotten God, and Erasing Hell. He travels throughout the world challenging Christians to a higher commitment to Christ. He’s also the founder of Eternity Bible College and has been pastoring churches and discipling people for over 25 years. He currently lives with his family in the Bay Area where he oversees We Are Church, a network of house churches.
Adam Wainwright is a starting pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 13 years with the Cards, Waino has won 2 World Series, been elected to 3 All-Star teams, and was named a 2017 Silver Slugger award winner. Adam was also a guest on Episode 14 of this podcast.
On this episode of the podcast, Francis and Adam sit down at a recent conference in San Antonio, TX with host Jason Romano to discuss their unique friendship, what Adam is learning from Francis' teaching, why it's important to use your platform to share the Gospel, and what is breaking Francis' heart in the church. This is a powerful listen!
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With a vision to create the best sports experience possible for every child, Caz McCaslin founded Upward Unlimited, the world's largest Christian sport league for young athletes. In 1995, Upward Unlimited launched Upward Sports and has grown under McCaslin's leadership and guidance from several hundred children playing in seven church basketball leagues to more than half a million children playing in 2,500 multi-sport clinics, camps, academies and leagues in 47 states.
Caz also has released a new book titled "Coach Em Up - Reclaiming Sports For the Benefit of the Athlete."
On this episode, we talk to Caz about starting Upward Basketball, why youth sports are broken, and how the founder of the game of basketball, Dr. James Naismith, actually invented basketball to be a ministry, much like Upward.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com or http://Upward.org
Minnesota Twins 2B Brian Dozier won a Gold Glove and is the first American League second baseman to hit 40 home runs in a season.
Twins pitcher Kyle Gibson went 6-0 in his last 8 starts and finished with 12 wins in 2017.
Both are teammates and devoted followers of Christ.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Brian and Kyle about helping the Twins to an amazing turnaround from losing 100 games in 2016 to being in the playoffs in 2017. We also go inside the clubhouse to hear about their faith and how they live out who they are in Christ with their teammates each day.
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Mark Price played 12 years in the NBA from 1986-1998. He's a 4-time NBA All Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1993.
Known as one of the best shooters in basketball, Price won the 1993 and 1994 NBA Three-Point Shootout.
His number 25 is retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In 2015, Price became the head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, where he is now in his 3rd season leading the 49ers.
On this episode of the podcast, Mark Price shares his journey from NBA player to college coach, the biggest difference coaching NBA players vs college players, his biggest struggle spiritually and why Christ is at the center of everything he is as a husband, a Dad and a coach.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Dan Orlovsky played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Lions, Texans, Colts, and Buccaneers before retiring in October of 2017.
He was a standout quarterback in college at the University of Connecticut, where he set numerous passing records.
Selected in the 5th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Lions, Dan would be mentored in Detroit by quarterbacks Josh McCown and Jon Kitna.
It was there that Kitna and McCown introduced Orlovsky to Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made.
On this episode of the podcast, Dan Orlovsky shares his disappointment in being drafted in the 5th round, why he considered it a privilege to be a backup quarterback in the NFL, how it took him almost 18 months to accept Jesus Christ into his life, and why broadcasting might be in his future.
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Trey Burton is in his 4th season as a tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles.
He played his college ball at the University of Florida, where he found himself as a versatile athlete playing multiple positions for the Gators.
As a freshman in 2010, Burton broke the Gators record for most touchdowns in a single game, finding the end zone 6 times against Kentucky.
Despite a lot of success with Florida, Burton would go undrafted in 2014 before signing as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Burton has made the most of his time, both on special teams, and as a pass receiver for Carson Wentz.
The Eagles started 9-1 in 2017 with the best record in the NFL and expectations are very high in Philadelphia.
Trey is married to Yesenia and has 3 children.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Trey Burton about the Eagles hot start, where his faith in Christ began, why he's so unashamed about the gospel, the development of his quarterback Carson Wentz, and how he came to baptize his teammates.
For more, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com
Jim Gruenwald enters his ninth year as the head coach for the Wheaton College wrestling team in 2017-18. He is also the Head Strength Coach for Thunder Athletics.
Gruenwald, a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Greco Roman wrestling team, came to Wheaton after serving as an assistant coach for U.S. Greco Roman wrestling team at the U.S. Olympic Education Center in Marquette, Michigan from 2005-09. Gruenwald finished sixth at 60 kg in the Greco Roman competition at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and was 10th at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. A three-time U.S. Champion, Gruenwald completed his competitive career in 2008 as a National Champion. He also won titles in 2003 and 2004.
Gruenwald is a 1994 graduate of Maranatha Baptist Bible College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Math Education in 1994. He compiled a four-year record of 154-19 on the mat in his career at Maranatha. Gruenwald was a three-time National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Champion, earning MVP honors in 1989 and 1991. A former Wheaton Invitational Champion, Gruenwald is a member of Northwestern University’s Midlands Championships 20-Win Club, with 22 career victories at the prestigious tournament.
Jim and his wife Rachel have six children: son Adin and five daughters, Arwyn, Ava, Autumn, Aleyse and Ashley.
On this episode of the podcast, Coach Jim talks about the motto "Jesus Christ is life, the rest is just wrestling," why he believes balance is stupid, competing in the Olympics, and how he recruits his players.
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T.C. Stallings is an actor, author and former pro football running back.
He is one of the stars of the 2015 film "War Room," which reached number one at the box office in its second week.
Stallings played 4 years of college football at the University of Louisville, where he rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 15 touchdowns in his career.
He would go on to play 6 years of professional football in NFL Europe, the CFL, and the Arena League.
Stallings got his first crack at movies, playing a gang leader in the 2011 movie "Courageous."
On this episode of the podcast, T.C. Stallings talks about the need for prayer in our country, why he left football to pursue acting, growing up without a Dad, and how he feels about turning 40 years old.
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