Sports Spectrum Podcast

Chicago Bears QB Nick Foles joins Jade McCarthy to share about the lessons learned from the 2021 season, preparing for his post-playing career, his Super Bowl memories with the Eagles and his prediction for Super Bowl LVI.    WATCH a special Super Bowl edition of Sports Spectrum's "Weekly Slant" with Bill Curry, Nick Foles and Dan Orlovsky here. 

Shaun Alexander is a former NFL running back with the Seattle Seahawks who was the 2005 NFL MVP. He joined Jason Romano on Radio Row at Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles, CA to talk faith, discipleship, his 2005 season and his work with Cafe Momentum.  Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Philadelphia Eagles safety Rodney McLeod joined us at Super Bowl LVI's Radio Row to talk about his Super Bowl experience with Philly 4 years ago, the vital role of faith in his life and the importance of giving back through his foundation.  Learn more about Rodney's foundation at ChangeourFuture.org.  

Dick Vermeil is an NFL coaching legend. He was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976-1982 and led them to their first ever Super Bowl berth in 1980.  After a 15-year hiatus in coaching, Vermeil returned in 1997 to coach the Rams. In 1999, he led them to 

NFL veteran Michael Thomas wasn't on an NFL team at the beginning of the season. In October he signed with the Bengals and the former Pro Bowl special teams ace is now an AFC champion and getting ready to take on the Rams in Super Bowl LVI. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Kevin Nickerson is the team chaplain of the Los Angeles Rams. He joins us today to talk about the team advancing to Super Bowl LVI, and his desire to see players grow in their relationship with Jesus.  Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

ESPN NFL Analyst Dan Orlovsky joins Brock Huard today to preview Super Bowl LVI. We also talk to Dan about his relationship with Christ, trusting in God to direct his steps, mentors that have shaped him and how he's blooming where God has planted him at ESPN.    WATCH a special Super Bowl edition of Sports Spectrum's "Weekly Slant" with Bill Curry, Nick Foles and Dan Orlovsky here.

Ryan Carr is the Vice President of Player Personnel with the Indiana Pacers. His primary job is overseeing the Pacers scouting department as they prepare for the NBA Draft. His journey to the NBA is an improbable one that began in high school and a letter he wrote to then Indiana head basketball coach Bobby Knight. From there, he was introduced to Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird, coach of the Pacers at the time, and suddenly, he's now entering his 19th year with Indiana Pacers. Today on the podcast, we talk to Ryan about his incredible journey to the NBA, how his faith in Jesus has evolved and grown over the years, working for Bobby Knight and Larry Bird, and why his desire now is to make an eternal impact on all he comes in contact with. --- Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Clay Scroggins is the lead pastor of Buckhead Church in Atlanta and the author of three books including "How to Lead When You're Not in Charge" and "How to Lead in a World of Distraction."  His latest book "The Aspiring Leader’s Guide to the Future: 9 Surprising Ways Leadership is Changing” released January 11, 2022.  Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Tre Boston is an NFL defensive back who has played seven seasons with the Panthers, Cardinals and Chargers. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by Carolina after a college career at the University of North Carolina that saw him named as an All-ACC second team safety in 2013.  In his second season, Tre was a member of the 2015 Panthers that won the NFC championship and reached Super Bowl 50. After three seasons in Carolina, Tre played one season with Arizona in 2017, one season with the Chargers in 2018 and then returned to Carolina in 2019 and 2020. In 2021, he was waived by the Panthers and didn't play for an NFL team.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Tre Boston about not playing football in 2021, his NFL future, playing in the Super Bowl, God's guidance on his life and not letting money become an idol.  --- Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Janese Constantine is an assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Alabama. She joined the Crimson Tide in her current role back in June of 2020. Her husband Paul is a member of the University of Alabama football strength and conditioning staff. Prior to her arrival at Alabama, she spent four seasons with Indiana University and two seasons with IUPUI. In high school, Constantine was named Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Indiana in 2004 and played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin. She ended her career as one of 10 players in Badgers history to eclipse 1,500 career points. Today on the podcast, we talk to Janese about working with the same school as her husband, balancing marriage, coaching and parenting, the importance of mentoring the players on her team and why coaching is her ministry to share Jesus with others --- Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson is our guest today on the podcast. We talk about winning the World Series, facing pressure in a big sports moment, the importance of his spiritual and mental health and getting engaged.  --- Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Jamy Bechler is the host of the popular "Success is a Choice" podcast. He is the author of multiple books including "Bus Trip" and his latest "The Captain." Utilizing his background as a high school athletic director and college basketball coach, Jamy works with high-level sports teams, organizations and businesses helping them maximize their results. --- Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.

Vinny Rey is a former linebacker with the Cincinnati Bengals who is now the Bengals team chaplain. Today, Jade McCarthy talks to Vinny Rey about becoming the new Bengals chaplain, the AFC championship game, the playoff run for Cincinnati and the message that he hopes to share with at chapel before Sunday's game. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Dan Dickau is a former college basketball player with Gonzaga who was named a first-team All-American in his senior year with the Zags in 2002. The 2002 WCC player of the year was selected 28th overall in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. Dickau played six seasons in the NBA with six different teams and was traded eight times in his career. After retirement, he spent time as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers and is currently a college basketball broadcaster, working for CBS Sports Network, Pac-12 Network and Westwood One. He's also involved with Scorebook LIVE, SB LIVE and helps lead the Dan Dickau Basketball Academy in Spokane, Washington.   Today on the podcast, we talk to Dan Dickau about his time with Gonzaga, the success of the Zags, being drafted to the NBA, playing against Michael Jordan and how a trip overseas with Athletes in Action helped deepen his faith in God.  --- Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Dev

Sammie Smith is a former standout running back with the Florida State Seminoles. He was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft (9th overall) and would play four NFL seasons with Miami and the Denver Broncos.  Legal problems led to Smith's short NFL career and in 1996, he was convicted on two counts of possession and distribution of cocaine. He would spend seven years in prison and it was during this time that Smith found his true calling and purpose.  Today, Sammie Smith serves with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as the director of character development with the Ole Miss football program. He also shares his powerful story across the country speaking to audiences small and large at churches and other gatherings. On the podcast today, Sammie Smith shares his story of faith and redemption and how God helped him find his true purpose during a difficult season of life in prison. Smith also shares about the lessons learned from playing under legendary coaches Bobby Bowden and

Tim Fanning is the baseball coach at Glenwood Gators High School in Phenix City, Alabama. He has led his club to 8 state championships. He is the author of two books: "Serve to Lead" and "Serve to Lead 2"  Diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on July 30, 2019, Tim has used his story of triumph and trials to encourage others.  You can learn more at ServetoLead2.com --- Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Reid Ferguson is in his 6th season with the Buffalo Bills as their long snapper. He played his college football at LSU before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Bills in 2016.  Today, Brock Huard talks to Reid Ferguson about their playoff victory over the Patriots, preparing for their divisional matchup with the Chiefs, his journey of faith in Christ, being in the NFL with a brother who plays for the Dolphins, and what discipleship has looked like in the Bills locker room this year. --- Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

John Cooper is the founder and lead singer of the successful rock band Skillet. The two-time GRAMMY Award-nominated 12x platinum band was recently invited into Pandora’s Billionaire club after garnering 2 billion streams.  Between selling out arenas on four continents, Cooper has found time to launch his own podcast, COOPER STUFF PODCAST, and released his first book, "Awake and Alive to Truth" in 2020.  Skillet's latest album "Dominion" released on January 14th and the first single, "Surviving the Game" has reached over 3.6 million views on YouTube. Skillet's music has been featured on ESPN, MARVEL, MLB, WWE, NFL and the NHL.  Today on the podcast, we talk to John about the heart behind Skillet's new album, having his music featured on the World Series or ESPN and his love for Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics as a kid.  --- Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Mitch Canham is the head baseball coach for the Oregon State. In 2021, he led the Beavers to 37-24 record and reached the NCAA Regionals.  As a player, Canham was a member of the back-to-back College World Series championship teams with Oregon State in 2006 and 2007. He was selected with the 57th overall pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft by the San Diego Padres and played 9 seasons of minor league baseball reaching as high as Triple-A.  Canham has also overcome multiple moments of tragedy losing his mom to a drug overdose as a freshman in college and a few years later in 2008, losing his brother Dustin, who was killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corp.  Today on the podcast, we talk to Mitch about coaching at his alma mater, coming to faith in Jesus and trusting in God amidst tragedy.  --- Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."