Sports in America explores stories that shape athletes and fans alike. Each week, David Greene hosts in-depth conversations with people across the world of sports  – from the star who hits the game winner to the millions of us whose lives are touched by the game.From <a href="https://whyy.org/">WHYY</a> and <a href="http://prx.org">PRX</a>.

Ryan Jensen made a name for himself as a center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with quarterback Tom Brady. But even as he looks down at his Super Bowl ring, Ryan knows: None of this success was supposed to happen to him. It was supposed to be his brother’s. When Ryan was a kid, his older brother Seth was the one who seemed destined for greatness in the NFL. It caught everyone by surprise when Ryan got there instead. Over the next two episodes, we’re bringing you a story about family, expectations, and the times when fate has something else in mind. What happens when two brothers seem to switch places, and their destinies shift in a way that shocks their family, friends, and each other?Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2095382/2020/09/27/back-home-in-colorado-the-bucs-ryan-jensen-is-still-inspired-by-his-family/">Back home in Colorado, the Bucs' Ryan Jensen is still inspired by his family | The Athletic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq3K2weNdhA">Rams vs. Buccaneers Divisional Round Highlights | NFL 2021</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30760432/tampa-bay-ryan-jensen-game-best-center-one-most-relentless-players">Tampa Bay's Ryan Jensen is the game's best center — and one of its most relentless players | ESPN</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.buccaneers.com/video/ryan-jensen-on-tom-brady-he-expects-perfection-mini-camp-press-conference">Ryan Jensen on Tom Brady: He Expects Perfection | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Press Conference</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/16038/ryan-jensen">Ryan Jensen Career Stats | ESPN</a></li>
</ol>

Ryan Jensen made a name for himself as a center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with quarterback Tom Brady. But even as he looks down at his Super Bowl ring, Ryan knows: None of this success was supposed to happen to him. It was supposed to be his brother’s. When Ryan was a kid, his older brother Seth was the one who seemed destined for greatness in the NFL. It caught everyone by surprise when Ryan got there instead. 
Over the next two episodes, we’re bringing you a story about family, expectations, and the times when fate has something else in mind. What happens when two brothers seem to switch places, and their destinies shift in a way that shocks their family, friends, and each other?
Show Notes

Back home in Colorado, the Bucs' Ryan Jensen is still inspired by his family | The Athletic
Rams vs. Buccaneers Divisional Round Highlights | NFL 2021
Tampa Bay's Ryan Jensen is the game's best center — and one of its most relentless players | ESPN
Ryan Jensen on Tom Brady: He Expects Perfection | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Press Conference
Ryan Jensen Career Stats | ESPN

His Dream Through Me, Pt. 1: Ryan Jensen

As we get ready for Super Bowl LX, we sit down with one of the greatest football players to never win a Super Bowl.Larry Fitzgerald is an 11-time Pro Bowler who spent his 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals. His first and only shot at a title was in 2009 when his team lost a squeaker to the Pittsburgh Steelers.In this episode, we relive all the key moments of that fateful game with the star wide receiver, who shares what it feels like to be so close to winning it all, only to have the opportunity snatched away in the final seconds. Plus, we sit down with The Athletic’s Madeline Hill and Charlotte Wilder to break down this year’s matchup between the Patriots and Seahawks.Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.azcardinals.com/video/larry-fitzgerald-four-super-bowl-versus-steelers-oral-history">Fitz Four: Super Bowl Versus Steelers | Arizona Cardinals</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2155896/2020/10/23/larry-fitzgerald-mother-cancer/">Larry Fitzgerald: If a loved one has cancer, know there’s power in your presence | The Athletic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eiIHaOGh5U">Larry Fitzgerald: Best Hands in NFL History Career Highlights! | NFL Legends</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/335-the-sports-gossip-show/">The Sports Gossip Show</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.thelarryfitzgeraldfoundation.org/">The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation</a></li>
</ol>Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

As we get ready for Super Bowl LX, we sit down with one of the greatest football players to never win a Super Bowl.
Larry Fitzgerald is an 11-time Pro Bowler who spent his 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals. His first and only shot at a title was in 2009 when his team lost a squeaker to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In this episode, we relive all the key moments of that fateful game with the star wide receiver, who shares what it feels like to be so close to winning it all, only to have the opportunity snatched away in the final seconds. Plus, we sit down with The Athletic’s Madeline Hill and Charlotte Wilder to break down this year’s matchup between the Patriots and Seahawks.
Show Notes

Fitz Four: Super Bowl Versus Steelers | Arizona Cardinals
Larry Fitzgerald: If a loved one has cancer, know there’s power in your presence | The Athletic
Larry Fitzgerald: Best Hands in NFL History Career Highlights! | NFL Legends
The Sports Gossip Show
The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation
Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Talent Booker: Britt Kahn
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Super Bowl Highs and Heartbreaks with Larry Fitzgerald

Tom Coughlin’s first Super Bowl was one of the most famous games in NFL history. It pitted the New York Giants, considered massive underdogs at the time, against the New England Patriots, who hadn’t lost a game all season. To many people, the Giants seemed doomed from the start. But Coughlin and his team showed that with discipline and determination, anything was possible. Tom Coughlin is a three-time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Coach of the Year, and, more recently, a 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist. But perhaps the most important title he’s had is that of caregiver to his wife Judy, who passed away in November 2022 after a long battle with a rare brain disorder. In this episode, Coach Coughlin talks us through that first Super Bowl with the Giants. We learn about his meticulous old-school style of coaching and how staying by his wife’s side in her final days changed his perspective on success.Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlyBEJ60Duc">Super Bowl XLII Helmet Catch | NFL</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ04aN_D11Y">(Patriots vs. Giants 2007, Week 17) | NFL Throwback</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/24/opinion/tom-coughlin-wife-psp.html"> Nothing Could Prepare Me for Watching My Wife Slip Away | Tom Coughlin for NYT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/187999-tom-coughlin-you-had-me-at-hello">Tom Coughlin, You Had Me At Hello… | Bleacher Report</a></li>
<li><a href="https://tcjayfund.org/">Tom Coughlin Jay Fund</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea Walling Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Tom Coughlin’s first Super Bowl was one of the most famous games in NFL history. It pitted the New York Giants, considered massive underdogs at the time, against the New England Patriots, who hadn’t lost a game all season. To many people, the Giants seemed doomed from the start.


But Coughlin and his team showed that with discipline and determination, anything was possible. Tom Coughlin is a three-time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Coach of the Year, and, more recently, a 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist. But perhaps the most important title he’s had is that of caregiver to his wife Judy, who passed away in November 2022 after a long battle with a rare brain disorder.


In this episode, Coach Coughlin talks us through that first Super Bowl with the Giants. We learn about his meticulous old-school style of coaching and how staying by his wife’s side in her final days changed his perspective on success.
Show Notes

Super Bowl XLII Helmet Catch | NFL
(Patriots vs. Giants 2007, Week 17) | NFL Throwback
 Nothing Could Prepare Me for Watching My Wife Slip Away | Tom Coughlin for NYT
Tom Coughlin, You Had Me At Hello… | Bleacher Report
Tom Coughlin Jay Fund


Show Credits
Host: David Greene
Executive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Talent Booker: Britt Kahn
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling


Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Tom Coughlin’s Measure of a Life Well Lived

Andrew Whitworth is an NFL legend. A four-time Pro Bowler, he played for 16 seasons into his 40s, then retired as the oldest tackle in NFL history. He was known not just for his skill on the field and his longevity — but also widely recognized for his character, and his charity work in his personal life. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Andrew to hear everything he learned from his 16 seasons in the NFL, like how to sweet-talk the defenders he was up against, and how the game helped him learn to take care of himself and the people around him. Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ_05Wewww0">Andrew Whitworth Mic'd Up For Super Bowl LVI Win vs. Bengals</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAxZ46o4UHM">Andrew Whitworth is the Walter Payton Man of the Year | NFL Honors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2021/04/18/rams-offensive-line-training-andrew-whitworth-garage/80676047007/">Look: Rams O-linemen training together in Andrew Whitworth's garage | RamsWire</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33510042/los-angeles-rams-left-tackle-andrew-whitworth-retires-16-nfl-seasons">Los Angeles Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth retires after 16 NFL seasons, goes out on top | ESPN</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nfl.com/videos/inside-matthew-stafford-s-no-look-pass-to-kupp-in-super-bowl-lvi-america-s-game">Inside Matthew Stafford's no-look pass to Kupp in Super Bowl LVI | 'America's Game</a></li>
</ol>Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Andrew Whitworth is an NFL legend. A four-time Pro Bowler, he played for 16 seasons into his 40s, then retired as the oldest tackle in NFL history. He was known not just for his skill on the field and his longevity — but also widely recognized for his character, and his charity work in his personal life. 
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Andrew to hear everything he learned from his 16 seasons in the NFL, like how to sweet-talk the defenders he was up against, and how the game helped him learn to take care of himself and the people around him. 
Show Notes

Andrew Whitworth Mic'd Up For Super Bowl LVI Win vs. Bengals
Andrew Whitworth is the Walter Payton Man of the Year | NFL Honors
Look: Rams O-linemen training together in Andrew Whitworth's garage | RamsWire
Los Angeles Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth retires after 16 NFL seasons, goes out on top | ESPN
Inside Matthew Stafford's no-look pass to Kupp in Super Bowl LVI | 'America's Game
Show Credits
Host: David Greene
Executive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Talent Booker: Britt Kahn
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Andrew Whitworth’s Journey from Recruit to Champion to Mentor

Benjamin Watson spent 16 seasons in the NFL as one of the league’s most reliable tight ends. He was known for being a model teammate, always willing to do the dirty work of blocking in the trenches just as much as catching touchdown passes.  Not as well known is the perfectionism and self-doubt he struggled with throughout his time in the league. When the Patriots won the Super Bowl his rookie year, the injured Watson refused to wear his ring because he felt he hadn’t earned it. In this episode, we hear about his challenges with mental health, his passion for faith and family, and how he became a fierce advocate for social justice after a prolific career. Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.patriots.com/video/15-years-ago-today-ben-watson-tackles-champ-bailey-at-1-yd-line-after-100-yard-i">15 years ago today: Ben Watson tackles Champ Bailey at 1 yd line after 100 yard interception | Patriots</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/michael-brown-shooting/nfl-player-benjamin-watson-reflects-ferguson-viral-facebook-post-n257291">NFL Player Benjamin Watson Reflects on Ferguson in Viral Facebook Post | NBC News</a></li>
<li><a href="https://allprodad.com/how-to-stay-focused-in-fatherhood/">Benjamin Watson: How to Stay Focused in Fatherhood</a></li>
<li>Benjamin<a href="https://nlupod.com/guests/benjamin-watson"> Watson | Pressure, Identity and Faith Inside the NFL </a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-just-life-with-benjamin-watson/id1836971545">The Just Life with Benjamin Watson</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan IsabellaSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea Walling Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Benjamin Watson spent 16 seasons in the NFL as one of the league’s most reliable tight ends. He was known for being a model teammate, always willing to do the dirty work of blocking in the trenches just as much as catching touchdown passes. 


Not as well known is the perfectionism and self-doubt he struggled with throughout his time in the league. When the Patriots won the Super Bowl his rookie year, the injured Watson refused to wear his ring because he felt he hadn’t earned it. In this episode, we hear about his challenges with mental health, his passion for faith and family, and how he became a fierce advocate for social justice after a prolific career. 
Show Notes

15 years ago today: Ben Watson tackles Champ Bailey at 1 yd line after 100 yard interception | Patriots
NFL Player Benjamin Watson Reflects on Ferguson in Viral Facebook Post | NBC News
Benjamin Watson: How to Stay Focused in Fatherhood
Benjamin Watson | Pressure, Identity and Faith Inside the NFL 

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson


Show Credits
Host: David Greene
Executive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan Isabella
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling


Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Eye in the Sky Don’t Lie: Benjamin Watson on Faith, Effort and Accountability

For many athletes, it’s their worst nightmare: getting an injury that could end their season — or even their career. In this episode of Sports in America, we sit down with two star athletes who’ve competed through painful moments. Robert Griffin III, or RGIII, had one of the most promising rookie campaigns in NFL history — but got injured soon after he made his debut. And in an attempt to lead the Washington Mystics to victory, two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne played through three herniated discs, a broken nose, and a knee injury.What’s the line between a heroic performance in the game, and the risk of permanent damage to an athlete’s body? And in the end, who’s responsible for protecting a player from themselves?Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@outtapocketrg3">Outta Pocket with RGIII Podcast </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2NN8Oc1uDc">Robert Griffin Dominates the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day | NFL Highlights</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/redskins/2013/01/06/mike-shanahan-addresses-robert-griffin-iii-knee-injury/1812693/">Mike Shanahan: James Andrews cleared Griffin to play, but doctor disagrees | USA Today</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZsIQRoS0SQ">The Best Of Elena Delle Donne (WNBA Finals 2019) | WNBA</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/27792827/family-comes-first-delle-donne-even-wnba-championship-run">Family comes first for Delle Donne, even during WNBA championship run | ESPN</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/44531899/elena-delle-donne-listens-body-announces-retirement">Elena Delle Donne listens to body, announces retirement | ESPN</a></li>
</ol>

For many athletes, it’s their worst nightmare: getting an injury that could end their season — or even their career. 
In this episode of Sports in America, we sit down with two star athletes who’ve competed through painful moments. Robert Griffin III, or RGIII, had one of the most promising rookie campaigns in NFL history — but got injured soon after he made his debut. And in an attempt to lead the Washington Mystics to victory, two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne played through three herniated discs, a broken nose, and a knee injury.
What’s the line between a heroic performance in the game, and the risk of permanent damage to an athlete’s body? And in the end, who’s responsible for protecting a player from themselves?
Show Notes

Outta Pocket with RGIII Podcast 
Robert Griffin Dominates the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day | NFL Highlights
Mike Shanahan: James Andrews cleared Griffin to play, but doctor disagrees | USA Today
The Best Of Elena Delle Donne (WNBA Finals 2019) | WNBA
Family comes first for Delle Donne, even during WNBA championship run | ESPN
Elena Delle Donne listens to body, announces retirement | ESPN

Playing Through Pain, with RGIII and Elena Delle Donne

Kareem Rosser was just eight years old when his brothers stumbled across the Chamounix Stables in a Philadelphia park. That wrong turn would change his life forever. In 2011, he captained the first all-Black team to win the National Interscholastic Polo Championship.Today, we learn all about the sport of competitive polo, which is less genteel than it looks. It’s almost like a mix of ice hockey and NASCAR. Kareem opens up about the whiplash of traveling from the rough neighborhood where he grew up to the Hamptons and back in a weekend. He also talks about how he uses the tragedies he’s experienced to drive his passion to help others. Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.ralphlauren.com/rlmag/style-polo-work-to-ride-spring.html"> A behind-the-scenes look at Philadelphia’s inspiring Work to Ride Program | Ralph Lauren</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjASuHW1bQE&amp;t=2s">A Polo Primer: Lessons From a Pro | WSJ</a></li>
<li>'<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fjcpk8lnuo">Why I Play': Dominating polo while being black | The Undefeated</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/ride-olympics-ceo-increase-black-polo-players-break/story?id=80443413">Ride to the Olympics CEO on increase in Black polo players: 'We break barriers' | ABC News</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/When-Youre-Ready/Kareem-Rosser/9781668030738">When You're Ready: A Love Story | Kareem Rosser</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Kareem Rosser was just eight years old when his brothers stumbled across the Chamounix Stables in a Philadelphia park. That wrong turn would change his life forever. In 2011, he captained the first all-Black team to win the National Interscholastic Polo Championship.
Today, we learn all about the sport of competitive polo, which is less genteel than it looks. It’s almost like a mix of ice hockey and NASCAR. Kareem opens up about the whiplash of traveling from the rough neighborhood where he grew up to the Hamptons and back in a weekend. He also talks about how he uses the tragedies he’s experienced to drive his passion to help others.


Show Notes

 A behind-the-scenes look at Philadelphia’s inspiring Work to Ride Program | Ralph Lauren
A Polo Primer: Lessons From a Pro | WSJ
'Why I Play': Dominating polo while being black | The Undefeated

Ride to the Olympics CEO on increase in Black polo players: 'We break barriers' | ABC News
When You're Ready: A Love Story | Kareem Rosser


Show Credits
Host: David Greene
Executive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Talent Booker: Britt Kahn
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Kareem Rosser’s Ride of a Lifetime

Last week, we heard from former Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen about how going pro was never supposed to happen to him; that dream was his brother Seth’s. This week, we sit down with Seth to talk about his own rugged athletic career, cut short by injury. We hear the highs of being a 5-star recruit, the lows of when the game was taken away from him, and how this all tested the bond between brothers.Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://huskers.com/news/2006/01/31/seth-jensen">Seth Jensen Athlete Profile | University of Nebraska- Lincoln</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/ryan-jensen-my-life-as-an-nfl-offensive-lineman/">Ryan Jensen: My Life as an NFL Offensive Lineman | CBS</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2095382/2020/09/27/back-home-in-colorado-the-bucs-ryan-jensen-is-still-inspired-by-his-family/">Back home in Colorado, the Bucs’ Ryan Jensen is still inspired by his family | The Athletic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnperrotto/2024/02/14/retired-bucs-center-ryan-jensen-finds-post-nfl-purpose-with-d2-rival/">Retired Buccaneers Center Ryan Jensen Finds Post-NFL Purpose Alongside A Former D2 Rival | Forbes</a></li>
<li>For sworn, retired, or family members of the law enforcement community who might be struggling with mental health, please call 1-800-267-5463 (1-800-COPLINE)</li>
</ol>Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Last week, we heard from former Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen about how going pro was never supposed to happen to him; that dream was his brother Seth’s. This week, we sit down with Seth to talk about his own rugged athletic career, cut short by injury. We hear the highs of being a 5-star recruit, the lows of when the game was taken away from him, and how this all tested the bond between brothers.
Show Notes

Seth Jensen Athlete Profile | University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Ryan Jensen: My Life as an NFL Offensive Lineman | CBS
Back home in Colorado, the Bucs’ Ryan Jensen is still inspired by his family | The Athletic
Retired Buccaneers Center Ryan Jensen Finds Post-NFL Purpose Alongside A Former D2 Rival | Forbes
For sworn, retired, or family members of the law enforcement community who might be struggling with mental health, please call 1-800-267-5463 (1-800-COPLINE)
Show Credits
Host: David Greene
Executive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Talent Booker: Britt Kahn
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

His Dream Through Me, Pt. 2: Seth Jensen

Nattie Neidhart is part of the legendary Hart family that produced professional wrestling greats, like Bret and Owen Hart. But none of the women in her family wrestled professionally. That is, until Nattie came along. This week, we talk to Nattie about her new memoir, “The Last Hart Beating.” She shares stories from her decades-long career in the WWE, how her family dealt with the tragic loss of her uncle in a wrestling accident, and why her legacy is more than what we see on TV. We also ask the question that wrestling skeptics have always wondered: If the results of a match are predetermined, can we even call it a sport?Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://lasthartbeatingbook.com/">Nattie Neidhart, “The Last Hart Beating”</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xWd_izIlKE">Faby Apache vs. Natalya | 2025 highlights</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uEN0vk3Mhs">Inside The Hart Family Dungeon | WWE</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odickRYFLvw">The Legacy of Owen Hart Lives On | All Elite Wrestling</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2QryqbTLos&amp;t=96s">Bret "The Hitman" Hart vs. Shawn Michaels | WWE Rivals</a></li>
</ol>

Nattie Neidhart is part of the legendary Hart family that produced professional wrestling greats, like Bret and Owen Hart. But none of the women in her family wrestled professionally. That is, until Nattie came along. This week, we talk to Nattie about her new memoir, “The Last Hart Beating.” She shares stories from her decades-long career in the WWE, how her family dealt with the tragic loss of her uncle in a wrestling accident, and why her legacy is more than what we see on TV. We also ask the question that wrestling skeptics have always wondered: If the results of a match are predetermined, can we even call it a sport?
Show Notes

Nattie Neidhart, “The Last Hart Beating”
Faby Apache vs. Natalya | 2025 highlights
Inside The Hart Family Dungeon | WWE
The Legacy of Owen Hart Lives On | All Elite Wrestling
Bret "The Hitman" Hart vs. Shawn Michaels | WWE Rivals

Nattie Neidhart From the Top Rope

It’s the most successful and the most maddening play in professional football right now: the tush push. If you’re a football fan, you have probably seen the play in action — the one where the Philadelphia Eagles seem to push their quarterback Jalen Hurts over the line to gain a first down, or to score. But you might not know its surprising backstory. In this episode, we bring you the man who helped create this controversial play: Richie Gray, a former rugby coach from a small town in Scotland. Richie tells us how he made his way into the NFL, what he thinks about the tush push controversy, and what makes the play so unstoppable.Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhIKA28BIRU">The Tush Push Explained with Kyle Brandt &amp; Dr Neil DeGrasse Tyson | NFL</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46906273/nfl-green-bay-packers-philadelphia-eagles-tush-bush-ban">Inside Packers-Eagles battle over banning the tush push | ESPN</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/richie-gray-rugby-tackling-collision-king-digital-cover">How a Scottish Rugby Lifer is Changing the Way NFL Teams Tackle | Sports Illustrated</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgIJHfh7y1w">Jason Defends the Push, Travis’ Record-Breaking Connection and Coach Prime Makes History | New Heights Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUHhB1C-5ZY">26 Minutes of the Tush Push | Philadelphia Eagles</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

It’s the most successful and the most maddening play in professional football right now: the tush push. If you’re a football fan, you have probably seen the play in action — the one where the Philadelphia Eagles seem to push their quarterback Jalen Hurts over the line to gain a first down, or to score. But you might not know its surprising backstory. In this episode, we bring you the man who helped create this controversial play: Richie Gray, a former rugby coach from a small town in Scotland. Richie tells us how he made his way into the NFL, what he thinks about the tush push controversy, and what makes the play so unstoppable.
Show Notes

The Tush Push Explained with Kyle Brandt & Dr Neil DeGrasse Tyson | NFL
Inside Packers-Eagles battle over banning the tush push | ESPN
How a Scottish Rugby Lifer is Changing the Way NFL Teams Tackle | Sports Illustrated
Jason Defends the Push, Travis’ Record-Breaking Connection and Coach Prime Makes History | New Heights Podcast
26 Minutes of the Tush Push | Philadelphia Eagles


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

The Man Behind the Tush Push

With recent news of an FBi investigation into the NBA and mob ties around sports betting, this week on Sports in America, we take a look at how sports gambling went from the smoky parlors of Vegas to a multi-billion dollar industry that we can access from our smartphones. We talk to author Beth Raymer, who gives us a firsthand personal look at the highs and lows of sports gambling. We also talk to gambling expert Jonathan Cohen to understand how this collective obsession can ruin people’s lives, and some solutions for how we can control it.Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/139449/lay-the-favorite-by-beth-raymer/">Lay the Favorite: A Memoir about Gambling | Penguin Random House</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv1rkxjyyno">What we know about arrests in FBI's illegal gambling investigation | BBC</a></li>
<li><a href="https://globalreports.columbia.edu/books/losing-big">Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling | Columbia Global Reports</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.espn.com/sports-betting/story/_/id/24310393/gambling-how-media-daily-fantasy-new-thinking-us-pro-sports-commissioners-helped-sports-betting-become-accepted">Inside how sports betting went mainstream | ESPN</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder">What is Gambling Disorder? | American Psychiatric Association  </a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

With recent news of an FBi investigation into the NBA and mob ties around sports betting, this week on Sports in America, we take a look at how sports gambling went from the smoky parlors of Vegas to a multi-billion dollar industry that we can access from our smartphones. We talk to author Beth Raymer, who gives us a firsthand personal look at the highs and lows of sports gambling. We also talk to gambling expert Jonathan Cohen to understand how this collective obsession can ruin people’s lives, and some solutions for how we can control it.
Show Notes

Lay the Favorite: A Memoir about Gambling | Penguin Random House
What we know about arrests in FBI's illegal gambling investigation | BBC
Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling | Columbia Global Reports
Inside how sports betting went mainstream | ESPN
What is Gambling Disorder? | American Psychiatric Association  


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Sports Betting: From Vegas to Our Smartphones

Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway had a stellar career in the NBA, from his time with Run TMC on the Warriors to the epic Heat/Knicks rivalry in the late 90’s. But maybe the biggest accomplishment in Tim’s career was the time he admitted he was wrong. This week, we talk about his new memoir “Killer Crossover,”  where Tim tells us about honing his craft in his hometown of Chicago, how his life on the court has changed his relationship with his son, and the ways his toughness on the court translated directly to his accountability off of it.Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVRE2Oxy6o0">Knicks @ Heat 1997 ECSF Deciding Game 7 Highlights | NBC</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x08xxlOJQzk">Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover | NBA</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781683585077/killer-crossover/">Killer Crossover | My Life from the Chicago Streets to Basketball Royalty</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqzWUxtukbA">Run TMC's High-Scoring Offense | NBA</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2013/07/25/tim-hardaway-gay-rights-champion/">Tim Hardaway: Gay rights champion | The Denver Post</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway had a stellar career in the NBA, from his time with Run TMC on the Warriors to the epic Heat/Knicks rivalry in the late 90’s. But maybe the biggest accomplishment in Tim’s career was the time he admitted he was wrong. This week, we talk about his new memoir “Killer Crossover,”  where Tim tells us about honing his craft in his hometown of Chicago, how his life on the court has changed his relationship with his son, and the ways his toughness on the court translated directly to his accountability off of it.
Show Notes

Knicks @ Heat 1997 ECSF Deciding Game 7 Highlights | NBC
Tim Hardaway’s Killer Crossover | NBA
Killer Crossover | My Life from the Chicago Streets to Basketball Royalty
Run TMC's High-Scoring Offense | NBA
Tim Hardaway: Gay rights champion | The Denver Post


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Tim Hardaway on Fatherhood, Failure, and Forgiveness

Pablo Torre is a podcaster, host, and one-of-a-kind media personality. He got his start as a fact checker for Sports Illustrated, then guest hosted shows on ESPN, and now has his own podcast called Pablo Torre Finds Out. His witty sense of humor and in-depth reporting, have made him one of the leading voices in the industry. In this episode, we see the world through Pablo’s unique lens and learn why he thinks sports are more vital than ever to break through the noise in our divided country.  Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw_JcErBj0w">The Bill Belichick Ring Video: Pablo Torre Found a New Tape — and Finally Solved the Mystery | PTFO</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pablo.show/p/how-we-investigated-jordon">How We Investigated Jordon | Pablo Torre</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OwzYk6OCFM">Kawhi Leonard Signed a Secret $28M Deal. Steve Ballmer Funded a Fraud. We Followed the Money. | PTFO</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2009/03/25/102326100/athletes-quick-to-go-broke">Athletes Quick To Go Broke | NPR</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUm2YgmBG1o">Watching the Dallas Cowboys on Death Row: Our Visit to a Supermax Prison | Pablo Torre</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Pablo Torre is a podcaster, host, and one-of-a-kind media personality. He got his start as a fact checker for Sports Illustrated, then guest hosted shows on ESPN, and now has his own podcast called Pablo Torre Finds Out. His witty sense of humor and in-depth reporting, have made him one of the leading voices in the industry. In this episode, we see the world through Pablo’s unique lens and learn why he thinks sports are more vital than ever to break through the noise in our divided country.  
Show Notes

The Bill Belichick Ring Video: Pablo Torre Found a New Tape — and Finally Solved the Mystery | PTFO
How We Investigated Jordon | Pablo Torre
Kawhi Leonard Signed a Secret $28M Deal. Steve Ballmer Funded a Fraud. We Followed the Money. | PTFO
Athletes Quick To Go Broke | NPR
Watching the Dallas Cowboys on Death Row: Our Visit to a Supermax Prison | Pablo Torre


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

The New Rules of Sports Reporting with Pablo Torre

Back in 2021, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was at his peak. He had just led his team to victory in the NFC Championship, and they went on to win the Super Bowl that year. But right at the top of his game, he suffered numerous serious injuries that could have ended his career. In this episode, we sit down with Chris, who is finally back on the field after a year out of the game, to talk about what it feels like to not play for weeks, months, or even seasons at a time. And we’ll hear from an expert about how an athlete, someone known for their strength and perseverance, can even begin to heal mentally from that experience.  Show Notes:<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOpm76awS8Y">Freezing Temps Don't Stop Chris Godwin from Racking Up 110 Yds | NFL</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/chris-godwin-nfl-tampa-bay-buccaneers-football">Half Man, Half Monster | The Players Tribune</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/10/22/chris-godwin-injury-update-timeline-buccaneers/86836371007/">How long is Chris Godwin out? Injury update, timeline for Bucs WR | USA Today</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.antonellacphotography.com/">Chris Godwin at the 2017 Rose Bowl | Antonella Crescimbeni</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgocZp-Jyuk">Chris Godwin Mic'd Up vs. the Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers </a></li>
</ol> Show Credits:Executive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan Isabella Senior Producer: Michael Olcott Producer: Michaela Winberg Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa Engineer: Mike Villers Tile Art: Bea Walling Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Back in 2021, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was at his peak. He had just led his team to victory in the NFC Championship, and they went on to win the Super Bowl that year. But right at the top of his game, he suffered numerous serious injuries that could have ended his career.


In this episode, we sit down with Chris, who is finally back on the field after a year out of the game, to talk about what it feels like to not play for weeks, months, or even seasons at a time. And we’ll hear from an expert about how an athlete, someone known for their strength and perseverance, can even begin to heal mentally from that experience. 


Show Notes:

Freezing Temps Don't Stop Chris Godwin from Racking Up 110 Yds | NFL
Half Man, Half Monster | The Players Tribune
How long is Chris Godwin out? Injury update, timeline for Bucs WR | USA Today
Chris Godwin at the 2017 Rose Bowl | Antonella Crescimbeni
Chris Godwin Mic'd Up vs. the Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers 


Show Credits:
Executive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan Isabella
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Chris Godwin on the Keys to Perseverance

With nearly a dozen marathon titles and a handful of Olympic medals under her belt, Susannah Scaroni is one of the most decorated wheelchair racers in the world. But her story has been anything but easy. At just 5 years old, Susannah and her family were involved in an accident that paralyzed her from the waist down. This incident, and the many others she’d come to face, only motivated her more to become the elite athlete she is today.In this episode, Susannah sits down with host David Greene to talk about the sport of wheelchair racing, what it was like to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics, and the unexpected aftermath of the games that almost ended her racing career.Content warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and recovery. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can contact the <a href="https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/find-treatment/">National Alliance for Eating Disorders’ helpline</a> or the <a href="https://anad.org/get-help/eating-disorders-helpline/">ANAD helpline</a>. Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://will.illinois.edu/prairiefire/story/susannah-scaroni">Susannah Scaroni | Illinois Public Media</a></li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/pOSnpGCmK-g?si=Fe8K-3E2S1rsubip">WATCH: Susannah Scaroni wins 2025 Chicago Marathon | NBC Chicago</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-biBA1u4nw">Wheelchair Racing - Push Stroke Basics | Challenged Athletes Foundation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EVydFCTSus">Scaroni breaks from pack during Tokyo’s 2020 Paralympics | NBC Sports</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a20795534/eat-like-an-elite-susannah-scaroni/">Eat like an Elite: Susannah Scaroni Runner's World</a> </li>
</ol>Show CreditsExecutive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan IsabellaSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

With nearly a dozen marathon titles and a handful of Olympic medals under her belt, Susannah Scaroni is one of the most decorated wheelchair racers in the world. But her story has been anything but easy. 
At just 5 years old, Susannah and her family were involved in an accident that paralyzed her from the waist down. This incident, and the many others she’d come to face, only motivated her more to become the elite athlete she is today.
In this episode, Susannah sits down with host David Greene to talk about the sport of wheelchair racing, what it was like to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics, and the unexpected aftermath of the games that almost ended her racing career.
Content warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and recovery. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders’ helpline or the ANAD helpline.
Show Notes

Susannah Scaroni | Illinois Public Media
WATCH: Susannah Scaroni wins 2025 Chicago Marathon | NBC Chicago
Wheelchair Racing - Push Stroke Basics | Challenged Athletes Foundation
Scaroni breaks from pack during Tokyo’s 2020 Paralympics | NBC Sports
Eat like an Elite: Susannah Scaroni Runner's World 
Show Credits
Executive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan Isabella
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Susannah Scaroni on the Magic Outside Your Comfort Zone

In 2022, University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first trans woman to win a D1 NCAA title. Under pressure from the Trump administration, Penn stripped Lia of that title earlier this year, and banned future trans athletes from competing. For many people, Lia has come to symbolize the heated debate over whether trans athletes should be able to compete in women’s sports. Regardless of what side of the debate you're on, all this news hasn’t just been news to Lia. It’s been her real life, and people have long misunderstood her. In this episode, Lia sits down with host David Greene to dive into her journey: what it took for her to come out as trans in college and compete on the women’s team, while under an international microscope. Content warning: This episode discusses mental illness and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or thoughts of suicide, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting <a href="http://988lifeline.org/">988lifeline.org</a>.Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EX6LQcj19uhvK8Bf37Pa9?si=s2YMzW4ZSaiuePkU1FRuTA">Should trans women be included in sports? With Lia Thomas | Dear Schuyler </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dw.com/en/do-trans-women-have-an-unfair-athletic-advantage/a-58583988">Fact check: Do trans women have an unfair athletic advantage? | DW</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/02/nx-s1-5454369/upenn-swimming-records-feds-transgender-athletes">UPenn updates swimming records to settle with feds on transgender athletes case | NPR</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoria">What is gender dysphoria | American Psychiatric Association </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/03/29/transgender-athletes-stories-in-their-own-words/72857863007/">Transgender athletes face growing hostility: four tell their stories in their own words | USA Today</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea Walling Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

In 2022, University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first trans woman to win a D1 NCAA title. Under pressure from the Trump administration, Penn stripped Lia of that title earlier this year, and banned future trans athletes from competing. For many people, Lia has come to symbolize the heated debate over whether trans athletes should be able to compete in women’s sports. 
Regardless of what side of the debate you're on, all this news hasn’t just been news to Lia. It’s been her real life, and people have long misunderstood her. In this episode, Lia sits down with host David Greene to dive into her journey: what it took for her to come out as trans in college and compete on the women’s team, while under an international microscope.


Content warning: This episode discusses mental illness and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or thoughts of suicide, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org.
Show Notes

Should trans women be included in sports? With Lia Thomas | Dear Schuyler 
Fact check: Do trans women have an unfair athletic advantage? | DW
UPenn updates swimming records to settle with feds on transgender athletes case | NPR
What is gender dysphoria | American Psychiatric Association 
Transgender athletes face growing hostility: four tell their stories in their own words | USA Today


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling


Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Lia Thomas' Fight to Compete

Known for his brute strength and punishing style, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward made a name for himself as one of the best NFL running backs during the 90s. After his passing in 2006, his son Cameron continued his dad’s legacy by getting drafted to the Steelers and quickly becoming one of the premier defensive linemen in the game. A few years later, Craig’s youngest son, Connor, would join his brother in Pittsburgh and learn to pave his own way in the NFL. So what’s it like to be a Heyward? How do the pressures of living up to a family legacy compare to the pressure athletes put on themselves every day? And will this be the year Cam gets that elusive ring? We sit down with both brothers to find out. Show Notes<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbvovdNqn5I">Craig Heyward Hall of Fame Nominee | Pitt Football </a></li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/KbMAeumZT-E?si=BWdQUytpM6m2nOSl">Chiefs vs. Steelers Week 4 Highlights, 2017 | NFL</a></li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/O7Jtn5G4y8A?si=ybcNkW3nmUesRkmX">Connor Heyward's first career touchdown | NFL</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frhGDC7ZJ_U">Cam Heyward shares emotional story about brother Connor’s first touchdown | All Steelers Talk</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/articles/cp92gzpd22vo">Why has Rodgers signed for the Steelers | BBC</a></li>
</ol> Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Known for his brute strength and punishing style, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward made a name for himself as one of the best NFL running backs during the 90s. After his passing in 2006, his son Cameron continued his dad’s legacy by getting drafted to the Steelers and quickly becoming one of the premier defensive linemen in the game. A few years later, Craig’s youngest son, Connor, would join his brother in Pittsburgh and learn to pave his own way in the NFL.


So what’s it like to be a Heyward? How do the pressures of living up to a family legacy compare to the pressure athletes put on themselves every day? And will this be the year Cam gets that elusive ring? We sit down with both brothers to find out.


Show Notes

Craig Heyward Hall of Fame Nominee | Pitt Football 
Chiefs vs. Steelers Week 4 Highlights, 2017 | NFL
Connor Heyward's first career touchdown | NFL
Cam Heyward shares emotional story about brother Connor’s first touchdown | All Steelers Talk
Why has Rodgers signed for the Steelers | BBC


Show Credits
Executive Producer: Tom Grahsler
Senior Producer: Michael Olcott
Producer: Michaela Winberg
Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa
Engineer: Mike Villers
Tile Art: Bea Walling
Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Meet the Heywards

From WHYY and PRX, this is Sports In America with David Greene, a new show that explores the stories that make sports the cornerstone of American life. Premieres September 30th 2025 on podcast feeds and public radio.

From WHYY and PRX, this is Sports In America with David Greene, a new show that explores the stories that make sports the cornerstone of American life. Premieres September 30th 2025 on podcast feeds and public radio.

His Dream Through Me, Pt. 1: Ryan Jensen

Transcript