***This interview was recorded on September 15, 2020***
Jack Easterby is the Houston Texans Executive Vice President and manages all football operations and directs the overall culture of the team.
Prior to arriving in Houston, Jack was a part of three Super Bowl winning championship teams as a character coach and team chaplain with the New England Patriots.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Jack Easterby about his role with the Texans, what discipleship looks like and why it is important to do the next - right - thing.
Follow Jack on Twitter: @JackEasterby
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Episode 548
Matthew Maher is a living testament to God's second chances. Growing up in New Jersey, Matthew dreamed of being a professional soccer player. After a successful college soccer career at Temple, Matthew achieved that dream and played in the Major Indoor Soccer League.
HIs career would span a couple of seasons but on March 1, 2009, Maher blew out his knee and his career was over. Just six days later, a decision Maher made would change his life forever. On March 7, 2009, Maher was driving drunk when he hit and killed Hort Kap. Maher was sentenced to five and a half years in prison in January 2010.
After serving time, Matthew turned his mess into a message and is the founder of TruthoverTrend.com. He's also a teaching pastor at Coastal Christian Church in Ocean City, NJ and is a highly sought after speaker throughout New Jersey.
On this episode of the podcast, Matthew shares his powerful story of soccer, faith, prison and redemption.
Follow Matthew on Twitter: @TruthoverTrend
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 547
Casey Phillips is the team reporter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Her role includes on-camera talent for all Buccaneer TV shows, radio shows, interviews for Buccaneers.com as well as in-stadium host and event emcee.
Prior to her arrival in Tampa in 2015, Casey had broadcasting stops with the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, St. Louis Rams and Walt Disney World. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Masters of Arts in Broadcast Management.
On today's podcast, we talk to Casey about her unique role with the Buccaneers, interviewing Tom Brady for the first time, her favorite Disney World restaurants and how her faith in Jesus Christ has been the guiding point on her journey.
Follow Casey on Twitter: @CaseyReporting
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
For more stories of sports and faith, check us out at http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 546
Sam Acho has played nine seasons in the NFL with the Buccaneers, Bears, Cardinals and Bills. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals after playing his college football at the University of Texas.
He was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals and spent four seasons with the Cardinals before signing with the Bears in 2015. He played four seasons in Chicago and after a brief stint with Buffalo and the latter part of 2019 with Tampa.
Sam is now an author and his new book "Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full of Fakes" releases October 13, 2020.
On today's podcast, we talk to Sam about the process of writing his first book, why we're all worth getting to know, how to be be real in a world of fakes, the story of meeting President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush and why he's grieving for our country right now.
Follow Sam on Instagram: @TheSamAcho
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Adam Weber is the pastor of the founder and pastor of Embrace Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
He is the author of two books "Talkng with God" and his most recent release, "Love Has A Name."
Adam is also the biggest Cincinnati Bengals fan in South Dakota, and maybe west of the Mississippi.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Adam about his new book "Love Has a Name," his love for music, the excitement for Joe Burrow, why he loves meeting the strangest of strangers and the importance of caring for your own soul.
Follow Adam on Twitter: @AdamWeber
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 545
Steve Palazzolo is a former pro baseball pitcher who is currently a senior analyst with Pro Football Focus. Steve played his college baseball at UMass-Lowell but went undrafted and signed to play Independent baseball with the Florence Freedom in Kentucky. He was able to turn that opportunity into an eight-year pro baseball career that saw him reach as high as AAA with the Brewers, Giants and Mariners organizations.
After his baseball career came to an end in 2011, he pursued his passion to work in pro football, joining Cris Collinsworth and the team from Pro Football Focus. Steve currently lives in Cincinnati with his wife and four children and serves in the local church and with a local addiction program called "Heritage House."
On today's podcast, we talk to Steve about his pro baseball career, his unique job with Pro Football Focus, coming to faith on a baseball road trip in Nashville and his desire to serve those who are stuck in addiction.
Follow Steve on Twitter: @PFF_Steve
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 544
Benjamin Watson played 16 seasons in the NFL with the Patriots, Browns, Saints and Ravens. He retired after the 2019 season as a Super Bowl champion with 547 career receptions.
In retirement, one of Benjamin's first projects in retirement is serving with his wife Kirsten as Executive Producers on a new documentary called "Divided Hearts of America" released September 17, 2020.
On today's podcast, we talk to Benjamin about retirement, watching Drew Brees and Tom Brady play QB, his new documentary and why it is important for him to cultivate conversations on difficult topics like race and abortion.
Follow Benjamin on Twitter: @BenjaminSWatson
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 543
Nik Wallenda is the King of the High Wire. He is the holder of seven Guinness World Records and is the first person ever to tightrope directly over Niagara Falls.
The seventh-generation member of the legendary Wallenda family, Nik walked 1,800 feet on a steel cable over a volcano in Nicaragua back in March of 2020. He's also walked across the Grand Canyon and in June of 2019, he walked across Times Squae in New York City.
Nik is also an author and has written two books "Balance" released in June of 2013, and his latest book "Facing Fear: Step Out in Faith and Rise Above What's Holding You Back." releasing September 15, 2020.
On today's podcast, we talk to Nik about the incredible career he's had as King of the High Wire. He also shares about overcoming fear and why he wrote a new book on the topic. Nik's goal is to point people to Jesus through the death defying acrobats and stunts that he performs.
Follow Nik on Instagram: @NikWallenda
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Jason Wright is president of the Washington Football Team. His responsibilities include leading the organization's business divisions, including operations, finance, sales, and marketing.
He is the first Black team president in the history of the NFL and currently is the youngest team president in the League. He is the fourth former NFL player to become president of a team.
On today's podcast, we talk to Jason about his new role, the importance of the golden rule in his job, why integrity is important, how his faith strengthened during a poignant time in college and how being an NFL running back has helped him in his new role with Washington.
Follow Jason on Twitter: @WhoisJWright
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 542
T.C. Stallings is an author and actor who has appeared in movies such as "Courageous" and "War Room," which reached number one at the box office upon its release in 2015.
A former college football star at Louisville, Stallings played professional football in Canada and in the Arena League before pursuing an acting career.
His new documentary "24 Counter: The Story BEHIND the Run" is available now to stream on Amazon Prime.
On today's podcast, we talk to T.C. Stallings about his job as an actor during the pandemic, losing his mom to Covid-19, the new documentary 24 Counter, and trusting in God during the 2020 social justice movement.
Follow T.C. Stallings on Twitter: @TCStallings
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 541
Tony Beasley is currently the third base coach for the Texas Rangers. Originally selected in the 19th round of the 1989 MLB Draft as a player, Tony would play ten seasons playing minor league ball from 1989-1998, making two Carolina League All-Star teams but never made it to the major leagues as a player.
After retiring from playing, Tony went into coaching and would achieve his MLB dream by becoming a coach with the Washington Nationals under manager Frank Robinson. After spending four seasons in Washington, Tony moved to the Pirates organization and in 2015, he was named to his current role with the Rangers.
In February of 2016, Beasley was diagnosed with rectal cancer, forcing him to miss the start of the 2016 season. He was declared cancer-free in December 2016.
On today's podcast, we talk to Tony Beasley about the abbreviated 2020 MLB season, his journey from playing to coaching baseball, how baseball led him to Christ, his love for singing and how his faith sustained him during his battle with cancer.
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 542
Chris Canty played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Cowboys, Giants and Ravens. He is currently the co-host of DiPietro, Canty & Rothenberg on 98.7 FM ESPN Radio in New York City.
He was a member of the 2011 New York Giants championship team that beat New England 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI.
On today's podcast, we talk to Chris about winning a Super Bowl in New York City, being a radio host during a pandemic, growing up the son of a preacher and how his faith was tested as he overcame the odds to become an NFL player.
Follow Chris on Instagram: @ChrisCanty99
Follow Sports_Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Daniel Darling is the author of the new book "A Way with Words: Using our Online Conversations for Good."
He is the Senior Vice President of Communications at the National Religious Broadcasters and is a speaker and shares around the country. He has been featured on MSNBC, CNN and FOX as well as Christianity Today and In Touch Magazine.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Daniel about his crazy love for the Chicago Cubs, his thoughts on The Last Dance Chicago Bulls documentary, and the importance of using social media for good.
Follow Daniel on Twitter: @DanDarling
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 539
Lecrae is a Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling artist and a New York Times bestselling author, as well as an entrepreneur, speaker and co-owner/president of Reach Records.
He has sold more than 3 million copies and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards, including a win for Best Gospel Album. From his 2017 album, "All Things Work Together," his single "I'll Find You" (featuring Tori Kelly) is now certified as "Platinum" by the Recording Industry Association of America (meaning it has sold 2 million units).
On October 13, Lecrae is releasing his new book, "I Am Restored," and that coincides with a new album, "Restoration," released in August, as well as a forthcoming documentary.
You can download a free sample chapter of the book if you pre-order at lecrae.com/restored and get a free single (not on his latest album) called "I Am Restored."
On today's podcast, Lecrae shares about his love of the NBA, meeting Michael Jordan, what it means to be restored, how he came to faith in Christ, and why he feels it is important to bring awareness to social justice issues.
Follow Lecrae on Instagram: @Lecrae
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 538
David Nurse is an NBA life and optimization coach, author and worldwide motivational speaker. As a former professional basketball player (both international and domestic) and a coach for the Brooklyn Nets, David has personally helped over 150 NBA players with their personal and professional development both on and off the court. He has been invited to speak in over 50 different countries on the topics of overall personal development, confidence building, leadership, and motivational growth.
His new book, Pivot & Go is a compelling, hands-on blueprint to changing course and leading the life you want to live—today. In this guide, David outlines a clear 29-day plan; not to living the life, but to living your absolute best life.
Today on the podcast, David Nurse shares what an NBA life optimization coach entails, the return of the NBA in the bubble, being the nephew to Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, the pivot he made from playing basketball to coaching and the importance of prayer and discipline in his spiritual journey.
Follow David on Instagram: @DavidNurseNBA
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 537
Herm Edwards is the head coach of the Arizona State football team. The former NFL defensive back came to Arizona State in December of 2017 after eight years as an ESPN NFL analyst. He led the Sun Devils to an 8-5 record in 2019 and a victory in the 2019 Sun Bowl over Florida State.
In 1977, after going undrafted, Herm signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and would spend the next nine seasons playing defensive back in Philly. During his Eagles career, he never missed a game, playing in 135 consecutive games until he was released in 1986.
After his retirement, Herm went into coaching and was an assistant for Marty Schottenheimer in Kansas City and Tony Dungy in Tampa before being named the head coach of the New York Jets in 2001. He would spend five seasons with the Jets and then move on to Kansas City, where he was the Chiefs head coach from 2006-2008. In 2009, he signed with ESPN and would spend eight years as a television analyst before signing with Arizona State.
On today's podcast, we talk to Coach Herm Edwards about the 2020 Pac-12 season being postponed, the challenges he's faced during the pandemic, the lessons he learned as an ESPN analyst, being a voice of reason and how his faith has played an important role in his life.
Follow Herm on Twitter: @HermEdwards
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
Chad Veach is the founder and lead pastor of ZOE Church in Los Angeles. He is an international speaker and the author of two best-selling books. Veach also hosts the "Leadership Lean In" podcast.
His new book "HELP, I WORK WITH PEOPLE" released August 18, 2020.
Today on the show we talk to Chad about his love for sports, how Kobe Bryant's death impacted him, his definition of a leader and what it has been like to lead during the current climate of 2020.
Follow Chad on Instagram: @ChadVeach
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 536
Darren Woodson played 13 seasons as a safety in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys from 1992-2004. In 1992 he was selected in the second round by the Cowboys after a successful college career at Arizona State. Woodson was a member of three Super Bowl teams in 1992, 1993, and 1995, was a four-time first-team All-Pro, was selected to five Pro Bowls and in 2015, was elected to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
After retiring in 2004, Woodson would move on to a successful career in broadcasting, where he was an NFL analyst with ESPN for over a decade. In 2005, he was inducted into the Arizona State University Hall of Fame and in April 2009, Woodson was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.
In 2020, he launched a new podcast called "The Darren Woodson Show."
Today on the podcast, we talk to Darren Woodson about starting his new podcast, his decision to leave ESPN, overcoming a Covid-19 diagnosis, how his faith in Jesus has guided him and what it was like to win Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys.
Follow Darren on Instagram: @DarrenWoodson28
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 541
Danny Wuerffel is one of the most decorated college football players of all-time. He was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and won the Heisman Trophy in 1996, when he helped lead Florida to college football's national championship.
He was selected in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Saints, and went on to play six seasons in the NFL from 1997-2002 with New Orleans, Green Bay, Chicago and Washington. In 2013, he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.
Wuerffel is currently the executive director for Desire Street Ministries, helping under-resourced areas across the Southeast by partnering with leaders to create thriving and sustainable neighborhoods.
On today's episode of the podcast, we talk to Danny Wuerffel about navigating 2020, overcoming an autoimmune disorder, being sanctified and how he began to appreciate the forgiveness in God during college at Florida.
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 541
Marcus Spears is an NFL analyst for ESPN who appears daily on NFL Live. The former NFL defensive end initially joined ESPN as a college football analyst for the SEC Network in April 2014.
He was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft (20th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys after a successful college career at LSU. Spears would go on to play defensive end for nine NFL seasons with the Cowboys and Ravens before retiring in 2014.
In college at LSU, he played tight end, fullback and defensive end under Nick Saban from 2001-04. During his sophomore year he became a full-time defensive player and his contributions to the team helped lead the Tigers to two SEC Championships titles (2001, 2003) and the 2004 BCS National Championship.
On today's podcast, we talk to Marcus about his television celebrity on ESPN, when he first realized broadcasting would be his post-NFL career, playing for Nick Saban and Bill Parcells, how his faith has guided him during his life and why 2020 has given him a chance for self-reflection.
Follow Marcus on Instagram: @MSpear96
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Morgan Snyder is a speaker, teacher and author of "Becoming a King: The Path to Restoring the Heart of a Man."
On today's podcast, Morgan shares what it means to become a king, the challenges of being a sports parent, men mishandling power and what it means to be a student of our own heart.
You can learn more about Morgan and his ministry at BecomeGoodSoil.com.
Episode 540
Scott Hanson is the voice you hear and see every Sunday during the football season hosting the NFL's Red Zone Channel. Hanson joined NFL Media in 2006 as a national reporter covering all 32 teams. He transitioned into studio hosting in 2008, and was named the host of NFL RedZone during its inaugural season in 2009. Produced by NFL Network, NFL RedZone whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons delivering the touchdowns and most exciting moments live and in high definition. NFL RedZone and Hanson are widely praised by the fans and media.
On today's podcast, we welcome Scott back to the show as he shares about gearing up for the 2020 NFL season, preparing for each Sunday's Red Zone broadcast, how God has brought him through the death of his father in 2020 and what God is teaching him through the various books and podcasts he's been listening to.
The book Scott referenced in the interview today is called "Hidden in Plain View" by Lydia McGrew
Follow Scott on Twitter: @ScottHanson
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 539
Rashawn Copeland is an author and speaker who desires to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone and anyone. His new book "Start Where You Are" releases everywhere September 1, 2020 and shares how God can begin restoration within all of us at whatever place we are in our journey.
Born in Lawton, OK on a military base, Copeland grew up idolizing the game of football and would eventually play in college at the University of Kansas and eventually graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Rashawn has recently started an Online Church Ministry. "I'm So Blessed Daily," where he reaches nearly five million people on a daily basis. He was raised in a military family by his parents, Rodney, a former coastguard, and Renea, a business owner.
On today's podcast, Rashawn shares the powerful story of coming to faith in Christ, his near-death experience, killing the idol of football in his life and why he finds success in making God known.
Follow Rashawn on Instagram: @HypeSir
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 538
D.J. Shockley is a current football analyst with the SEC Network. He was a standout quarterback in high school growing up in Georgia. After being one of the top high school players in the country, Shockley chose to play his college football in his hometown state with the Georgia Bulldogs. Under head coach Mark Richt, Shockley would have to overcome obstacles that led him to a standout senior season where he finished third in the AP Player of the Year honors and led the Bulldogs to a 10-3 record and an SEC championship.
Following college, he was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Once again, Shockley was playing football for his hometown state. He played five seasons with the Falcons from 2006-2010 before his pro football career came to an end.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to D.J. about being recruited as a high school QB, what he learned from Georgia coach Mark Richt, coming to the NFL, being Michael Vick's backup and making the transition to life without football at the age of 30.
Follow D.J. on Instagram: @DJShock3
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
David Chadwick is presently the pastor of Moments of Hope Church in Charlotte, N.C. He has been a pastor for almost 40 years. He played basketball under the legendary coach, Dean Smith, at the University of North Carolina and was a member of the Final Four 1969 team.
David is the author of nine books and hosts a weekly talk show on faith and values on WBT in Charlotte, North Carolina. His latest book "Moving Beyond Anxiety" released in April 2020.
Today on the podcast, we talk to David about how to move beyond anxiety during the pandemic, his college basketball career at North Carolina and the lessons he learned on race in the 1960's from head coach Dean Smith.
For more stories on sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com