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Sports Spectrum Podcast

Launched in 2017 and now with over 5 million downloads, Sports Spectrum's podcast features stories on the intersection of sports and faith. Hosted by former ESPN Senior Producer Jason Romano, new conversations drop multiple times each week.
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Now displaying: Category: Sports
Sep 10, 2019

Episode 365

Semi Ojeleye was selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft (37th overall). He's played in 129 career games for Boston over his two NBA seasons including 23 playoff games. He scored a career high 17 points in a 116-110 win over Washington on April 9, 2019.

Semi came to the Celtics after a college career that saw him begin at Duke University with Coach Mike Krzyzewski and then move on to SMU, where he was named AAC Player of the Year after averaging 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Mustangs. 

Ojeleye's parents emigrated from Nigeria to Kansas and Semi starred at Ottawa High School where he was named Parade Magazine's National Player of the Year in 2013. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Semi about coming to the NBA, adjusting to his role with the Celtics, preparing for a bigger role in 2019-2020, where his faith in Christ took root, living out his walk with God as an NBA player and finding a church home in Boston. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Sep 9, 2019

Episode 364

Steve Merriman spent the 2019 baseball season as the pitching coach for the Colorado Rockies AA affiliate, the Hartford Yard Goats. 

Since 1995, Merriman has coaches baseball at both the college and professional levels. He began his coaching career with the University of Michigan Wolverines as their hitting coach. His pro baseball coaching career has seen him make stops with the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. 

On this episode of the podcast, Merriman talks about his whirlwind baseball coaching journey, the challenges of being a pitching coach, his testimony of faith in Christ, and the broken relationship he's had with his father. 

Steve's story is a powerful one.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Sep 6, 2019

Episode 363

Anthony "Booger" McFarland is a former NFL player turned analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage. 

Selected in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Booger would play 8 seasons with Tampa before being traded to Indianapolis in October of 2006. He would play two seasons with the Colts before retiring after the 2007 season.

Booger was a a first-team All-American in 1998 with LSU and would win two Super Bowl rings during his time in the NFL with Tampa in 2002 and Indianapolis in 2006.

In 2014, he began his broadcasting journey when he joined the SEC Network and ESPN. In 2018, he was named as an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Booger McFarland about his role on Monday Night Football, how he got the nickname "Booger," his story of faith, growing up without a Dad in his life, how the loss of his mother tested his faith, and what coach Tony Dungy meant to him as a player and as a person.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Sep 5, 2019

On this throwback edition of the Sports Spectrum podcast, we bring you a conversation with former NFL QB and current Dallas Cowboys QB coach Jon Kitna. 

Jon played 15 seasons in the NFL with the Seahawks, Bengals, Lions and Cowboys. He has thrown for just under 30,000 career passing yards and 169 touchdown passes. He has coached football on the high school level for many years before coming to Dallas and his current role with the Cowboys.

On this podcast, we hear from Jon about how he began his walk with Christ and how he's learned to become a real man of God.

You can listen to the entire interview with Jon and pastor Bryan Loritts from Episode 93 here or by searching his name on iTunes, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or anywhere else podcasts are found. 

Sep 4, 2019

Episode 362

Jay Feely is currently an analyst for CBS Sports Network’s coverage of  The NFL On CBS. Prior to joining CBS Sports, Feely spent 14 years in the NFL as a kicker with the Falcons, Giants, Dolphins, Chiefs, Jets, Cardinals and Bears.

Throughout his career he had an 82.7 field goal percentage and was the NFL field goals made leader in 2002. Following a record-breaking season with the Giants, Feely was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2005.

He was named the 2002 Atlanta Falcons Man of the Year; 2006 New York Giants United Way Man of the Year; 2007 Miami Dolphins Man of the Year; and the 2013 Arizona Cardinals Man of the Year.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Feely won the National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines in 1997 and earned an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten team in 1998.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jay about his crazy NFL journey, serving in the NFL broadcast booth as a former kicker, the state of faith in the NFL, why living out his faith is vital, his favorite broadcasting moment, and what it was like to work on a broadcast team at the Super Bowl. 

For more information, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Sep 3, 2019

Episode 361

Tim Burke pitched for 8 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1985 to 1992. He was selected in the second round of the 1980 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and was traded four times in his MLB career.

He made his MLB debut in April of 1985 with the Montreal Expos and pitched for 7 seasons in Montreal before being traded to the Mets in 1991 and then to the Yankees in 1992. He he would retire from pro baseball after Spring Training in 1993. 

Burke's best MLB season came in 1989 when he 9-3 with 28 saves and a 2.55 ERA, leading to his one and only trip to the All-Star Game. 

After retirement, Burke would spend time raising his four adopted kids, as well as enter into the world of pro hockey ministry to share and equip NHL players in their walk with God. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Tim about his pro baseball journey, the story of pitching in the 1989 All-Star game and then adopting his child in Guatemala, coming to faith in Christ as a minor leaguer and how God has redeemed his life after bouts with heavy drinking, depression, a broken marriage, and a difficult season of parenting. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Sep 2, 2019

Episode 360

Jay Harris is a SportsCenter anchor at ESPN who has been featured on the signature show since arriving in Bristol, CT in February of 2003. 

Prior to his arrival at ESPN, Harris worked as a news anchor and reporter in Pittsburgh with WPGH-TV. He also worked at WAMO-FM in Pittsburgh and WOWI-FM in Norfolk, VA.

Harris is a graduate of Old Dominion University and in 2004, was the keynote speaker for Old Dominion's 100th commencement ceremony. 

Jay has been a part of SportsCenter's Sports Emmy-winning efforts in 2004 and 2005 and is a recipient of the Silver World Medal from the New York Festival Awards. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jay about his journey to ESPN, living the SportsCenter life, when he began his walk with the Lord, using his platform to share his faith and his most memorable interview. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 30, 2019

Episode 359

Todd Blackledge is a college football analyst at ESPN and ABC. He is also a former NFL QB who was selected in the 1st round (seventh overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft by Kansas City. 

Playing his college football at Penn State, Todd had a decorated career with the Nittany Lions winning the 1982 Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's most outstanding quarterback and helped his club win the national championship that same season when Penn State beat Georgia 27-23 in the Sugar Bowl. 

He would go on to play six NFL seasons with the Chiefs and Steelers before beginning his broadcasting journey in 1989 and eventually coming to ABC Sports in 1994. 

In 2009, he was awarded Penn State’s Distinguished Alumni Award and is a member of Penn State’s Board of Visitors for Penn State’s Center for Sports Journalism.

Blackledge lives in Canton, Ohio, the birthplace for football and coaches high school basketball in the offseason.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Todd about the upcoming football season, the state of parenting in youth sports, his testimony of faith in Christ, his calling as a believer in the broadcasting industry and the state of faith in college football. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 29, 2019

Today we look back to May 31, 2018, Episode 113 of the podcast with former NFL player and now Atlanta pastor, Léonce Crump Jr..

Léonce is the author of “Renovate: Changing Who You Are by Loving Where You Are.”

A champion for the church’s participation in focused and intentional cultural renewal, Crump is the leading voice of a generation committed to operating as God’s redemptive agents in the earth.

His unique background includes contacts from the world of professional sports and the music industry. At the University of Oklahoma, Crump was an All-American wrestler and defensive end for the Sooner football team; he went on to play professional football for the New Orleans Saints.

He has been in ordained ministry for nine years and holds graduate degrees from the University of Tennessee and Resurgence Theological Training Center. He is currently a Master of Divinity student at Reformed Theological Seminary and a member of the Acts 29 church planting network. He and his wife, Breanna, reside in the heart of downtown Atlanta with their two daughters and son.

Léonce shares on this THROWBACK edition of the podcast, about the temptations that come from being an NFL player. 

You can listen to the entire interview with Léonce Crump from Episode 113 here or by searching his name on iTunes/Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio App or anywhere podcasts are listened to. 

Aug 28, 2019

Episode 358

Danny Woodhead played 10 seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and the Baltimore Ravens. 

He went undrafted in 2008 after a college career at Division 2 Chadron State that saw him win the Harlon Hill trophy in back-to-back seasons in 2006 and 2007. 

He was able to make his mark in the NFL with the Patriots, playing in Super Bowl XLVI and catching a touchdown pass from Tom Brady in New England's loss to the New York Giants. 

In 2015 he had his best season of his career with the Chargers, finishing with 80 receptions, 1,091 combined rushing and receiving yards and nine total touchdowns.

He retired from the NFL after the 2017 season

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Danny about taking his faith into the NFL, identity as a pro football player, his favorite Tom Brady story, his testimony of faith in Christ and adjusting to life after football.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 27, 2019

Episode 358

Dan Orlovsky is current a football analyst with ESPN working on studio shows like GET UP and SportsCenter, while also calling games for ESPN and ABC Saturday college football with Bob Wischusen and Allison Williams. 

Prior to his broadcasting career, Dan was a 12-year veteran of the NFL. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2005 Draft by the Detroit Lions. His football journey saw him play with Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay and a preseason stint with the Rams before announcing his retirement with Sports Spectrum in 2017

Dan was a stud college QB at the University of Connecticut where he set many passing records including most pass completions (916), pass attempts (1,567), yards passing (10,706), touchdown passes (84), interceptions (51), total plays (1,710) and total yards (10,421).

On this episode of the podcast, we welcome back Dan to the show to talk about his thriving broadcasting career, working with Mike Greenberg on GET UP, choosing to be different on social media, staying disciplined in his faith journey, his favorite play call during his career and the time he practiced in one city and played a preseason game in another city the same day. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 26, 2019

Episode 357

Chad Lunsford is the head football coach at Georgia Southern. The 2019 campaign marks the 11th season overall, and seventh in his current stint at Georgia Southern. Lunsford was promoted from assistant head coach to interim head coach on Oct. 22, 2017. He was named the 10th full-time head coach in the modern era on Nov. 27, 2017. 

In 2018, he led the Eagles to the biggest turnaround in the FBS, from two wins in 2017 to a 10-3 finish in 2018 including a Racom Media Camellia Bowl win over Eastern Michigan 23-21. 

In 2019, his club opens the season on August 31 at LSU and has a road game at Minnesota on September 14 before embarking on a tough Sun Belt Conference schedule. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Coach Lunsford about the turnaround his club had last year and preparing for this upcoming 2019 season. We also hear his powerful testimony of faith, the daily disciplines he instills to his team and how his priorities got out of order during his early coaching days. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 23, 2019

Episode 356

Darren Carr coaches high school football at Bakersfield Christian High School in California. He's also the middle brother of former NFL QB David Carr and Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr. 

Darren played his college football at Bakersfield College and the University of Houston. He became the head coach of Bakersfield Christian in 2015 and has his brother David and Dad Rodger on his coaching staff. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Darren about growing up in a football family, where his faith in Christ became real, watching his brother play QB with the Raiders and dealing with the backlash from the outside critics. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 22, 2019

Today we look back to August of 2018, Episode 136 of the podcast with former MLB Cy Young winning pitcher R.A. Dickey.

R.A. pitched for 15 seasons in the major leagues with the Rangers, Mariners, Twins, Mets, Blue Jays and Braves and was a member of the 1996 Bronze Medal winning Olympic baseball team. 

In 2001, Dickey made his MLB debut with Texas. eleven years later, he was the best pitcher in the National League, becoming the first knuckleball pitcher to win the Cy Young Award. He went 20-6 with 230 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.73, and he made his first and only All-Star team.

R.A. shares on this THROWBACK edition of the podcast about the platform God gave him after winning the 2012 Cy Young Award. 

You can listen to the entire interview with R.A. Dickey here or by searching his name on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio App or anywhere podcasts are listened to. 

Aug 21, 2019

Episode 355

Eric Mac Lain played football at Clemson 2011-15, where the Tigers captured two conference championships and made a national championship appearance. He obtained the most wins (46) by a single player in Clemson history, while earning Strength and Conditioning All America honors.

As a student, Mac Lain was an All-ACC Academic Football Team selection and was graduated with a bachelor’s in health science (2015) and a master’s in athletic leadership and administration (2017).

In 2019, he joined the new ACC Network as a studio analyst. Prior to that, he was with JMI Sports where he has worked on multimedia sponsorship rights for Clemson athletics.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Eric about playing for Dabo Swinney, being part of the birth of a dynasty, faith at Clemson, learning from losing, and the crazy journey to now being a broadcaster with the ACC Network. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 20, 2019

Episode 354

Seth DeValve is a tight end with the Cleveland Browns. He was selected by Cleveland in the 4th round of the 2016 NFL Draft (pick 138) out of Princeton University. 

He is the highest-drafted Princeton football player in the modern-draft era. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Seth about the 2019 Browns, how faith was shaped in Manchester, CT, his daily spiritual disciplines, and what he learned after kneeling in prayer during the National Anthem in 2017. 

For more information, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 19, 2019

Episode 353

Stephen Kendrick is the producer and co-writer for the new film OVERCOMER, releasing in theaters on August 23.

After serving in church ministry for 20 years, Stephen now writes, speaks and produces Christian films with his brothers, Alex and Shannon. Stephen produced the movies OVERCOMER, WAR ROOM, COURAGEOUS, FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS, and FLYWHEEL; and he co-wrote the New York Timesbestselling books The Love DareThe Resolution for Men, and The Battle Plan for Prayer. He has been interviewed by “Fox & Friends,” CNN, ABC World News Tonight, and serves on the board of the Fatherhood CoMission. He and his wife Jill live in Albany, Ga. with their six children and are active members at Sherwood Church.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Stephen about the new film, the intersection of sports and faith, why identity is such a key aspect of the film, and the lessons learned from making FACING THE GIANTS that were carried over to OVERCOMER.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 17, 2019

BONUS EPISODE

Brandon Kukal is a certified athletic trainer currently working with the Houston Texans in the NFL. 

Brandon attended Central Michigan University earning his Bachelors Degree in Athletic Training in 2016. In 2019, he obtained his masters degree from Eastern Michigan University in Sport Management. 

Kukal spent 3 years interning with the Green Bay Packers during their training camp as well as working as a grad assistant with Eastern Michigan's football and gymnastics team.

On this bonus episode of the podcast, we talk to Brandon about his role with the Houston Texans, what he learned interning with the Green Bay Packers, growing in his faith, being bold about his faith and following God's call for his life. 

Aug 16, 2019

Episode 352

Corey Miller played 9 seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings from 1991-1998. He was selected in the 6th round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Giants and played with guys like Phil Simms, Lawrence Taylor and Michael Strahan during his eight years with the G-Men. 

Corey's son Christian played college football at Alabama with Nick Saban and in April, Corey watched Christian become an NFL player, selected in the 4th round of the NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. 

Corey is currently a speaker and evangelist who goes by the nickname "The Pastor of Pain." On this episode, Miller shares the emotions he felt watching his son get selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the toughest part of being an NFL player with a son also playing football, his testimony of faith in Christ and how his life was transformed from just believing in God to surrendering to Jesus as Savior and Lord. 

For more info, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 15, 2019

On this throwback edition of the podcast, we bring you a conversation with 3-time Super Bowl champion and FOX Sports NFL analyst Mark Schlereth.

 

Mark played 12 seasons in the NFL from 1989-2000 with the Redskins and Broncos. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion, winning one ring with Washington and two with Denver.

 

After retirement in 2001, he joined ESPN, where he would work as an analyst until departing in June 2017 for a new opportunity with FOX Sports.

 

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Schlereth attended the University of Idaho on a football scholarship. After his college career ended, he was selected in the 10th round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins and head coach Joe Gibbs.

 

Known as “Stink” to many of his friends, Schlereth wears many titles in his life, including husband, father, grandfather, actor, entrepreneur, morning radio host and television analyst.

 

You can listen to the entire interview with Mark parts 1 and 2 here --> (Episode 126 and Episode 127) or by searching his name on iTunes/Apple podcasts and Spotify. 

Aug 14, 2019

Episode 351

Cathy Parker had no idea her life was about to change until an ESPN feature about a football team from the Arctic Circle lit a fire in her soul that she could not ignore. A stirring within her to help the Barrow Whalers football team in a struggling community in Barrow, Alaska, almost 4,000 miles away from her home in Jacksonville, Florida, started a nationwide movement that raised over half a million dollars to build an artificial-turf stadium for a team that needed it. 

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Cathy and how her faith in Christ led her to give back and help tiny Barrow, Alaska. Overcoming obstacle after obstacle, Cathy Parker stayed the course and ultimately changed the lives of so many people, including herself.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 13, 2019

Episode 350

Bradley Pinion is the punter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was the only punter selected in the 2015 NFL Draft. The 49ers chose him with their 5th round selection. 

The Clemson alum led the NFL in punts in 2016 with 100 and has a career 43.7 yards per punt in his four NFL seasons.

In March of 2019, Pinion signed a four-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

On this episode of the podcast, Bradley Pinion shares his incredibly powerful testimony and the amazing story that drew him closer to the Lord and led him to making the decision to play college football at Clemson. He also talks about leaving early for the NFL Draft and betting on himself as he trusted in God. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 12, 2019

Episode 349

Blake Anderson was named Arkansas State's head football coach on Dec. 19, 2013.

Anderson has led A-State to five consecutive winning seasons, five straight bowl game appearances (2018 Arizona Bowl, 2017 Camellia Bowl, 2016 Cure Bowl, 2015 New Orleans Bowl and 2014 GoDaddy Bowl) and back-to-back Sun Belt Conference championships in 2015 and 2016 his initial five seasons at the helm.  

Prior to his arrival at Arkansa State, Anderson spent the previous two seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at North Carolina, where he helped lead the Tar Heels to an Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division title in 2012 and the Belk Bowl in 2013.  Under Anderson’s direction, North Carolina averaged 432.4 total yards per game in 2013 after setting the school record the previous year with 485.6 yards per contest.  Prior to his arrival in Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels had not averaged 400 yards in a season since 1993.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Blake about preparing for the 2019 season, what he's learned since becoming a head coach six years ago, where his faith began to take shape, coaching for a greater purpose and how his wife's battle with breast cancer has impacted his faith and finding joy in difficult circumstances. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 9, 2019

Episode 348

Brandon Williams plays defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. Williams was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft by Baltimore (94th overall) and has been a mainstay on the defensive line for the Ravens for the past 6 years. 

In 2017, Brandon signed a 5-year contract extension and in 2018 was named to his first Pro Bowl.

On this episode of the podcast, Brandon shares his emotional story of overcoming obstacles in college to reach the NFL and forming a deep connection with God. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Aug 8, 2019

On this throwback edition of the podcast, we look back to April 2018, Episode 103 and our conversation with NFL linebacker Thomas Davis. 

Thomas is a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker with the Carolina Panthers. He was the 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and played in Super Bowl 50 with Carolina.

Selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by Carolina, Davis played the first 14 seasons of his career with the Carolina Panthers. In March of 2019, he signed a deal to play with the Los Angeles Chargers.  

On this podcast, we hear from Thomas about growing up in small-town Georgia and why not having a dad in his life as a kid has formed how he parents and loves his own children.

You can listen to the entire interview with Thomas from Episode 103 here or by searching his name on iTunes, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or anywhere else podcasts are found. 

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