Today we look back to Episode 54 of the podcast with Chad Robichaux, a former Marine and professional MMA fighter.
Chad is the president and founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation, a leading military nonprofit serving the US military active-duty and veteran communities with highly successful peer-to-peer, faith-based, combat-trauma programs and combat-resiliency conferences. Chad and his team are dedicated to helping America’s military warriors and their families suffering from the unseen wounds of combat such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This is a powerful conversation that takes us through Chad's life as a member of law enforcement to fighting in Afghanistan to a broken marriage, suicidal thoughts and a life falling apart. And then Jesus came, and saved Chad from himself.
You can listen to the entire interview with Chad from Episode 54 here or by searching his name on iTunes or Spotify.
Episode 326
Justin Simmons is a safety with the Denver Broncos. He was selected in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft by Denver out of Boston College.
In college, Simmons named Second Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association and ACC head coaches. He was named to Phil Steele's All-American Fourth Team and ProFootballFocus.com All-America honorable mention.
After coming to Denver, Simmons has solidified himself as the starting free safety the past two seasons. In 2018, he started all 16 games and recorded a career-high 97 combined tackles (71 solo), four pass deflections, and three interceptions.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Justin about goals for the 2019 season, learning how to be a pro, being all in for Christ and staying connected to the Lord during the NFL season.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 322
Ryan Succop is the kicker for the Tennessee Titans. Ryan was selected as the 256th and final pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. The 2-time All-SEC Second Team kicker played 5 seasons with Kansas City before being released on August 30, 2014. Two days later, September 1, 2014, he signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he has been ever since.
Ryan holds the NFL record for most consecutive successful field goals from inside 50 yards (56) and in his rookie season, he tied an NFL record for highest field goal percentage by a rookie with 86.2%.
In February 2018, Ryan signed a new 5-year contract extension.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Ryan about his 11-year NFL career, the offseason routine of a kicker, when he made Christ Lord, being picked as Mr. Irrelevant, and having teammates to keep him accountable in his faith walk.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 319
Johnny Quinn is an author and speaker who went from NFL football player to Olympic bobsledder. He is the author of the book "PUSH: Breaking Through the Barriers" which was released in February of 2018.
In college, Johnny was a wide receiver with North Texas, where he was a member of 3 Sun Belt Conference championship teams, ultimately being inducted into the North Texas Hall of Fame in 2011.
Cut three times from NFL teams, Johnny lost 2.6 million dollars in NFL contracts and blew out his knee. Then he became an Olympian for the United States of America.
Johnny is just the third person ever to have played in the NFL and have competed in the Winter Olympics. (Herschel Walker/Jeremy Bloom were the others)
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Johnny about his crazy journey from football to bobsledding, becoming a new Dad, his pursuit of an NFL career, the viral moment at the Olympics (it's not what you think), and what it looks like to stand for Christ and live unashamed for Him.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 315
Shawn Purdy is a former pro baseball player. He played his college baseball at the University of Miami in Florida. After being selected three times in the MLB Amateur Draft in 1987, 1989 and 1990, he signed with the Angels after being selected in the 16th round of the 1991 draft.
After pitching for eight seasons in the minor leagues from 1991-1998, he retired at the age of 29.
Today, Purdy is the dad to three kids, all playing sports at a high level. His daughter, Whitney, plays softball at Southeastern University. His son, Brock, plays quarterback at Iowa State and was the Big 12 True-Freshman of the Year in 2018. His youngest son, Chubba, is a four-star high school QB recruit entering his senior year in 2019.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Shawn about his pro baseball journey, coming to faith in Christ in 1995, being a father to three kids who play elite sports, raising them up in the Lord, and the importance of keeping Christ at the center, even as they pursue their sports dreams.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 312
David Pollack is a college football analyst for ESPN. He was selected 17th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals where his career would be cut short by a neck injury sustained on September 17, 2006 in a game against the Cleveland Browns.
As a defensive end at the University of Georgia, he was just the second Bulldog to be named a three-time All-American. Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker was the first. He was the 2002 SEC Player of the Year, the 2003 and 2004 Ted Hendricks Award winner, and the 2004 Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, Lott Trophy and SEC Defensive Player of the Year winner. His 36 sacks for the Bulldogs remain a school record.
He joined ESPN in 2009 and has been a staple on their signature college football show, College Gameday, each Saturday morning.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to David about his football journey, how he came to trust in Jesus, overcoming adversity, turning a nightmare into a dream, and the importance of preaching the Gospel through our actions.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 308
Marcel Reece played 10 years in the NFL from 2008-2017 with the Dolphins, Raiders and Seahawks. After going undrafted in 2008 out of the University of Washington, he spent two years on the practice squad with the Raiders before getting his shot. And he made the most of his opportunity, going on to be selected for four Pro Bowls in his nine seasons with Oakland.
After spending 2016 with the Seahawks, Reece was re-signed by Seattle in July 2017. But following the preseason, he was a final cut and released on Sept. 2, 2017.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Reece about growing up in Inglewood, Calif., as a Celtics fan, making it to the NFL after being undrafted, and the influence his grandmother and mother had on his journey to Jesus.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 307
Leah O'Brien-Amico is a softball legend. She's a three-time Olympic gold medal winner, a three-time NFCA first-team All-American and a three-time WCWS national champion in college.
Considered one of the top women's softball players of the last 25 years, O'Brien-Amico was inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame in 2009, the Athletes In Action Hall of Faith in 2008, and the University of Arizona Hall of Fame in 2002.
Currently, she travels the country teaching, speaking and sometimes preaching, sharing her story of faith, hope, love and softball. She's also a broadcaster, doing work for ESPN and Westwood One in their coverage of college softball.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to O'Brien-Amico about her storied softball career, playing in the Olympics, her powerful testimony of faith, and what it was like playing with fellow legends Lisa Fernandez and Jennie Finch.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 306
Trent Shelton is a former NFL wide receiver who is now considered one of the most impactful speakers of this generation. He reaches more than 50 million people weekly through his various social media outlets and non-profit organization, RehabTime. Shelton travels the world sharing his message of creating lasting change in life.
After playing college football at Baylor, Shelton went undrafted in 2007 but eventually signed with the Indianapolis Colts. After stints with the Seattle Seahawks in 2008, Washington Redskins in 2009 and the Tulsa Talons of the Arena Football League in 2011, Shelton’s football career came to an end.
Shelton’s first book, “The Greatest You,” was released May 7.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Shelton about his football journey from Baylor to the NFL, growing up the son of a pastor, hitting rock bottom, losing his college roommate to suicide, fathering a son out of wedlock, and how God took him from a life of pain to a life of forgiveness and purpose.
For more info, check us out on the web -- http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 301
Bruce Pearl is the head men's basketball coach for the Auburn Tigers. His coaching career has spanned over 30 years and has included stops at Stanford, Iowa, Southern Indiana, Milwaukee, Tennessee and now Auburn.
In 1995, he was named Division II Coach of the Year at Southern Indiana and in 2006, during his time at Tennessee, was named Sporting News Coach of the Year.
In 2019, he led the Tigers to their first ever appearance at the NCAA Final Four before losing to eventual champion Virginia in the National Semi-Finals.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Coach Pearl about that Final Four appearance, why he was able to keep his poise and integrity after their difficult loss to Virginia, how his faith has evolved and transformed in his life over the past few years and why he's become more open about his relationship with God.
Episode 299
Patty Gasso is the head softball coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. In a word, she's a legend. Gasso came to the Sooners in 1995 and since then, has led her clubs to 12 Women's College World Series and is a 4-time WCWS champion.
She was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 and is a 12-time Big 12 Coach of the Year. In 2019, the Sooners have won an NCAA record 39 consecutive games and entering the NCAA Division 1 Softball Championship, they are the number one seed after winning an incredible 49 of 51 games.
Gasso was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame in 2012.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Patty about the Sooners' success achieved thus far in 2019, dealing with adversity in the midst of winning, her awesome testimony of coming to faith in the Lord on a softball field in Long Beach, California, being open about her faith as a coach, and why her husband is her spiritual leader.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 104
Matt Atkins is a golfer on the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup. He finished 19th on the Web.com Tour Regular Season money list in 2017 and got his first tour victory winning the El Bosque Mexico Championship.
The 27-year-old carded two additional top-10 finishes, making 15 cuts in 25 starts.
In college at South Caroilna-Aiken, he was named a Division II All-American in his junior and senior years and was the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2013.
He and his wife Jill were married in July of 2017.
On this episode of the podcast, Matt Atkins shares about the grind of being a professional golfer on tour, the moment he finally heard the Gospel in college, watching Tiger Woods up close, and how he was introduced to his wife.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 101
John O'Korn is readying himself for the NFL after spending 5 years playing quarterback in college, first with the University of Houston, and then with the Michigan Wolverines.
O'Korn attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida. In his senior season, he led the team to the 2012 FHSAA 7A state title with an average of 43 points per game. Throwing for 22 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions and over 2,500 yards, he set a school record most passing yards and touchdown passes in a single season.
John was a two-time Letterwinner with Michigan, earning the U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award after playing in 16 games with the Wolverines in his two seasons.
In preparing for the NFL, John spent time in California learning from former NFL head coach Mike Martz going through drills and working out at the Stub Hub Center in Carson.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with John about his Michigan career, preparing for the NFL, meeting Tom Brady, playing for Jim Harbaugh, his journey to faith in Christ, why he feels he's the most NFL ready QB and the impact he hopes to make both on and off the field.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 100
Jennie Finch is a 2-time U.S.A Olympic softball player. She won the Gold Medal in 2004 and the Silver Medal in 2008. The 7-time USA Softball world champion went to the University of Arizona, where she was a picture of pure dominance. She went 32-0 in her junior year with an ERA of 0.54, 279 strikeouts and a National Championship. For her 4-year college career, she went 119-16, with an ERA of 1.08 and 1028 strikeouts. She was named by the NCAA as the #2 greatest college softball player.
In 2017, Finch was named the youth softball ambassador by Major League Baseball and despite retiring in 2011,
Finch is married to former professional baseball player Casey Daigle and the couple have three children – Ace, Diesel, and Paisley. Finch holds Jennie Finch Softball Camps across the U.S. and has a softball academy at Diamond Nation in Flemington, N.J. as well as hosting the Jennie Finch World Series in Louisiana.
She will also participate in season 26 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars returning April 30 at 8 p.m. ET
For more, log on to SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 99
Daniel Jeremiah is an analyst with NFL Network. He is also the co-host of the "Move the Sticks" podcast and contributes to NFL.com. Daniel will be a part of the NFL Network's NFL Draft coverage starting Thursday April 26 at 8pm ET.
Growing up a "pk" pastor's kid to well known preacher David Jeremiah, Daniel's love of sports came from his father and continued throughout high school and college, where he played quarterback at Appalachian State.
A former NFL scout with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, Jeremiah did work with ESPN prior to signing with the NFL Network and entering the media side in 2012.
On this episode of the podcast, Daniel shares about the 6-week grind that his preparing for the NFL Draft, how ESPN's Chris Mortensen gave him his first break coming out of college, getting to be a part of NFL chapel services as a kid with his father David Jeremiah, and why Jesus is his savior.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 98
Tina Cervasio is a 7-tie Emmy Award winning sports journalist.
A 1996 graduate of the University of Maryland, Tina has worked with TNT, CBS, FOX Sports, NESN, MSG Network and now in her current role FOX 5 New York's sports anchor and reporter.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Tina about growing up a sports fan in New Jersey, coming to faith in Christ, gaining her dream job, losing her dream job, and how faith sustained her during her husband's personal battle with cancer.
For more, follow Tina on twitter and go to http://SportsSpectrum.com.
Episode 97
"The Miracle Season" hits theaters Friday April 6.
The movie is based on the inspiring true story of an Iowa high school girl's volleyball team that rallies together under the guidance of a tough-love coach in hope of repeating as state champions after the death of the school's star player, Caroline "Line" Found.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Line's father, Dr. Ernie Found about how the movie came about, the family's love for sports, grieving the loss of his wife and daughter and how he has been able to turn his tragic story in a powerful message of hope and encouragement.
For more information on the movie, check out http://TheMiracleSeason.movie.
Episode 96
Kirk Cousins played 6 seasons in the NFL as the quarterback for the Washington Redskins. On March 15, 2018, Cousins signed the richest contract in NFL History, agreeing to a three-year, $84 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Selected in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, Cousins cemented himself as a top tier quarterback in 2015 with the Redskins and finished his Washington career with three straight seasons of over 4,000 passing yards, and 25+ touchdown passes.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Kirk about his decision to sign with the Vikings, when his walk with the Lord began, why football isn't everything to him, what he's learned as a Dad and husband and how his relationship with Christ guides every decision he makes.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 95
Pat Williams has lived an extraordinary life.
His professional sports career began back in 1962 in minor league baseball. In 1968, he started what is now a 50-year journey in the NBA. He's had stops in Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, back to Philadelphia and in 1987, founded the Orlando Magic basketball club that began play in the NBA in 1989.
Pat's life off the field is even more incredible. He and his wife Ruth are the parents of 19 children, including 14 adopted children and 17 grandchildren.
He's also the author of 108 books (yes you read that right) including his latest, Coach Wooden's Forgotten Teams.
On this episode of the podcast, we take you on a journey through the amazing life of Pat Williams. He talks about how he accepted Christ during his time in Minor League Baseball, how his NBA career started, why it was important to him to start an NBA Chapel, the time he met the legendary John Wooden, why he started the Orlando Magic, and how his faith has sustained him in his battle with cancer.
For more info, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 94
Scott Hamilton is the living example that good guys can finish first! He is a New York Times bestselling author, an Olympic champion, cancer survivor, broadcaster, motivational speaker, husband, father, eternal optimist, and firm believer that the only disability in life is a bad attitude.
In 1984, Scott won the Gold Medal at the Olympic winter games in Yugoslavia. In 1990, he was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.
Scott's new book is called "FINISH FIRST: Winning Changes Everything."
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Scott about coming to faith in Christ in his 30's, what he did with his Olympic gold medal, his powerful testimony of overcoming cancer, and how God has changed his life for the better.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 93
Bryan Loritts is the pastor of Abundant Life Church in Silicon Valley, California. He is the husband to Korie and the father of Quentin, Myles and Jaden. He’s written several books including his latest “Saving the Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love”
Jon Kitna 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 high school football for many years and just a few days ago was announced as the new head football coach at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Pastor Bryan and Jon about manhood. What does it look like to be a man of God? Why do we struggle with living out the life that the Bible has intended for us? Jon shares his testimony of growing up without Jesus and his struggles with the world. Bryan shares how his dad Crawford, an evangelist, poured into his life from an early age and influenced him in a mighty way for God. This is a powerful episode and you'll want a notebook to take down notes from all the wisdom that is shared in this interview.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Andy Dalton has been the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals since being selected by them in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
He's a 3-time Pro Bowler and has helped lead the Bengals to four playoff appearances in his seven seasons.
Andy played college football at TCU, where he was 2-time MWC Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010.
Dalton is also a legend in the city of Buffalo because of his game-winning touchdown pass he threw against Baltimore, knocking out the Ravens and helping to catapult the Bills to their first playoff berth since 1999.
Andy does great work in the community with his foundation, and Bills fans were so grateful to see their team in the playoffs that more than $350,000 dollars were donated to the Andy and Jordan Dalton Foundation, which helps provide daily support, opportunities, resources and life-changing experiences to seriously ill and physically challenged children and their families in Cincinnati and Fort Worth.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Jake Reed is a pitcher with the Minnesota Twins. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by Minnesota. In 2017, Jake reached AAA with the Rochester Red Wings where he pitched in 24 games and had an ERA of 2.05 with 5 saves.
In 2018, Jake is making a case to stick with the Twins and make his MLB debut.
Janie Reed (the former Janie Takeda) is a member of Team USA's softball team and represented her country in the 2017 World Cup of Softball where the U.S. finished second to Japan.
Janie and Jake married in November of 2017.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with the newly married Reeds about their faith journeys, how they both train as elite athletes, and what they've been learning from God in the short period of time as husband and wife.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Andy Mineo is a rapper from Syracuse, NY. He released his first studio album in 2013 "Heroes for Sale," which debuted at #11 on the Billboard Top 200, #4 on the Top Rap Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.
His follow-up EP, “Never Land,” was a reflection of Mineo’s growth as an artist and it hit #1 on iTunes.
In 2015, he released his second full length album "Uncomfortable" and in August of 2017, he released a collaborative mixtape with Wordsplayed called "Magic & Bird."
Andy is a huge sports fan and in 2015, his song "You Can't Stop Me" won ESPN's baseball walk-up song of the year.
Trey Burton won a Super Bowl in 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles. His touchdown pass to Nick Foles, a play called "Philly Special" will forever be in the hearts of Philadelphia sports fans. The 26-year-old tight end played 4 seasons before becoming a free agent in 2018.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Trey and Andy about the Super Bowl, the moment "Philly Special" was called, temptation as a celebrity, boundaries that Andy creates to keep him from falling, Trey's impending free agency and where he wants to play in 2018, and Andy's powerful testimony of struggling with doubt in his faith over the last few years.
For more log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Matt Deggs is the head baseball coach for the Sam Houston State Bearkats in Huntsville, Texas.
In 2017, the Bearkats posted a historic run to the NCAA Super Regionals and in their final game, a loss to Florida State, his postgame press conference went viral and has reached over 50 million people.
Deggs, who for years was a transactional coach that only lived for himself, was addicted to alcohol and consequently destroyed a career, family and countless relationships along the way.
He is now a changed man.
Deggs has been married to his wife Kathy for 20 years. They have 3 children: Kyler, Klaire, and Khloe.
Matt's new book "15 to 28" is Deggs' story of God's love, power and redemption through 28 true stories from his life.
On this episode of the podcast, Matt shares his journey to coaching, why he had prepared himself for the moment his press conference went viral, what 15 to 28 means, why he wrote the book and why serving and helping others is now his priority.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
For more on Matt Deggs, check out http://CoachDeggs.com