The Ryen Russillo Podcast

Russillo shares his thoughts on Deshaun Watson wanting out of Houston (1:30) before he is joined by former NFL QB Tim Hasselbeck to recap all the games from NFL wild-card weekend and to tell some stories from his time in the league (15:00). Finally, Ryen answers some Life Advice questions (1:07:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by The Ringer’s Ryan Shazier to share some NFL playoffs stories from his career with the Steelers and to have an in-depth discussion about pre-snap adjustments, before ranking all 14 QBs in the 2020-21 NFL playoffs (2:00). Then Ryen talks to The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia about the top offenses and defenses in the NFL playoffs before previewing each NFL wild-card game (38:30). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:13:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo hits on a couple of NBA topics, including Trae Young, the Knicks, and the Pelicans (6:00), before introducing a new NBA segment in which Ryen solicits scouting reports on two NBA players from real, anonymous NBA scouts—this week, it’s Ben Simmons and Jaylen Brown (19:00). Then, Ryen talks to Super Bowl champion linebacker Brandon Marshall about getting drafted late, making his way to the Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning stories, preparing for Super Bowl 50, the 2020 NFL playoffs, and more (33:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:07:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In honor of the last week of the NFL regular season, Russillo hands out THIRTY-TWO awards (1:30) before discussing Steph Curry’s career-high 62-point game in a duel with Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers (29:00). Then Ryen briefly talks about the upcoming national title matchup between Alabama and Ohio State (35:00) before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on some early trends from this NBA season, including the amount of blowout games (2:30). Then Ryen talks with Adam Amin of Fox Sports and TV play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Bulls about his career with ESPN, leaving to call games with Fox Sports, behind-the-scenes broadcasting stuff, finding the "right amount" of preparation leading up to a broadcast, realizing a lifelong dream of becoming the play-by-play announcer for his hometown Chicago Bulls, and more (12:30). Finally, Ryan answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:00:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo introduces a new NBA segment with his thoughts on the 76ers-Raptors matchup, the Nuggets pummeling the Rockets, and the Suns' hot start to the season (4:00). Then Ryen talks with The Ringer’s Raja Bell about the Bucks' defensive struggles, the Lakers' load management, the time Raja spent in the Cavaliers' front office, the experience of working with LeBron James, the most notable surprises from the first week of the NBA season, and more (15:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (48:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL awards for Week 16 (5:00) before talking with The Athletic's Mike Sando about the MVP race between Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers' tumultuous season, the Seahawks' win over the Rams, the Jets losing the no. 1 pick in the 2021 draft and how that affects their offseason, the 2021 NFL coaching carousel gearing up, and more (18:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:02:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his notes from all of the NBA Christmas Day games including: Heat-Pelicans, Bucks-Warriors, Nets-Celtics, Lakers-Mavericks, and Clippers-Nuggets (2:00). Then Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (37:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the College Football Playoff selection (2:00), before talking with Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer about the Chiefs' win over the Saints, an impressive effort by Jalen Hurts in the Eagles' loss to the Cardinals, Carson Wentz most likely remaining benched for the remainder of the season, Trent's top-five QBs for the next five years, top draft prospects Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields, and more (17:00). Then Ryen hands out his NFL awards for Week 15 (59:00) before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:14:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the back-and-forth over whether Ben Simmons is available for a trade with the Rockets (3:30) before talking with The Ringer’s Kevin Clark about rebuilding in the NFL, why Kevin predicts a massive QB movement in 2021, the market for Carson Wentz, the Steelers' and Saints' recent struggles, believing in the Rams, reevaluating Cam Newton, and more (10:00). Then Ryen is joined by actor Jay Harrington to discuss his career, including ‘Better Off Ted’ and ‘S.W.A.T,’ the differences between comedy acting and drama, the challenges involved in shooting a show during the pandemic, and more (55:30). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:34:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on Giannis Antetokounmpo signing a supermax contract with the Milwaukee Bucks and Kyrie Irving lobbying for more post touches with Kevin Durant on Instagram Live (4:30), before talking with one of Ryen's favorite stand-up comedians, Nate Bargatze, about his father's profession as a magician, pandemic comedy, his stand-up comedy origins, and more (13:30). Then Ryen talks about the most recent CFB rankings (56:30) before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:09:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL awards for Week 15 (4:00) before talking with two-time Super Bowl champion and ESPN’s Damien Woody about Jalen Hurts and the Eagles defeating the Saints and what that could mean for Carson Wentz, the Bills' win over the Steelers, Pittsburgh’s potential fatal flaw heading into the playoffs, Vikings-Buccaneers, and more (24:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (49:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the Big Ten circumventing a (new) rule to let Ohio State play in the Big Ten Championship Game, as well as sports as a whole striving to adapt to a pandemic (2:00), before talking with Super Bowl champion DeMarcus Ware about playing nine seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, earning the respect of Bill Parcels, starting anew in Denver with Peyton Manning, how learning to recover from surgery inspired his new D2W fitness app, and more (12:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (41:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on James Harden’s wishes to leave the Houston Rockets and the most logical trade the Rockets can make (2:00), before talking with Danny Kanell of CBS Sports and SiriusXM about the most recent CFB rankings, why certain schools can’t seem to get a fair shake, Heisman candidates, and more (17:00). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (46:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL Awards for Week 13 (2:00) before talking with Cleveland Browns legend Joe Thomas about the Browns’ statement win over the Titans, Packers-Eagles, Carson Wentz getting benched for Jalen Hurts, the Giants' surprising win over the Seahawks, Jets-Raiders, the Jets firing defensive coordinator Gregg Williams after Sunday’s loss, Joe’s Super Bowl contenders, and more (19:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (59:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the Wizards trading John Wall and a 2023 first-round pick to the Rockets for Russell Westbrook (4:00), before talking with NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah about young NFL QBs in “part two” of their career vs. their buzz leading up to draft day, including Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Rosen, and more (18:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:00:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on some NBA story lines as the 2021 season approaches, including the Bucks still not finalizing a new contract with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Danny Ainge under fire, media coverage, and more (3:00), before talking with actor Cole Hauser about his new film, ‘The Last Champion,’ releasing December 8, some of his past work, including ‘Dazed and Confused,’ ‘School Ties,’ and ‘Goodwill Hunting,’ his character on the hit TV show ‘Yellowstone,’ working with Kevin Costner, and more (20:00). Then Ryen talks about the latest CFB rankings (49:00) before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (59:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL awards for Week 12 (8:30) before he is joined by Super Bowl champion Jonathan Vilma to discuss the Detroit Lions parting ways with head coach Matt Patricia, the dominant Chiefs, the Steelers, Vilma’s career with the Jets and Saints, what we’ve learned from Taysom Hill’s first two starts at QB for the Saints, and more (25:30). Then Ryen talks with Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports and The Athletic about the CFB coaching carousel (56:00) before reading some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:21:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on why expanding the College Football Playoff isn’t a great idea (2:00) before talking with actor-director Josh Duhamel about his new movie ‘Buddy Games’, his directorial debut, the real-life inspiration behind the film, maintaining relationships with childhood friends, Josh’s career, playing around with construction equipment, and more (15:00). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (59:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL awards for Week 11 (2:30) before talking with ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks about the Trail Blazers' impressive free agency haul, the fairly new trend of teams backing out of offers to players, Gordon Hayward's big contract, Serge Ibaka to the Clippers, Marc Gasol to the Lakers, Aaron Baynes to the Raptors, the Thunder's vault of first-round draft picks, the botched Bucks-Kings trade, and more (21:00). Then Ryen talks with ESPN's Diana Russini about Taysom Hill's first start at QB in the Saints' win over the Falcons, Sean Payton trolling Roddy White, Titans-Ravens, the "logo issue," the Titans' defensive struggles, and more (51:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:15:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on what value first-round picks actually hold in today’s NBA (2:00) before talking with Sara Walsh of NFL Network and Fox about the Buccaneers' rise to prominence since the addition of Tom Brady, what their recent loss to the Saints actually means, Antonio Brown, Bruce Aryans, and more (20:00). Then Ryen talks with The Ringer’s Chris Ryan about the current state of the 76ers, preparing for a possible trade for James Harden, the idea of breaking up the Ben Simmons–Joel Embiid combo, and more (49:00), before Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:24:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by Bill Simmons, Raja Bell, and Kevin O'Connor to react to Round 1 of the 2020 NBA draft. They talk prospects, trades, the telecast, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by four-time NBA champion Tony Parker to discuss his book, 'Tony Parker: Beyond All of My Dreams,' his experience at the Nike Hoops Summit in 2000, the 2001 NBA draft, earning Tim Duncan’s respect, his NBA Finals battles with the Miami Heat, and more (4:00). Then Ryen talks with The Athletic’s Andy Staples about the college football season, including the PAC-12’s announcement that they will play nonconference games and what that could mean for a team like Oregon. They talk Florida, Clemson, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Alabama, Texas, Jim Harbaugh approaching the last year on his contract at Michigan, Chip Kelly at UCLA, the upcoming Oklahoma–Oklahoma State matchup, and more (24:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (58:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL awards for Week 10 (3:00) before he is joined by ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt to discuss Dustin Johnson’s historic win at the Masters, check in on Tiger Woods, talk about what makes Augusta National so special, and more (23:00). Then Ryen shares his thoughts on the rumored James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets trade (53:00) before he is joined by Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer to discuss some of the NFL's Sunday games, including Cardinals-Bills, Patriots-Ravens, Dolphins-Chargers, and more (1:03:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the idea of trading for Russell Westbrook (2:00). Then he is joined by analyst and former NFL QB Brady Quinn to talk college football, including Notre Dame's strong start, Mac Jones vs. Kyle Trask, the top QB prospects for the 2021 NFL draft, Oklahoma's nice stretch of games, and more. They also discuss Brady's time as an NFL QB, playing with Tim Tebow on the Denver Broncos, the inaugural NFL veterans combine, and more (10:00). Finally Ryen answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question (1:01:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on rumors that Chris Paul may be headed to the Phoenix Suns, before briefly remembering Celtics icon Tommy Hinsohn (2:00). Then, Ryen talks with author Wright Thompson about his book, 'Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last.' They talk about the history of whiskey in America, the origins of the iconic Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, the story of a man's fight to honor his ancestors, and more (17:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (58:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL awards for Week 9 (2:00) before talking with ESPN’s Stanford Steve about the PAC-12’s late start, Stanford-Oregon, Michigan-Indiana, Notre Dame–Clemson, the competitive SEC, Oklahoma’s improvements, their favorite ‘College Gameday’ road trips, and more (17:00). Finally, Ryen answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question (1:08:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo rants about a recent encounter on an outdoor basketball court, before sharing his thoughts on the narrative that the Dolphins may look to move on from rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa depending on their 2021 draft position (2:30). Then, Ryen talks with top NBA draft prospect RJ Hampton and 2x NBA champion Mike Miller about RJ’s decision to forego the NCAA and play overseas in the NBL, working with Mike to get ready for the NBA draft, how the pandemic has affected traditional NBA scouting and predraft workouts, and more (17:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (50:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ryen Russillo shares his thoughts on PAC-12 commissioner Larry Scott (1:30) before talking with The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor about the rapidly approaching NBA draft, the lack of consensus on some of the top prospects, potential pick swaps, and more (7:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:10:00). The Ringer's 2020 NBA Draft Guide by Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL Awards for Week 8 and updates his Brady/Belichick power rankings (1:45) before talking with Fox NFL analyst Michael Vick about Tua Tagovailoa’s first start for the Miami Dolphins, the short list of lefty QBs, Steelers-Ravens, Saints-Bears, the skirmish between C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Javon Wims, how QBs are getting “extra yards” while sliding and running the sidelines, the worst hit Vick ever took while playing, Super Bowl predictions, and more (15:00). Then Ryen answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question (46:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives a little context on the issue of Nebraska’s cancelled game vs. Wisconsin over COVID concerns, as well as Nebraska’s friction with the Big Ten as a whole (2:00); Before talking with Domonique Foxworth about his ESPN cover story ‘Tyrann Mathieu is changing the game’, some stories from his NFL career, and a real discussion about player empowerment (15:00). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted ‘Life Advice’ questions (1:05:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the Dodgers finally winning a World Series (2:00), before talking with The Ringer’s Kevin Clark about sports commissioners and the NFL trade deadline (13:00). Then Ryen is joined by Super Bowl champion Willie Colon to discuss the top AFC teams and share some great stories about Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger, the iconic Steelers defense of the 2000s, and the intense Steelers-Ravens rivalry (48:00). Finally, Ryen answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question (1:24:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Each week, Ryen Russillo will break down the biggest topics in sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on Steelers-Titans and whether it was a statement game for either team (2:00), before handing out his Week 7 NFL awards and updating his Brady-Belichick power rankings (8:00). Then Ryen talks with Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic about the return of the Big Ten and the week in college football (24:00). Next, Russillo talks with ESPN’s Jeff Darlington about Tom Brady and the Buccaneers adding Antonio Brown to the roster, and Tua Tagovailoa starting at QB for the Miami Dolphins (55:00). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:17:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on why it's not all that shocking that Mark Jackson was not tapped for an NBA head coaching position this offseason (2:00). He's then joined by the UFC's Jon Anik to discuss the scene on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje; and updates on Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and more (13:00). Finally Russillo answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (45:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by author Ben Fritz to discuss his new book ‘The Big Picture: The Fight for the Future of Movies,' as well as what he learned from the infamous Sony hack, plus the end of the DVD era, the rise of franchise films, and more. Then Ryen talks with renowned mental conditioning expert Trevor Moawad about his background in the field, working with Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, and Russell Wilson, the power of "neutral thinking," and more before they answer some listener-submitted Life Advice questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL Week 6 awards before talking with The Athletic’s Mike Sando about the state of the NFC North after the Steelers beat the Browns. They discuss high expectations for the Baltimore Ravens, the Titans, Packers vs. Buccaneers, the 5-1 Chicago Bears, the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes, and more. Then Ryen catches up on college football in a solo segment before answering a listener-submitted Life Advice question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo briefly shares his thoughts on Daryl Morey’s exit from the Rockets before talking with SI’s Albert Breer about the disastrous Jets season and what the market would be for Sam Darnold if the Jets end up with the first overall draft pick, college coaches primed for NFL jobs, what the Patriots will do regarding Cam Newton, the 49ers’ QB situation, Dak Prescott, and more. Then Ryen is joined by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst to discuss Daryl Morey’s resignation as well as the looming NBA cap hit, challenges the NBA faces for the 2021 season, and more. Then Ryen talks with Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports and The Athletic about his new book ‘Flip the Script: Lessons Learned on the Road to a Championship’ on Coach Ed Orgeron, including his tumultuous tenure in Miami, getting fired from Ole Miss, and bringing home a title at LSU. Finally, Ryen answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the Lakers' NBA title and LeBron James's ever-growing legacy. Then he talks with Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer about Dak Prescott’s season-ending injury, Andy Dalton stepping into the starting QB role for the Cowboys, how modern pass-heavy offenses can affect young QB development, the Raiders' win over the Chiefs, an explanation of coaches’ huge NFL play cards, and more. Then Ryen gives out his NFL Week 5 awards and answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by USC legend and Fox Sports analyst Matt Leinart to discuss the PAC-12 getting its schedule in order, what's going on with USC, Alabama's hot start, concern in Texas, hanging out with Lane Kiffin, working with Urban Meyer on 'Big Noon Kickoff,' and more. Then Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out his NFL awards for Week 4 before sharing some thoughts on Lakers-Heat Game 3. Then he talks with Fox NFL analyst Michael Vick about QBs learning a new “system," learning Andy Reid’s system in Philadelphia, Patrick Mahomes thriving in that system in Kansas City, the Browns getting Odell Beckham Jr. some opportunities on the field, the Patriots being able to remain competitive through three games with Cam Newton, and more. Then Ryen gives a quick college football update before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo is joined by Bill Simmons to discuss the Lakers shellacking of the Heat in game one of the NBA Finals, some tough injuries for Miami, the two headed monster that is LeBron and Anthony Davis, the Clippers parting ways with Doc Rivers, the upcoming NBA coaching carousel, and more (1:50). Then Ryen talks with CBS Sports and SiriusXM’s Danny Kanell about the College Football season including LSU’s (somewhat) surprising loss to Mississippi State, Texas-Texas Tech, Oklahoma-Kansas State, Miami’s hot start, the near impossible task of ranking these teams in such an unprecedented season, and more (1:09:23). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo gives out NFL Week 3 awards (4:45) before he is joined by two-time Super Bowl champion and ESPN analyst Booger McFarland to discuss this week's games, including the showdown between the Cowboys and Seahawks, Aaron Rodgers keeping the Packers rolling vs. the Saints, another tough week for Carson Wentz and the Eagles, and Josh Allen learning while winning. The guys also speculate about who'll be the first coach fired, discuss the 3-0 Steelers, evaluate the 2020 WR draft class, talk expectations for the Buccaneers, break down the rocky start for the LSU Tigers, and more (40:30). Finally, Ryen answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question (1:06:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on Lakers-Nuggets Game 3, as well as the Lakers’ fourth-quarter performances throughout the playoffs (4:33). Then Ryen is joined by NYT-bestselling author Jeff Pearlman and Bill Simmons to discuss Jeff’s new book ‘Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty’ (20:39). Finally Ryen answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question (1:41:08). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo hands out his Week 2 NFL awards at the top of the show (1:50) before talking to his old pal Eric Edholm from Yahoo Sports about Lamar Jackson and the Ravens picking up right where they left off last season, Cam Newton taking command of the Patriots offense and the teams that shouldn’t have missed out on him, the Cowboys coming from behind for a win over the Falcons, and Justin Herbert’s rookie debut for the Chargers. Then they take a quick look at the college football season (20:39). Finally Ryen answers a listener-submitted Life Advice question that hits close to home (46:44). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo briefly shares his thoughts on the Clippers’ Game 7 collapse vs. the Nuggets (3:28). Then he talks with Denver Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly about his role in the bubble when the Nuggets are down 3-1 in a playoff series, Denver’s coaching adjustments throughout the playoffs, scouting Nikola Jokic back in 2014, Jokic family stories, Jamal Murray’s development, the Nuggets’ staff pickup games, and more (8:13). Then Ryen is joined by recently retired NFL linebacker Ryan Shazier to talk about his college career at Ohio State, playing linebacker for a historic franchise like the Steelers, Week 1 NFL reactions, what he learned about some of the NFL’s top offensive players by watching tape, his picks for this season’s top defenses, his recovery from injury and moving on to the next phase of his life, and more (41:50). Finally Russillo answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:13:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo introduces a new weekly NFL awards segment (2:28) before he is joined by Super Bowl champ Trent Dilfer to discuss NFL Week 1, including Tom Brady and the Buccaneers’ cohesion issues, the Eagles' meltdown vs. Washington, a good start for Cam Newton and the Patriots, Aaron Donald’s defensive dominance, “the James Harden of QBs," and Cowboys-Rams, Falcons-Seahawks, and Packers-Vikings (11:15). Then Ryen shares some NBA playoff thoughts, followed by a very important edition of Life Advice (1:03:32). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on Game 6 of the Raptors-Celtics playoff series (3:25) before he is joined by The Ringer’s Kevin Clark to discuss the unprecedented NFL season that kicks off tonight with the Chiefs and Texans. They talk expectations for Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, the Rams‘ playoff hopes, Jimmy G and the 49ers, an exciting Cowboys team, Super Bowl picks, and more (12:35). Then Ryen talks with former Brooklyn Nets GM and current ESPN insider Bobby Marks about Giannis Antetokounmpo's options once he reaches the end of his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks after the 2020-21 season, stories from the war room, and more (59:50). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:17:38). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on Nuggets-Clippers and Raptors-Celtics (3:50) before he is joined by two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long to discuss the start of the NFL season. They talk Week 1 feelings as a player, Cam Newton as the Patriots’ captain, a do-or-die season for Carson Wentz, the slept-on Steelers, Jamal Adams hype, favorite edge rushers, Bill Belichick’s Subway commercial, sleeper teams, and more (18:50). Finally, Ryen answers some listener-submitted ‘Life Advice’ questions (1:25:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the Rockets closing out Game 7 against the Thunder, the Brooklyn Nets hiring Steve Nash as their head coach, and the Bucks' trouble down 0-2 in their Round 2 series against the Heat (1:39). He's then joined by Kyle Brandt to discuss his recent episode of '10 Questions' with Kirk Cousins; the 12-year saga that led to booking Aaron Rodgers on the premier episode; his career transitions, including playing football at Princeton, 'The Real World: Chicago,' 'Days of Our Lives,' and producing 'The Jim Rome Show' and 'Good Morning Football'; how nine years of working as a producer prepared him for his career on air; working out; and more (21:09). Finally, Russillo answers a few listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:15:22). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices