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The underbelly of this league is often gruesome.
Sadly, the NFL itself chooses to ignore that underbelly.
That’s why Ryan Leaf has become so valuable to droves of former players — he’s living proof. Many remember Leaf as the quarterback drafted No. 2 overall after Peyton Manning, the “bust” who threw 14 touchdowns, 36 interceptions and washed out of the sport. But everything that’s happened since he left the NFL is the real story. Leaf battled severe depression and eight years of opioid abuse. Breaking into the homes of friends to steal Oxycodone and Vicodin, his addiction was out of control.
Leaf attempted suicide, slicing his wrist with a dull life. He once considered letting his car run in his parents’ closed garage so they’d find him.
Leaf spent 32 months in prison.
Leaf completely turned his life.
The goal of our new show — “How the NFL Works” — is to bring you football in its most unfiltered form, so it only makes sense to bring on the man unafraid to reveal what life’s like for players after the whistle. Because Leaf also knows this: He’s not alone. He has become a go-to resource for players throughout the NFL. Original Go Long readers may remember the QB’s first visit with us, shortly after former NFL wideout Vincent Jackson tragically died. (It was very emotional.)
For an hour here, we take the conversation a step further.
Audio is above. Video is below.
Written transcript is available here.
A few topics discussed…
* How he has linked up with ex-players at the Menninger Clinic in Houston.
* Why he views the NFL as a “propaganda” and “money-printing” machine. Criticize the NFL and there’s a good chance you’re not welcomed onto the league’s morning show.
* Troy Vincent. He’s got a problem with the league’s executive vice president of football operations.
* Conversations with struggling ex-players. Many, like him, are having suicidal ideation. He takes listeners into this cruel world that’s not broadcast to the masses. His message to guys: “You could move mountains 100 times what you did as a football player.”
* The “identity crisis” players face once they enter the real world after a life in football.
* Leaf’s prison roommate convinced him to teach other inmates how to read. This gave Leaf a sense of purpose, even if he didn’t see it at the time. That sense of purpose changed everything in his life. Still, by no means does Leaf want people thinking a flip was switched and he’s in the clear. Staying sober for 12 years (and counting) is a daily struggle. He nearly relapsed right when he got out of prison, then again years later. Leaf relives both days in immense detail.
* Why he views himself as a “lighthouse.”
* Painkillers in football. They keep players on the field, but at what cost? It was a problem when Leaf played, and he’s heard it’s still a problem.
* Today? Leaf is happily married with two kids, calls college football games, does work with the Menninger Clinic and started a new venture with “The Last Mile,” in which the ex-QB helps current inmates learn a skill they can take into the workforce once they’re released. This work will also be featured on a new SiriusXM radio show.
* Leaf recently walked into the prison in which he was incarcerated. The anxiety was overwhelming. He saw the same guards who treated him poorly. Then, he remembered his larger purpose.
* What should the NFL do to help retirees?
Thank you for reading, listening, watching and sharing Go Long with a friend.
Have a question? Reach us any time at [email protected].
We are your completely independent home for longform journalism in pro football.
* Miss Episode 1 of “How the NFL Works?” Here’s my conversation with quarterback whisperer Quincy Avery.
Also, here is Leaf’s first chat with us, icymi:
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
Is there a new King of the North?
Well, it’s early.
But these Minnesota Vikings look damn good.
Here on the “Ty & Bob Pod,” we dissect Packers-Vikings in great detail with Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn. Should the Green Bay Packers have started Jordan Love? Who’s the better back — Aaron Jones or Josh Jacobs? Why is Sam Darnold an early-season MVP candidate. The film revealed plenty.
We also dive into last night’s Lions-Seahawks thriller. David Montgomery, profiled here, again ran like a man possessed, Jared Goff was a perfect 18 of 18 and (Bob’s favorite) Jameson Williams busted loose. Dan Campbell’s crew outlasted Geno Smith… but there were concerning red flags. They need a pass rusher ASAP.
Finally, what about those Chicago Bears? Caleb Williams looked more than competent with a ground game. Let’s not sleep on this team yet.
McGinn’s weekly memory is another classic, too.
The full 1-hour, 54-minute podcast is available to Go Long paid subscribers.
A subscription gets you access to the “Ty & Bob Pod,” “How the NFL Works” and, of course, all columns and all features here at Go Long, your home for longform.
Thanks, everyone.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
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It’s time for everyone to take Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings seriously. Kevin O’Connell just may have some “special shit” brewing.
Optimism is high in Wisconsin, too.
Somehow, the Packers have coasted to a pair of victories with Malik Willis in and Jordan Love out.
Let’s get into everything for another marathon podcast with your pal, my pal: Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn.
We open with general MNF banter. I was at Highmark Stadium for the Bills’ punishing win over Jacksonville, while McGinn watched Washington-Cincinnati. A full Vikings-Texans breakdown begins at the 10-minute mark. The Aaron Jones Effect has been real in Minnesota, and we discuss why Brian Flores’ defense is special. The Vikings’ ability to pivot out of the sort of disaster that ruins organizations is impressive, though McGinn cites a few flaws in Darnold’s performance that could come back to bite.
Packers-Titans analysis kicks off around the 41-minute mark. Jaire Alexander’s pick-six was a game-changer, we’re both very high on running back Emmanuel Wilson and what about that pass rush? With eight sacks, the Packers attacked in waves — Kingsley Enagbare, profiled here, was a force.
Detroit Lions talk commences around 1:07:40. Yeah, they won. But injuries are piling up. How will the Lions adapt? It wouldn’t hurt if James Houston, profiled here, decided to come on like he did his rookie year. The secondary’s play is a worthy silver lining.
As always, we cap with a “McGinn Memory.” Bob’s got another doozy from Bart Starr’s coaching career at 1:32:30.
Full audio (above) and video (below) is available for our paid subscribers.
A membership gets you access to all episodes of the “Ty & Bob Pod” and “How the NFL Works,” in addition to all features, columns, and community features here at Go Long.
Thanks, everyone.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
You may remember Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila sacking quarterbacks at will with the Green Bay Packers at the turn of the century. His get-off speed was rare. Only Clay Matthews has sacked the quarterback more as a Packer.
He was a player who loved chatting up teammates, coaches and media members alike about faith. A lot. That’s not uncommon.
Everything that happened from about 2019 on? Well, that has raised eyebrows.
There’s a good chance you stopped everything you were doing to read Kalyn Kahler’s compelling series at Sports Illustrated, “Pray for Kabeer.” The story of KGB’s life took a dark turn in the public eye when he sent two friends to his children’s school with guns. She explored in-depth.
These last few years, Kahler drove the story of Kabeer and Straightway Truth Ministry further with her new podcast: “Spiraled.”
Gbaja-Biamila isn’t alone. Other ex-NFL players — including another ex-Packer —have also joined Straightway and made news for the wrong reasons.
We chatted all about the show here on the Go Long Podcast. It’s a chilling tale that’ll have you binging in a hurry.
Today, Kahler is an NFL senior writer at ESPN. You can follow her on X.
Listen to episodes of “Spiraled” everywhere you access podcasts, including Apple and Spotify.
Thanks, everyone.
Also, icymi, here’s the debut episode of our new podcast at Go Long, “How the NFL Works.”
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
Good morning! And welcome to our new show: “How the NFL Works.”
The goal at Go Long is to always deliver pro football coverage in its realest, rawest form. We want to take you behind the curtain.
In that vein, every other week, I’ll chat with a unique guest who’ll zero in one fascinating aspect of the sport. Subscribers can access full audio (above), video (below), as well as the written transcript in a separate post. We’ll explore everything — from life as an area scout to constructing a roster to playing through unspeakable pain. Expect a wide range of players, coaches and scouts all season.
First up is the exceptional quarterbacks coach, Quincy Avery.
The man behind “QB Takeover” has worked with countless quarterbacks we all watch on Sundays: Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts, Deshaun Watson, Justin Fields, Jordan Love, C.J. Stroud, Malik Willis and Joshua Dobbs to name a few. So what exactly is the ideal modern quarterback in 2024?
You’ll love Avery’s analysis and honesty.
A few topics discussed:
* What makes the perfect quarterback in 2024. Avery ranks the attributes. No. 1? “Confidence.” You heard Avery say “confidence is a muscle” in our Browns story. He elaborates on this episode.
* Why Sam Darnold and Kevin O’Connell have been such a phenomenal fit in Minnesota… and why Bryce Young’s confidence has been shattered. Swap Young and Tua Tagovailoa and Avery thinks the results would be the same. He explains. (And he also offers one potential trade destination for Young.)
* Avery has worked closely with Watson, back to the QB’s Texans days. There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to the Cleveland Browns quarterback, on and off the field.
* Quarterbacks are running more than ever. Avery explains why this trend has revved into overdrive. And it all brings him back to his days as a volunteer coach at UCLA. (He once lived out of his car for 19 months.)
* His training methods. Avery details how he trains quarterbacks, offering a few specific trade secrets. Throwing off-platform is an art form — he knows how to simulate discomfort. He’ll bring a chess board right to the practice field.
* If Patrick Mahomes doesn’t land in Kansas City, what would’ve happened?
* Out of nowhere, Geno Smith not only saved his NFL career. Avery believes he’s a Top 5 quarterback. It takes a mental toughness to last nearly a decade as a backup.
* He’s never been a huge fan of Baker Mayfield, but Avery cannot ignore what the Bucs QB has done.
We learn a ton on this first episode of “How the NFL Works.”
Thank you, everyone, for your incredible support.
Unlike 99.9 percent of the podcasts out there, our shows will be completely independent. No ads. No sponsors. We’re proud to say Go Long is 100-percent fueled by you. We’d love it if you shared the word with a friend.
Full video is below.
Full Q&A transcript is here.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.com
Two games in, the Minnesota Vikings think it’s a damn fight. First, Kevin O’Connell’s crew clobbered the Giants. Next, they stunned the defending NFC Champions.
Can it last?
Here on the “Ty & Bob Pod” at Go Long — with Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn — we take a close look at the Vikes’ 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Sam Darnold wasn’t perfect, but he’s unafraid to pull the trigger. It’s working. Brian Flores’ defense has been unlocked, too. We’ll learn a lot about this team with Houston and Green Bay on deck.
Lions-Bucs talk begins at the 34:35 mark. Why Dan Campbell’s team lost to Tampa Bay may surprise you. McGinn uncovers everything on film.
Bears-Texans analysis begins at 55:10. How concerned should Bears fans be about Caleb Williams on a scale from 1 to 10? We discuss. The USC quarterback — facing a history of quarterback ineptitude — is off to a rocky rookie season.
Then, around 1:08:50, it’s on to Packers-Colts. This was one of Matt LaFleur’s most impressive wins as head coach. Twenty days after signing, quarterback Malik Willis gets a win. Talk about emasculated. Good grief, the Indianapolis Colts likely flew back home with their tail between their legs. Green Bay ran the ball on 53 of 67 plays.
As always, the episode concludes with a “McGinn Memory.” This one features a player from the 90s who’d answer every single question inside the Packers locker room, win or lose.
Thank you for listening and sharing.
Full episodes are always available to our paid subscribers at Go Long.
Audio is above. Full video is below. Icymi, here’s my Monday column and profile of Vikings safety Harrison Smith.
Thank you for sharing Go Long with a friend.
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The NFC North promises to be one of the best divisions in football. It’s loaded with intrigue.
Bob McGinn, enshrined in Canton for his distinguished career covering the NFL since 1979, remains extremely plugged into the league and has plenty of analysis to share. He’s still studying the tape unlike anyone in the business.
Thus, the “Ty & Bob Pod” continues for another season right here at Go Long. I’m thrilled to welcome back my former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel colleague. Our focus stays on the North, but we’ll also examine big-picture topics across the entire NFL.
Episode 1 of the 2024 season is accessible to everyone. Audio is above and video is below.
Starting next week, the show is again exclusive to paid subscribers.
On this episode, McGinn begins with a full breakdown of the Green Bay Packers’ Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Position-by-position, he examines what went right and what went wrong. He also explains why he believes the Green Bay Packers can win the Super Bowl and what Jordan Love trait stands out to him most. Around the 50-minute mark, we dive into those Super Bowl-contending Detroit Lions and how this team is a complete reflection of their head coach, Dan Campbell. Once again — in Detroit’s overtime win over L.A. — everyone saw precisely what makes the core of these Lions different.
They fight, yes. But they’re also smart.
At the 1-hour, 27-minute mark, McGinn dissects the Chicago Bears’ bizarre opening win over Tennessee. Sam Darnold looked damn good in his Vikings debut, too.
As always, we cap the show with a “McGinn Memory.” This week, my co-host looks back at the time a young Aaron Rodgers read him the riot act inside the locker room.
A few pieces discussed on the podcast are linked right here for reference.
Thank you, everyone.
* Carlton Davis bows to no man
* D.J. Reader will never break
* DNA of the Lions
* Jordan Love will be an all-time great
* How the Detroit Lions bring ‘grit’ to life
* 'The Problem,' James Houston, is The Future
* Mike Daniels Q&A: 'When are we going to punch somebody in the face?
* You’re up Caleb Williams
Thank you for sharing Go Long with a friend.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
No player generates more opinion and more emotion than one, Aaron Rodgers. He has managed to stay in the headlines for many reasons. Football or otherwise.
Finally, one author threw himself into the quarterback’s world: Ian O’Connor with “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers.”
Rodgers’ career with the New York Jets now begins. For the podcast, I chatted with O’Connor all about the enigma. We’ve both tried our best to get to know Rodgers. Back in my Journal Sentinel days, I’d sit down with the Packers QB for a lengthy 1 on 1 each spring. Even a decade-plus ago, he was a fascinating figure.
On to my stint at Bleacher Report, a pair of stories made some waves — in 2016 and then 2019.
For his book, O’Connor spoke with everyone he possibly could.
This was a fascinating chat. We delve into the family dynamic, the “immunized” ruse and much more.
Audio and video is above, and you can access this episode on Apple, Spotify and YouTube as well.
Be sure to add Ian’s book to your library wherever books are sold. He’s one of the best in the business. You can also follow Ian on X @Ian_OConnor.
Now, the Aaron Rodgers story continues.
Thanks for reading and listening, everybody.
Column from Week 1 in the NFL:
Our plans for the 2024 NFL Season, icymi.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
All four teams in the NFC South made very different quarterback bets the last two years.
Carolina sold the farm for Bryce Young. Tampa Bay went thrifting for Baker Mayfield. New Orleans paid Derek Carr as the missing piece. And Atlanta, of course, shocked the football world by signing Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix Jr. To wrap up our divisional preview podcasts, it only makes sense to welcome back former Bucs quarterback Shaun King.
His debut was one of my recent favorites. King didn’t hold back on his first appearance — here’s that audio/video and Q&A, icymi.
Now, the man who brought Tampa Bay within one controversial call of a Super Bowl in 1999 brings strong opinions on all five of those quarterbacks… and a few more for good measure.
He’s all-in on Mayfield and promises the Bucs googles have nothing to do with it.
Audio and video is above, and you can also access this episode everywhere you pod, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
Thank you for supporting Go Long.
Our 2024 predictions are live.
Enjoy the game tonight, and be on the lookout for our final season-preview feature Friday AM on the Cleveland Browns — exclusive to paid subscribers.
2024 NFL Season Preview features:
* David Long Jr., and the beast within
* ‘Undeniable:’ Christian Kirk will attack this defining moment
* ‘We’ll get it done:’ The Buffalo Bills enter the great unknown at wide receiver
* Jordan Love will be an all-time great
* ‘All game long:’ Will Anderson Jr., The Terminator, is the Houston Texans' foundation
* ‘Let’s be bold:’ Inside Press Taylor’s office
* INTO THIN AIR, Why It’s (Nearly) Impossible to Win Three Straight Super Bowls (three parts)
* One Giant Leap: Our series detailing the New York Giants’ total reconstruction (three parts)
* Rasul Douglas is playing a different game
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
We’re in agreement: Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the NFL.
The man nearly led a Duck Hodges-quarterbacked club to the playoffs. He knows how to muck a game up and will forever ensure his team’s in the playoff mix.
But when it comes to the quarterback position, this is the plan? I was critical of the pivot back in the spring — Russell Wilson just may be expired milk — because, frankly, you get what you pay for at this position. There’s a reason Justin Fields came so cheap, a reason the Denver Broncos are paying Wilson so much not to be their QB1.
Does Tomlin see something others do not? His defense should be loaded once again.
Nobody should be shocked if Joe Burrow goes scorched earth this season, too.
To make sense of the entire AFC North, let’s bring on a podcasting pro: Dave Dameshek. You may remember “Sheky” from his NFL Network days and make sure you add his excellent Minus Three podcast to your library. Dave’s also a fantastic regular guest on the The Adam Carolla Show.
Audio and video of our conversation is above, and you can access the show everywhere you pod, including Apple and Spotify.
Go Long is your home for longform this 2024 NFL season:
Miss a divisional preview this past month?
* AFC West: Michael MacCambridge and the art of the three-peat
* AFC South: It’s Stefon Diggs Time in Houston
* NFC East: They Might Be Giants
* AFC East: Buffalo’s WR gamble, Dolphins stand by Tua & Rodgers (finally) takes NYC
* NFC North: Why the Lions and Packers should think Super Bowl
* AFC West: Will Arizona sneak up on everyone?
2024 NFL Season Preview features:
* David Long Jr., and the beast within
* ‘Undeniable:’ Christian Kirk will attack this defining moment
* ‘We’ll get it done:’ The Buffalo Bills enter the great unknown at wide receiver
* Jordan Love will be an all-time great
* ‘All game long:’ Will Anderson Jr., The Terminator, is the Houston Texans' foundation
* ‘Let’s be bold:’ Inside Press Taylor’s office
* INTO THIN AIR, Why It’s (Nearly) Impossible to Win Three Straight Super Bowls (three parts)
* One Giant Leap: Our series detailing the New York Giants’ total reconstruction (three parts)
* Rasul Douglas is playing a different game
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
Erik Kramer shot himself, and survived.
Then, he nearly lost his life again.
Our longtime members at Go Long will recall our three-parter on the former NFL quarterback. It didn’t have a conclusion then. The woman who coerced him into a sham marriage and then robbed him of tens of thousands of dollars had not been punished yet.
Kramer finally received a slice of justice last week, but that’s just what it was: a slice, in the form of four felonies.
Kramer also knows there are many more Cortney Bairds out there.
Here on the podcast, he returns to explain. We’re joined by his close friend Anna Dergan, who helped piece his life back together.
Audio of this conversation is above, video is below and you can access everywhere you pod.
All three parts from that 2021 series are right here, icymi:
* The Fight for Erik Kramer’s Life, Part I: A miracle
* The Fight for Erik Kramer’s Life, Part II: Victimized
* The Fight for Erik Kramer's Life, Part III: A new man
Kramer also joined the show last season to discuss his book, “The Ultimate Comeback.” (Q&A version)
Thanks, all.
Go Long is your home for longform journalism in pro football.
Similar conversations with former players at Go Long:
* Dallas Clark on mowing Kinnick, holes in socks, Tight End U, Taylor/Kelce, the 'walk-on mentality'
* A Super Bowl Conversation with Brett Favre
* Mike Daniels and the psychology of the Green Bay Packers
* Ryan Leaf wants to save NFL players' lives: 'You're not alone'
* What is the future of football? Chad Brown has many thoughts... (Text Q&A)
* Drew Bledsoe lived the beauty and pain of pro football (Text Q&A)
* Matt Hasselbeck learned to believe (Text Q&A)
* 'Pain is glory:' DeVier Posey is the true football journey
* Why Lee Smith is the Great American Tight End Story
* Alex Green escapes the abyss
* The tenacity of Terence Newman
* Quincy Carter was an addict. His life? “Hell.”
* Rashad Jennings’ 180
* Ahman Green was born to be a Packers running back
* Kurt Warner and the power of belief
* Concussions, Flutiemania, a “Miracle.” Rob Johnson relives it all.
* Edgerrin James: “I was made to play football.”
* Trent Dilfer: From “terrible” teammate to Super Bowl champ to QB Renaissance Man
* The impossible life of LeRoy Butler
* Why we should put Ronde Barber’s name right with Charles Woodson
* Don Beebe still gets letters on the “Leon Lett Play” every day
* Darren Woodson opens up on avoiding gangs, wild Cowboys days, depression, finding purpose
* Mario Butler's father was murdered in the most unspeakable way. This is what Butler did next.
* Bruce Smith is still seizing the day
* Donte Whitner thrived in a “scary place”
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
The San Francisco 49ers came within inches of another Super Bowl.
This is a roster loaded with talent — Hall of Fame-level talent — at important positions.
And yet? This offseason exposed fractures. As of this posting, the status of Brandon Aiyuk remains a mystery. We expect San Francisco to be in the NFC title conversation again, obviously, but a door has cracked open for the Los Angeles Rams. Their reset year in 2023 went better than planned.
Our podcast previews continue with the NFC West. I am joined by our longtime NFL personnel man — and 2009 Super Bowl champion — Jim Monos. He tells us why we better keep an eye on the Arizona Cardinals, too.
Also, at the top of the show, we discuss the New York Giants and my three-part series, One Giant Leap, accessible to Go Long subscribers.
Video and Audio of the podcast is above, as well as on Apple, Spotify and our Go Long TD YouTube channel.
Miss a divisional preview this past month?
* AFC West Preview: Michael MacCambridge and the art of the three-peat
* AFC South Preview: It’s Stefon Diggs Time in Houston
* NFC East Preview: They Might Be Giants
* AFC East Preview: Buffalo’s WR gamble, Dolphins stand by Tua & Rodgers (finally) takes NYC
* NFC North Preview: Why the Lions and Packers should think Super Bowl
2024 NFL Season Preview features, to date, icymi:
* David Long Jr., and the beast within
* ‘Undeniable:’ Christian Kirk will attack this defining moment
* ‘We’ll get it done:’ The Buffalo Bills enter the great unknown at wide receiver
* Jordan Love will be an all-time great
* ‘All game long:’ Will Anderson Jr., The Terminator, is the Houston Texans' foundation
* ‘Let’s be bold:’ Inside Press Taylor’s office
* INTO THIN AIR, Part I: Why It’s (Nearly) Impossible to Win Three Straight Super Bowls (three parts)
* One Giant Leap: Our series detailing the New York Giants’ total reconstruction
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
Patrick Mahomes is a different competitive species. This is a quarterback who hears management secured him a left tackle and — re-fueled with adrenaline — immediately chips a shot out of the 16th-hole bunker at Augusta within six feet of the cup. There’s plenty of magic to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, the best player in the sport tries to make history.
No team in the Super Bowl Era has strung together three straight Super Bowl wins.
Here at Go Long, the great Michael MacCambridge delivered a three-part series detailing the Chiefs’ mountainous challenge ahead. MacCambridge, author of the timeless “America’s Game,” analyzed the eight teams that won back-to-back Super Bowls — with a sharp look ahead to the 2024 Chiefs.
So, let’s continue the conversation here on the podcast.
MacCambridge joins me to discuss his series, which of those eight teams were most fascinating and whether or not the Chiefs can complete the three-peat. As he says, “this is the most competitive era in the history of the NFL.” (Especially in the AFC.)
In the spirit of our division-by-division preview podcasts, we also touch on those Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Harbaugh’s schedule is set up to realistically win 10 or 11 games this season.
You can catch audio and video of this episode above, as well as Apple, Spotify and our Go Long TD YouTube channel.
New here? It’s a perfect time to subscribe! In addition to MacCambridge’s series, we’ve got a three-parter live for paid subscribers on the New York Giants meticulous rebuild. Turnarounds don’t always slap us in the face. The Giants are hoping a more holistic, Detroit Lions-like reconstruction pays off.
All three parts are linked below:
* One Giant Leap, Part I: Joe Schoen's Vision
* One Giant Leap, Part II: Building a Champion
* One Giant Leap, Part III: Daniel Jones' best shot
Thanks, everyone.
Enjoy the show.
2024 NFL Season Preview features, to date, icymi:
* David Long Jr., and the beast within
* ‘Undeniable:’ Christian Kirk will attack this defining moment
* ‘We’ll get it done:’ The Buffalo Bills enter the great unknown at wide receiver
* Jordan Love will be an all-time great
* ‘All game long:’ Will Anderson Jr., The Terminator, is the Houston Texans' foundation
* ‘Let’s be bold:’ Inside Press Taylor’s office
* INTO THIN AIR, Part I: Why It’s (Nearly) Impossible to Win Three Straight Super Bowls (three parts)
* One Giant Leap: Our series detailing the New York Giants’ total reconstruction
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
Bring up the Buffalo Bills to anyone in Western New York and “Stefon Diggs” inevitably comes up. Locals are excited for change.
This name is also a hot topic of conversation in Houston… for much different reasons.
Our division-by-division podcast preview continues with a (suddenly fun) AFC South.
The excellent D.J. Bien-Aime joins me to discuss. D.J. covers the Texans for ESPN, and you can follow him on Twitter/X @Djbienaime. We get into everything Diggs, his locker-room impact, how targets will be divided up in Houston, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, potential pitfalls for quarterback C.J. Stroud and why D.J. sees the Indianapolis Colts as Houston’s greatest threat in the South.
You can access all Go Long podcasts here at GoLongTD.com, as well as on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
Our 2024 Season Previews to date:
* David Long Jr., and the beast within
* 'Undeniable:' Christian Kirk will attack this defining moment
* ‘We’ll get it done:’ The Buffalo Bills enter the great unknown at wide receiver
* Jordan Love will be an all-time great
* ‘All game long:’ Will Anderson Jr., The Terminator, is the Houston Texans' foundation
* 'Let’s be bold:' Inside Press Taylor’s office
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.com
A sincere thank you to everyone who carved out time for our latest Happy Hour.
The always-entertaining and authentic LeRoy Butler joined Go Long subscribers and there were stories galore.
Full audio and video is available to our paid members. Remember, just let me know who you want to hang out with on a Friday night and I’ll do everything I can to make i…
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Our podcast previews continue a rollicking NFC East discussion.
Conor Orr, the exceptional scribe at Sports Illustrated, joins me to break it all down.
Brian Daboll has taken matters into his own hands this summer. Clearly, these practices are different. The Giants don’t want to get pushed around again. That “Click Click Boom” by Saliva you hear on the speakers is no accident.
Granted, Daniel Jones is central to any Giants conversation. Is Jones primed for an Alex Smith-like renaissance? Or do New Yorkers see more of the same?
In Dallas, Orr’s “Disney” analogy is perfect. Jerry Jones is drawing droves of fans into AT&T Stadium with the flashy names — Dak! CeeDee! Parsons! — but, once you’re in, the product isn’t nearly as glamorous as you think. There’s long lines, mayhem and overpriced beverages.
Philadelphia, conversely, does have a very strong roster… but there’s sneaky pressure on the quarterback.
You can follow Orr on X, and read all of his excellent musings and feature stories at SI.com.
Video and audio is above. It’s always easy to listen to podcasts right here at GoLongTD.com or inside the Substack app.
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I’ll have more on the Giants next week. Daniel Jones sat down with Go Long for a 1 on 1 last week. Here’s that conversation:
1 on 1: Why Daniel Jones 'absolutely' believes he's one of the best QBs in the NFL
Our 2024 NFL Season Preview features continue. Links below, icymi:
* David Long Jr., and the beast within
* 'Undeniable:' Christian Kirk will attack this defining moment
* ‘We’ll get it done:’ The Buffalo Bills enter the great unknown at wide receiver
* Jordan Love will be an all-time great
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The Buffalo Bills welcomed a bold experiment at wide receiver. There’s no ambiguity. They’ll orbit around their quarterback, and his wishes.
Down south, Mike McDaniel is sticking with Tua Tagovailoa as his quarterback. Finally, the two sides reached an agreement.
Does 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers have one last hurrah in him? The New York Jets need to win in 2024 or people will be fired.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are a franchise on pause.
Last week, we discussed the NFC North. This week, it’s on to the AFC East here at the Go Long Show.
Audio and video is accessible here at GoLongTD.com, and everywhere you pod, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
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Mike McCarthy, the owner's latest monkey in the middle, is getting a raw deal
‘We’ll get it done:’ The Buffalo Bills enter the great unknown at wide receiver
Monos Report: Xavier Worthy vs. Keon Coleman
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
Dust off your Robert Porcher and Dorsey Levens jerseys. For my money, the NFC Central-turned-North hasn’t been loaded in nearly three decades. Both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are fresh off seasons in which they were a breath away from thinking Super Bowl. No. 1 pick Caleb Williams has a realistic chance to cure the Chicago Bears’ century-plus-long quarterback problem. Even the Minnesota Vikings have good reason to be hopeful.
Here on the podcast, we’ll devote individual episodes to previewing each division up to Week 1.
As always, I am joined by former NFL scout Jim Monos. He’s been around Donovan McNabb and Drew Brees for long stretches of time and sees the potential for several years of epic QB duels in the North.
Live at the site now is a column on the well-oiled machine Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have built in Detroit. Subscribers can read here.
Video and audio of the “Go Long Show” is accessible here at GoLongTD.com, as well as everywhere you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube.
Our 2024 NFL Season Preview features are rolling out, icymi:
* David Long Jr., and the beast within
* 'Undeniable:' Christian Kirk will attack this defining moment
Go Long is your independent home for longform journalism in pro football.
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Hey, things did not go according to plan for Rob Johnson in Buffalo. But that’s life.
He’s not living with regrets.
Here’s the full Happy Hour Replay with the former NFL quarterback.
Johnson relives that quarterback controversy with Doug Flutie — was their bad blood? We all saw the hits Johnson absorbed on the field. Which was the worst? How’s life today?…
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Nobody has covered the Buffalo Bills longer than my friend, Chuck Pollock.
What a fun walk through history this podcast was with the longtime Olean Times Herald sports editor who’s now writing for the Olean Star and Wellsville Sun here in Western New York. Chuck takes listeners right through his time covering the Bills from 1973 to today. You’ll hear everything from O.J. Simpson stories to Johnson vs. Flutie memories, and we discuss the team today.
For background, I owe so much to Chuck. Still remember giving him my “2000 NFL Draft Preview” guide as a 13-year-old on a solo trip to the Times Herald for a school project. He promised he’d offer an internship opportunity when I turned 16 and, sure enough, called three years later. Since then, he’s been a mentor, a friend and countless other TH interns will tell you the same: Chuck Pollock isn’t only an exceptional boss and writer. He is an A+ human being.
Even if you’re not a Bills fan, you’ll enjoy Chuck’s stories about covering the NFL back in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
It was a different time. You never quite knew when a fight may break out on the team plane.
Audio and video is accessible here at GoLongTD.com, and everywhere you podcast, including Apple and Spotify.
As a reminder, Go Long subscribers can join Friday night’s Happy Hour with former Bills quarterback Rob Johnson at 7 p.m. (EST). Feel free to join and ask anything you’d like.
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