NFL: Huddle and Flow

The Hall of Fame QB joins Steve and Jim to talk about all things quarterbacking in the NFL. Warren tells you why he believes Russell Wilson and the Seahawks are headed for a divorce (17:04) and why Deshaun Watson and the Texans need couples therapy (22:37). Warren talks about the gift and the curse of being the only Black QB in the NFL (26:27) and how he thinks race still factors into how the position is perceived (31:12). He threw one of the prettiest spirals ever seen, and Warren reveals how a fingernail file was the secret to his success (43:53). Plus, Steve and Jim explain why Huddle & Flow is taking a hiatus after this episode and when you can expect new episodes (54:59).

The former Browns head coach gives it straight, no chaser to Steve and Jim about why he says he was made a scapegoat during his short tenure in Cleveland (04:33). Jackson explains how he stood his ground for Myles Garrett when the front office wanted to pick quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with the #1 overall pick in the 2017 Draft (10:05). He also sheds light on why he was prepared to leave the Browns before being given a contract extension during his 1-23 stretch (12:52). Jackson details why he was “shocked” at being fired and why he believed offensive coordinator Todd Haley wanted to take his job (19:41). Jackson says he still doesn’t understand Baker Mayfield’s beef with him (26:06), and believes his coaching career is over because he shouldered the blame for the Cleveland debacle (27:36). Jackson also addresses the diversity issue among coaches and what he’s doing to improve it (38:06). (*NOTE: Huddle & Flow reached out to the Cleveland Browns for a response to Jackson's comments...the team declined.)

Jameis is running it back with the New Orleans Saints and he joins Steve and Jim to talk about competing against Taysom Hill for the starting quarterback job (07:37). Jameis says he’ll go after it with a new outlook on the position from the biggest lesson he learned from Drew Brees (12:14). And if he wins it, he says he’s ready to step in for the vaunted Saints legend (18:15). Jameis offers advice for this year’s QBs who hope to hear their names called in this year’s Draft (27:13). He also talks about how fatherhood and being a husband has made him a better player (32:30). Plus, Steve and Jim with some perspective of the Darren Chauvin trial (58:22).

The Bills general manager takes time from his Pro Day circuit to break bread with Steve and Jim. Beane discusses a rule change the Bills will propose next week at the owners meeting which could drastically impact the head coach hiring process (00:26). Beane gives a hint of what a contract extension for his franchise quarterback Josh Allen could look like...and it has something to do with Cam Newton (26:03). Taking Allen with the 7th-overall pick in the 2018 Draft was a gamble, and Beane explains what he saw in Allen that made him do it (13:59). Beane gave Allen a big-time weapon in Stefon Diggs, and he gives us the evolution of how that trade went down (16:15). And, Beane tells us how he’s stiff-arming the snacks in his quest to win the Bills “Biggest Loser Challenge” (31:09). Plus, Steve and Jim say Ndamukong Suh is the “contract king” (00:44).

The Arizona Cardinals general manager joins Steve and Jim to talk about everything from football to fashion. Keim talks about the team looking to be in “win-now mode” by signing veterans like defensive end J.J. Watt, receiver A.J. Green and center Rodney Hudson (06:21). It’s not all roses, as Keim talks about losing cornerback Patrick Peterson (13:00) and waiting to hear whether future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald will return for another season (15:29). We hear why Keim says his franchise QB Kyler Murray is just scratching the surface of his talent (22:45). We also hear about when a contract extension could come for pass rusher Chandler Jones (34:05). Plus, Steve and Jim highlight the importance of the upcoming HBCU Legacy Bowl (41:09).

There would be no Huddle & Flow without you! And while the show is rolling along with more new episodes in the works, we wanted to take a minute and highlight some of the best moments of our first 48 episodes. We hear from New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and how he spoke his current quarterback situation into existence (08:11). We also hear why Tom Brady may be a better teammate than he is a QB (10:06). Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson may be two of the best QBs in the league but they’re also two of the most coveted items on the trade market (15:50). Larry Fitzgerald and Jalen Ramsey tell us what it was like playing the 2020 season under the cloud of COVID-19 (12:11), and why we hear why some of the COVID-19 protocols may remain in place for the 2021 season (14:12). You get all that, plus, Steve and Jim breakdown a wild first day of free agency (00:33). Enjoy the walk down memory lane. We know you could be any place in the world but you’re here with us. And we thank you!

The Texans new head coach talks with Steve and Jim about why he’s hopeful to have Deshaun Watson as his starting QB for the 2021 season (02:56). Culley also describes his first experience in the head coach interview cycle in 27 seasons as an NFL coach and why he thinks the Texans hired him (11:54). Culley coached Lamar Jackson in Baltimore and he describes why Jackson is on the verge of making a big leap forward with his game (33:59). And, Culley tells why his dad’s validation makes his long journey to his new job worth it (26:21).

The Lions new general manager and North Carolina A&T grad joins Steve and Jim to talk about why trading for Jared Goff won’t stop him from drafting a QB at #7 overall, if there’s a good fit (37:51). It’s a wonder Brad got the job considering he wasn’t on the Lions initial candidate list (15:21). Now in the head seat, he talks of being intentional in building a diverse coaching staff (20:49), strengthening the GM diversity pipeline (18:25) and why he’s good with the knee-cap-biting energy of his head coach Dan Campbell (23:20). Plus, Dak Prescott gets his $160 million pay day and Steve and Jim are all the way here for it (00:46).

The Rams All-Pro defensive back joins Steve and Jim after his offseason vacation. Jalen talks not wanting to let his “big brother” Aaron Donald down (26:57) as being a big reason why he had his “best season yet” with his new home team (21:41). He also explains why he believes his close friend Deshaun Watson is done with the Texans (18:08) and why he takes issue with anyone who thinks Watson should just shut up and throw (15:24). Jalen also talks about the brotherhood amongst NFL DBs (42:10) and the best receivers he’s battled against (42:26). Plus, Jim and producer Thomas Warren bring the heated Dodgers-Giants rivalry to the podcast arena (57:14).

The NFLPA’s Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and President JC Tretter join Steve and Jim together for a wide-ranging interview. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the unprecedented 2020 season (16:26), why the same testing protocols are likely to be in place at the start of the 2021 season (20:12) and JC explains why offseason training for players may be forever changed (28:56). They also discuss the chances we’ll see a 17th regular season game (47:20), the current state of the union-NFL relationship (14:34) and why the Rooney Rule is outdated (33:31).

For years Kelvin has used his platform and resources to end the digital divide. He joined Steve and Jim to talk about why that issue is important to him (11:48) and why he believes having broadband internet is a basic human right (14:36). As a Players Coalition task force member, Kelvin has also been at the forefront of the group’s work on criminal justice reform and he talks about the complexities of tackling that issue (23:26). And as a Black NFL player, Kelvin explains why it’s imperative that the league has more Black head coaches, general managers, and team executives (39:35). Plus, Steve and Jim say Cam Newton deserves credit for showing grace while being heckled by a young man at his football camp.

The new Falcons general manager joins Steve and Jim to talk about his learning curve as a first-time GM (12:05). He explains why he initially didn’t want to interview for the Falcons job and how owner Arthur Blank’s book “Good Company” helped sway him (17:11). Jim has a little fun with Terry’s take on Julio Jones’ and Matt Ryan’s futures with the team (20:06). Terry also talks about the significance of being the Falcons first Black GM (24:14) and what options are on the table for the team’s #4 overall draft pick (29:40). Plus, Steve and Jim give context to Russell Wilson’s recent outspokenness about his situation in Seattle (03:17).

The offensive coordinator of the newly crowned Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers joins Steve and Jim. He talks about why he was confident facing the Chiefs for a second time with a title on the line (31:41). After the win Byron basked in what he calls the greatest title parade ever (52:05). And he talks about why we’re witnessing once-in-a-lifetime excellence by Tom Brady (14:02). Byron also talks about the Super Bowl win being “special” for Bruce Arians (33:33), being mistaken for Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles (29:30) and his path as a kid from Southeast D.C. to Super Bowl champ (18:43). Plus, Steve and Jim pay homage to fellow NFL journalist and Howard Bison alum Terez Paylor, who recently lost his life.

The 3-time NBA champion joins the show. Steph talks with Jim and producer Thomas Warren about how his passion for golf and his desire to create opportunities for the next generation led him to help re-establish the golf program at Howard University (10:05). Steph is a known golf buddy with President Obama, and he dishes on their trash-talking sessions (21:18). And, the golf theme found its way into a playoff series, as Steph reveals the “mic-drop” phone call he received from Tiger Woods during a series in 2015 (23:39). Steph also explains why he always “chooses hope” in his view of the current social justice movement (29:52). Plus, Steve and Jim honor friend and NFL Media colleague Chris Wesseling, who is among the prominent media members who recently lost their lives (43:12).

The Hall of Famer joins Steve and Jim. On the show, Derrick talks about being a co-chair of the Super Bowl host committee in the same city where he won a ring (41:51). As far as the game, he talks about what the Chiefs did in last season’s Super Bowl win that could be the key to securing a second straight title (28:16), and why the Bucs defense needs to counter it by making Patrick Mahomes “feel them” (29:54). And with the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class set to be revealed on Feb. 6th, Brooks makes the case for why former teammates John Lynch, Rhonde Barber and Simeon Rice should be Canton bound (54:20).

Steve Wyche and Jim Trotter are joined by the Super Bowl-bound defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Todd Bowles. Ready to coach in the biggest game of his life, Bowles discusses his team's progression, and how it plans to stifle a seemingly unstoppable Kansas City Chiefs offense (1:59). The conversation deviates from the X's and O's of the game and Bowles dives into the racial inequity for opportunity among black coaches in the NFL (20:05). The trio discuss a several more topics, including how a summer of COVID could affect the future of NFL offseasons (36:05), Tom Brady's communication and leadership skills (38:32), and some fun stories about Bowles time coaching at HBCU programs, Morehouse College and Grambling State (42:15). Huddle and Flow is part of the NFL Podcasts Network.

Steve Wyche and Jim Trotter are joined by former all-pro cornerback turned critically acclaimed actor, Nnamdi Asomugha. Never imagining that he would star in a play, Asomugha describes his journey from football to acting (19:39). The conversation covers a wide variety of topics, including Asomugha's role in 'Sylvie's Love', (29:58), his post-football relationship with the NFL (38:56), and his ACTS program that connects youth to college opportunities (42:30). Having retired two years prior, he reflects on how he thinks he may have reacted following Colin Kaepernick's protests against racial inequality (47:11). Plus, Steve and Jim break down the complex situation with the Houston Texans with QB Deshaun Watson asking for a trade just one day after hiring David Culley as their newest head coach (2:10). Huddle and Flow is part of the NFL Podcasts Network.

Steve Wyche and Jim Trotter are joined by the ne were joined by the new head coach of the New York Jets Robert Saleh, and no topic is off-limits. Before Saleh joins the podcast, Steve and Jim discuss the lack of diversity hires in the NFL - citing Super Bowl offensive coordinators Eric Bieniemy and Byron Leftwich as potential future minority head coaching candidates (2:17). Then Saleh joins the program (14:19) and describes his first days in New York, including his early assessment and projections for quarterback Sam Darnold (28:54). Saleh goes on to provide an interesting take on the lack of diverse head coaching candidates in the NFL (32:22), discusses the Jets culture (45:26), and sets expectations for the level of emotion he plans to display as a head coach (49:31). Plus, Steve and Jim take a few moments to remember NBA reporter Seku Smith, who recently died from Covid-19 (1:00:31). Huddle and Flow is part of the NFL Podcasts Network.

It was like a Howard University homecoming as Steve and Jim were joined by fellow Bison alum Antoine Bethea, and they all spoke with pride of seeing Kamala Harris - another Howard alum - sworn in as Vice President of the United States (11:40). Bethea also talked about going from a 6th-round pick from an HBCU to a 14-year NFL veteran (23:21), why he thinks Philip Rivers is a Hall of Fame QB (13:24) and what it was like in the 49ers locker room during Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protests of police brutality (40:31). Plus, Steve and Jim have thoughts on which teams could be a better fit for Deshaun Watson (06:59).

Megatron doesn’t do many interviews but he took time to join Steve and Jim to talk about his decision to retire after nine seasons (29:45), why he’s confident he’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer (50:02) and what he blames for missing out on the first 2,000-yard season ever by a receiver (26:56). Johnson also talks about his cannabis partnership with Harvard (18:58) and what it would take for him and the Lions to make amends (33:33). Plus, Steve and Jim shout out fellow Howard University grad Gus Johnson and his return to campus for the first time as a broadcaster to do the HU vs Notre Dame basketball game Monday (54:54).

The Vikings rookie receiver joins Steve and Jim to talk about exceeding his own goals in his first NFL season (03:06), how torching Titans DB Malcolm Butler in Week 3 was the sign he could play in the league (04:36) and how he felt disrespected being the fifth wide receiver taken in the 2020 draft (06:16). Plus, Steve and Jim give their not-so-pleasant takes on the current hiring cycle (33:37).

The Rams offensive tackle, and 15-year veteran, joins Steve and Jim to discuss sending the Seahawks packing in the playoffs (16:24), why he’s not fazed by playing in the bitter cold in Green Bay (28:56) and what Aaron Donald did in a practice that made him a believer (34:44). Whitworth also talks about possibly returning to play at age 40 (38:39), being nominated as the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year (40:03), plus Steve and Jim call bulls**t on a disparaging claim reported against a minority coaching candidate (01:58).

The soon-to-be Hall of Famer joins Steve and Jim to talk about his nerves awaiting his call into Canton (09:07), which players he believes are on their own Hall of Fame journey (46:59) and he responds to Aaron Rodgers calling him the best player he’s ever played with (27:22). Woodson also talks of being “hurt” by not having many suitors when he left the Raiders, the infamous “Tuck Rule” game (40:06) and why Deion Sanders taking the Jackson St. job could be a gamechanger for HBCU football (34:17). Plus, Steve and Jim shine a light on the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative (54:23).

The Hall of Fame head coach joins the show to talk about decisiveness from ownership being the key to changing the NFL’s minority coach and GM problem (14:28). Dungy also explains why he supports the league’s proposal to award teams draft picks for losing minority coaches or executives (22:39). And he says Peyton Manning should be a first ballot Hall of Famer and Reggie Wayne should join him in Canton (32:44). Plus, Steve and Jim call out the double standard on how the media reports on minorities (02:25).

The University of Maryland head coach describes why the lack of diversity within the coaching ranks of college football and NFL compelled him to start the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (10:16), how they pick and prepare potential minority candidates (14:23) and why finding the right fit is paramount for coaches seeking jobs (32:19). Locksley also names a few coaches who should be a lot of teams hiring short lists (39:25). Plus, Steve and Jim reminisce on the greatness of college basketball star Len Bias (52:35).

The award-winning savant of storytelling joins Steve and Jim to discuss his craft. Tom also gives behind-the-scenes details of his famous Tiger Woods interview (32:12) and his viral moment with Naomi Osaka at the 2020 US Open (36:30). Plus, Steve and Jim explain why the Packers might be the team to beat come playoff time (00:35).

The former all-world NFL quarterback and current FOX NFL analyst joins Steve and Jim for a very introspective conversation. Steve did extensive investigative reporting on Vick’s dog-fighting case in 2007. They had a personal working relationship then, and it continues today. However, this is the first time they’ve talked to each other about that ordeal’s impact on their relationship (22:31). Vick also opens up about being self-conscious as a Black QB in his era and how the perception of Black quarterbacks has evolved over time (15:50), why Andy Reid gets the best out of his players (33:06) and his work on voting reform for ex-felons (29:34).

The Raiders tight end talks about being named to his first Pro Bowl (07:12), why it was “necessary” to endure personal hardships to reach the success he’s enjoying now (07:37) and how the death of former teammate Lorenzo Taliaferro has given him a new perspective on life and his football talents (12:37). Plus, Steve and Jim pay homage to Hall of Famer Kevin Greene, who died Monday at the age of 58 (31:16).

Smith, Holley, Steve and Jim bring the cookout conversation to the podcast. They discuss why the hosts of the “Brother from Another” sports show on the Peacock Network decided to join forces on TV (21:06). Smith and Holley tell the story of drinking with Bill Belichick after he won one of his six Super Bowls (15:38) and the guys shoot the breeze on their favorite sports “big three” (42:37).

The Saints head coach explains why he believes his future QB is already in the building (09:10), why he calls the NFL’s hiring process for coaches “awful" (23:51) and what it would mean to win another Super Bowl (36:27). Plus, Steve and Jim shout out the nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (52:22).

The Browns rookie GM talks about the culture he’s working to build in Cleveland (11:24), what makes Kevin Stefanski the right fit as the team’s head coach (06:07) and why he believes why the conversation about diversity goes beyond race and gender (26:44). Plus, Steve and Jim give their takes on the most desirable open head coach and GM jobs (45:41).

The Bengals third-year safety talks about how watching his mom as a single mother has influenced his perspective of the game, life and his work with his Single Mother’s Initiative (37:03). Bates explains why Joe Burrow has the “it” factor (42:23) and how Julio Jones welcomed him to the NFL (35:13). Plus, Steve and Jim try to make sense of the Eagles QB situation (14:03).

The New Orleans Saints All-Pro linebacker gets candid about his 9-month-old daughter losing her eye to cancer (29:16), how he is guided by his faith (25:36), why chemistry is the key to the Saints dominance on D (10:56) and why being Black isn’t the driving force of his social activism (34:30).

Cari and Jemele are back as we bring you Part 2 of their conversation with Steve and Jim. Today, we hear Cari expound on what she calls “corporate social justice” (06:41). Jemele explains the power in taking control of your own career destiny (08:58). And the quartet has some fun with the good, bad and ugly remakes of hit songs and movies (18:36).

The conversation with the budding media moguls is so good that we’re giving you a double dose this week! In Part 1, the ladies discuss why their TV show “Cari & Jemele (Won’t) Stick to Sports” on Vice TV is just one way they’re living their purpose (13:11), why athlete activism can’t stop even with Donald Trump out of office (34:13) and why they’re calling on Black men to be more supportive of Black women (38:34). Plus, Steve and Jim debate Calvin Johnson’s chances of making the Hall of Fame (49:39).

In his first year in Buffalo, Diggs talks playing with “Superman” Josh Allen (12:49), what it would mean to make his first Pro Bowl (15:43), why he’s chosen to stay out of the media spotlight this season (22:20) and Stefon plays our “Wide Receiver Rapid Fire” game (33:00). Plus, Steve and Jim say it’s too early to panic about recent struggles for the Seahawks and Ravens (41:44).

The New York mayoral candidate talks about her daughter’s influence on her run for Mayor (08:00), why reforming the NYPD is a central issue of her campaign (15:49), why the voting power of Black women is not a new phenomenon (21:47) and why her fandom of the New York Giants can’t be shaken (37:23). Plus, Steve and Jim shout out a couple players who’ve overcome the longest of odds (45:44).

The hip-hop icon also shares his thoughts on the 2020 presidential election (06:45), why LeBron James is more Muhammad Ali than Michael Jordan (15:36) and his love of art (34:32). Plus, Steve and Jim tackle NFL subjects Public Enemy style (42:45).

The legendary businessman also details why he fired Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff (09:10), Mr. Blank describes how his core values impact him as an owner (17:53) and he also talks his gameday fashion (08:11). Plus, Steve and Jim salute the courage of Alex Smith and his wife (38:59).

The Super Bowl MVP also shares why becoming a father heightens his motivation to be politically aware (16:12), why he doesn’t fear criticism for speaking out on social justice issues (19:26) and why he believes his offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will make a great head coach (22:50). Plus, Steve and Jim give their direct assessments of the role racism played in the 2020 elections (03:17)

Dimitroff, who grew up in a football family, also talks of why being a defensive coordinator was his dream job (12:22), he gives advice for success to potential future GMs (09:10) and he dishes on what wine pairs well with blackened salmon (32:25). Plus, Steve and Jim tell you what they learned from Tua Tagovailoa’s first NFL win (48:50).

Davis, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, also explains the nerves that come with moderating a presidential primary debate (12:10), her path from psychology major to network TV journalist (19:51) and how her six-year-old son is the inspiration of her three children’s books (30:14). Plus. Steve and Jim get personal about the importance of voting in this election.

John Schneider also explains how COVID factored into trading for Jamal Adams (32:15), how he and Pete Carroll have built a winning culture in Seattle (19:40) and why NFL teams may be missing on HBCU talent (48:40), Coach Washington also talks about his keys to championship success (16:50) and Steve and Jim marvel at the D.K. Metcalf play that’ll surely be a coaching tool (53:47)

The Brooklyn native also says the Bears are legit but she has concerns (14:56), she shares the stunning comment from Falcons owner Arthur Blank that led her to write a recent column highlighting minority coach and GM candidates (29:10) and she talks about the art of gaining trust (36:59). Plus, Steve and Jim break down how Derrick Henry may be running towards an MVP season (03:36).

Lopez tells why being an NFL general manager is his dream job (11:36), why “AmeriCAN” is the film he’s most proud to have produced (22:55), he describes why making diverse films is a priority for he and partner Will Packer (35:26) and Steve and Jim call out the Titans over their COVID-19 outbreak (00:55)

The Green Bay running back says his confidence is only growing in the Matt LaFleur offense (23:05), he describes what it’s like to be in a zone (21:52), and the 26-year-old talks about how fatherhood has him more mature (30:42), plus Steve and Jim breakdown why Dak Prescott’s future is still bright (07:15)

The 49ers general manager John Lynch says all Jimmy G. does is win, win, win no matter what (6:38), he defends himself against criticism of being hired with no previous GM experience (14:41), he sheds light on what he’s learned during the NFL’s current social justice movement (34:24) and Lynch gets personal about why he doesn’t separate family and work

Episode rundown: -02:34 - High level QB play across the league -04:00 - Doubting Drew Brees is a mistake -09:16 - Texans firing Bill O’Brien wasn’t a surprise -12:04 - A litany of minority candidates exists but more aren’t hired for head coach and general manager jobs -23:43 - Potential pitfalls for Texans next GM and HC -25:51 - It’s too soon to write off the NFC East -27:37 - The most impressive undefeated teams -33:18 - Teams on the rise -35:57 - The Tom Brady factor in TB and NE -39:26 - Titans COVID-19 outbreak has league on high alert -43:09 - The HBCU experience as a recruiting tool

The media maven weighs in on President Trump's impact on American culture (11:02), why she's unapologetic on social media (26:54), her PowHERful Foundation (47:28) and how men can be allies for women in media (51:19)

Steve and Jim talk how positive COVID-19 tests may impact Week 4 games (01:55), how QB’s like Josh Allen are overshadowing Aaron Rodgers (10:14) and why the Jets and Giants are trash (12:49), plus Darius Leonard talks why the Colts are improving every game (37:15), Philip Rivers “nice” trash talk (31:27) and which HBCU has the best homecoming (41:35).

The future Hall of Famer opens up on Kyler Murray (7:18), gets personal about his desire to reach another Super Bowl (13:04), touches on how he’s becoming more active in social justice (16:31), talks about his last meeting with the late Senator John McCain (24:19), dishes on what it’s like to play golf with President Barrack Obama (26:04), and reveals his favorite Netflix shows (39:01).