Episode 154
In March of 2018, Trey Burton signed a 4-year deal with the Chicago Bears to be their starting tight end.
One month earlier, he helped facilitate the biggest play in Philadelphia Eagles history, the "Philly Special" where he threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles in helping his team defeat the Patriots 41-33 and winning the first Super Bowl in Philadelphia history.
Today, on the field, Burton is focused on his new role as tight end with the Chicago Bears. On September 17, he scored his first touchdown as a Bear on Monday Night Football, helping Chicago to a 24-17 win over the Seahawks.
Burton, a contributor to Sports Spectrum's The Increase, announced on Monday September 17 that he would donate $1000 for every reception he makes and $2000 for every touchdown he scores to the International Justice Mission to help combat human trafficking and sex slavery.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Trey about transitioning from Philly to Chicago, what faith looks like in the locker room of the Bears as compared to the Eagles, battling anxiety, and why he's so passionate about bringing awareness to human trafficking.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 153
Allan Houston played 13 seasons in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks. He was selected in the first round of the 1993 NBA Draft by Detroit (11th overall) out of the University of Tennessee.
During his playing career, Allan was a member of 2 NBA All-Star teams as well playing on the 2000 USA Basketball Gold Medal winning team in Sidney, Australia. His number 20 is retired by Tennessee.
Upon retirement, Allan is still involved in the NBA working with the Knicks in their front office as an Assistant General Manager as well as the GM of their NBA G-League team, the Westchester Knicks.
A husband and father to seven children, Allan is heavily involved in his Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, FISLL, a legacy-building platform that teaches & ingrains the core fundamentals of life: FAITH, INTEGRITY, SACRIFICE, LEADERSHIP & LEGACY in daily living.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Allan about the changing landscape of the NBA, the dangers of social media, spiritual battles he faced during his playing career and why his faith fuels him to give back through his foundation.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 152
Mohamed Massaquoi was the second round pick for the Cleveland Browns in the 2009 NFL draft where he recorded two 100-yard receiving games his rookie year, the first Browns rookie to have two or more such games in a season since 1999.
Before joining the NFL, Mohamed earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology taking only 3.5 years from the University of Georgia where he was named the 2008 team captain, selected as a first-team All-Southeastern Conference and Academic All-SEC member, and received the team's Leon Farmer Award for his dedication to the strength and conditioning program and academics.
Mohamed attended Independence High School helping his team win 77 consecutive games and capture four consecutive North Carolina state 4A championships while setting the North Carolina state prep records for career receiving yards, receiving yards (4,851) in a season (2004), touchdown catches in a career (76), and touchdown catches in a season (32 as a senior).
In Spring 2017, while riding ATVs with friends Mohamed, was involved in a an accident that resulted in the amputation of four fingers, leaving his thumb intact. Since retiring from the NFL, Mohamed has worked at Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor and is currently a speaker and advocate for fitness, athletes in business, and amputee causes.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Mohamed about his faith in Christ, how he handled losing in college after winning every game he played in high school, adjusting to life without football and how the accident he suffered with an ATV changed his perspective on life and made him grateful to God.
For more on Mohamed, check out his website at MohamedMassaquoi.com.
Check out http://SportsSpectrum.com for more content on the intersection of sports and faith.
Episode 151
Jonathan Isaac was selected 6th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He played one season of college basketball at Florida State where he was a member of the All-ACC Freshman Team.
During his rookie year in the NBA, injuries limited him to just 27 games where averaged 5.4 points per game.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Jonathan about preparing for his second NBA season, what he learned in his rookie year, growing up with 5 siblings, how basketball and a Bible verse in the book of Luke led him to rededicating his life to Christ, why finding a church was important to him, and the crazy story of how he came to preach last year.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 150
Miles McPherson was selected in the 10th round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. After being released, he was picked up by the San Diego Chargers, where he would play 4 seasons as a defensive back.
During his time as a player, Miles became a follower of Jesus Christ, a decision that would eventually lead him to becoming a pastor.
For the past 18 years, he has been the Sr. Pastor and founder of the "Rock Church" in San Diego, CA.
Miles is author of the new book "The Third Option: Hope For a Racially Divided Nation."
On this episode of the podcast, Miles shares his journey from football player to pastor and coming to Christ during his playing career after being stuck in a world of drugs and addiction. We also talk to Miles about his new book, the segregation of the church, athletes using their voice to protest and why HONOR is something that can help so many of us find common ground as we look to be united and not divided.
For more log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 149
Matthew Hasselbeck played 18 seasons in the NFL with the Packers, Seahawks, Titans and Colts. He's a 3-time Pro Bowler who led Seattle to their first ever Super Bowl appearance in 2005.
In 2016, he announced his retirement from the NFL and signed a deal with ESPN, where he currently serves as an NFL analyst for the sports network.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Matt about what he misses most about playing, raising 3 teenagers and being present in their lives during a hectic NFL season, how he stays grounded in his faith, being opinionated as an analyst and the transition to being home more now that he's been retired for 3 years.
Matt was heard in Episode 2 of our podcast when he appeared with Texas pastor Matt Chandler and discussed faith and gave their Christian testimonies.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 148
LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He came into the league as the 5th overall selection by the Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft. During his time in San Diego, he would be selected to 5 Pro Bowls, set the NFL record for rushing touchdowns and win the 2006 NFL MVP.
He played his final two seasons with the New York Jets before retiring in 2012. He was named to the NFL 2000's All-Decade Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
He currently is an analyst for NFL Network, but is now also a movie star, making his big screen debut in the new film "GOD BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD" releasing in theaters on Friday September 7, 2018.
On this episode of the podcast, LaDainian Tomlinson talks about his movie debut, whether he would ever become a pastor someday, where his faith in Christ was rooted, what he misses most about playing in the NFL and how he stayed grounded during his 12 year Hall of Fame career.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 147
Eddie Taubensee played 11 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Indians, Astros and Reds from 1991-2001. He made his MLB debut on May 18, 1991 with Cleveland and was then traded to the Astros the following season. He would play for 3 years until 1994 when he was again traded, this time to the Reds.
Taubensee would play 7 seasons in Cincinnati, where he would hit a career-high .311 with 21 home runs and 87 RBI for a Reds team in 1999 that fell one game short of the playoffs.
After retiring from baseball in 2001, Eddie decided to make God and his family the priority. Along with his wife Renee, he would help raise their 3 boys and go into baseball ministry with Pro Athletes Outreach.
In 2017, he returned to pro ball as the hitting coach of the San Francisco Giants Class A affiliate Augusta Greenjackets in the South Atlantic League.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Eddie Taubensee about baseball ministry, trying his hand at coaching, why Barry Larkin was the best leader he ever played with, how baseball helped led him to Christ, and how he navigated through temptations and trials as a believer.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 146
Hugh Freeze is the former head coach of the Ole Miss football team. In 2017, Freeze resigned from his position amid an NCAA investigation and evidence of personal misconduct.
Freeze coached the Bulldogs from 2012-2016 where he led his club to a 2016 Sugar Bowl victory over Oklahoma. Last year, he appeared on the Sports Spectrum podcast and shared his journey of coaching.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Hugh Freeze in the aftermath of resigning from Ole Miss in 2017 about redemption, empathy, forgiveness, repentance and walking through a difficult season of life with his wife and family as a person of faith.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 145
John Carney kicked in the NFL for 23 years from 1988 to 2010.
A graduate of Notre Dame, he began his kicking journey in 1987 with the Cincinnati Bengals before being released prior to the start of the season. 1988 is when he saw his first official NFL game action with Tampa.
In 1990, he signed a contract with the San Diego Chargers, where he would remain for 11 seasons. After his time was up with the Chargers, he would go on to play 6 seasons with the Saints (01-06) and then finish his career with Jacksonville, the New York Giants and then back with the Saints before retiring in 2010.
He's currently fifth all-time on the NFL career scoring list (2,044 points) and was the last remaining player from the 1980's still active in professional football.
On this episode of the podcast, John shares when his kicking journey began, whether he could still kick for an NFL team today at the age of 54, how his faith in Christ took shape, kicking at Notre Dame, and embracing his role today as a mentor to the next generation.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 144
Ben Malcolmson's official title is "Director of External Relations" for the Seattle Seahawks but if you see how around the team complex, his real title is "Assistant to the Head Coach."
Ben is the right hand man to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who he met during his time as a student at the University of Southern California in the mid-2000's.
His first book was just released, "WALK ON: From Pee Wee Dropout to the NFL Sidelines - My Unlikely Story of Football, Purpose and Following an Amazing God." and is available on Amazon and everywhere books are found.
On this episode of the podcast, you'll hear the crazy story of how Ben went from hating football to covering football to then playing football at USC. A modern version of RUDY, Ben's journey included opportunities for him to live out his faith in the locker room and seeing how God can take terrible situations and turn them around for his glory.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 143
Pat Doney has covered sports in the Dallas/Ft Worth area since 2013.
He is an Edward R. Murrow award winner and has been nominated for an Emmy Award six times.
A graduate of Liberty University, Pat has made broadcasting stops in Lynchburg, VA, Rock Hill, SC, Fayetteville, AK and Louisville, KY.
Pat's work is featured on NBC 5 covering Dallas sports, most notably, the Cowboys.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Pat about his broadcasting journey and covering the Cowboys but the majority of this interview focuses on adoption and the Doney's experience adopting their son Hudson. This is a powerful episode that will encourage and challenge you.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 142
Patrick Nix is the head football coach at Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Alabama. His son Bo is the starting quarterback for Pinson Valley.
Patrick played college football at Auburn University from 1992-95 where he passed for 4,957 yards and 31 touchdowns and was a part of the Tigers team that finished undefeated in 1993. After his playing career ended, he turned to coaching in college at places like Samford, Georgia Tech and Miami before becoming a high school coach in Alabama with Scottsboro from 2013-2016. In 2017, his first season as the head coach at Pinson Valley, he led the Indians to their first state football championship in the school's history.
Bo is entering his senior season with Pinson Valley as a 4-star QB and will follow in his father's footsteps to play his college ball at Auburn. He was the MVP of the 2017 High School Championship Game where he ran for two scores and threw for another as he completed 13-of-25 passes for 223 yards. Bo also participated in Elite 11 and in June won the Quarterback Skills Challenge at the Rivals 5-Star Challenge in Atlanta.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Patrick and Bo about their 2017 state championship run, what it's like to coach a son and play for a father, Bo's decision to play at Auburn, how their faith plays a role in their football journeys and which Bible verse they are clinging to right now.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 141
Jesse Bradley is the pastor of Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington (near Seattle).
A graduate of Dartmouth College, Jesse is also a former professional soccer goalkeeper (played in Zimbabwe, Africa and Aberdeen, Scotland).
In his spare time, he's also a radio host, podcaster, author, and speaker. He has released two books "Rooted in Grace" and "A New Season" available everywhere books are sold.
Bradley is married to Laurie and together, they have four kids.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Jesse about his love for soccer, growing up without God in his life, becoming a professional goalkeeper, almost dying in Africa, and making that transition to becoming a pastor.
For more on Jesse, check out Exploring-Faith.com.
Episode 140
Greg Davis coached football for 43 years, most notably with the Texas Longhorns, as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 1998-2010.
In 2005, Davis was named the Frank Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year after helping lead the Longhorns to the National Championship.
After departing from Texas in 2010, Davis began a 5-year stint with the University of Iowa as their offensive coordinator.
On January 6, 2017, he retired from coaching.
In part 2 of our conversation with Coach Davis, he shares his favorite Mack Brown story, how he came to work with Coach Brown, whether the 2006 Rose Bowl is the best college football game he's ever been a part of, and what he learned from winning a title game and losing a title game.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com.
Episode 139
Greg Davis coached football for 43 years, most notably with the Texas Longhorns, as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 1998-2010.
In 2005, Davis was named the Frank Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year after helping lead the Longhorns to the National Championship.
After departing from Texas in 2010, Davis began a 5-year stint with the University of Iowa as their offensive coordinator.
On January 6, 2017, he retired from coaching.
In part 1 of a two-part conversation with Davis, we talk to Greg about retirement, stepping away from the game he coached for more than 40 years, why "culture" is so important for a team, and he lived out his faith in Christ as a football coach.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com.
Episode 138
Kristen Ledlow is a host and sideline reporter covering the NBA for TNT and NBA TV. She also co-hosts NBA TV's show "Inside Stuff" with Grant Hill.
A graduate of Southeastern University, Kristen was an All-American volleyball player and set records as a basketball player. After college, she began her broadcasting journey covering college football and basketball on the local level.
Ledlow also was voted Miss Capital City USA in 2012 and placed Top 5 at Miss Florida USA. In 2014, she moved to NBA TV and began covering the NBA full-time.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Kristen about covering the NBA, getting to call play by play during the summer league broadcasts, where her faith in Christ was formed, the importance of being involved in her local church and the spiritual challenges she faces being a public figure.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 137
Rashad Jennings played 8 seasons in the NFL from 2009-2016. He was selected in the 7th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars (250th overall). Despite scoring 25 touchdowns and rushing for over 3,700 yards in his career, Jennings may be more known for winning Season 24 of ABC's Dancing with the Starsin 2017.
In 2018, Jennings released his first book, "THE IF IN LIFE: How to Get off Life's Sidelines and Become Your Best Self."
Growing up a chubby kid, who suffered from asthma and with a father who drank and smoked, Jennings wasn't sure if he would ever make it, but a moment in high school when he came off the bench after being a 4th string running back, changed his trajectory and started a path toward football excellence.
On this episode of the podcast, Jennings shares deeply personal stories about growing up with a father who drank and smoked, overcoming the odds to make it in football, what playing football at Liberty did for his faith, having his Dad come watch him for the first time at an NFL game, and why he felt called to start his own foundation to invest and give back.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 136
R.A. Dickey pitched for 15 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Rangers, Mariners, Twins, Mets, Blue Jays and Braves.
A member of TEAM USA at the 1996 Olympics, Dickey pitched and helped the Americans win the Bronze Medal.
In 2001, Dickey made his MLB debut with Texas. 9 years later, Dickey found himself in New York, starting for the Mets and establishing himself as a very good pitcher. In 2012, 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 made his first and only All-Star team.
In December 2012, Dickey was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he would win 49 games in 4 seasons that included a Gold Glove award in 2013.
Dickey would finish his career in 2017 at the age of 42 with the Atlanta Braves, winning 10 games.
Writing is also a passion for R.A. and in 2012, he released his autobiography "Wherever I Wind Up." In the book, he shares candidly about growing up in a broken home, being sexually abused, his struggles with infidelity, and wanting to not live anymore.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with R.A. about his first season away from baseball, acclimating himself to "Dad Life," growing up in a broken home, seeking treatment, how faith in Christ saved him, and the platform God gave him after winning the 2012 Cy Young Award.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 135
Kelvin Beachum Jr was selected in the 7th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After 4 seasons with the Steelers, he played one year with Jacksonville and in 2017, he signed a 3-year contract with the New York Jets.
Growing up in the church, Kelvin was a basketball and football player in high school before deciding to attend SMU in Dallas on a football scholarship.
Kelvin is also passionate about giving back and and has devoted a ton of time and money into ending hunger as well as education for young people.
On this episode of the podcast, Kelvin shares about the "necessary evil" that is NFL training camp, growing up attending church multiple times a week, the culture shock that was presented to him when he arrived for college at SMU, and how unity in the body of Christ is possible when topics such as race and injustice are brought to the forefront.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 134
Lary Sorensen pitched 11 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Brewers, Cardinals, Indians, A's, Cubs, Expos and Giants.
After finishing his college pitching career at the University of Michigan, Lary made his MLB debut in 1977 at the age of 21, and a year later, was an All-Star in 1978, winning a career-high 18 games for Milwaukee.
During his MLB career, Lary began to experiment with drugs and alcohol. After being suspended in 1986 and then retiring in 1988, his life began to take a downward spiral.
From 1992 to 2008, Lary was arrested for DUI seven times. He was in and out of rehabs and life was getting out of control.
And then something changed in 2013 when he stepped through the doors of a church at the age of 58.
On this powerful episode of the podcast, Lary Sorensen shares his journey from MLB player to alcoholic to follower of Jesus.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpecrum.com
Episode 133
Since 2014, Tress Way has been punting in the NFL for the Washington Redskins. The Oklahoma University grad led the NFL in punting in 2014 with 47.5 yards per punt.
Undrafted out of college, Tress had to overcome being cut twice by the Chicago Bears at the end of the 2013 and 2014 preseason before finding himself in our nation's capital.
In 2016, Tress signed a 5-year extension with Washington in March of 2016 that will keep him with the club through 2020.
Tress is married to his wife Brianna Turang, a former softball and soccer star at the University of Oklahoma. Brianna is also the daughter of former MLB outfielder Brian Turang and the sister of Brice Turang, who plays in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. The couple became parents to twins (a boy and a girl) in April of 2018.
In his spare time, Tress is also an entrepreneur and has started a game company called "WAY FUN GAMES" --- His first board game "What's Your Bid?"is now available on Amazon.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Tress about punting, preparing for the 2018 season, his faith testimony, inventing a board game, meeting his wife in Oklahoma, his epic proposal and how he ended up in Washington after being cut twice by the Chicago Bears.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 132
Maria Taylor is becoming a household name on sports broadcasts. In 2018, the ESPN host and reporter has been covered College Football's National Championship Game, College Basketball, the NFL Draft, the NBA Combine, the NBA Draft and the ESPYs .... and it's only July.
A graduate of the University of Georgia in 2009, Maria played basketball as well as making All-SEC honors in volleyball for the Lady Bulldogs.
It was also during her time in college that she began to investigate her faith. After joining FCA, Maria began a journey that culminated in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Maria's passion to serve the Lord and give back culminated in 2014 with her co-founding the Winning Edge Leadership Academy. The Academy provides a place where college student and young professionals, particularly women and minority leaders, can get professional development to prepare them for the sports business world.
On this episode of the podcast, Maria Taylor shares about her journey to faith, covering her first NBA Draft, what it was like working College Football's National Title Game as a Georgia Alum, why she wanted to start a leadership academy, and why prayer is the first thing she would do if someone asked her about her faith in Jesus.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com
Episode 131
Jordan Matthews is a wide receiver with the New England Patriots. He was selected in the 2nd round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles and played 3 seasons there.
In August 2017, he was traded from Philadelphia to Buffalo and spent last season with the Bills. A few months later, in April of 2018, he signed a 1-year deal with the Patriots.
Jordan attended Vanderbilt University, where he had 262 receptions for 3,759 yards and 24 touchdowns, setting many school records.
The athletic pedigree for Jordan runs in the family as his second cousin is former NFL hall of fame Jerry Rice.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Jordan about his passion to serve, transitioning from the Eagles, Bills and now with the Patriots, why his wife is his best friend, how an Eagles teammate helped him grow spiritually, and why he says his identity is not found in his job as a football player.
Episode 130
Denard Span is a centerfielder with the Seattle Mariners. He was traded to Seattle on May 25 from the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a 4-player deal.
He was selected in the first round of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft by the Minnesota Twins out of high school at the age of 18. After 6 years in the minor leagues, Span would make his debut in April of 2008 at the age of 24. He would play 5 seasons with the Twins from 2008-2012 before being traded to the Washington Nationals where he would play 3 more seasons in D.C.
In January of 2016, he signed as a free agent with the San Francisco Giants where he’d play two more seasons until being traded in December of last year to Tampa.
Span is red-hot right now, hitting .351 in the month of July as the Mariners look to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth.
Near and dear to Span is his foundation, the Denard Span Foundation, whose mission is to serve and empower single parent homes. The foundation is dedicated to creating strong sustainable home environments where both parents and children can thrive physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Span about his desire to give back and help those in single parent homes, being traded in the middle of the season, the biggest difference between playing baseball at 24 compared to 34, and where how he continues to trust in the Lord during a long MLB season.
For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com