ESPN Daily

Twenty-eight-year-old Drew Robinson is attempting a Major League Baseball return unlike any other. Robinson worked his way through the minors for many years, and in 2017 he finally made the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster. But what followed was a bumpy path up and down between leagues and teams. All the while, Robinson struggled with mental health concerns. On April 16th, 2020, Drew Robinson attempted suicide. He lived. And now, with ongoing rehabilitation and therapy, Robinson is re-engaging with pro baseball. ESPN’s Senior MLB Insider Jeff Passan shares his reporting behind the ESPN+ special from E:60, “Alive: The Drew Robinson Story.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL’s biggest trade in years broke Saturday night, with Detroit Lions QB Matt Stafford heading to the LA Rams in exchange for Rams QB Jared Goff, two future first-round picks, and a third-round pick. It’s a move that some say vaults the Rams immediately into Super Bowl contention...but if it fails to pay off, it could hamper the franchise for years to come. Bill Barnwell breaks down whether the Rams’ gamble was worth it...and just how the Lions might go about their rebuilding process under new head coach Dan Campbell. Then, ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk and Marc Spears pay tribute to the late NBA reporter Sekou Smith, who passed away last week due to complications from COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One day after the Houston Texans announced David Culley as their new head coach, reports emerged that QB Deshaun Watson has officially requested a trade from the team. Bill Barnwell outlines the three most intriguing destinations for the QB. Hint: two of them are in the AFC East. Then, we take a trip inside the mind of basketball icon and ESPN personality Bill Walton. He takes us on a journey through his career and beyond, and offers his advice to Pablo on life, the universe and everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The G League Ignite is the first of its kind: a developmental team, attempting to implement an alternate track to the NBA, outside of the college basketball pipeline. The idea is that players gain skills at the pro level, while earning a salary. Four top prospects are on board, and ESPN’s NBA draft expert Mike Schmitz scouted them ahead of the G League “bubble” next month. He lays out the stakes for the players, the NBA, and the NCAA. Then, more from Pablo on the GameStop financial story that’s all over the internet, and how it’s connected to sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been just days since Robert Saleh began his tenure in possibly the most challenging job in football...head coach of the New York Jets. But the former 49ers Defensive Coordinator is already drawing praise from players and analysts alike, who think he may just be the guy who can turn around the long struggling franchise. But Saleh’s path to the Jets sideline has been as unusual as it is groundbreaking. Jets reporter Rich Cimini brings us the story of how September 11th, 2001 changed Saleh’s life forever, and set him on a course to become the first Muslim head coach in NFL history. Then, Domonique Foxworth joins us to discuss the lack of diversity in NFL coaching hires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One year ago the world lost Kobe Bryant. Few knew about the bond Kobe shared with Pau Gasol. He remembers his former Laker teammate as a true friend, father and competitor. Gasol has spent time with the Bryant family over the past year, and shared his insights on Kobe’s life and loss with ESPN NBA Insider Ramona Shelburne. Hear what her reporting revealed about the softer side of the Black Mamba. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kansas City has a date with Tampa for Super Bowl LV. It’ll be the first Super Bowl in NFL history with a home team also hosting the big game. Bill Barnwell breaks down the games that got them there. Tom Brady threw three interceptions, but looked every bit the GOAT in the Bucs’ win over the Packers. And Patrick Mahomes looked as healthy as ever in the Chiefs’ rout over the Bills. Plus, Hank Aaron’s legacy in baseball and beyond with Dr. Damion Thomas of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFC and AFC Conference Championship games kick off this weekend with some of the best matchups...and most compelling storylines in recent memory. Will Aaron Rodgers redeem his abysmal Week 6 performance against Tom Brady and the Bucs? With Patrick Mahomes’ status in limbo, who will be the X Factor between the Chiefs and Bills? Mina Kimes explains why she’s more excited for this weekend than the Super Bowl, and gives her prediction for who will play for the Lombardi Trophy. Then, Bucs superfan and legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale shares his wisdom going into the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Deshaun Watson is everything the Houston Texans want in their quarterback. But after a lackluster season, Texans leadership has made this once-happy marriage look tough to fix. Tensions rose as owner Cal McNair excluded Watson from the new GM decision, after saying he’d have input. Now fans are looking for signs as to whether Watson wants out. ESPN Texans reporter Sarah Barshop shares where Houston management went wrong, what Watson’s thinking, and what it’ll take to patch things up. Then, Mina Kimes takes us through the career, legacy, and faces of the now retired Philip Rivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is known as the NBA’s biggest troll. But new Sixers coach Doc Rivers is committed to Embiid as the face of the franchise. And while the star’s stock remains volatile, it’s now trending up. Ramona Shelburne shares insights from her recent reporting and conversations with Embiid. Then, Jeff Passan takes us behind his reporting on New York Mets general manager Jared Porter’s harassment of a female journalist, and what the fallout says about baseball culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Saturday’s UFC 257 main event is Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier in a much-hyped fight. It’s McGregor’s first bout since the pandemic lockdown last March, and ESPN’s Ariel Helwani shares insight from his sit-down with the fighter nicknamed “Notorious.” The roller coaster of McGregor’s moods, scandals, wins and losses all factor into what we could see this weekend. Then, why the Flat Earth F.C. says a lot about the shape of misinformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL divisional playoffs went down to the wire, and the conference championship games are set! Tom Brady and the Bucs made the Saints pay for some costly turnovers, as Tampa finished off New Orleans. Led by backup QB Chad Henne, the Kansas City Chiefs held on to beat the Cleveland Browns after Patrick Mahomes went down with a concussion. Aaron Rodgers played like he was immortal, with the Packers proving the mortality of the Rams defense. The football cosmos favored the Buffalo Bills against the Baltimore Ravens. So what’s all this mean for who keeps winning? Bill Barnwell brings his best takes. Then retired MLB player Doug Glanville shares what being a Black father means for his next move in baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the Cleveland Browns took down their rivals the Steelers last weekend, decades of football angst was released. The Browns got their first playoff win since the 1990s, and now they’ll face reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Browns are desperate to prove that this team and this season is different. ESPN Browns reporter Jake Trotter brings us inside their historic season, and traces Baker’s rise. Then, head to Buffalo with ESPN Bills reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques and a fan very close to ESPN Daily, for a look at Bills mania ahead of their second home playoff game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Harden will reunite with Kevin Durant and become a member of the Brooklyn Nets. In a blockbuster three-way deal, the landscape of the entire NBA has shifted. Harden will also join new teammates Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan, bringing new hope to the Nets organization. Ramona Shelburne brings us her reporting on how the deal went down, plus what this means for Brooklyn and the entire NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NHL is back tonight! This shortened season boasts new (corporate sponsored) divisions, including an all Canadian division, plus old and unique rivalries rekindled. After completing its 2020 season in two Canadian city bubbles, it feels like anything can happen in hockey for 2021. Can the Leafs finally advance to the playoffs? Will #1 overall pick Alexis Lafrenière spur on the Rangers? Greg Wyshynski brings us up to speed on everything we need to know to follow NHL action. Then, in honor of Nick Saban’s most recent championship win, Pablo shares a rare moment when the iconic coach opened up for the cameras. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Alabama Crimson Tide are your 2021 College Football Champions! Spencer Hall hashes the 52-24 win over Ohio State, and reflects on the teams’ paths to the end. In a season unlike any other, Monday night’s championship game marked a finish line that at times seemed out of sight. Then, Pablo reflects on sports and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NFL’s Super Wild Card Weekend was filled with heartbreak for some - like Indianapolis and Washington. Others saw particular triumph, like Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson, who earned his first playoff victory, and the Cleveland Browns, who won in their first postseason appearance since 2002. Bill Barnwell shares insights on what we saw from the first slate of postseason games, as we look forward to the divisional round. Then, Andrea Adelson previews tonight’s College Football Championship, Ohio State vs. Alabama, on the scene from Miami. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the 2021 baseball season still months away, the Cleveland Indians dealt two of their stars, Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco, to the New York Mets in a blockbuster deal. Could this be the hope Mets fans are looking for? Buster Olney joins the show to explain how the trade went down. Then Atlanta Dream forward Elizabeth Williams reflects on the Georgia race for US Senate, and Raphael Warnock’s defeat of Dream co-owner Sen. Kelly Loeffler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the wake of insurrection at the US Capitol, we are respinning our September episode focused on sports and the national anthem. We hear it before every major game: “The Star Spangled Banner.” Throughout sports history, the national anthem has unified the U.S. in historic moments. It’s also served as a platform to call for change. And right now, athletes are staking their claim on the anthem more than ever, to make history themselves and protest peacefully. We explore the topic with guests Dr. Damion Thomas, sports curator of the National Museum of African American History and Culture; Jon Batiste, musician and band leader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (who performed the national anthem for the NBA’s 2020 restart); and Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight, the Golden State Warriors start a two-game home stand against the Los Angeles Clippers, on the heels of a hot streak from star Steph Curry. After 18 months of bad luck, this Warriors team still finds itself uncertain of when they’ll be real title contenders again. But Curry and company are heating up, and rookie James Wiseman is gaining wisdom. ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz shares just how good this team can be. Then Pablo reflects on Jerry Jones’ positive spin on a dubious record held by the Cowboys this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s one of the most bizarre sports stories ever. In 2012, Manti Te’o had led Notre Dame to an undefeated regular season, was named Defensive Player of the Year, and was the Heisman Trophy runner up...all while supposedly reeling from the death of his girlfriend: Lennay Kekua. A girlfriend who, it turned out...had never existed. Don Van Natta examines the story of Te’o’s catfishing for a new edition of ESPN’s Backstory, “The Tale of Te’o,” and joins the show to share what he learned about how the Te’o hoax unfolded, and why so many of us got fooled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That’s a wrap on the NFL’s regular (and yet highly irregular) season! The final playoff berths in each conference have been claimed, with the Washington Football Team taking the hotly contested NFC East crown. In the AFC, Cleveland secured its first trip to the playoffs since 2002, and the Miami Dolphins missed the window in a blowout loss to the Bills. Bill Barnwell looks at who had the most to gain or lose in Week 17, and gives his playoff picture. Then, Pablo pays tribute to the late Gerry Marsden, former anthem singer for Liverpool FC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2020 is over. 2021 is here….and things are already looking up because New Year’s Day brings us the College Football Playoff Semifinals. Will Ohio State avenge last year’s playoff loss to Clemson? Can Notre Dame hang with Alabama’s high powered offense? ESPN’s CFP guru Heather Dinich has the answers. She joins the show as Ryan McGee fills in as host for Pablo Torre. Then Andrea Adelson shares why Sarah Fuller's first kick for Vanderbilt meant so much to her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a simple question that athletes have been asked for decades: “Can I have your autograph?” But in the era of selfies and TikToks...athlete autographs aren’t prized like they used to be. And when the pandemic hit, athletes were put even further out of reach from fans, in bubbles and empty arenas. ESPN writer Ryan Hockensmith was an athlete autograph hound as a kid, and decided to embark on a project 14-year-old Bentley Baker and his dad, Andy. Bentley wrote letters to players and coaches across basketball, sent them to the bubble, and eagerly awaited responses. Hear the story of who wrote back. Then, Pablo shares what he’s most looking forward to in the world of sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Tyler, Texas, a high school runner named Trude Lamb decided she could no longer race for her team wearing the name of a losing Confederate general: Robert E. Lee. The admittedly shy young woman spoke out to change her school’s name. Her words gained national attention, along with harmful comments and threats. In a year marked by social justice activism from athletes, hear one teenager’s story of fighting for change, and what it took to win. Then, ESPN's Holly Rowe reflects on a historic year of action on and off the court for the WNBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August 2020, a rookie year baseball card for Angels superstar Mike Trout sold for nearly $4 million. The modern-day card broke a record previously set by a much older rare Honus Wagner card of the early 1900s. And the eye-popping price could be surpassed again soon. Trading cards have transformed into investments, fueled by a mysterious rating system and eccentric power brokers. Dan Hajducky tells us strange stories from the world of sports cards. Then Mike Greenberg shares his thoughts on why the return of baseball meant so much in 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Buffalo Bills are headed to the playoffs having won their first AFC East title in 25 years. The not-so-secret ingredient to Buffalo’s success in 2020? Receiver Stefon Diggs. After leaving Minnesota on a down note Diggs has found a home In Orchard Park - and clicked especially well with Josh Allen, the Bills young QB. Sam Borden profiled Diggs for ESPN Cover Story, and joins the show to tell us about Diggs’ success in Buffalo, love for Bills Mafia and search for a favorite chicken wings spot. Then, Mina Kimes pays tribute to Patrick Mahomes, and his impact on sports and beyond in 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s one of the most infamous fan stories in sports history: when Eagles fans booed Santa at halftime of a 1968 game played at Franklin Field. But who was the Santa in question - and why was he booed and pelted with snowballs? Outside the Lines’ Jeremy Schaap joins Mina Kimes to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Philadelphia Santa. (This delightful holiday podcast first ran in December 2019.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In February, Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after his team won Super Bowl LIV...and then, everything changed. With the world coming to a standstill as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Duvernay-Tardif, the only player in the NFL today with a medical degree, immediately took action and began working at a long-term healthcare facility in his native Quebec. In July, Duvernay-Tardif became the first NFL player to opt out of the 2020-21 regular season to continue his efforts on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. Canada's TSN feature producer Matt Dorman has covered Duvernay-Tardif’s singular journey up-close, and shares his remarkable story. Then, ESPN Senior Writer Allison Glock reflects on how walking, running and hiking have helped many through the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tompa Bay. Danny Dimes. The Process. You’ve heard these names and phrases. But do you know think of them as a business? ESPN’s Ryan Hockensmith takes us into the strange world of athletes and the trademarks they seek, as they try to turn viral moments and images into income. Hear why trademark applications are booming, how they work, and the "all-time" trademark story of 2020 (hint: Lou Williams plus chicken wings). Then, Stephen A. Smith ponders Lebron James’s tumultuous and triumphant 2020. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA tips off tonight, in time to ensure Christmas basketball in 2020! Headed into the season, LeBron’s Lakers still sit atop the West, and maybe the entire league. Mavericks star Luka Doncic appears to be the early frontrunner for MVP, but does he have what it takes to earn that status? And with Giannis Antetokounmpo signed and Kevin Durant returning from injury, can Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo repeat last year’s surprising playoff run? Zach Lowe brings us the latest on the James Harden situation, and more. Then, Josh Hermsmeyer breaks down the best and worst of movie football coaches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Sunday in the NFL solidified the post-season fates of teams like the Seahawks and Bills. The games also showcased high-scoring offenses across the league like the Chiefs, Saints, Ravens, and Cowboys. Bill Barnwell joins the show to assess how and why scoring has increased, and how these high powered offenses will fare in each conference come playoffs. Then, the Muppets take Monday Night Football! Pablo talks with ESPN’s Rico Labbe, who directed and produced the Muppets for a special guest appearance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In one of the strangest college football seasons ever, the most recent college football playoff rankings have stirred up new controversy. And the stakes are now raised: not just for each of the teams in Saturday’s conference title games, but also for the playoff committee itself. SEC Network’s Spencer Hall sorts through what may or may not be influencing these powerbrokers, and looks at how strong each of the title contenders really are. Then Sean Gibson, great-grandson of legendary baseball player Josh Gibson, discusses MLB designating Negro Leagues as major leagues, his great-grandfather’s career, and the impact on baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest 30 for 30 documentary “The Infinite Race” explores the story of the Tarahumara. The indigenous runners in Mexico are famous for running incredible distances on mountain trails, often barefoot or in sandals. Director Bernardo Ruiz takes us behind the making of the film, which grapples with the impact of modern, Western ultrarunners taking interest in the Tarahumara, and the pressures on their villages from drug cartels and violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bucs pass rusher Shaq Barrett’s road to the NFL was anything but a given. Joining the Broncos after many childhood and college challenges, Barrett struggled to distinguish himself through his first seasons in the NFL. But a special summit for pass rushers set him on a path to greatness. Now he’s a key factor in Tampa Bay’s stout defense. ESPN’s Sam Borden shares what motivates Barrett, and how he’s upped his game with the Bucs. Then, Dave Fleming brings his “Tao of Poo” to Lamar Jackson’s situation vs. the Browns on Monday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been nearly a year and half since superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant both signed with the Brooklyn Nets, a move that promised to reset the balance of power in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. But with Durant recovering from a ruptured achilles tendon, it wasn’t until this Sunday that basketball fans finally got to see these two on the same court. Durant and Irving both looked sharp in their preseason debut, but there are still plenty of question marks about how these two stars will co-exist. Add to that first-time head coach Steve Nash, and rumors swirling around James Harden’s interest in joining the Nets, and it's clear––this season in Brooklyn will be anything but boring. Malika Andrews brings us the latest from inside Barclays Center. Then, Cleveland native Jeff Passan joins the show to discuss how his hometown is reacting to their baseball team changing its name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunday’s NFL action had it all: the Bills won their second primetime game in six days, handing the Steelers their second loss of the season. And we saw a number of upsets, like Jalen Hurts and the Eagles beating the Saints, and surprise performances, like Mitch Trubisky and the Bears. Elsewhere, the Dolphins revealed some weaknesses in Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, and the Raiders were blown out by the Colts. Bill Barnwell joins the show to explain what it all means for the playoff picture as the regular season nears a close. Then, more on Florida basketball player Keyontae Johnson, who collapsed during a game on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Archie Manning is a beloved football icon, known as the father of NFL QBs Peyton and Eli Manning, and for his own success at Ole Miss and with the Saints. Archie grew up in tiny Drew, Mississippi and was vaulted to college football stardom in 1969 just a few weeks after suffering a dire family tragedy. Wright Thompson spent time with Archie and his wife Olivia during close-to-home pandemic life, and shares his reporting on the formation of a football patriarch. You can read Wright Thompson's story on Archie Manning here (subscription required). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an NFL season full of unlikely things, the Washington Football Team notched a real head-scratching outcome when they handed the Pittsburgh Steelers their first loss of the season, 23-17. The victory came as a surprise, since Washington’s record is just 5-7. But it seems that hope is starting to brew for Washington fans, and even the NFC East as a whole. ESPN’s John Keim has covered the NFL in Washington since the 1990s. He breaks down how far the team might go, the amazing return of QB Alex Smith after a near-fatal injury, and how head coach Ron Rivera has run the team while battling cancer. Then, author Tim Wigmore of “The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made” talks about younger siblings’ athletic advantage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy Hoffman and his family found the national spotlight back in 2013 when his 7-year-old son, Jack, who was battling a brain tumor, scored a 69-yard touchdown in a Nebraska Red and White intrasquad football game. Since then, Andy has made it his mission to help his son and children like him to beat this disease, by raising funds for pediatric brain cancer research through his Team Jack foundation. Seven year later, Jack, now 15, is healthy enough to pursue his dreams of playing high school football. But over the summer, his father Andy was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Now, Andy Hoffman is still fighting: to raise awareness for pediatric brain cancer, to savor the time he has left, and to cheer for his son on the football field. As part of ESPN’s V Week, Chris Connelly joins the show to bring us this story, as told by E:60. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On December 1, the Houston Rockets opened up training camp without their star James Harden. After requesting a trade, the face of the Rockets franchise has been spotted partying in Atlanta and Vegas. After an off-season full of upheaval, the Rockets are searching for a new identity: with a new front office, head coach, and supporting cast of characters. Tim MacMahon joins the show to tell us about the current, turbulent state of the franchise, including why Harden wants out, and how this season might play out for Houston. Then, Pablo reflects on the anniversary of John Lennon’s death, which was announced during Monday Night Football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the NFL playoff picture gets in focus, Sunday’s Week 13 games brought redemption for some. Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield threw five touchdown passes in the Browns’ rout over the Titans. The Jets found a bizarre new way to remain winless, losing in the final seconds to Derek Carr and the Raiders. And in a day seemingly full of NFL weirdness, Jalen Hurts took over at QB for the Eagles, and the Seahawks lost to the Giants. Bill Barnwell details the “why” and “how” of Sunday’s action, with implications for this year’s playoffs. Then “Laughter Permitted” podcast host and former USWNT soccer player Julie Foudy explains the recent legal settlement between US Soccer and the women’s team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank Gore might be the most underrated legend in the NFL. He sits number 3 on the all-time rushing list behind only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. He’s been to a Super Bowl and made 5 Pro Bowls. But now, in his 16th NFL season, Gore finds himself on a team that might not win a single game. Tim Keown joins the show to examine why Gore has remained so under appreciated despite putting up Hall of Fame level numbers, how he manages to keep pushing forward despite playing on the NFL’s worst team, and whether he can continue playing into 2021 and beyond. Then, Ryan McGee joins the show to talk about tomorrow’s surprising matchup between BYU and Coastal Carolina, and educate us on the ways and customs of Myrtle Beach, SC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At just 14 years old, Tiger Woods once called himself the “Michael Jordan” of golf. His rise to sports superstardom in the late 1990s sparked “Tigermania” across America, which only grew after his Masters win in 1997. “Tiger Woods: America’s Son” is a special from The Undefeated airing on ESPN and coming to ESPN+ next week. It’s the story of Woods’ ascendence, through the prism of race and history. The documentary’s director, ESPN’s Lauren Stowell, shares how she made the film, and why she wanted to tell this side of Tiger’s story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world lost one of the biggest names in sports when Diego Maradona died on November 25th, at age 60. Early in his career, Maradona was a young soccer star for a struggling Argentina. As his country reinvented itself, he went on to become an infamous global icon. Known for his creativity and dominant goal scoring, Maradona brought Argentinians a World Cup victory when they needed it most, all while becoming entangled in scandal after scandal. ESPN senior writer Wright Thompson shares his reporting on the soccer legend, and what his death means to his home country of Argentina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It hasn’t even been two months since the LA Lakers were crowned NBA champions, and the league is already gearing up for a new season. Today, as teams open up training camps amidst a surging pandemic, Rachel Nichols joins the show to discuss if basketball can safely happen outside of a bubble, and how free agency has shifted power in the league after the shortest offseason in NBA history. Then, Mina Kimes tells us what it was like to be a lifeline on David Chang’s history-making episode of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunday’s slate of NFL games ranged from the completely normal to increasingly bizarre. Aaron Rodgers aimed to send the Bears back to hibernation, with a dominant Packers victory. The 49ers started to get their groove back, beating the LA Rams on a last-second field goal. COVID chaos was in the mix, too, with the Broncos starting a wide receiver at QB due to a team coronavirus outbreak, and the Ravens-Steelers game moved yet again. Bill Barnwell breaks down everything we saw on Sunday, and what to expect as the league grapples with its biggest bout of COVID chaos yet. Then, Pablo examines a different kind of chaos in Saturday’s boxing bouts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the Philadelphia 76ers announced they were hiring Daryl Morey to be their president of basketball operations, it turned heads across the NBA. Not just because of Morey's track record with the Houston Rockets, but because of his close relationship with former 76ers GM Sam Hinkie. Hinkie's tenure with the 76ers was polarizing. With some accusing him of tanking and turning the team into a laughingstock, and others admiring his long-term vision for the team's success...a vision that has come to be embodied by the now ubiquitous phrase "Trust the Process." Hinkie, who was ousted from the franchise in 2016, now works not in basketball but in business, and has founded a venture capital firm called Eighty-Seven Capital. In a re-spin of an ESPN Daily bonus episode, Hinkie joins Pablo Torre for a rare, wide-ranging interview that covers his time with the Sixers, his exit from basketball, and his perspective on life away from the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For generations, countless men and women from around the sports world have served in our nation’s military. But none have a story quite like Rocky Bleier. Bleier won a college football national championship with Notre Dame, but during his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Three months into his deployment to Vietnam, Bleier was shot through the thigh and suffered a grenade blast to his foot. Doctors told him he’d never play football again. But Bleier would go on to rejoin the Steelers and win four Super Bowls with the team in the 1970s. In 2018, Bleier and ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi traveled to Vietnam, to the Hiep Duc Valley, where Bleier served, and where many of his fellow soldiers were killed in an ambush. We re-spin this show as the Steelers continue their undefeated 2020 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Lin rocketed to basketball stardom with the Knicks, and “Linsanity” ensued. But in 2019 when his Toronto Raptors won it all, free agent Lin couldn’t land a contract in the league. He spent the last season in China with the Beijing Ducks, where he says he gained fresh perspective on the game, from technical skill to his mentality. Lin now hopes to return to the NBA, and he’s entered free agency for the 2020-21 season. He joins the show to reflect on the ups and downs of his career, and why he feels more ready than ever for the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices