Avner’s Sports Throw Down

In this episode of Avner's Sports Throw Down, I sit down with a true New Orleans legend—Mark Romig, the stadium announcer for the New Orleans Saints and a prominent leader in the city's tourism community. Mark shares what it means to not just live in a city, but to actively contribute to its culture and spirit. We begin by exploring Mark's deep connection to New Orleans and what drives his passion for contributing to its unique charm. From his pivotal role in the tourism industry to his work behind the mic at the Superdome, Mark reveals the inspiration behind his mission to make New Orleans extraordinary. Mark then opens up about succeeding his father as the Saints' stadium announcer, carrying forward a remarkable legacy that spans 44 years. He shares how this personal and professional transition impacted his life, and what it means to hold a position so deeply intertwined with his family history. We dive into the unforgettable moments he's witnessed as the voice of the Saints. From thrilling plays to emotional wins, Mark recounts the highlights of his career and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of being a stadium announcer that most fans never see. Finally, Mark gives us his ultimate guide to New Orleans, revealing three must-see experiences for anyone with just 24 hours to explore this vibrant city. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about legacy, passion, and the vibrant culture of New Orleans with the man who's been at the heart of it all—Mark Romig.

In this episode, we sit down with a 2-Time All-Star and World Series Champion Denny Neagle to explore the highs and lows of his illustrious career. We start with where his love for baseball came from, uncovering the moment he knew he had what it took to go pro. Then we delve into the pivotal year 2000, Denny shares his experiences bouncing between three teams before landing with the Yankees, ultimately winning the thing all players chase, a World Series. He offers insights into his mindset during this period in time and the challenges he faced on his path to glory. We then rewind to the unforgettable Game 4 of the 1997 National League Championship Series, where he pitched a complete-game shutout for the Atlanta Braves. He reflects on the emotions running through him during the final out and reveals what made that game so special in his heart. We then pivot to the evolution of pitching, he discusses the dramatic changes in the sport, highlighting the increasing prevalence of Tommy John surgeries and his take on the the art of pitching today. To wrap up, Denny shares his advice, leaving you with words of wisdom and inspiration. Tune in for a deep dive into the life, challenges, and triumphs of a true baseball icon.

In this amazing episode featuring Ricardo Hallman, who is a cornerback for the University of Wisconsin, we discuss many interesting topics pertaining to his athletic career as a collegiate football player. We first talk about how coming out of high school he had a lot of D1 football scholarships but his reasoning for ultimately choosing Wisconsin. Then we delve into his first collegiate interception that he brought in one-handed and what a day in the life of a football player looks like at Wisconsin, which is a D1 school. Then we pivot to talking about his views on NIL money and how it is affecting college sports as a whole. Finally, we end as usual with some valuable advice he has for you. Make sure to give this interview a listen!

In this amazing episode featuring Jeff Pearlman, a New York Times Best Selling Author and creator of the book Showtime, which chronicles the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty in the 80s, and the book adapted into the popular docudrama Winning Time, we discuss many interesting topics pertaining to his career as an author and sports journalist. We first talk about when his love for writing first revealed itself and how he turned it into his profession. Then we delve into how, as an author, he selects the topics for his books, which has a very interesting story behind it. Next, we discuss his most famous novel Showtime, which was picked up by HBO, and we explore his level of involvement in the show and the creative process behind creating the book. After that, we discuss his book on the 86' Mets, titled The Bad Guys Won, and he reflects on what it was like growing up during the time of that exciting team and then writing a book about it. Finally, we conclude the interview with some valuable advice he has for you. Make sure to give this interview a listen!

In this fantastic episode with Connie Carberg, who is the first female scout in NFL history we discuss many interesting topics pertaining to her career as a scout. We first talk about how she was exposed to football and the interesting story behind why she was drawn to the sport. Then we go into how she broke into the NFL as a female, which was a very male-dominated industry. After that, we talk about her favorite moments while being a scout for the New York Jets. Finally, we wrap up with some valuable advice she has for you. Make sure to give this interview a listen!

In this great episode with former NFL Quarterback and Super Bowl Champion Drew Stanton, we discuss a lot of interesting topics pertaining to his football career. We first talk about how he fell in love with the sport and what made him want to pursue it. Then we go into his college career at Michigan State and talk about his unconventional but successful tenure there. After that we delve into his Super Bowl season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Finally, we wrap up the interview with some valuable advice he has for you. Make sure to give it a listen!

In this great episode with former NFL cornerback Reggie Stephens, we discuss a lot of interesting topics pertaining to the NFL and his producing career. We first talk about how he fell in love with the game of football and when he first knew he wanted to go pro. Then we delve into the journey behind how he worked his way up from being a JUCO player to making his NFL dreams come true. After that, we discuss his career with the Giants and the successful years he had with them. Finally, we wrap up with some advice that he has for you! Make sure to give this interview a listen!

In this great episode with Harlem Globetrotters guard and Four-Time Guinness World Record Holder, Lucius Winston, we discuss a lot of interesting topics pertaining to the world of basketball and the New York community. We talk about how he set a total of four Guinness World Records, what it's like being a Harlem Globetrotter, and how he's used his platform as a professional athlete to better his community. Then we move into how he got his nickname “Too Tall” and his thoughts on the Globetrotters unique brand of basketball. Finally we wrap up with some advice that he has for you! Make sure to give this interview a listen!

In this great episode with New York Mets beat reporter and author, Anthony DiComo, we discuss a lot of interesting topics pertaining to the world of baseball and journalism. We talk about the creative process that went into his book called, “The Captain”, which he co-wrote with David Wright. Then we talk about some of the interviews he's done with various players and people in the Mets organization. After that we cover what his first big scoop was as a reporter and how it shaped the rest of his career along with some 2023 predictions for the Mets. Finally we wrap up with some advice that he has for you! Make sure you give this interview a listen!

In this amazing episode with special guest Maurice Ager: who is a former Michigan State basketball star, NBA player, and producer we have a very interesting conversation about his basketball career. We discuss how he first fell in love with the game, what it was like hitting multiple clutch shots in March Madness, what his NBA draft experience was like, his thoughts on his basketball era versus todays environment, and finally he gives you some valuable advice at the end. Make sure you give this interview a listen!

In this amazing interview with special guest Endy Chavez who is a former MLB player that played for the New York Mets we have a very interesting conversation about his MLB career and his world renowned catch. We discuss his signature moment in Shea Stadium during game 7 of the 2006 NLCS to help the Mets move onto the World Series, he gives us a “day in the life” of being an Outfeilder for the New York Mets, and we also talk about how he used his crazy speed to his advantage when fielding and base running. Then we segue into what his path to the MLB looked like, what training he did to get to the MLB, and finally he gives you some advice at the end. Make sure you give this amazing interview a listen!

In this amazing episode with special guest Jaden Harris, who is a Cornerback for the University of Miami we have a very interesting conversation about college football and his journey to get there. We discussed how going to Riverwood high school helped shape him as a player, why he decided to take his talent to the University of Miami and what stood out to him about their football program, and we talk about what training he did to get to the D1 level. Then we segue into what schools he can't wait play and players he can't wait to lock up, we also cover why cornerbacks are so important and how difficult the position is to play, and finally we end off the interview with him giving some advice to you. Make sure you give this amazing interview a listen!

In this amazing episode with special guest Montrell Washington, who was drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft to the Denver Broncos we have a very interesting conversation about his draft experience. We talk about what happened when he got the call from the Broncos, what he's most looking forward to going into the NFL, how he's exited to have players like Russel Wilson, Jerry Jeudy, Patrick Surtain, and more. Then we segue into how he trains and things that he thought helped him get to the NFL, we also cover his underrated college career and his thoughts in NFL teams overlooking his school, and finally what advice he has for you. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this amazing episode with special guest Marc Edwards, who is a former 9 year NFL veteran, Super Bowl Champ, and former teammate of the great Tom Brady we have a very interesting conversation about his NFL and more! We talk about all the success he found at the high school level, including when he was named “Mr. Ohio” after a phenomenal high school career. Then we talk about his magical moments at Notre Dame, such as getting carried off of the field after a big upset and showing what underdogs can really do. Then we segue into his NFL career. He talks about his first NFL snap, how it felt to win the Super Bowl and the season leading up to the big win, and what it was like having the great Tom Brady as a teammate and Bill Belichick as a coach. This is an incredible interview! Please give it a listen.

In this amazing episode with special guests: McCabe Millon who is the number 1 lacrosse player ranked in the class of 2023 and has committed to Duke University, then I talk to AJ Larkin who is the number 6 lacrosse player ranked in the graduating class of 2022 and has committed to Maryland, then you get to hear from James Matan who is the 20th lacrosse player ranked in the graduating class of 2022 and has committed to UNC, after that you will hear from Bo Lockwood who is the 27th lacrosse player ranked in the graduating class of 2022 we discuss a lot of interesting topics. We talk about their very heavy recruiting process, some of the records they hold and the signature games leading up to it, what they want their lasting legacy to be on the sport, the top reasons for all of their success, and finally what advice they have for you. This is a fantastic interview! Please give it a listen.

In this amazing episode with special guest Kendall Ellis, who is a sprinter and an accomplished Olympic Gold Medalist we have a very interesting discussion about her experience at the Tokyo Olympics. We talk about what it was like to be an Olympian, how it was competing without fans, and her overall experience at the Olympics. We also talk about how she calms her nerves before a big race, the moment she realized she was going to be an Olympian and when she realized she could potentially be one of the best at her craft, and how she felt to be an Olympic Gold Medalist. The. We segue into her collegiate career and talk about one of her most famously known races, we talk about how her family and teammates have helped guide her through this incredible experience, and finally what advice she has for you! This is an incredible interview! Please give it a listen.

In this great episode with NBA Sportswriter Sherrod Blakely we discuss a lot of interesting topics pertaining to the current NBA season and his journalism career. We talk about how he had front row seats to the Malice at the Palace, how he got to be a sportswriter for Bleacher Report, and the current NBA season. Then we segue into taking about the Celtics, how the new talent is slowly pushing the “old guard” out, and finally what advice he has for you. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this great episode with NFL Cornerback Ike Brown we discuss a lot of interesting topics pertaining to football and his personal life. We talk about his decision to retire from the NFL at age 22, his college career at FIU, how he embraced a position switch so late in his career. Then we segue into the mental and physical side of football, his views on the recent rule changes in the NCAA, which allows players to be able to profit off of their names, and what advice he has for you. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this amazing episode with former NFL offensive tackle and best selling author Marques Ogden we discuss a lot of interesting topics surrounding football and business. We talk about his very interesting path to the NFL, how his brother and him helped push each other to reach their goal of becoming an NFL player, his scouting/draft process, how he worked his way up on an NFL depth chart. Then we Segway into the business and writing side of his life. We talk about his multiple best selling books on finance and business. Last but not least he gives out some very important advice for you. This is an incredible interview! Please give it a listen.

In this amazing episode with former NFL player, Super Bowl Champ, and Pro Bowler we discuss a lot of interesting topics relating to football and his career. We talk about his unforgettable Super Bowl experience, one of the most famous plays in history performed by him (Passing to himself for a touchdown), what he did to get to the NFL, and his collegiate career. Then we move into what he is doing now, some funny stories/memories he has from his 17 year NFL career, and what advice he has for you. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this great interview with Brandon Robinson or you might know him as “Scoop B” we cover a lot of interesting topics. We talk about many of his celebrity sports interviews including (Allen Iverson, Pete Sampras, Charles Barkley, and many more), some of his all-time favorite sporting events that he has covered, some of his thoughts and predictions on the upcoming NBA season. Then he moves into how he started his sports media/journalism career at such a young age, his upbringing, and finally what advice he has for you. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this great interview with special guest Joe Williams, who is professional Rugby player turned Boxer we cover a lot of interesting topics and get to hear and learn about his career. We talk about his transition from professional rugby to boxing, we talk about his successful rugby career, the difference between sports in America and sports in Australia, what training he did to get the success he did in each of the sports he played, the mental and physical side of certain sports, some highlights from both his boxing and rugby career, and finally what advice he has for you. This is a great interview! Please give it a listen.

In this great interview with Carl Banks, who is a former NFL Linebacker for the New York Giants and a 2 time Super Bowl Champ we cover a lot of interesting topics and dive deep into his career. We talk about the 1986 New York Giants Super Bowl winning team, the best advice he got from legendary coaches Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells, we talk about his defensive line and how they would preform against modern day Quarterbacks, how he first got drawn to the game and his unique scouting experience, we also talk about why he started think about his post NFL career in only his second season, and finally what advice he has for you. This is a phenomenal interview! Please give it a listen.

In this great episode with special guest Jared Diamond, who is a sportswriter for the Wall Street Journal and author of the book Swing Kings we cover a lot of interesting topics. We talk about some of his favorite sporting events that he has covered throughout his career, the current MLB season along with his views on the pitching cheating scandal and his World Series predictions, we also talk about his book called Swing Kings and what inspired him to write it, how he started his career as a sports journalist, and what advice he has for you. This is a fantastic interview. Please give it a listen.

In this incredible and inspiring episode with special guest Trevor Ailey, who is a former Cornerback for Oklahoma State University and is currently in the transfer portal awaiting his comeback. We talk about a ton of interesting topics and cover his inspiring football career in depth. We talk about how he reached his dream of playing D1 football, we talk about how he was a small town kid with zero D1 offers and how he walked on and made the team at OSU and how this experience shaped him as a person, we talk about how he faced and conquered any adversity and challenges that came his way, how he helps out and is a role model in his community, and what advice he has for you. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this amazing episode with special guest Mikey Domagala, who is the founder of Official NBA Buzz which has over 3 million followers across all platforms, he has also done a ton of sports celebrity interviews with people such as Lavar Ball, Shawn Kemp, Nancy Lieberman, Derek Landerson, and many more, and he is also the co-host of The Truth on ESPN. We cover a ton of interesting and exciting topics that you don't want to miss out on. We talk about some of his favorite interviews, his NBA finals predictions, how he grew his social media platform to over 3 million followers, how he originally got into sports media, and what advice he has for you. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this great interview with Matt Ilodigwe, who is a collegiate basketball player for Lycoming College and social media influencer we cover a lot of interesting and useful topics. We talk about his career highlights, his tips and tricks to successfully growing a social media page, how he first fell in love with the game and how it has shaped him as a person, what you can do to get better as a player, and what advice he has for you and young aspiring hoopers. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this episode with returning guest Lenny Dykstra, who was apart of the famous 1986 Mets World Series championship team, a 3 Time All-Star, and New York Times Best Selling Author we cover a lot of interesting topics relating to the current MLB season. We share our predictions on who could possibly be crowned the next World Series champs, he shares some of his favorite moments in his career, we talk about the recent uptick in the value of trading cards, and some of his GOAT views. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this great interview with special guest Vic Burley, who is a 5 Star Defensive Tackle, an Adidas All American, and has offers from Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and many more D1 football programs. We cover a lot of interesting and important aspects of his football career as one of the best defensive tackles in the country, but also his off the field lifestyle. We talk about his very demanding recruitment process, how he developed his live for football, some of the biggest hits he's given in detail, some of his pregame rituals, gives guidance on what you can do to improve your game, talks about how he picked his number, and finally he gives you advice. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this episode we talk about one of the biggest cheating issues in MLB history. Big name pitchers who are getting paid millions of dollars every year are using an unknown banned substance to enhance their performance. Listen to this episode to find out what the substance is, which pitchers are using it, and what the MLB is doing to stop this banned substance abuse throughout the league. This is a great episode. Please give it a listen!

In this great interview with special guest John Beam, who is the head football coach for Laney College, he also starred in the football documentary Last Chance U, and was named the CCCAA Football Coach of the year. We cover a lot of interesting and important aspects of football and his career. We talk about what it takes to play at the collegiate level, the documentary that he starred in Last Chance U, some of his coaching strategies, how he advocates for his players to move to the next level, lessons he wants his players to implement in football and in the classroom, and what advice he has for you! This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this amazing interview with Roman Perez, who is a New York City Streetball Legend, Rapper, Actor, and Comedian we cover a lot of interesting topics. We talk about what the Streetball life and culture is like, how he made it pro, what type of drills you can do to get better, the foundation that he started, and the advice he has for you! This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this amazing episode with Randy Cross who is a 3-time Super Bowl champ, 3-time Pro Bowler, and retired NFL star player we cover many interesting aspects! We talk about what it was like to win a Super Bowl, what training he used and what training he wish he had form today’s world, what he did to make it to the NFL, the locker room environment, and what lessons the being in the NFL have taught him. This is a great interview. Please give it a listen!

In this amazing episode with Trent Sieg, who is the starting Long Snapper for the Las Vegas Raiders we cover a lot of fun aspects of his life and journey. We talk about what game time situations look like for a him, what sparked his love for the game, what his free agency process was like, what the locker room environment is, how important team chemistry is, and finally what advice he has for you. Please give this interview a listen.

In this great episode with Dr. Jen Welter who is the first female coach in NFL and Madden, 2 time gold medalist, and 4 time world champ we cover a lot of interesting things. We cover what it was like to break through and make history by being the first female NFL coach, where her love for football developed, what some of her coaching strategies are, and finally what advice she has for you. This is a phenomenal interview! Give it a listen.

In this great episode with Re-al Dupree Mitchell, who is the starting Quarterback for Temple University we cover a lot of ground. We talk about his football idols, some of the adversity he faced, his journey to becoming the starting Quarterback at a D1 school, and the advice he has for you! This is a great interview! Please give it a listen.

In this amazing interview with Sage Steele, who is a sports anchor for ESPN we cover a lot. We talk about how she became a sports anchor, her favorite interview throughout her whole career, her prediction for who will win the NBA Finals, Women’s Sports, and her biggest role models and influences! This is a great interview! Please give it a listen!

In this amazing interview with Luis Lopez, who is a former MLB player we touch up on a lot of topics. We talk about what it took for him to get to the MLB, the difference between the Majors and the Minors, how to become the best player you can be, what the difference is between the levels such as High School, College, Minors, Majors, and what advice he has for you! Give this incredible interview a listen!

In this very interesting interview with Jarrod Bunch. He is the former starting Running Back for the New York Giants, he won the New York Giants Offensive Player of the Year Award, he was a star player at the University of Michigan! In this awesome interview we talk about his upbringing, how he became such a dominant player, what his draft night experience was like, and how he faced career ending injuries, but then bounced back with a new burning passion. This is an amazing interview. Please give it a listen!

In this captivating and interesting interview with Coach Jeff Walz, who is the Head Coach for the University of Louisville’s Womans Basketball Team. We talk about some of the strategies he implements in games, the impact he has made on their basketball program, rivalries within their division, and some advice he would give to you. This is such a great interview! Please give it a listen.

In this episode we talk about Tayvonn’s journey to becoming a D1 athlete! We talk about his journey to D1 football, if he is going to declare for the draft, what adversity he faced on his journey to becoming a D1 athlete, and what advice he would give you all, my listeners!

In this episode with special guest David Pindell, who is the former starting Quarterback for UConn, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, XFL player, and CFL players cover a lot of interesting topics. We cover what it takes to get to the NFL, how he picked up a football for the very first time his sophomore year in high school, we talk about what adversity he had to overcome while getting to this elite level, and which Quarterback in the NFL today he would compare his style of play to the most. This was an awesome interview. If you are a football fan I will guarantee you’ll enjoy this interview. Please give it a listen.

In this episode with special guest Jim Gray, who is an Emmy-award winning sportscaster, journalist, and reporter. He has interviewed everyone from Muhammad Ali, Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson, to Kobe Bryant, and plenty more. He has covered huge sporting events such as the Winter and Summer Olympics, NCAA Final Four, the Super Bowl, and several World Series. He is the author of the recently published book called, “Talking to GOATs.” We cover a lot of ground in this podcast episode! We talk about the famous “Bite Fight” between Tyson and Holyfield, we talk about how President Richard Nixon stopped him on the side of the road in New York City to talk sports with him, we talk about his first interview he ever conducted at the age of 18 was with the most decorated boxer of all-time Mahammad Ali, and about what all of the GOATs have in common. This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen.

In this very interesting and cool interview with Wes Durham, who is the play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Falcons and is the co-host of a daily show called Packer and Durham. We cover a lot! Such as... his pregame process and the behind the scenes stuff, what it was like announcing the Super Bowl, how does he keep his audience hooked if the team is having a tough season, seeing if he has gotten good at predicting draft busts from athletes that will be incredible in the pros, and what advice he has for you! This was an incredible interview with Wes Durham! Please go and check it out!

In this very interesting interview with Bradley Kamdem we talk about many interesting things! Such as comparing level of play in France compared to the US, what type of training he had to do to get to where he is today, how it felt to score his first goal as a professional soccer player, and what the attributes are of an effective leader or team captain! This is an amazing interview! Please give it a listen!

In this episode with special guest Josh Luber, who is the former CEO and Co-Founder of Stockx. We talk about how Stockx started, Stockx and their many collaboration with popular athletes and public figures, why sneakers are so hot and popular, and his life! If you love fashion, sneakers, sports, and business you will absolutely love this interview! Please give it a listen!

In this episode with special guest Brian Flinn you will learn a lot about what it takes to play college football, what the environment is like when your at that high level of play, some of his coaching techniques, and you will learn the about the mental side of the game! Give it a listen! Incredible interview!

Interview with special guest Adam Wexler, who is the Founder and CEO of Prize Picks and is on the board of directors for the Fantasy Sports and Gaming Association! In this episode you will learn about what it take to start your own business, what it’s like in the fantasy sports world, where Prize Picks will be moving towards in the future, and more! Give it a listen if your a fan of business or sports!

Do you want to know what it’s like to be drafted to the NBA in the first round of the NBA draft? Do you want to know what it’s like to be a college basketball star player? If so give this a listen!

Do want to know the life of being a professional baseball player? Do you want to know what it’s like to win a World Series? Do you want to know what it’s like to be a 3 time all-star? Do you want to k ow what it’s like being a New York Time best selling author? You can find all of that in this podcast with legend Lenny Dykstra. Give this a listen it will be one of the best podcast you will ever listen to!

In this episode we talk about Jason Longshore and his interesting and action filled life. We, also talk about what it’s like to be a professional commentator for Atlanta United. Finally, we talk about Atlanta United and their future. If this sounds interesting to you give it a listen!