Logo for In the Moment with David Greene

In the Moment with David Greene

Religion of Sports | PRX

The most adrenaline-charged, fist-pumping moments in sports happen in the blink of an eye for fans. But those moments are years in the making for athletes. And the impact of them can last a lifetime.

In the Moment is a new podcast from the people who brought you Man in the Arena. Every Tuesday, host David Greene takes you inside the mind of an athlete at a pivotal moment in their career. David combines his experience as the former host of NPR’s Morning Edition with the passion of a diehard sports fan to relive some of the biggest moments in sports.

From Religion of Sports and PRX.

2021, 2022

The most adrenaline-charged, fist-pumping moments in sports happen in the blink of an eye for fans. But those moments are years in the making for athletes. And the impact of them can last a lifetime.

In the Moment is a new podcast from the people who brought you Man in the Arena. Every Tuesday, host David Greene takes you inside the mind of an athlete at a pivotal moment in their career. David combines his experience as the former host of NPR’s Morning Edition with the passion of a diehard sports fan to relive some of the biggest moments in sports.

From Religion of Sports and PRX.

2021, 2022
22hr 33min
Thumbnail for "UFC’s Francis Ngannou: “Becoming a heavyweight champion was …. my own revenge on my life.”".
Mixed Martial Arts fighter Francis Ngannou’s moment: winning the UFC heavyweight title by knocking out Stipe Miocic in the second round in March 2021.
Thumbnail for "Pedro Martínez asks “Who’s Your Daddy?” Now".
In the 2004 ALCS Game 7 vs. The New York Yankees at Yankee stadium, Red Sox “Ace” Pedro Martínez was unexpectedly called to the mound at the bottom of the seventh inning. Martínez was never supposed to play in this game, especially with the Sox up by 7 runs. The question still haunts fans, announcers and Martínez himself; Why was he called into that game to begin with?
Thumbnail for "Introducing: Roughhousing, Part 1: Hell Week".
Roughhousing is a new narrative podcast from ROS explores hazing in high school sports today.
Thumbnail for "Olympian Alexi Pappas and the Art of Reinvention ".
Olympian Alexi Pappas draws on her training as an elite runner as she moves into the next phase of her life.
Thumbnail for "Journey to Gold  for Olympian Lindsey Jacobellis ".
In the 2006 Torino Winter Games, first-time Olympian Lindsey Jacobellis missed out on the gold in the last second of the women’s snowboard cross final, shocking the world. Her story came full circle 16 years later in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Thumbnail for "Former NFL QB RGIII Talks Comebacks and Commitment ".
Former NFL QB RGIII talks comebacks and commitment. At the beginning of the 2022 season, he still had hopes of playing in the NFL, and is now working as a broadcaster.
Thumbnail for "Raiders TE Darren Waller: “I’m Meant to Be Here… It’s not by Accident”".
Raiders tight end Darren Waller’s moment: a 44-yard reception during a regular season game against Cincinnati after a two year absence from the NFL due to drug addiction.
Thumbnail for "Reliving Super Bowl XLII with Former Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin".
Tom Coughlin led the NY Giants to two Super Bowl victories in four years, but today we’re talking about the underdog Giants victory in Super Bowl XLII over the 18-0 New England Patriots.
Thumbnail for "Center Ryan Jensen on Protecting Tom Brady".
As center, Ryan Jensen of the Tampa Bucs protects Tom Brady. Jensen talks about the game that led to Brady's retirement from the game last year, as everyone wonders if history will repeat itself.
Thumbnail for "Andrew "Big Whit" Whitworth Re-lives Beating The Bengals to Win Super Bowl LVI".
On February 13th, 2022 LA Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth became the oldest offensive lineman to win a Super Bowl after beating his old team, the Cincinnati Bengals.
Thumbnail for "When Rex Chapman Dropped 39 Points on Michael Jordan".
These days, most people know Rex Chapman as the witty, feel good, social media personality. But some forget that had a 12-year NBA career and in his prime, he was one of the best young players out there. On February 23, 1996, Chapman dropped 39 points against Michael Jordan beating the infamous 72-10 Chicago Bulls.
Thumbnail for "A Super Bowl Moment Brings Heartache and Relief".
For former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, Super Bowl XLIII was his one and only chance to take home a ring. But for Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Ryan Clark, the game was the culmination of a yearlong recovery from an illness that nearly killed him.
Thumbnail for "Overcoming Post-Olympic Depression ft. Alexi Pappas".
American-born runner Alexi Pappas competed for Greece in the 2016 Rio Olympics where she smashed the Greek world record in the Women’s 10k. But her journey to the Olympics didn’t fill the void she had expected. Pappas sat down with In the Moment’s David Greene to discuss why she considers the 2016 Olympics to be the “end of the beginning” of her life.
Thumbnail for "Carli Lloyd’s Historic World Cup Hat Trick".
Former USWNT star Carli Lloyd sat down for a live podcast recording with In The Moment’s David Greene to relive her historic hat trick in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
Thumbnail for "The Road to Gold for Olympian Lindsey Jacobellis".
In the 2006 Torino Winter Games, first-time olympian Lindsey Jacobellis missed out on the gold in the last second of the women’s snowboard cross final, shocking the world. Her story came full circle 16 years later in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Thumbnail for "Extra Episode: "The Last Cup"".
Lionel Messi is known as the best soccer player of his generation, but there's one dream he's never achieved: winning a World Cup.
Thumbnail for "From the “worst kick” of his career to a Super Bowl for former Giants placekicker Lawrence Tynes".
How former placekicker Lawrence Tynes went from “the worst kick” of his career to sending the New York Giants to the Super Bowl.
Thumbnail for "Reliving One of the Biggest Upsets in Soccer History".
With the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the United States Men’s National Team looks to make a name for itself on the international stage in the world’s most popular sport. Former USMNT striker Jozy Altidore joins David Greene to relive his electric 2009 Confederations Cup goal that led the US to pull off one of the biggest upsets in international soccer history.
Thumbnail for "Ryan Clark: “I had tears in my eyes…this is how we'll always be remembered” Super Bowl 43 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals.".
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Ryan Clark, nearly died in 2007 due to a medical crisis caused by the sickle cell trait. Just one year later, he and one of the most legendary NFL defenses of all time, would go on to win Super Bowl 43.
Thumbnail for "Robert Griffin, III on returning to the NFL: “When that opportunity comes to play… then I’ll be back playing.”".
Robert Griffin, III - RGIII - was the 2012 NFL offensive rookie of the year after helping Washington win the division. Today, he’s finding success behind the mic, but says he’s ready to step back on the field if the right opportunity comes along.
Thumbnail for "Pedro Martínez: “Who’s Your Daddy?” Red Sox vs. Yankees 2004 ALCS Game 7".
In the 2004 ALCS Game 7 vs. The New York Yankees at Yankee stadium, Red Sox “Ace” Pedro Martínez was unexpectedly called to the mound at the bottom of the seventh inning. Martínez was never supposed to play in this game, especially with the Sox up by 7 runs. The question still haunts fans, announcers and Martínez himself; Why was he called into that game to begin with?
Thumbnail for "Denver Nuggets Bones Hyland: “The back-to-back-to-back threes – that was one of the biggest moments in playoff basketball.” (April 2022 NBA Playoffs)".
As a rookie, Bones Hyland of the Denver Nuggets helped his team come back during a crucial game 4 with a trio of three-pointers. Now the rising NBA star is hoping to help the Nuggets become the Best of the West this season.
Thumbnail for "Steelers Cam Heyward: “This is the opportunity, everybody's gonna be watching.” (Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs 2016 season)".
Coming off one of the worst losses in Steelers franchise history to the Philadelphia Eagles in week 3 of the 2016 NFL season, all eyes were on defensive tackle Cam Heyward and the Steelers defense going into week 4 as they took on Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs in primetime.
Thumbnail for "UFC’s Francis Ngannou: “Becoming a heavyweight champion was …. my own revenge on my life.”".
Mixed Martial Arts fighter Francis Ngannou’s moment: winning the UFC heavyweight title by knocking out Stipe Miocic in the second round in March 2021.
Thumbnail for "WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne: “I’ve come this far… I can’t not finish” (2019 WNBA Finals)".
WNBA star Elene Delle Donne’s moment: in 2019, she played through three herniated discs, a broken nose and an injured knee in a decisive Game 5 for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA finals against the Connecticut Sun.
Thumbnail for "NFL Great Larry Fitzgerald: “That was my moment… only to have it snatched away.” (Super Bowl XLIII) ".
Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald’s moment: his fourth quarter touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII that put his team ahead - only to see victory snatched away.
Thumbnail for "Raiders TE Darren Waller: “I’m Meant to Be Here… It’s not by Accident” (12/16/2018 Raiders vs. Bengals)".
Raiders tight end Darren Waller’s moment: a 44-yard reception during a regular season game against Cincinnati after a two year absence from the NFL due to drug addiction.
Thumbnail for "Bucs WR Chris Godwin: “It was an out of body experience” (2020 NFC Championship)".
Tampa Bay wide receiver Chris Godwin’s moment: when Tom Brady handed off the ball to him for a five yard run in the 2020 NFC game.
Thumbnail for "Introducing: In the Moment with David Greene".
Man in the Arena took you inside Tom Brady's biggest moments, our new podcast takes you inside the career-defining moments of other elite athletes from their point of view.
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA (Bonus Episode): Tom Brady Retires ".
It's finally time to talk about Tom Brady's legacy. Filmmaker and host Gotham Chopra shares his unique perspective and reaction to the end of Brady’s football career.
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 10: Post Game".
Tom Brady refers to whatever comes after his NFL career as "the void on the other side." What do you do when you no longer have the very thing that has given your life order and purpose?
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 9: Football vs. Football".
America has exported so much culture to the rest of the world: jazz, rock’n’roll, McDonalds... So why not football? Especially with a once-in-a-lifetime talent like Tom Brady as the face of the game. But do people outside the USA actually care about football?
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 8: Real Talk".
When Tom Brady won his first Super Bowl, social media barely existed. Now it's the key to success for connecting with fans.
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 7: Risky Business".
Again and again, Tom Brady has led the teams back from seemingly insurmountable odds. At one point during Super Bowl 51, the Pats had a .02 percent chance of winning the game. So is Brady magic? Or do we just have the idea of probability all wrong?
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 6: Time Out".
Time seems to move differently in football. This episode will look at what "sports time," and the length of Tom Brady's career, can teach us about the nature of time itself.
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 5: Fail Safe".
When you’re taught that winning is everything, losing the Super Bowl can be a significant blow. But sometimes failures...can ultimately lead to success.
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 4: Almost Perfect".
Only one team in NFL history has had a perfect season, and it wasn’t Brady’s Patriots. But maybe perfection isn't as easily defined as we might think.
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 3: Haters".
People love to hate Tom Brady. But are haters always gonna hate? What might it take to change one fan’s mind?
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 2: The Icon".
In 2001, Tom Brady became the Patriots’ savior when he helped the franchise win their first Super Bowl. But how did Brady help redefine what it means to be a Boston sports fan?
Thumbnail for "MAN IN THE ARENA Part 1: Game of Chance".
Main in the Arena: Twenty years ago, a hit by Mo Lewis knocked Drew Bledsoe out of the game. Tom Brady stepped onto the field and a dynasty was born. One small moment can make a huge difference, but is there more to it than thati
Thumbnail for "Introducing 'Man in the Arena'".
Man in the Arena: Trailer

UFC’s Francis Ngannou: “Becoming a heavyweight champion was …. my own revenge on my life.”

Thumbnail for "UFC’s Francis Ngannou: “Becoming a heavyweight champion was …. my own revenge on my life.”".
December 27, 202238min 50sec

When MMA fighter, Francis Ngannou, stepped into the octagon to take on then-UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, he wasn’t just trying to win the title. Ngannou was on a mission to prove himself to the world.

“Life threw me a lot of punches,” Ngannou told In the Moment’s David Greene. “Life put me down and made people doubt me.”

Ngannou spent years of his life trying to put that doubt behind him. He grew up in the mountains of western Cameroon and started working in the sand mines when he was just 9-years-old. He said he would be thrown out of school for not having basic necessities like paper or pen. From a young age, he was determined to leave Cameroon to overcome the poverty he was born into.

It took another decade for him to realize his lifelong ambition. On March 27, 2021, in his second bout with Miocic, Ngannou knocked him out just 52 seconds into the second round. He says the victory was “my own revenge on my life, on my childhood.”

Ngannou doesn’t want to encourage Cameroonian youth to make the same dangerous journey he did, but he wants to help them succeed. He’s opened a youth gym in Cameroon and is planning two others.

“The main goal of it was just to empower those kids,” he said. “To make them believe in themselves, because growing up out there, having a dream was very hard.”

Find out about upcoming guests and other news by following Religion of Sports on Twitter or Instagram. Subscribe to our newsletter for more sports news.

We initially ran this story on 10/4/2022

Thumbnail for "UFC’s Francis Ngannou: “Becoming a heavyweight champion was …. my own revenge on my life.”".
UFC’s Francis Ngannou: “Becoming a heavyweight champion was …. my own revenge on my life.”
00:00
38:50