Isiah Thomas 12x NBA All Star on Detroit Bad Boys, Magic Johnson & Feud w/ Michael Jordan
Dec 22, 2022
1½ hours
Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with one of the most iconic athletes who just happens to be their long time idol, NBA hall of famer, Isiah Thomas. The original Bad Boy of Detroit Pistons is opening up and talking everything from his relationship with Magic Johnson to Detroit Pistons changing the game to sharing his side of the infamous Michael Jordan feud.
Isiah starts the show saying very simply that he is going to state facts and you can’t argue facts and that it’s one thing to win a championship in the NBA but it’s another to win a championship at every level ever played.
Growing up on the West Side of Chicago, Isiah shares how his upbringing was shaped by his mother’s guidance and a family first mentality where his mother cared more about the type of man he’d become vs the money and opportunity being offered. His mom’s influence was so great, it became her decision where he played college basketball and also who he played for.
Explaining how he ended up in Bloomington, Indiana playing for Bobby Knight, he expounds on the life lessons that shaped him there not just winning back to back collegiate championships.
The West Side of Chicago is home to many activists and organizations such as Fred Hampton, Martin Luther King Jr, and The Black Panther Party. Isiah grew up in this environment and recalls marching alongside his mother with Dr.King. Spearheading change at the national level, Isiah used his local groundwork in Detroit to advocate for Black journalists covering the team, more rights for Black NBA players leaving a greater impact with his legacy not just on the court but in culture.
Isiah makes his case known for why so many people overlook Detroit Pistons as transcending the NBA and shares what the team really did for the league and how they were the firsts to do many things back then setting the example of how teams should be and move.
Known for his historic rivalry with Michael Jordan, Ryan asks what were his thoughts on the way his character was portrayed by Jordan in The Last Dance. Isiah provides The Pivot with an exclusive inside look to his true relationship with MJ and goes on to say that he always looked out for Michael and that their families were even close. He also speaks about how rules within the NBA were changed to protect Michael Jordan. Isaih doesn’t hold back as he shares his thoughts on while he was deemed the a-hole of the NBA when in fact he was the nice guy.
Lastly, Isiah lets the guys in on the history of his and Magic’s close relationship and what led up to their legendary interview. He gives credit to the current legends playing the game such as Lebron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, and says they’ve transformed the game in a way we may never see again.
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1½ hours
Jan 16, 2024
Former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant opens up on never getting a fair chance in...
Dez Bryant Reveals his Dallas Truths / Former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant opens up on never getting a fair chance in the league, his relationship with Jerry Jones, Romo, breaking generational curses, Cowboys organization, CeeDee, Dak and Lamar Jackson MVP
Chaos in Dallas seems to be something familiar and after a shocking wildcard loss this past wknd, Ryan, Fred and Channing are sitting down with former star wide receiver Dez Bryant opens up and telling all about what really went on inside the Dallas Cowboys organization.
Dez will go down as one of the top Dallas Cowboys receivers to wear the star, but the stories and attention that followed #88 for a decade is what the former WR is sharing about dealing with pressure, expressing the disadvantages to succeeding in big D and lack of family support growing up motivating him to make a change in his own adult life. In an emotional conversation, Dez reveals never-heard-before stories and the inner workings of his life and career.
Opening up about the dysfunctional relationship between him and former head coach Jason Garrett, the lack of locker room bond between teammates, the feeling of being set up to fail and his complicated bond with the Jones family, Dez talks about how playing for Dallas was a blessing and a curse in one.
Bryant says that he was never given a fair opportunity to learn or mature when he reached the NFL, and the media’s portrayals of him stemmed from preconceived ideas of who he was. Grateful for an unlikely mentor, Dez expressed gratitude for Entertainment mogul Jay Z for lifting him up and supporting him through the chaos.
1 hour
Jan 12, 2023
Desmond Howard talks end of football era with Saban & Belichick out, Michigan National Champs,...
Desmond Howard: Saban & Belichick, Michigan, GreenBay Dallas / Desmond Howard talks end of football era with Saban & Belichick out, Michigan National Champs, Green Bay vs Dallas WildCard matchups, CJ Stroud success & opens up on the scandal of Emmy's being revoked for him and his ESPN College Gameday hosts.
One of the most iconic moments in football history came from one of the game’s most prolific players, and it didn’t even happen during a play. When Michigan star Desmond Howard struck the Heisman pose against Ohio State in 1991, he cemented his legacy as a college football great and etched his name in football history books.
Fresh off of his alma mater's big National Championship win this week, the former Heisman winner and MIchigan great Desmond Howard, sits with Ryan, Channing and Fred to chat about his life on and off the field from growing up in impoverished parts of Cleveland to his NFL legacy as a Super Bowl MVP for Green Bay to his proudest accomplishment, being a good husband and father.
Witnessing the change of football over the years, especially at college level, Desomd talks what it means for the game with legends of Nick Saban and Bill Bilichick stepping away from coaching and how NIL has lessened the competition mindset and added to entitlement for young athletes.
Today, Desmond is known as one of the most pleasant people in sports media and has become a staple on ESPN’s College Gameday broadcasts. However, in a recent scandal with the Sports Emmys, Desmond and his fellow co-hosts of College GameDay had their statues taken back from them when a scandal was uncovered by the television academy of listing fake names for talent to win in categories. Desmond opens up for the first time as the news is breaking and shares the one thing that really pushed him to the edge in the entire situation, Lee Corso losing his too.
1½ hours
Nov 21, 2023
Everything about quarterback Michael Vick’s game was electric. He was a human highlight-reel who made...
Michael Vick Humbling Lessons, NFL, Madden, Prison to Redemption / Everything about quarterback Michael Vick’s game was electric. He was a human highlight-reel who made infamous plays in every game he was under center. And in 2003, he was named the cover athlete for Madden 2004. Little did EA Sports know that Vick’s legacy as a quarterback icon would face as many bumps as it did.
20 years later, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with legend Michael Vick to honor the anniversary of him being named to the Madden NFL cover.
Hailing from Virginia, Michael Vick always dreamt differently, thinking about a future of success from a young age. He tells the guys the difficulties of being a trailblazing quarterback at Virginia Tech, and about how being drafted to the Falcons was a blessing, even with its downsides.
Remaining close to home became detrimental for Vick, but the man who revolutionized the game had to reset himself during his time in jail. He tells a story of coach Tony Dungy’s sincere visit to him at a federal prison in Kansas, and how a meeting with Dungy, Andy Reid and Roger Goodell gave his career a second wind.
The 2010 Comeback Player of the Year truly reset his game, and life. Vick explains how he has become an animal welfare advocate while also holding football camps for kids. A young Michael Vick once had a goal of only being drafted to the NFL and he touches on how grateful he was to be named the Madden NFL 2004 cover athlete.
Ryan, Channing and Fred have played alongside and against some impactful athletes, but they talk about how Vick transcended the game with there being few comparable players ever.
The same kid who ran around the streets of Newport News, Virginia has been running around the screens of Madden users for over two decades, and despite his two-year absence from football, he will go down as one of football’s all-time stars.
1 hour
Nov 15, 2023
Devin Hester the NFL’s most prolific return specialist, historical Super Bowl kick return, journey to...
Devin Hester NFL’s Prolific Specialist, Super Bowl, HOF / Devin Hester the NFL’s most prolific return specialist, historical Super Bowl kick return, journey to a gold jacket, Miami’s top 5 hurricanes & reveals a life-long lie he was embarrassed to share.
Most well known for his opening kick off touchdown return in Super Bowl XLI, Devin Hester carved a unique niche in football as a specialist who flew his way to the top of the history books. Hester played eight of his 11 NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears and is known as the most prolific return specialist in league history, he holds NFL records with 19 kick-return touchdowns, 14 punt-return TDs and 20 return touchdowns, which includes punts, kickoffs, missed field goals, fumbles and interceptions.
Growing up with turmoil and heartache as his father, who he never met until later in his childhood, battled an illness after being released from prison. In a difficult moment, Devin opens up sharing what the true cause of death was for his father after spending his life telling the world his dad passed away from cancer when in fact it wasn’t. The release of burden is heavy and the guys offer a sounding board.
One of the University of Miami’s standout players during his collegiate days, Devin talks about his choice of going to school there and the controversy surrounding his attendance and how his playing days shaped his career. Talking with Ryan, Channing and Fred, Devin names his top 5 NFL players with Hurricane roots.
Most thought, Hester would be a first ballot Hall of Famer, but Hester shares how he discovered he was the last one left off the golden list 2 years in a row but for him it’s no longer about the Hall of Fame it’s about the journey and never giving up after all the knock downs he had.
1½ hours
Nov 10, 2023
This show hits a little differently with us as Chad is someone who was our...
Is Chad Johnson the Most Lovable Guy? / This show hits a little differently with us as Chad is someone who was our first guest we had on The Pivot when we started but more than that, he’s our brother, friend and a supporter since day one. Chad has walked the path with us first on the field through the wins and losses of football and then life after as we experienced the highs & lows and have all been tested at our peeks as humans. This conversation covers growth, family, careers and how things work out the way they are supposed to be even when they seem to be off track at first.
The vulnerability and raw emotion shares between Chad, Fred, Ryan and Channing resonates with us all as the men talk about how life humbles them when they least expect it and how the success they achieve now is often tested with more freedom and opportunities. The guys commend Chad that through his career and life he’s managed to uphold a positive persona and be one of the most liked people in sports.
Ryan starts the conversation bringing up the recent Keith Lee situation and how the first time he saw the majority of folks mad at Chad and the guys get into the story as Chad explains his perspective and why he said and felt what he did. Chad understands how difficult it is for men and women of culture to succeed and how any little thing can knock them down to a point where some can’t recover and he always tries to come from a place of building up not tearing down.
Talking about new age of coaching with Antonio Pierce’s role with the Raiders and how the post locker room celebrations shocked some, the guys discuss it was more about the team bond and fresh start than the actuality of winning a game. Switching over to talk about Deion and how the hype has slowly quieted as Colorado has not been winning and so many people are quick to call Deion a failure and the guys discuss why he could never been considered one and the impact he’s making with young people far surpasses his persona on and off the field.
Chad opens up about how he had to lose the things he loved most in order to understand he may be moving the wrong way and that when the train falls off the track it’s a humbling process but a necessary one. Having football end before Chad was ready to hang up his cleats has always been a tough point in his life but he attributes the events surrounding that time as his biggest teaching moment to get discipline back in his life.
58 minutes
Jun 24, 2023
Once one of major league baseball’s biggest stars, Torii Hunter, a.k.a Spiderman joins The Pivot...
Torii Hunter: 5x All-Star Talks Baseball, Business Lessons, the Real Barry Bonds / Once one of major league baseball’s biggest stars, Torii Hunter, a.k.a Spiderman joins The Pivot to discuss how he refrained from being imprisoned by his upbringing and achieved success.
A young man growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, no stranger to poverty, Torii was angry that an impoverished childhood chose him. He didn’t know that his pain would eventually serve as schooling and motivation to become one of the MLB’s biggest stars.
Torii sits down with Ryan, Channing, and Fred to talk about overcoming the imprisonment of his pain, learning to be of service to others, and the role money plays in your relationships.
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1 hour
Jun 7, 2023
As NBA All-Star Chris Paul prepares to add published author to his long list of...
Chris Paul on Teammates, Titles, Kobe, and Legacy / As NBA All-Star Chris Paul prepares to add published author to his long list of accolades, releasing his book Sixty-One on June 20th, CP is sitting down with Ryan, Channing and Fred for a in-depth conversation covering decades of playing the game he loves, relationships with teammates, memories of Kobe and the meaning of family starting with his grandparents, parents and now as a husband and father to his own children. Opening up and sharing never-told-before stories and reflecting on a journey of creating a unique life and legacy that has allowed him to be proud of the man he is today on and off the court.
A future first ballot hall of famer, CP’s storied basketball career from Wake Forest to the NBA to Olympic gold medals to being a 12x All-star to leadership as union President to trailblazing the fight against social injustices while creating a legacy far beyond the court, truly makes Chris Paul one of the most impactful athletes of our time.
From unknown and unranked to NBA All-Star, Memphis Grizzlies Point Guard Ja Morant joins The...
Ja Morant From Unknown to NBA All Star & Joined by Celebrity Trainer Mo Wells | The Pivot Podcast / From unknown and unranked to NBA All-Star, Memphis Grizzlies Point Guard Ja Morant joins The Pivot to share his journey to stardom, his family's influence on success and what his goals are for this upcoming NBA season personally and for his team. Sitting down with Ryan, Fred and Channing, the conversation spans everything from family to basketball to legacy.
Ryan opens the conversation, inquiring about Ja's father, Tee Morant and his influence on Ja's career. Known for his infectious energy and continuous encouragement court side during Ja's games, the Morant Family is no stranger to the public eye. And with the increasing spotlight, comes increasing scrutiny...which Ja attributes to navigating by keeping his circle small and being loyal to the ones who've been with him from the start.
Getting into basketball talk, Ja reflects on his accomplishments this past season which include NBA All Star, Most Improved player, post season semi finals but also acknowledges falling short of his two main goals- winning Most Valuable Player and the NBA championship with his team. Focusing on staying healthy and being available for the season, especially as it gets into the postseason is most important for Ja who is joined by his trainer Mo Wells. The two discuss how they are using this offseason to maximize his availability, overall health and continued focus on being the best player on the court.
From transparency about the NBA’s competitive environment to the inspiration Ja receives from his fellow brothers in the league, Ja doesn't hold back opening up about his go hard and ask for forgiveness later mentality as well as the trash talking he does to keep himself and teammates in their opponents heads. Foreshadowing to the game against the Warriors on Christmas Day, Ja says his gift came early and that playing on Christmas is every NBA player's dream and to have this match up again is everything his team is looking forward to.
Leave it up to Channing to Pivot and ask Ja if it’s more challenging to find compatible women and his approach in terms of his love life and being a young single guy with so much attention. Ja, who doesn't shy away from having a good time, also credits having his mom and younger sister as influences on how to treat women and also his most rewarding role of being a girl dad. Wrapping up the conversation, Fred asks Ja to reflect on his biggest life Pivot. which he responds with an emotional and deep tribute of respect towards his father and the sacrifices made by him for Ja to have the success he's had and life he does today.
Tap in every Tuesday at noon eastern for our premiere episode of The Pivot. Special NFL seasonal drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30pm and our newest addition waking up with The Pivot on Sunday Mornings at 10a. We are your one stop platform for all
Kicking off our first Sunday morning, we visited the NY Giants facility and had the...
Michael Strahan mastering the media, gap between football & life, & Saquon's year |The Pivot Podcast / Kicking off our first Sunday morning, we visited the NY Giants facility and had the honor of sitting down with NFL legend and The King of NY, Michael Strahan. This is one of our favorite conversations filled with a lot of gems, funny stories as well as pivotal moments over the years that had Ryan, Fred and Channing intrigued and entertained laughing the entire time.
Strahan, known for his 15-year hall of fame career with the Giants winning a Super Bowl, opens up on the current state of the NFL, the future of Saquon Barkley in NY and shares his thoughts on the type of year the young running back will have. Growing up as a military child bouncing all over the world and choosing to play college ball at a HBCU, Strahan credits his father for instilling core value but also a "when" mentality vs having the "if" perspective.
Transitioning from football into the media and entrepreneurial space, Strahan has set the bar high for current and former players paving the way for them to seek big opportunities in production, business affairs, admitting that the length and duration of his career helped him outlast the mistakes he's made.
Fred talks about Strahan's biggest pivot which he admits overtime has helped further his success off the field and asks about all the ongoing business endeavors he's involved with from the clothing brand, production company to Good Morning America to going into Space to the launch of his new skincare line Daily Defense. Setting an example to athletes globally, Strahan echoes the sentiment his father instilled in him that winning comes through positive relationships and true teamwork.
Ryan tries to wrap the conversation and get Strahan's perspective on life after the NFL while Channing switches it up talking about men's underwear referencing a recent debate Strahan had on Good Morning America about whether men prefer underwear with a pee hole or ones without. As you can imagine, this part of the conversation is one you don't want to miss!
The former NBA first overall pick Kwame Brown, often known for being outspoken and his...
Kwame Brown Former No.1 NBA Pick on Playing with MJ & Kobe / The former NBA first overall pick Kwame Brown, often known for being outspoken and his public rants about life, society and what’s wrong with culture and sports, joins The Pivot today for an in-depth conversation about who he truly is as a man and what he stands for.
Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with Kwame to peel back the layers of this once basketball great and find out if it’s anger or frustration that fuel his words.
Selected as the first overall pick at age of 19 in 2001, Kwame talks about his experience as a child and rough upbringing to making it out to discover a life as not just a professional basketball player, but one of the best in the country at his young age.
Kwame talks about playing with Michael Jordan, the misconceptions of his rookie year and why he was labeled a problem player and later known as a bust. He shares his experience of playing with Kobe Bryant and being on the court for the legend’s historic 81 point performances and also how Kobe shaped him as a better player and man.
Sharing his truth regarding past issues and incidents between his ongoing battle with Stephen A Smith, the use of the word bust and former players speaking out on him- Kwame is not holding back and using his voice as an open book through his platform.
Working now to help today’s youth and provide an outlet and teach through his experiences, Kwame is focused on bringing reality to young men in the community and helping them evolve into better people with hope through opportunities.
Super Bowl Champion and actor/entertainer Victor Cruz joins The Pivot for a conversation about being...
Victor Cruz Being an Underdog, Super Bowl, Dating in Public Eye & Infamous Giant Boat Trip / Super Bowl Champion and actor/entertainer Victor Cruz joins The Pivot for a conversation about being the underdog, his evolution as a man and how playing football shaped his purpose and led him on a path to stardom and success.
Going from an undrafted rookie to impressive back to back early seasons with the Giants, winning a Super Bowl and becoming widely known for his touchdown celebration salsa dance moves, Victor used his on field success to help carve a niche for him in the Big Apple, finding himself in the spotlight with fashion, film and philanthropy.
Growing up in Patterson, NJ attending boarding school, having some troubles in and out of college and losing his father, Victor credits his success to becoming the man of the house at an early age and to his upbringing watching his mother work hard made him want to do the same. No stranger to adversity, Victor made a career of overcoming setbacks and after suffering a very serious injury on the road in Philadelphia where he tore the patellar tendon in his right knee, the wide receiver documented his recovery process and shocked the world when he returned to the field a year later.
Ryan, also undrafted turned Super Bowl Champion, talks about how the journey through the league is different for guys who don't get their number called on draft day and Victor echoes that sentiment and opens up on why his story means so much, especially to young people who are chasing a dream. Creating a legacy for his family and the young people of his hometown is most important to him and he shares with Fred why giving back and showing today's youth what is possible is most important.
Channing isn't going to let him off easy and comes right out and asks about his very public break up with Karrueche Tran and how he landed the actress and model to begin with. Victor talks about dating in the public eye and the effect it has on his relationships, the headlines his daughter reads from it and how he navigates his personal life looking to be in a long-term relationship again.
With the recent playoff run by his New York Giants, Victor shares his excitement around the team and gives his Super Bowl pick but Ryan couldn't let him off the hook without asking for the real story around the infamous boat trip Victor and his teammates took the morning after winning a playoff game a few years back that received public backlash and nicknamed a curse of a trip as the favored Giants ended up losing the next round. We get the real story on the infamous boat outing with Trey Songz!
Philly's cornerback Darius Slay, joins The
Pivot to talk about the Eagles this season, personal goals...
Eagles’ Darius Slay Talks Monday Night Matchup, Justin Jefferson & Dak's injury | The Pivot Podcast / Philly's cornerback Darius Slay, joins The
Pivot to talk about the Eagles this season, personal goals of legacy and hall of fame and how being a young father shaped the man he is today.
At the age of 13 years old, Darius' mother gave birth to him and he was raised mostly by his grandma but extremely close with his mother throughout his life to this day. Darius, a young father himself, expresses how his upbringing of community and love taught him the importance of how it takes a village to raise a child and helped him transition into being a father. Darius opens up to the guys that without his son, he wouldn't be where he is today because becoming a young father served as motivation and helped change his course from getting in trouble, jail time to hearing his name called in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
As the conversation moves toward football, Darius talks about how making it to the NFL gave him the opportunity to right the wrongs of some of his off the field troubles and the resources to help give back to the community that raised him and that taught him about life. Ryan asks how he feels about the NFC East rival losing Dak Prescott early and how it affects their mindset in the division. Darius, who is friends with the Cowboys quarterback from college days, hates to see a team lose its heartbeat but also is disappointed since he misses his chance to pick his old friend off this year.
Ranking as one of the most elite cornerbacks in the league, Darius talks about his journey from Detroit to Philadelphia and how it hasn't always been smooth but hoping that strong leadership helps lead his current team on a path to a championship. Impressed by Quarterback Jalen Hurts and his transcension to the Eagles leader, Darius thinks that Jalen is the one who can keep the offense firing this year and Darius says the defense is ready to match the offensive efforts. Darius feels the team has all the pieces in place to be a super bowl contender and gets goosebumps thinking about the team's potential.
Ahead of Monday Night's Matchup against Minnesota, Darius knows he has his work cut out for him facing off against one of the NFL's top wide receiver in Justin Jefferson- Darius says Jefferson is the 2nd best receiver in the league to Devante Adams and that he respects the explosiveness of his game. "I get paid millions of dollars to play a kid game, and I love it".
1 hour
Feb 8, 2022
An exclusive sit down discussing the highs and lows with Marshawn Lynch.
Marshawn joins Fred,...
Marshawn Lynch Interview | The Pivot Podcast / An exclusive sit down discussing the highs and lows with Marshawn Lynch.
Marshawn joins Fred, Channing and Ryan this week on The Pivot for an in-depths and wide open conversation ranging from childhood to becoming International BeastMode.
Talking off the field troubles, to family life, to infamous media battles to his running back fame to winning a Super Bowl...the discussion spans over a decade into reflection and perception of who the real Marshawn Lynch vs what the world sees.
Not holding back, Fred, leads the conversation and gets right into it asking Marshawn how he has been able to parlay his story and career, the good and bad, into global stardom. “Most Athletes wouldn’t part with a check to be themselves but the path you’ve taken is just that..”
He explains that loyalty is the most expensive thing he’s received in his life and opens up on how and why he treated the media a certain way while also detailing the biggest Pivots he’s had to make.
Ryan asks about his approach to brands and controversial answers he’s given wondering if it was all part of the plan to distinguish himself in the light he has. Asking the tough questions and admiring his journey, the guys sit back and allow Marshawn to tell his side of things and answer the questions we've all wanted to know over the years.
Marshawn opens up about the one thing that truly made him second guess his actions and that was the short time he didn’t speak with his mom, he realized how his life was off and that being a Mama’s boy is him inside and out.
Channing closes out the show sharing a story of how him and Marshawn would hang nights before games but then go at it hard on the field every Sunday!
54 minutes
1990–2004
Dallas Cowboys star, The NFL’s All-Time Leading rusher, Emmitt Smith joins The Pivot today for...
Emmitt Smith: Dallas Cowboys, Walter Payton, NFL Records & Moving On / Dallas Cowboys star, The NFL’s All-Time Leading rusher, Emmitt Smith joins The Pivot today for a conversation you don’t want to miss!
Emmitt shares how a young man from Florida who had dreams of playing for the star turned his vision into a reality breaking the mold and going far beyond what he imagined. Opening up to Fred, Ryan and Channing- the football legend talks about how his purpose went far beyond the game and becoming an admirable man solidified his legacy.
Meeting Walter Payton for the first time helped Emmitt shape his mission and knowing that breaking the running back’s record was on his radar, he worked everyday as that was his mission. Sharing memories and stories of playing for the Cowboys during the glory days of the 90s, Emmitt talks about what it was really like playing for America’s team.
Away from the field and away from the bright lights and star, Emmitt shares how being a father and how finding life again after separating from his wife of almost two decades changed him and redefined his purpose.
Fired up to sit down with one of the most iconic athletes in sports, Ryan,...
Ken Griffey Jr., Iconic Athlete Talks Career, Fatherhood, Aaron Judge & Lebron | The Pivot Podcast / Fired up to sit down with one of the most iconic athletes in sports, Ryan, Channing and Fred welcome one of their long time idols, Hall of Famer and thirteen-time All-Star, The Cincinnati Kid, Ken Griffey Jr. to the Pivot Podcast for a candid conversation covering his upbringing, relationship with his father, highs and lows of his career, the game of baseball today, becoming a pilot, and much more!
Known as one of the most prolific home run hitters baseball has ever had, Griffey Jr paved the way for many young black athletes to chase their dreams and became a global icon for his elite play, charismatic attitude and approach to the sport of baseball. Starting the backwards hat trend, earning nicknames of the natural and Cincinnati Kid were all part of the larger than life persona that fans idolized about the young athlete.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Ken Griffey, the young Griffey knew playing professional baseball was something obtainable at a young age. Ryan asks him about his experiences with his father growing up and Griffey Jr tells the guys that his father was a “normal” dad. An individual who took pride in household structure and spending quality time with his children. At home, he was dad and on the field he was my teammate.
It’s no secret that this father-son duo was historic.
On Sept 14, 1990, the Griffeys hit back-to-back home runs for the Mariners. They became the first, and still the only, father-son duo to hit back-to-back home runs in a Major League game.
Despite the accolades, Ken struggled with understanding who he truly was as a teen. In the shadows of his father’s legacy and the amounting pressures to be a star at a young age, Griffey Jr attempted suicide before getting to the Major Leagues, a moment that almost robbed the world of his talent, and he shares how this moment changed him and brought him even closer to his parents.
Ryan asks about the lack of diversity within MLB and what Griffey believes to be one word- money. Baseball serves to be a challenging sport for minority communities due to financial obligations. They guys speak on the reason behind why he wore #42 and how Griffey Jr understands that his legacy wouldn’t exist without Jackie Robinson’s ability to withstand. Fred and Channing ask about the use of steroids in the league and the effect it has had on the game and players as well as a personal whether he’s ever been affected by not winning a World Series, Ken lets the guys know he’s content because he gets to write HOF after his name and that to him is everything.
Switching to baseball today, the guys talk about the play of Aaron Judge and Griffey reveals how he recently exchanged messages with the New York Yankee and makes it known that he feels Judge is the best player in the game today.
5x Super Bowl Champion- 49er Cowboy and Hall of Famer Charles Haley joins The Pivot...
5x Super Bowl Champ Charles Haley | The Pivot Podcast w/ Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor & Ryan Clark / 5x Super Bowl Champion- 49er Cowboy and Hall of Famer Charles Haley joins The Pivot Podcast this week in a rare sit down and look back into his life on and off the field.
As a player who spent his storied career avoiding the media and cameras off the field, the NFL’s long time bad boy doesn’t come in softly and fires off from the start, letting the guys know- Franchises don’t make the players, the players make the franchises.
Alluding that this generation of players is softer than it was back in his day- Haley admits he doesn't watch much football because it's different now. “I’d talk about your mom, your wife , your kids, friends whoever because I needed to know who I’m playing with and know if you are a dawg or not,” Haley says.
Fascinated by his larger than life persona, the guys try to tap in to his mindset on and off the field and why he developed such a bad reputation from walking around naked, to the infamous White House stories, to fighting with teammates to someone who should have been a first ballot Hall Of Famer.”
Charles talks about only having one regret in his career and the differences between playing for the 49ers and the Cowboys.
The Pivot Podcast releases new episodes every Tuesday at Noon Eastern and Special Episodes on Fridays.
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