Return Game

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Return Game runs it back like never before. This Official Eagles Podcast takes you deep inside the most iconic moments in Philadelphia Eagles history, bringing you first-hand accounts of unbelievable games, unforgettable plays, unrelenting rivalries, and


    • Sep 16, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Return Game

    Episode 1: From garage to gridiron

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 28:20


    A young Dick Vermeil grows up in Napa Valley, CA. It's a tough life, but the seeds for his coaching philosophy are planted. He bops around from one coaching position to the next, improving his reputation with each move.  Hear stories from Coach Vermeil, Coach Vermeil's brother Al Vermeil, and some of the first players he ever coached, many of whom he still keeps in touch!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 2: It's coming up roses

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 34:40


    In his biggest job to date, Coach Vermeil heads the UCLA Bruins. This episode has stories of bad grades, a pre-Rose Bowl players' mutiny, turtleneck sweaters at Disneyland, a moment that still makes Coach Vermeil get choked up, and some amazing football. It was such good football that an NFL team came calling with an intriguing offer. Hear stories from Randy Cross, Jerry Robinson, John Sciarra, and Carl Peterson – Sciarra and Peterson introduced Coach Vermeil at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 3: Time to fly

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 21:34


    “No thank you,” was the answer the Eagles heard from Coach Dick Vermeil when they wanted to bring him in for an interview to become the struggling franchise's new head coach. What changed his mind? After a rocky start, the Vermeil coaching philosophy was starting to take hold and the ride turned out to be electric!  Hear stories from Eagles legends Vince Papale, Herm Edwards, Carl Hairston. Plus, Coach Vermeil, Ray Didinger, and Merrill Reese.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 4: Peaks & valleys

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 32:05


    With Dallas in their sights, the Birds head into the second half of the Vermeil era with the feeling they are invincible. But how long could that feeling – and the Vermeil magic – last? Bold moves on and off the field leave Coach Vermeil faced with the biggest decision of his career. Hear from Eagles legends Jerry Sisemore, Bill Bergey, Ron Jaworski, Herm Edwards, Carl Hairston. Plus, Coach Vermeil, Ray Didinger, and Merrill Reese.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 5: The Greatest Show on Turf

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 37:37


    Coach Vermeil takes a break. Did he invent burnout? Hear what it took for him to put the headset back on and step back onto the field. Coach Vermeil makes two discoveries: a new found love of the game and a quarterback who had never started in the NFL. Hear what really happened from Coach Vermeil, Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce, Mike Jones, Trent Green, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 6: Kansas City, here I come

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 30:47


    With wisdom, experience, and a well-tested coaching philosophy, the Chiefs should have been unstoppable. And by Year 3 (is this a pattern?), they looked like they would be the team to beat, would this season go the Chiefs' way? On January 1, 2006, Coach Vermeil gave his final wave to his wife, Carol, in the stands, hugged his players, and walked away from his final head coaching job.  Hear stories from Coach Vermeil, Dante Hall, Carl Peterson, Eric Hicks, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Coming September 16: Season 3 of Return Game with Dick Vermeil

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2022 2:50


    Return Game is back for Season 3! Return Game: Coach Vermeil, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, is hosted by Rob Ellis and takes you through the legendary career of Dick Vermeil. From humble beginnings at Hillsdale High School all the way to Super Bowl glory, relive the story as told by Coach Vermeil himself and the people who were there to experience it with him including Ron Jaworski, Herm Edwards, Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce, Dante Hall, and many others. Return Game: Coach Vermeil pulls back the curtain on the legendary man who left his mark not only in Philadelphia, but on the game of football, and was recently recognized for his contributions as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 12 - Inside the Mind of a Fan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021 19:01


    Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. In this episode, Rob and Derrick explore the psychological reasons fans root for one team or the other. They learn some new terms and are joined by Eagles fans and fans from across the NFL. And if you think wearing your special jersey puts your team over the edge, you are not alone. To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: h[https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips, and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 11 - Rivalries

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 28:21


    Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. The National Football League has been around for over 100 years and some of its rivalries have been exciting fans for nearly as long.  This episode is packed with history and tidbits about how the rivalries between the Packers and Bears, the Steelers and Ravens and the Raiders and Chiefs got started.  When the Dallas Cowboys entered the league in 1960 they quickly became the one of the most reviled teams in the NFC East? Why did this happen to the newcomers? To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 10 - Fandemonium

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 40:29


    Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. Favorite Eagles and Cowboys rivalry moments told by some of our most famous fans. Stories from: Carli Lloyd - Eagles Fan and Olympic & World Cup soccer champion Morris Chestnut - Eagles Fan and Actor Colleen Wolfe - Eagles Fan and NFL Media Host Harry Higgs - Eagles Fan and Professional Golfer Tariq Trotter - Eagles Fan,  co-founder of The Roots and artist David Borearnaz - Eagles Fan and Actor and Producer Kevin Neghadni - Eagles Fan and ESPN SportsCenter Host DJ Jazzy Jeff - Eagles Fan, DJ and musician  Zac Clark - Eagles Fan, co-founder of Release Recovery and a member of #BachelorNation Jim Cramer - Eagles Fan and host of _Mad Money _ To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: h[https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 1 - The Hit that Started it All

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 20:15


    Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys rivalry. The 1960s saw the Philadelphia Eagles experience a stretch of highs and lows. They opened the decade as World Champions, but by the end of the decade, the team was struggling to post a winning record. That indifference ended and the bad blood began all in one fateful game at the Cotton Bowl in December 1967. Hear the story of the play that started it all - the spark from which this rivalry was born. To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips, and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 2 - Dick Vermeil to the Rescue

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 25:00


    Return Game: Birds, 'Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys rivalry. The early 1970s was a painful time for Eagles fans, but they knew better days were ahead - how couldn't they be?! Tom Landry was coaching the 'Boys and they were really, really good. After winning the franchise's first Super Bowl in 1972, the Eagles took their best shot in a memorable 1973 showdown. By 1976, something needed to be done to shake up the team. A college coach from UCLA was just the change-maker the Birds had been waiting for - but it wasn't going to be easy. To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips, and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    EESP 15: On To Dallas & Senior Bowl Announcements

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 38:58


    This week on the Eagle Eye In The Sky Podcast, Fran Duffy is joined by NFL Films Senior Producer Greg Cosell to preview this weekend's matchup with Dallas, including a special visit from Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net …See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 4 - Buddy Ball

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 39:34


    Return Game: Birds, 'Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. Arguably one of the greatest contributors to the Birds and 'Boys rivalry, Buddy Ryan loved to stir the pot, and fans delighted in what he was cooking. They loved his rift with Tom Landry, they loved it when he would disparage the team in the press, and they loved it even more when he led the team in some of the most iconic games of the mid-to-late 1980s. This episode is packed full of drama and includes revenge plots, a changing of the guard in Dallas, more payback, and snowballs. Buddy really left his mark on this rivalry. To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips, and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 5 - Gang Green

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 27:17


    Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys rivalry. Troy Aikman was introduced to the rivalry early in his Hall of Fame career when he met Gang Green - the vaunted Eagles defense. And in 1991, his number was up - or was his number 11?  Tragedy struck the Eagles in 1992 when teammate, friend, and brother Jerome Brown died in a car accident. His memory inspired the team to attempt to “Bring it Home for Jerome.” By 1993, players had secured free agency resulting in the Birds' roster being completely remade. Fans have wondered "what if?" ever since. Meanwhile, the ‘Boys stayed relatively intact and continued to dominate.  To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 6 - Dawn of a New Era

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 25:59


    Return Game: Birds, 'Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. Jeffrey Lurie buys the Birds and makes some immediate changes, including hiring Ray Rhodes as head coach. The Birds traded wins with the 'Boys during this era and fans were ready for it all - wins and losses. Four words from Merrill Reese still live in infamy: "They stop them again!" And Troy Vincent floats to the end zone and silences a stadium of shocked Dallas fans. To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips, and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 7 - Fortune Favors the Bold

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 37:58


    Return Game: Birds, 'Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. The Birds and 'Boys take their rivalry into the new millennium and celebrate kicking off the Y2K season with a clash. It's Texas in early September and the Eagles are prepared for anything Dallas has for them including a thermometer that needs to be checked twice to make sure it's accurate! In 2004, Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens had found a partnership that seemed to work on the field. With a strong offense and a powerful defense, the Birds flew all the way to the Super Bowl. By 2005, that momentum was sputtering and T.O.'s future in Philly was left in doubt. To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips, and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 8 - 44-6

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 22:11


    Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. T.O. left the Eagles surrounded in controversy, and fuel is added to the rivalry fire when he's scooped up by the ‘Boys. In 2006, he was coming back to Philly and fans had their popcorn ready as they watched to see what would happen next. The 2008 season had many bumps along the way but heading into the final game, the Cowboys (and some specific results needed in a few other games that day) were all that stood in the way of the Birds making the playoffs. Would the stars align for the Eagles? To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips, and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 2, Episode 9 - Birds, ‘Boys, and Bad Blood

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 39:46


    Return Game: Birds, 'Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys rivalry. By 2013, the bad blood between the Birds and the 'Boys had been there for decades with no signs of waning. The Eagles had a new coach and were down in Dallas. It was the de facto NFC East Championship Game and the pressure was on! Of course, every Eagles fan knows that 2017 was the year the Birds went all the way - finally! But they had to overtake Dallas along on that journey and this game did not disappoint. In 2019, the fate of the NFC East would again be influenced in a late-season matchup between the Eagles and Cowboys. Who would come on top in this one? To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood](https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood). There you'll find photos, videos, audio clips, and more interviews.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood - Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 2:29


    Coming May 24: Season 2 of Return Game: Birds, 'Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, hosted by Rob Ellis and Derrick Gunn. This nine-episode season will take you on a deep dive into the decades-long rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. It's a rivalry that started when the Eagles were World Champions, and it has spanned decades with no signs of letting up. Sure, you've seen the games, but there's more – so much more – to both sides of the story. You'll hear firsthand from the Eagles legends who lived them. Whether you're an Eagles fan or not, learn why this is one of the fiercest rivalries in sports. Subscribe now, so you don't miss any of the excitement!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Return Game: The aftermath and the legacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2020 18:42


    Seth Joyner, Jeff Kemp, Ray Didinger, and Merrill Reese are among those who recall what The House of Pain Game and the 1991 season mean all of these years later.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Return Game: The second half of The House of Pain Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 28:36


    Return Game: House of Pain Game presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation takes you deep inside the iconic House of Pain Game. The Houston Oilers lead 3-0 at the half. Coming into the game, the Oilers were the favorites to win, but Bud Carson's nickel defense appeared to be working. The Philadelphia Eagles had contained this usually high-scoring team, so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 1, episode 3 - The big game: First Half

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 25:20


    Return Game: House of Pain Game presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation takes you deep inside the iconic House of Pain Game. The weekend leading up to the Monday Night Football game in Houston, a key member of the Eagles' defense had been hit by the flu. With a fever and dehydration, questions swirled in the training room if he would even be fit to take the field.The Oilers were experiencing no such panic. They were the home team, favored to win, with an explosive offense featuring 3 future hall of famers in the starting lineup.But, it didn't take long for kelly-green clad Philadelphia Eagles to show the Houston Oilers - you bring the house, we bring the pain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Return Game: What was happening in Houston

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2020 21:30


    Return Game: House of Pain Game presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation takes you deep inside the iconic House of Pain Game. In 1991, the population of Houston was booming and Oilers fans had high expectations for the hometown team. This was the year they were going to the Super Bowl. The Oilers believed there was no defense in the NFL that could stop them, especially during a game in the Astrodome in front of a sold out crowd of Love Ya Blue fans. But they hadn't played the Eagles… yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Season 1, Episode 1 - The 1991 Eagles

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2020 19:22


    Return Game: House of Pain Game presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation takes you deep inside the iconic House of Pain Game. This season takes you into the locker room and onto the field with stories from players, coaches and others who lived the experience. In 1991, during the offseason, Eagles' owner Norman Braman fired Coach Buddy Ryan. How did The Gang Green, the Eagles defense, arguably the best in the league respond? Another blow came when Randall Cunningham, the franchise quarterback, was injured in the first game of the season. He was out for the year. The defense felt the responsibility fell on their shoulders. Can the Birds recover and take down the Houston Oilers in the Astrodome? Through sound and story, you will feel like you are back in 1991 or if you are new to the House of Pain Game, we'll show you why this is one that stands out in Eagles' fans' memories. Return Game: House of Pain presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation starts now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Welcome To 'Return Game'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020 1:32


    Return Game runs it back like never before. This Official Eagles Podcasttakes you deep inside the most iconic moments in Philadelphia Eagleshistory, bringing you first-hand accounts of unbelievable games,unforgettable plays, unrelenting rivalries, and undeniable characters.Each season of Return Game features a never-heard-before take on adifferent time, team, personality, or moment in Eagles lore. Buckle up—this is team history straight from the people who lived it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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