NFL: Thursday Night Tailgate

Leonard Wheeler, Tony Collins, Bruce Matthews, & Jeff Reed

On this edition of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Bengals, Vikings & Panthers DB Leonard Wheeler, former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, Houston Oilers Hall of Fame Guard Bruce Matthews and former Steelers Kicker Jeff Reed.
Leonard Wheeler - Leonard shared his thoughts on the Carolina Panthers and what went wrong last season. He also talked about what it's like for most guys when their playing career abruptly ends, the new NFL Legends community and his book: "Beyond the Locker Room, DevelopingYour Game Plan for Life's Transitions."
Tony Collins - We talked with Tony about the Patriots trade for Dwayne Allen, why they let Dont'a Hightower test free agency and which player that he played with who was a physical freak of nature.
Bruce Matthews - Bruce talked about his college days playing at USC with great players like: Ronnie Lott, Jeff Fisher, Chip Banks and Ross Browner. He also talked about his memory from the loss to the Bills in the AFC playoffs after leading 35-3, his thoughts on the situation when he coached alongside Mike Munchak in Houston when Munchak was being pressured to fire his assistant coaches and refused to do so, and what it was like playing against his brother Clay Matthews twice a year when the 2 of them played for the Oilers and Browns respectively.
Jeff Reed - We talked with Jeff about the art of the on-side kick, his thoughts on Blair Walsh signing with the Seahawks, the team that his biggest missed FG came against, and his memories from being a part of 2 Super Bowl championship teams in Pittsburgh.

Bruce Davis, Tony Collins, Terrance Copper, Isaac Redman, and Carey Davis

On this edition of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Raiders 2 time Super Bowl Champion LT Bruce Davis, former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, former Cowboys, Saints & Chiefs WR Terrance Copper, former Steelers RB Isaac Redman, and former Steelers RB Carey Davis.
Bruce Davis - Bruce shared some hilarious stories about Ken Stabler's antics off the field, plus what it's like being a Raider and playing for Al Davis. He also talked about his last 2 years in the league playing for Jerry Glanville in Houston and how much Sam Wyche and Chuck Noll hated Glanville.
Tony Collins - Tony talked about what his off season regiment used to be and the time it took for his body to recover and stop hurting once the season ended.
Terrance Copper - Terrance talked about his alma mater East Carolina and playing with former Jaguars QB David Garrard when they were there together. He also talked about his time in Dallas playing for Bill Parcells and the Cowboys, the advice that Keyshown Johnson gave him, following Sean Payton from the Cowboys to the Saints and the struggles Drew Brees had seeing over the line of scrimmage.
Isaac Redman - Isaac told us the amazing story of how it came about that Mike Tomlin made him the last undrafted free agent invited to camp in 2009. He shared how he was able to stand out in camp and in the pre-season, plus how brutal the rivalry is between the Steelers and the Ravens.
Carey Davis - Carey shared stories from his day playing at the University of Illinois and being a part of their last Big 10 Championship team. He's a sideline reporter now for the Illini, so he talked about what it's like being on the other side of the microphone now. He shared his memories of being a part of the Steelers Super Bowl 43 Championship team, what was going through his mind on the Steelers last drive and while the officials were reviewing Santonio Holmes' game winning TD catch. Carey recently visited our troops over in Afghanistan and he shared stories from what that experience was like.

E.J. Junior, Tony Collins, Bubba McDowell, Al Oliver, & Lamar Lowery

On this edition of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Cardinals & Dolphins Pro Bowl LB E.J. Junior, former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, former Houston Oilers DB and current Assistant Head Coach at Prairie View A&M Bubba McDowell, former Pirates, Rangers & Expos 1B/OF Al Oliver and Fitness Expert Lamar Lowery.
E.J. Junior - We talked with E.J. about his alma mater the University of Alabama and their coming up short in the National Championship and what he expects from them next season. We also talked about his time playing with the Cardinals and Dolphins plus his realtionship with some of the other outstanding LBs of the 80's like Lawrence Taylor and Hugh Green.
Tony Collins - We asked Tony what he would say to the young rookies coming into the league about what people and situations led him down the wrong path and how to recognize and avoid the situations he got involved in.
Bubb McDowell - We got Bubba's insights into what they need to do at Prairie View to get into the FCS playoff mix next season, and in particular to get over the hump and beat the team that seems to stand in their way, Grambling State. We also talked to Bubba about what it was like to be a Miami Hurricane in the mid 80's and as a guy who was a member of the Houston Oilers when they blew a 35-3 lead over the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs, what was going through his mind as he watched the Atltanta Falcons blow a big lead in the Super Bowl.
Al Oliver - We talked with Al about being a part of Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1970's. He shared stories about Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell. He also talked about his relationship with the fans and how heartbreaking it was when they traded him in 1977. We also get his thoughts on what it was like playing in Montreal alongside new Hall of Famer Tim Raines and guys like Andre Dawson, Warren Cromartie and Terry Francona. 
Lamar Lowery - Lamar talked his time in the Army as a Master Fitness expert, plus how his degree as a mental health specialist helps him get into the mindset of his clients. He also shared tips for how to motivate yourself to get into the gym and how to better deal with lower back pain when you're exercising.

Felix Wright, Tony Collins, Willie Williams, Tim Worley, & Kent Hill

On this edition of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Browns DB Felix Wright, former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, former Steelers & Seahawks DB Willie Williams, former Steelers & Bears RB Tim Worley and former Rams Pro Bowl Guard Kent Hill.
Felix Wright - We talked with Felix about what he thinks it's going to take to for the Browns to finally get on the right path to being a winning organization. We also talked about his infamous hit on Bills WR Don Beebe and his memories of playing against Barry Sanders.
Tony Collins - We got Tony's thoughts on whether he thinks the Patriots should trade Jimmy Garoppolo, potentially to the Browns, for their #12 pick in the draft or keep him as the heir apparent to Tom Brady. We also talked about the reception they received back in Boston following their Super Bowl 20 loss to the Bears. Did the fans welcome them home following an otherwise great season or did the long suffering Boston fans at the time already turn the page to the Celtics who were in the middle of a run to their 3rd NBA title of the 1980's?
Willie Williams - Willie shared his insights and thoughts about the Steelers performance in the AFC Championship Game plus two of their young DBs in Artie Burns and Sean Davis. He also talked about what it was like being a part of the great defense the Steelers had in the mid 90's, plus how Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene used to routinely override the defensive play calls from the coaches.
Tim Worley - Tim talked about his struggles with drugs and the temptations that money brought him as a first round pick in 1989. He told us what he would say to Steelers WR Martavis Bryant and rookies entering the league if he could spend some time with them. We also got his thoughts on his alma mater, the University of Georgia, and Tim boldly stated that there is no reason why they shouldn't win the SEC East division this season and that this year's recruiting class will play for a national championship by the time they are seniors.
Kent Hill - We got Kent's thoughts on the Rams first season back in LA and their new, young Head Coach Sean McVay. We also talked about the direction the Rams need to go in this year's draft, whether he realized at the time how special it was that he had an opporutnity to play in a Super Bowl his rookie season (he never got an opportunity to get back) and his memories of playing against the '85 Bears in the NFC Championship game that year.

Brian Baker, Tony Collins, Mike Bass, Chad Finn, & Beau Bock

On this episode of Thursday Night Tailgate we talked in great length about the Super Bowl with former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, Boston Globe Reporter Chad Finn and the Dean of Atlanta Sports Talk Radio Beau Bock. We also talked Mississippi State football with their Defensive Line Coach Brian Baker and Super Bowl thoughts and memories with former Redskins DB Mike Bass, who played in Super Bowl 7 against the undefeated Miami Dolphins. Also in our Spotlight on the Positive segment to hear 2 more stories of players doing great things in their communities.
Brian Baker - Brian talked about Mississippi State's defense and what they need to do in order to get more pressure on the QB in 2017. He also talked about how intense the rivalry is between them and Ole Miss and how important it was to Mississippi State fans that they won the Egg Bowl last season.
Tony Collins - Tony talked about how he thought the Patriots were done and the Super Bowl was over early in the 3rd quarter when the Falcons went up 28-3; going so far to post a congratulations message to Falcons fans on Facebook. He took us threw the mistakes the Falcons made that gave the Patriots a glimmer of hope and how unbelievable it was that the Patriots were able to pull out that victory.
Mike Bass - Mike shared his thoughts on the Super Bowl as well. He said the Falcons mistake was being conservative on defense in the 2nd half. "If you get beat, get beat being aggressive." He shared his memories of playing in Super Bowl 7 against the undefeated Dolphins. He took us through the play that still haunts him to this day, one that he feels could have tied that game up. He also spoke the Redskins philosophy at the time about why you play veteran players and let someone else develop rookies.
Chad Finn - Chad took us through his range of emotions during the Super Bowl, he starting to write about their demise through 3 quarters. He talked about how the math was just not on the Patriots side for number possessions left and time on the clock...until it was. He shared when the moment was when he finally started to think, hey they have a shot here to pull this off. We also got Chad's early thoughts on the Red Sox pitching staff for 2017.
Beau Bock - Beau shared the anguish and shock of Atlanta sports fans following the game and where he thinks things went wrong. But Beau also put a positive spin on things saying the Falcons weren't even supposed to be there. No one thought they'd be a Super Bowl contender this year and yet there they were. He said this is a team on the rise and the Atlanta media needs to be focused on that instead of what a failure the Super Bowl was.

Dominic Rhodes, Tony Collins, Kenny King, Tom Dreesen, & Zig Fracassi

On this edition of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Colts RB & star of Super Bowl 41 Dominic Rhodes, former Raiders 2 time Super Bowl Champion RB Kenny King, Comedian/Actor Tom Dreesen and Sirius/XM NFL Channel Radio Host & TNT Hall of Famer Zig Fracassi. Former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins helped us break down Super Bowl 51, plus check out our Spotlight on the Positive segment to hear 2 more stories of players doing great things in their communities.
Dominic Rhodes - We talked to Dominic about his experience playing in Super Bowl 41 vs. the Bears plus the celebration afterwards including going to Disney World with Head Coach Tony Dungy. He also talked at length about his time playing in the United Football League and now trying to help kids not make the same mistakes he made. The joy in his voice really made the segment so much fun.
Tony Collins - We broke down Super Bowl 51 between the Patriots and Falcons with former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins. Hear who Tony, Bob and I picked to win the game and why.
Kenny King - Kenny walked us through how Barry Switzer was able to get a Texas kid to come play his college ball at Oklahoma. He also talked about how surprised he was that the Houston Oiler drafted him in the 3rd round when they already had Earl Campbell and then what it was like when Al Davis traded for him the following year. We also got his take on the Super Bowl and where he'll be watching it.
Tom Dreesen - Tom is from suburban Chicago and is a life long Cubs fan. He was at 3 of World Series games and shared his joy when they won Game 7. He also talked about being a bat boy for the Cubs, what it was like leading "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" At Wrigley Field and looking forward to doing it again this season. He also talked about growing up caddying at area courses in Chicago, what it was like being inducted in the Caddie Hall of Fame, his playing in the Bob Hope Desert Classic for many years and he shared his pick for the Super Bowl.
Zig Fracassi - Zig further broked down the Super Bowl for us and shared his insights and thoughts. We also got his opinion of Antonio Brown and whether the Steelers should start listening to trade offers.

Mark Littell, Tony Collins, Mike Jones, Jeff Criswell, & Beau Bock

On this edition of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Royals & Cardinals Closer Mark Littell, former Rams LB and the hero of Super Bowl 34 Mike Jones, former Jets & Chiefs Tackle Jeff Criswell and the Dean of Atlanta Sports Talk Radio, Beau Bock. Former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins joined us to share his memories of playing in Super Bowl 20 versus the '85 Bears and we put our Spotlight on the Positive on Lions DB Don Carey and Colts Punter Pat McAfee.

Mike Karney, Tony Collins, Burt Grossman, Vencie Glenn, & Leonard Humphries

On this episode of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Saints & Rams FB Mike Karney, former Chargers DE Burt Grossman, former Chargers, Vikings & Giants DB and Thursday Night Tailgate Hall of Famer Vencie Glenn, and former Colts DB Leonard Humphries. Former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins joined us to make our picks for AFC/NFC Championship Games plus check out our Spotlight on the Positive segment to hear 2 more stories about players doing great things in their communities.
Mike Karney - We talked with Mike about how he ended up playing his college ball for Arizona State. He shared with us that his willingness to out work people at every level was his greatest attribute. We also talked about his 3 touchdown game against Dallas on Sunday Night Football back in 2006 and how the Saints released him on the night on his wedding rehearsal dinner.
Burt Grossman - Burt played his college ball at Pitt and his roommate all 4 years was Tony Siragusa. He talked about the trouble they got into and perhaps all the fights and his reputation for getting into trouble might have kept the Steelers from drafting him in 1989. He also shared his thoughts on the Chargers moving to LA and the great things he's doing now helping kids who are former gang members get an education.
Vencie Glenn - Vencie talked in great detail about why he thinks Dean Spanos is moving the Chargers to LA. He shared his frustration with the organization and gave great insight both as a former member of the Chargers and a long time member of the San Diego community. He also gave credit to Gill Byrd as the player who taught him the most about how to be successful playing in the NFL.
Leonard Humphries - Leonard shared his thoughts on his alma mater Penn State and the season they had. He also shared his frustration realted to the playoff selection committee overlooking them this year. He also shared stories from his years playing for the Colts and the disappointment of losing the 1995 AFC Championship Game to the Steelers.