NFL: Thursday Night Tailgate

Jen Welter, Tony Collins, Paul Alexander, Ernie Mills, & Tony Banks

This week on Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are:The lady who broke the gender barrier in the NFL, former Cardinals LB Coach Dr. Jen Welter, former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, Pittsburgh Penguins & Pirates Pre and Post Game host for Root Sports, Paul Alexander, former Steelers & Cowboys WR Ernie Mills and former Rams, Ravens, Redskins & Texans QB Tony Banks.
Dr. Jen Welter - We'll talk with Jen about being the first female coach in the NFL, for the Arizona Cardinals. We'll also talk about her experience talking with President Obama, being an inspiration for women everywhere, having her coaching polo shirt in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and what's next for her.
Tony Collins - This week we'll talk with Tony about the questions marks that the Patriots have at the RB position plus why Bill Belichick is able to get so much more out of his players than coaches.
Paul Alexander - We'll get Paul's thougths on the Stanley Cup winning Pittsburgh Penquins and parade that drew 400,000 people plus his insights on the Steelers OTAs and mini camp.
Ernie Mills - We'll talk with Ernie about his memories from training camp in Latrobe with the Steelers, plus his insights on his alma mater the University of Florida for this upcoming season.
Tony Banks - We'll talk with Tony about the surprising contract Brock Osweiller got from the Texans, plus hear his thoughts on the QB situation with the Broncos, and how he feels about the Rams leaving St. Louis and heading back to LA.

Mike Golic Jr., Tony Collins, Willie Simmons, Vernon Turner & Keith Millard

On this episode of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, Prairie View A&M Head Coach Willie Simmons, former Rams & Bucs KR Vernon Turner, and former Vikings Pro Bowl DT Keith Millard.
Mike Golic Jr. - We talked with Mike about his show on ESPN Radio "Now & Later", we also got his thoughts on Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets, how the Offensive Lineman and the rest of the team may be feeling about Sam Bradford in Philadelphia, but Nick Foles' hold out with the Rams.
Tony Collins - We talked to Tony about the sports memorabilia industry and how he feels about signing things that may end up on EBAY.
Willie Simmons - We looked ahead to the 2016 season with Prairie View A&M Head Coach Willie Simmons. They led the country in total offense last season so we'll hear what to expect from them this season plus we got an update on their multi-million new stadium.
Vernon Turner - Vernon has shared his amazing and tragic life story with us a couple of times on the show. If you've never heard it please check out our archived episodes and give it a listen, it is the most tragic and amazing story we've ever heard on the show. He shares the majority of it again with us on this episode. We've said it belong up on the big screen for years and now it's finally happening. Vernon will share the process of turning his story into a screen play.
Keith Millard - We talked with Keith about a training camp prank that he and their Defensive Coordinator pulled off that shocked the rest of the team. We also talked about whether fights out on the field during camp linger on into the locker room or the dorms after practice.

Tony Collins, Michael Jackson, Rick Upchurch, Richmond Webb, Rickey Foggie

This week on Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, former Browns & Ravens WR Michael Jackson, former Broncos WR/KR Rick Upchurch, former Dolphins & Bengals Pro Bowl Tackle Richmond Webb, and former University of Minnesota & CFL star QB Rickey Foggie.
Tony Collins - This week we'll talk with Tony about what it was like returning to Boston after losing to the Bears in Super Bowl 20. Were there fans waiting for them at the airport? What was it like in the days and weeks following that game?
Michael Jackson - We'll get Michael's thoughts on why the Browns can't ever seem to get it together. Michael was there when the franchise left Cleveland for Baltimore. We'll hear what it was like leaving the faithful fans of Cleveland behind plus what it was like being embraced by a new city.
Rick Upchurch - Rick was one of the most exciting Kick Returners in the NFL back in the mid 70's and early 80's He went to 4 Pro Bowls and he returned 4 punts for TDs in 1976. He's a member of the NFL's All-Decade team for both the 70's and 80's. We'll talk about all that plus he dated former Secretary of State Condelezza Rice in the 70's, we'll talk about that as well.
Richmond Webb - We'll get Richmond's take on Ndamukong Suh not showing up for off season workouts or OTAs. How do teammates view a high dollar player like Suh not being with the team and being more of a leader? Plus what does he expect from new Head Coach Scott Gase?
Rickey Foggie - We'll talk with Rickey about his alma mater the University of Minnesota, what's going on with his high school coaching situation, and more from his time in the Canadian Football League.

Todd Washington, Tony Collins, Don Horn, Jeff Jaeger, Dan Pastorini

On this episode of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: Ravens Offensive Line Coach and 2 time Super bowl Champ Todd Washington, former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, former Packers & Broncos Super Bowl Champion QB Don Horn, former Raiders & Bears Pro Bowl Kicker Jeff Jaeger and former Houston Oilers Pro Bowl QB Dan Pastorini.
Todd Washington - We talked with Todd about the 2 Tackles the Ravens drafted, got his thoughts on Trent Richardson perhaps getting one last shot in the NFL and his alma mater Virginia Tech.
Tony Collins - We took Tony down memory lane a little and got his thoughts on why the Patriots were 10-2 against the Bills during his tenure in New England and his memories from the day he rushed for 212 yards and 2 TDs again the Jets in 1983..
Don Horn - We talked with Don about what was it like playing for an early version of the Air Coryell offense when he was at San Diego State. He was also a 1st round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 1967 and backed up Bart Starr in Super Bowl II. Did Bart pull a Sam Bradford and demand a trade after they drafted Don in the 1st round? Don started the season finale against the St. Louis Cardinals and did something Bart Starr never achieved in a game, he threw for 410 yards and 5 TDs. We got his memories of that day and much more.
Jeff Jeager - Jeff was a rare high draft choice for a Kicker, chosen in the 3rd round by the Cleveland Browns in 1987. He broked all of the Browns rookie scoring records despite only playing in 10 games but a year later he was let go...hear why? Jeff was there the last time the Raiders left Oakland, hear his thoughts on the possibility that the Raiders will leave the fans of Oakland behind again... 
Dan Pastorini - We talked with Dan about the Houston Texans signing of Brock Osweiller to a $72 million deal based on the 7 games he started last season. Was that a wise move? We also talked about whether it's better for rookie QBs to start right away or sit for a season or two. He started right away, did that help or hurt his development? He also talked about being talked into playing 2 more years by the Eagles in the early 80's but hear about the interaction he had with their Offensive Coordinator and why his last 6 passes were all incompletions.

Victor Green, Tony Collins, Joe Pisarcik, Kerry Glenn & Danielle McCartan

This week on Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Jets DB Victor Green, former New England Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, former New York Giants & Philadelphia Eagles QB and now Chairman of the Board of the NFL Alumni Association Joe Pisarcik, former New York Jets DB Kerry Glenn and Danielle McCartan, writer at the Jet Press and Bronx Pinstripes.
Victor Green - Victor shared his thoughts about the Jets draft plus a very passionate opinion that Geno Smith should be their QB and how tired he is of hearing about Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Tony Collins - We talked with Tony about his memories from his first mini camp, how much tougher it is to run in the cold and snow plus was he nervous or offended each year when the Patriots were drafting more runningbacks? Hear Tony's reaction...
Joe Pisarcik - We talked with Joe about the latest medical advancements that NFL Alumni Association is helping to provide to former players dealing with the long term affects of concussions and other injuries incurred during their playing days. We also got his thoughts on Sam Bradford's demand for a trade from the Eagles and how the Eagles fan will view him going forward.
Kerry Glenn - Kerry shared his draft day memories and how Lou Holtz caused his stock to drop. He also talked about how he got the attention of the coaching staff and his ultra confidence in his ability to cover anyone.
Danielle McCartan - Danielle shared her opinion of who the next Jets QB should and shouldn't be, he thoughts on the Jets draft, plus insights from her interviews with Yankees legends Andy Pettite and Tino Martinez.

Randy McMichael, Brian Baker, Kion Wilson, Tremecca Doss, Ryan Riddle

This week on Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Dolphins, Rams & Chargers TE Randy McMichael, former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, Mississippi State Defensive Line Coach Brian Baker, former Steelers LB Kion Wilson, Attorney Tremecca Doss, and former Raiders and Jets DE turner writer for The Bleacher Report Ryan Riddle.
Randy McMichael - We'll get Randy's take on the Rams draft, Miami's rookie mini camp this year and his thoughts on his alma mater, the University of Georgia firing Mark Richt & hiring his former teammate Kirby Smart.
Tony Collins - We'll get Tony's thoughts on the Patriots draft and his reaction to the Dolphins bringing in their rookies to mini camp but their focus will be on classroom work, teaching the players the scheme, their responsibilities plus classes in financial planning, developing them as people, and how to deal with the media.
Brian Baker - We'll talk with Brian about his new role as Defensive Line Coach with Mississippi State and what he'll do to improve their run defense and get more sacks?
Kion Wilson - We'll talk to former Steelers LB Kion Wilson about his thoughts on the Steelers defense that used to be their main strength but is now the area where the Steelers need the most improvement. Plus as a young man at 29, is he intrigued by the new spring league, Major League Football as a way back to the NFL?
Tremecca Doss - We'll talk with Tremecca about the rash of violence against women going on with current and former players. What does she make of former 49ers star Dana Stubblefield's arrest for rape plus cyber bullying going on against female sports reporters?
Ryan Riddle - Ryan is a former DE for the Raiders and Jets. He now writes for The Bleacher Report. We'll take a look back at last week's NFL draft and get Ryan's take on who the winners and losers were.

Tony Collins, Bob Fields, JJ Birden, Kent Hill & Jim Everett

This week on a special NFL Draft edition of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, former Rams DT turned broadcaster Bob Fields, former Chiefs & Falcons WR JJ Birden, former Rams Pro Bowl Guard Kent Hill and former Rams Pro Bowl QB Jim Everett.
Tony Collins - We talked with Tony about his draft day memories plus what it was like showing up at training camp the first time. Did the players, especially the other runningbacks, welcome him or did they view him as the guy drafted to take their jobs?
Bob Fields - Bob is a member of the Board of Directors for the NFL Alumni Association and was an undrafted free agent signed by the Rams. What was the draft process like for him? We'll also talk about what the NFL Alumni Association is doing to help the many former players who are now dealing with long term health issues later in life.
JJ Birden - JJ was an 8th round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns who later cut him. What were his expecations heading into the draft? JJ was also a track star in college at Oregon, making it to the US Olympic trials. We'll get his thoughts on the Olympics later this summer and his thoughts on fellow Oregon Duck Devon Allen who's following in his footsteps.
Kent Hill - Kent was a 1st round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 1979. We'll talk about what draft day was like for him. What were people telling him leading up to the draft? What was it like going through that day and sitting there waiting for your name to be called? We'll also talk about what it was like playing in the Super Bowl his rookie year against the last of the Steelers 4 championship teams of the 70's. 
Jim Everett - Now that the Rams are back in LA and drafting #1, we'll hear what Jim thinks about the Rams selection of QB Jared Goff as the 1st overall pick. Plus we'll hear the story about what led the Rams to trade for him after a couple of months after the Houston Oilers selected him in the first round. 

Glenn Smith, Tony Collins, Jeff Herrod, Randy Fuller & Vencie Glenn

This week on a special Happy Birthday to Me episode of Thursday Night Tailgate our guests are: the GM for the Texas franchise in Major League Football Glenn Smith, former Patriots Pro Bowl RB Tony Collins, former Colts LB Jeff Herrod, former Steelers and Falcons DB Randy Fuller and former Chargers, Vikings & Giants DB Vencie Glenn. We'll talk with them about:
Glenn Smith - We'll talk to Glenn about the roster of players he's drafted, his coaching staff, and how his years as an Assistant Coach with the Dallas Cowboys will impact the opportunities his players will have in Dallas.
Tony Collins - Now that Johnny Manziel has been cut, fired by a second agent in the last month and had his endoresement deal with Nike terminated, is that enough to make him see that he has a real problem and he needs help and real change?
Jeff Herrod - Now that the NFL concussion lawsuit has been upheld, what does that mean for the former players who need help now? As a warrior who continues to need multiple surgeries to correct joint and back injuries and a guy who can no longer stand to be in crowds due to sensitivity to light and noise from head injuries, was playing the game worth it?
Randy Fuller - We'll hear Randy's thoughts on playing DB now versus when he played. Have all the rules changes made it nearly impossible to cover WRs? We'll get his insights into the Steelers defense and what they need to do to catch up to the Broncos as the top defense in the league.
Vencie Glenn - Hear Vencie Glenn lay it on the line. We'll get his thoughts on Josh Gordon and Johnny Manziel. What would he tell those guys if they were teammates? As a former Charger, how does he feel about the potential for the Chargers to move to LA and their current stadium situation? What made him one of the smartest DBs in the league according Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon?