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Big Boy Football is here. It’s almost December.
And all the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers keep doing is win. Combined, these three teams are 27-6. Sam Darnold fought through his inevitable midseason slump to look like the Vikes’ quarterback of 2024 and beyond. Green Bay caught a stammering 49ers team at the right time. The Lions smacked Indy, and let ‘em know.
While Bob McGinn and myself strongly disagree on “taunting,” we both can’t get enough of Jahmyr Gibbs.
At Lambeau, Josh Jacobs scored three touchdowns. We compare/contrast, Jacobs and Aaron Jones.
And if you had to win one game, would you rather have Darnold or Jordan Love at this moment?
We’ve got a loaded two hours for you.
Thank you for listening.
To our new readers, a paid membership gets you access to everything. Our holiday deal is live. Make the move to an annual membership, and we’ll send you a Go Long sweatshirt — hoodie or crew. This same deal applies to current subscribers who’ll be renewing or would like to gift a subscription to a loved one. Email me at [email protected].
Audio is above. Video is below.
Have a phenomenal Thanksgiving, everyone.
Mentioned on the pod, here’s my story on the 2024 Minnesota Vikings and Darnold’s turnaround, as well as a profile of linebacker Blake Cashman and big-picture piece on Love. McGinn’s Midseason All-NFC North team is right here. As for the McGinn Memory? Bob looks back to the majestic dominance of Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice, specifically this touchdown by Rice vs. the Packers in 1987.
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The Anthony Richardson Experience continues to give viewers vertigo. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.
Those New York Giants have (again) entered the Tommy Cutlet stage of regret. What’s next for Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll?
Elsewhere, Jordan Love keeps winning, Bryce Young has a moment of promise and Bo Nix is everything our special guest predicted.
Here’s our latest Substack Live recording at Go Long. I’m joined by Jim Monos — the former NFL exec/scout — to make sense of Week 12 in the NFL. He lived these quarterback decisions and offers a very fresh perspective. I’ll continue to record these videos throughout the rest of the season. If you’d like to watch live and ask questions, be sure to download the Substack app and turn notifications on:
ICYMI:
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Good afternoon, readers! The goal is to take you beyond the press conference as much as possible.
Sometimes, that means brokering a meeting over cheese curds.
On our most recent trip to Wisconsin, Go Long brought LeRoy Butler and Evan Williams together for a first (football) date. It was an incredible night. At The Lodge — not too far from Lambeau Field — the Pro Football Hall of Fame safety and the Packers rookie talked ball for a solid two hours. Be sure to read our full story here, icymi.
Had some time here before the Week 12 games kicked off — thanks to Mrs. Go Long, as always — so figured I’d splice up some audio for those who’d like to listen to these two banter and dive into the X’s and O’s.
Go Long is nearing its four-year anniversary.
Thank you for making us your completely independent home for longform journalism.
Recent stories, icymi…
* The Great Anthony Richardson Debate: One scout says "He cannot play quarterback." One says "Sky’s the limit. Probably more Lamar Jackson with a little bit of Josh Allen thrown in there." Bob McGinn explores the NFL's greatest mystery.
* Q&A, Chris Lindstrom and the art of offensive-line war: Nobody plays the position better. What makes the Falcons guard special? He takes you into his world. (Video/Audio here.)
* Killer instinct, found: They're bound to see the Kansas City Chiefs again. That's how it works for Josh Allen, Sean McDermott and the Buffalo Bills. Sunday's 30-21 win is proof that 2024 could have a different ending.
* Kenny Clark: 'I want to hold that trophy' (And the audio here.)
* ‘Twenty-one months ago, I was dead:’ Go Long chats again with the man who came back to life. Damar Hamlin knows he's only getting started: "I really see myself as one of the best safeties in this league."
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
His job is thankless. Seventy thousand fans filling a stadium are not fixating their binoculars on No. 63 in black.
But his job is exceptionally important to the entire operation. Down-in and down-out, he is the player unlocking doors in the offense. That’s why the Atlanta Falcons made him the highest-paid guard in NFL history last year at five years, $102.5 million.
Meet Chris Lindstrom, the best offensive guard in the NFL.
On this episode of “How the NFL Works, Lindstrom explains his job in meticulous detail. A profession that is equal parts brain and brawn. True, he must pummel linebackers into the turf. But being the best guard in football demands far more thinking than anyone knows. Lindstrom explains everything that goes into a wide-zone run, the “flow state,” how he harnesses intensity, how he bulked up in college, the toughest defensive tackles he’s ever faced and a ton more.
This has been a peculiar season for the Falcons, obviously.
We sat down with GM Terry Fontenot ahead of their wild offseason. Since then, the mandate’s been clear. This team expects to win in 2024 — and beyond — with their quarterback of the present (Kirk Cousins) and the future (Michael Penix Jr.) on the roster. One Thursday Night Football shootout against Tampa Bay supplied plenty of hope. But after racing to 6-3, the Falcons have backtracked with a pair of losses. They’ll try to get back on track against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
It’ll sure help to have Lindstrom — PFF’s No. 1-rated guard into 2024 — paving the way.
You can watch the video of our conversation above. If audio is preferred, just click that icon to the left of the screen on your desktop. This episode is also available on our Apple, Spotify and YouTube channels.
Here is the written Q&A transcript:
Thanks, all!
Go Long is your forever home for longform journalism in pro football.
Previous episodes of “How the NFL Works” below:
* S1, E5: Inside Kenny Clark's Lair
* S1 E4: 'Get a Quarterback' with Super Bowl champ and ex-NFL exec Jim Monos
* S1 E3: Resurrecting a Franchise with Ron Wolf
* S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf
* S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy Avery
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.golongtd.com
This isn’t the first time a Green Bay Packers-Chicago Bears football game came down to the final kick.
Nor will it be the last.
We take you deep into the 20-19 Packers win with Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn on this edition of the Ty & Bob Pod. As always, McGinn meticulously breaks down the film. Christian Watson enjoyed his finest day as a Packer. Xavie…
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ORCHARD PARK, NY — Buffalo and Kansas City will meet again in January.
Because of course they will.
That’s how this rivalry works. Then — and only then — will the Bills truly feel satisfied knocking off Patrick Mahomes. But Sunday evening’s 30-21 triumph still felt like a major step in the right direction for Sean McDermott’s team.
In sum, they played to win. They let their own virtuoso at the position, Josh Allen, take over on fourth and 2.
I’ll have a column from the game at Go Long Monday AM. Until then, here’s an instant reaction video with Jim Monos, the team’s former director of personnel and 2009 Super Bowl champ with the Saints.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to download the app and catch future Substack Live videos, too.
Thanks, all!
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
GREEN BAY, Wisc. — Christmas decorations are going up in House Clark and just know that the Green Bay Packers’ hulking defensive tackle goes hard for the holidays. This family is getting into the spirit… and then some.
Head downstairs, into the man cave, and you’ll see massive action shots of Kenny Clark in the trenches.
One features Clark nose up on the ball, staring through the soul of a Carolina Panthers center. There are two game balls atop a fireplace mantle — one from a 10-3 win over the Bears in 2019, another from a 38-20 win over the Bears in 2023. That second ball holds a special place in his heart.
In a back corner are Normatec compression leg sleeves. He’s always seeking an edge. After all, those collisions at the line of scrimmage take a physical toll on a 6-foot-3, 314-pound man.
And in comfy sweatpants, the Packers’ grizzled nine-year stalwart in the middle takes a seat on a plush sectional sofa to chat again with Go Long.
Readers may remember our profile from the 2021 season. That’s when Clark opened up about his incarcerated father. Kenny Jr. was only 9 years old when Kenny Sr. was locked up for a murder he insisted he did not commit. (“My Dad did nothing wrong,” son said then.) Clark truly had no idea if his Dad would ever get to see him play — he was sentenced to a minimum of 55 years. To his shock, that moment finally arrived in Week 1 of the ‘23 season at Chicago. It was an emotional afternoon for Kenny Jr., for his mother, for everyone. After more appeals, court proceedings and heartache than he could ever recall, Kenny Clark finally has his father back.
Life is good.
His daughter, Kenaii, is growing fast and he’s got another baby girl on the way.
He inked a three-year, $64 million extension last July.
As for this year’s team? Clark hasn’t felt this hopeful in a long time. The three-time Pro Bowler who’s been on this team since 2016 has suffered plenty of crushing postseason over the years. Now, he’s the elder statesman on the youngest team in the league.
It only made sense to catch up with Clark on our recent reporting trip to Wisconsin.
Audio of our conversation is above for our latest edition of “How the NFL Works,” and the written transcript is here:
Right here is how one of the best of the best on the defensive line balances life and football in the heat of a playoff run.
Full episodes, as always, are available to Go Long subscribers.
Bring in that Christmas cheer!
Previous episodes of “How the NFL Works:”
* S1 E4: 'Get a Quarterback' with Super Bowl champ and ex-NFL exec Jim Monos
* S1 E3: Resurrecting a Franchise with Ron Wolf
* S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf
* S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy Avery
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Greetings from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport!
Always love flying back to the Badger State where the Spotted Cow tastes just as good as I remember and team president Mark Murphy essentially built an entirely new town around Lambeau Field. (Great work, Mark.) It was a very busy week of reporting for future stories at Go Long in Green Bay, Wisc. — make sure you’re subscribed to read ‘em all. But before heading to the airport to fly back to Western New York, I recorded this Substack Live with Peter Bukowski of “The Leap” and the Locked On Packers podcast.
We try to make a little more sense of the mess in Chicago and what the Bears could do to make Caleb Williams’ life easier.
Also, will we witness another second-half surge out of Jordan Love? The Packers sure hope so.
This was fun.
As a reminder, you can download the Substack app here to catch these impromptu videos with fellow Substackers live:
Miss our feature today? I caught up again with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. He’s come a long way from nobody recognizing him at Elmo’s for chicken wings as a rookie. Hamlin opens up more on the night he died and came back to life.
His comeback represents the beauty of the sport.
Thank you for reading, subscribing and sharing, everyone.
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe -
Chicago Bears fans have descended from Cloud 9. The hype has subsided and the panic is here.
Ah, now, this is familiar territory for the franchise.
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was fired on Tuesday and more changes could be on the horizon. The playcalling has been bad. The offensive line is battered and struggling. But how worried should the Bears be about No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams? Is starting Tyson Bagent a possibility? We get into everything here on the latest episode of the “Ty & Bob Pod” — your NFC North-centric podcast — with Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn.
Chicago’s depravity at the quarterback position was explored in our two-part series over the offseason. Williams was supposed to be different, and he still can be.
What a fragile time for Chicago.
Also on this episode, the Minnesota Vikings squeaked out an ugly 12-7 win over Jacksonville. This team has far exceeded expectations and enters the cupcake portion of its schedule, but Sam Darnold’s three picks are a concern.
The Detroit Lions found a way to win vs. Houston despite five interceptions from Jared Goff. We shouldn’t be surprised. The real question is whether or not James Houston relieved himself during the game. We investigate.
And, somehow, we meander into some Aaron Rodgers talk.
Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing.
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General managers spend seven months meticulously crafting a plan for the NFL season.
They piece together a winning formula and sell a contender to ownership, media and fans alike.
But you know the legendary Mike Tyson quote. Everyone has a plan until they’re punched in the face. Here at the midway point of the 2024 NFL season, several teams must decide whether they’ve got a realistic chance to win with their current group or if it’s time to plan for 2025. Even then, it gets complicated — what goes into those 2025 plans? Who stays, who goes?
For our new show this season — “How the NFL Works” — I welcome back an old friend: Jim Monos.
My former podcast co-host worked as scout for the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints — winning a Super Bowl in 2009 — before taking over as the Buffalo Bills director of personnel 2013- ‘17. Now, he’s the GM for the Memphis Showboats of the UFL.
For an hour, we get into plenty…
* Are the Cincinnati Bengals contenders? Joe Burrow’s crew has a monster game tonight against the Baltimore Ravens.
* What now for the New York Giants. I tried to make sense of this team following their latest gut-punch loss in the Monday column. Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll decided to roll with Daniel Jones this season. While the 2-7 record isn’t all on the quarterback, Jones’ ceiling has been clear. We discuss how the Giants should navigate the rest of the season.
* The Bills are 7-2. Life’s always good when you’ve got Josh Allen at QB. But January Football should always be on this team’s brain. I ask Monos if the Bills are better equipped to win that inevitable playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
* Why the 2024 Bills remind Monos of his 2009 Saints.
* And throughout the pod, we connect the issues of NFL teams present to Monos’ past. He faced all of these quarterback decisions running the Bills with GM Doug Whaley. More specifically, he understands the danger in sticking with a QB who isn’t the answer. His lesson: Find your guy.
Audio is above. Video is below. You can also catch this episode everywhere you pod, including…
Apple
Spotify
YouTube
Make you download the Substack app where we’ll continue to film “Substack Live” videos, like this one after the Bills’ dramatic win over Miami.
Miss our latest feature? Here’s a profile on the marauding maniac central to everything in Minnesota: linebacker Blake Cashman.
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Jordan Love was careless.
Jared Goff was flawless.
And the Detroit Lions socked the Green Bay Packers with haymakers at the line of scrimmage — jarring considering all of the injuries to Dan Campbell’s crew.
We examine the 24-14 defeat in full here on the “Ty & Bob Pod.” Our Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob McGinn reviewed the tape and many of his findings will surprise you.
Also, the Minnesota Vikings snapped their two-game skid with a convincing 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts at home. It was not perfect. Sam Darnold threw two bad picks and there are questions on the offensive line. But Kevin O’Connell can take a lot of good from this win, from left tackle Cam Robinson’s debut to Justin Jefferson’s dominance to Brian Flores’ defense getting back to its chaotic ways.
Go Long paid subscribers can access the full hour and a half.
Packers-Lions talk starts the show and we get to the Vikings about an hour in. As always, the “McGinn Memory” tops us off.
Audio is above and video is below.
Thank you for fueling our independent journalism.
Miss our Monday column? I wrote on Joe Schoen, Brian Daboll and the New York Giants’ direction.
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Tyler Bass missed an extra point on Sunday afternoon against the Miami Dolphins and banked another one in.
So, of course, the Buffalo Bills kicker drilled the game-winner from 61 freakin’ yards.
What a thriller in Orchard Park as Buffalo outlasted Miami, 30-27, to improve to 7-2.
Here at Substack, we’ve now got the ability to bring you live videos. Right inside the app, we’ll start recording more instant reactions to various games and news stories. After this wild finish, it felt like a perfect time to welcome back my old podcast co-host Jim Monos. For those new to Go Long, Monos won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints as a southeast scout and served as the Bills’ director of personnel with former GM Doug Whaley.
Now, Monos is taking over as GM of the Memphis Showboats in the UFL this upcoming 2025 season.
He always brings a fresh perspective.
Here’s a quick half-hour on Bills-Dolphins and I’ll sit down with Monos again soon for an episode of “How the NFL Works.”
Thanks, everyone. Be sure to download the app for all future Substack Lives:
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The NFC North has been high drama from the get-go this 2024 NFL season.
All four teams quickly found hope through all four quarterbacks.
Now, the weather’s getting colder, the stakes are rising and we’ll see who can separate. This Sunday, the Detroit Lions (6-1) head to Wisconsin for a date with the Green Bay Packers (6-2). Both clubs are feeling damn good after victories. Who has the edge? How did each team score victories this past Sunday? This week’s episode of the Ty & Bod Pod — with Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn — explores in full.
Josh Jacobs has become central to the Packers offense. Rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper continues to be a menace. Jordan Love is now battling a groin injury. Jaire Alexander’s effort on a few plays left quite a bit to be desired. The Packers are a fascinating (and healthy) bunch right now. We get into everything.
The Lions, meanwhile, are again coping with a Jameson Williams incident. Not ideal!
Dan Campbell’s search for a pass rush has led him to strange places, too.
Elsewhere, the Chicago Bears lost in the most absurd fashion imaginable. Tyrique Stevenson, of course, was caught on camera taunting fans on the final Hail Mary. How did Caleb Williams play? It was an adventure for the No. 1 overall pick.
Minnesota lost to the Rams in L.A., and now must replace its dancing-bear left tackle, Christian Darrisaw. While we recording this episode, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah swung a trade for Cam Robinson.
Finally, the “McGinn Memory” is a classic. Let’s just say it involves quarterback Lynn Dickey and dog pee.
Go Long subscribers can access the full hour and 38 minutes of analysis. This was a fun one.
Audio is above and video is below.
My column from Monday recapping Week 8 is the NFL — focusing on GM Brian Gutekunst — is also live, icymi, as is this feature on Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr.
Thanks, all.
Go Long is your completely independent home for longform journalism in pro football.
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Apparently, the Washington Commanders were not told this was supposed to be a rebuilding year. So much for a three-year plan.
As we near the halfway point, they’re 5-2 and in prime position to win the NFC East. Rookie Jayden Daniels has exceeded the wildest of expectations — those scouts who saw “Mahomes” might’ve correct — and head coach Dan Quinn is one of the best culture-builders in the game. On Friday AM, I’ll have a story on running back Brian Robinson Jr. We sat down in Virginia, and wow. What a road it’s been for the man who absorbed two bullets.
Until then, here’s a big-picture podcast on the Commanders. I’m joined by JP Finlay.
Finlay covers the Commanders for NBC Sports Washington and hosts “B Mitch & Finley” with former NFL great Brian Mitchell on 106.7 The Fan. You can follow him on X.
We get into everything from the offensive line’s play to Daniels’ immediate success to a (very) deep coaching staff.
Audio is above and everywhere you pod, including Apple and Spotify.
Video is below.
Thank you, everyone.
Go Long is your home for NFL longform. Subscribers can access all columns, all features, all podcasts.
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The best game of the season, to date, was played at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Detroit took this heavyweight brawl vs. Minnesota, 31-29. Jared Goff was nearly perfect. Jahmyr Gibbs continues to prove Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell right. The Lions had a handle of Brian Flores’ wacky pressures. And with so many pass rushers out, the Lions relied on pickle-lid tight coverage in the secondary. It was an impressive afternoon for a roste besieged by injury.
Here on the Ty & Bob Pod with Hall of Fame sports writer Bob McGinn, we dissect the game in full.
Maybe the Vikings lost, but they proved they’re also ready to contend.
Sam Darnold was damn good in his own right. Jonathan Greenard is worth every penny, too.
Around the one hour-mark, we shift our conversation to the Green Bay Packers’ 24-22 win over the Houston Texans. A healthy Packers team is taking care of business.
The Jordan Love Experience was in full effect at Lambeau Field. We prefer the quarterback willing to take chances ‘round here.
Meanwhile, Jeff Hafley is off to one of the best starts McGinn has seen out of a first-year Packers defensive coordinator.
Finally, the McGinn Memory is another classic. Once upon a time, high school teams played at Lambeau Field. Before the pros took the field, they’d tear the hallowed field up.
You can listen to this episode above, watch it below or sync up on Apple, Spotify, everywhere you pod.
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The Minnesota Vikings have a championship formula. Brian Flores’ defense has been in attack mode since Game 1. With money to spend, the Vikings found the pieces he needs. Sam Darnold has launched himself into the MVP conversation. His game’s been a perfect fit with Kevin O’Connell.
A team predicted by so many to finish last in the NFC North is 5-0.
How did the Vikings get here?
How long can it last?
Go Long is here to find out. We’ll have stories in the near future on this team.
First, here’s a chat with Matthew Coller of Purple Insider. We get into what makes Flores’ scheme special, the coordinator’s own personality post-Dolphins, Darnold’s resurgence and the looming quarterback question of the future.
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We figured the NFC North would be a bare-knuckle brawl. That’s why we built a podcast around the division this 2024 season.
Six weeks in, there’s no debate. Minnesota (5-0), Detroit (4-1), Green Bay (4-2) and Chicago (4-2) occupy the best division in football.
So, let’s dive in.
A loaded episode for you this week with co-host Bob McGinn.
The Lions went full Tony Soprano on the Dallas Cowboys, but it came at a steep cost. We begin the show with a ton of Aidan Hutchinson talk. How will Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell replace the sole source of their pass rush? McGinn offers a few realistic trade options. Expect Detroit to be aggressive. It’s Super Bowl or Bust for this team.
How did the Lions dismantle the Cowboys, 47-9? McGinn dissects the film as only he can. The offensive line left a trail of bodies in its wake. Carlton Davis is starting to prove why he’s a perfect fit in Campbell’s defense, too… cleat to the face ‘n all.
At the 48-minute mark, we shift to the Packers’ blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals.
More specifically, wide receiver Romeo Doubs.
We got to know the wide receiver with a two-part feature:
There’s a lot to unpack.
Is Doubs pissed?
Where do the two sides go from here?
Here’s thinking the two parties are best together. Doubs is exactly what the Packers need on offense.
McGinn uncovers a lot on film, too. Rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Evan Williams are heating up in a big way. Zach Tom’s been excellent. Jaire Alexander is forever a topic of conversation.
As for the Chicago Bears? Caleb Williams is getting better every single week. Across the pond, the No. 1 overall pick torched Jacksonville for four touchdown passes. We both like what OC Shane Waldron’s dialing up on offense. Bears talk starts at the 1:20 mark.
This week’s “McGinn Memory” is a classic, too. Bob brings us back to his quarterback days in the U.P., when a future NFL pro lined up on the other side of the ball.
Full episodes of the Ty & Bob Pod are always available to our paid subscribers.
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The task, to most, appeared insurmountable. This was a Green Bay Packers franchise that had completely forgotten how to win.
When Ron Wolf took over as general manager in November 1991, the football team in the NFL’s smallest market was short on both talent and belief. With free agency looming, it was fair to wonder if the Packers would become obsolete. It had been 24 years since Vince Lombardi won his last title and — over those 24 years — these Packers made the playoffs only twice. (Many readers here certainly remember those dark ages.)
Then, Wolf changed everything.
All the Packers have known since his arrival is winning.
He traded for Brett Favre, hired Mike Holmgren, signed Reggie White and restored the glory days. Through his decade as GM, the Packers never had a losing season, won three NFC Central titles and, of course, reached two Super Bowls. The Packers triumphed over New England in ‘96.
So… how?
How did Ron Wolf make the team in this frigid pocket of the country a winner built to last? The GMs that’ve followed — Ted Thompson and Brian Gutekunst — were both hired by Wolf as scouts in the 90s and both followed Wolf’s blueprint. The Packers became a team that expects to compete for a championship every year. All a credit to Wolf, first and foremost.
General managers across the NFL are trying to turn organizations around. We’ve spoken to many.
Here on the third episode of “How the NFL Works,” Wolf explains in full how he did it. After so many years working as a personnel man for Al Davis and the Raiders (1963- ‘74, 1979- ‘89), a brief run as Tampa Bay’s VP of football operations (‘76- ‘78) and the Jets’ personnel director (‘90- ‘91), the timing was right. Wolf was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. Today, his son Eliot is the GM of the New England Patriots.
Audio and video are available here for Go Long paid subscribers.
The written Q&A is also available:
New readers/listeners can join us here.
Topics discussed…
* What compelled Ron Wolf to trade a first-round pick for Brett Favre? The Bucs years taught him a valuable lesson. He knew he needed a quarterback.
* Was there a game, a practice, a moment Wolf knew Favre was exactly what the Packers needed? GMs across the NFL are waiting to be struck my cupid’s arrow at the position themselves.
* Favre should’ve been a New York Jet. Instead, he became a Packer and the trade launched the most unprecedented run of quarterback play the NFL’s seen.
* Green Bay had many disadvantages. To this day, it’s hard to convince players in their mid-20s to live in Wisconsin. But Wolf didn’t overthink the negative. He knew there were many built-in advantages to running a football team here… and he played off those advantages. He was determined to make Titletown a Destination Town. Right down to finding the best barbers he could, Wolf make this a player-friendly operation.
* Hiring Mike Holmgren. (The 49ers OC was the “girl with the curl,” Wolf says.)
* Signing for Reggie White. (Sometimes, it simply pays to pay the most money.)
* All these years later, he still thinks about the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXII loss to the Denver Broncos. Wolf reveals his great regret.
* Why he believes Sterling Sharpe should join him in Canton.
* Several personnel men under Wolf have spread his philosophy to other franchises. One, John Dorsey, helped build the best team in the NFL. Another, John Schneider, is still going strong in Seattle. Thompson, of course, won a Super Bowl in 2010.
* Drafting Donald Driver. (The Chicago Bears are to thank.)
* Trading for Ahman Green. (He knew the running back was in Seattle’s doghouse.)
* And the best feeling of them all? Winning the NFC Championship at Lambeau Field over the Carolina Panthers.
Thank you for listening, watching and sharing. You’ll enjoy this one.
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Video:
Miss an episode of “How the NFL Works?”
* How the NFL Works, S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy Avery
* How the NFL Works, S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf
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Wide receivers aren’t getting open.
Josh Allen had one of the worst games of his career, completing 9 of 30 passes.
The protection broke down.
The playcalling those final three snaps — to put it mildly — was less than ideal.
After starting 3-0, the Buffalo Bills have lost two straight to AFC contenders. Where does GM Brandon Beane, head coach Sean McDermott, Allen and this Bills offense go from here? There’s a lot to unpack. On the podcast, we try to make sense of it all with Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. The key, as always, is to maximize Allen while you can. But the offense hasn’t looked this bad since the quarterback’s rookie year.
We’ve got our two main podcasts, of course: “How the NFL Works” and the “Ty & Bob Pod.” But in addition to these shows, I’m going to bring back more weekly analysis with various media guests.
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Next up for the Bills is a date with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. This is an old quarterback experiencing issues of his own.
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The underbelly of this league is often gruesome.
Sadly, the NFL itself chooses to ignore that underbelly.
That’s why Ryan Leaf has become so valuable to droves of former players — he’s living proof. Many remember Leaf as the quarterback drafted No. 2 overall after Peyton Manning, the “bust” who threw 14 touchdowns, 36 interceptions and washed out of the sport. But everything that’s happened since he left the NFL is the real story. Leaf battled severe depression and eight years of opioid abuse. Breaking into the homes of friends to steal Oxycodone and Vicodin, his addiction was out of control.
Leaf attempted suicide, slicing his wrist with a dull life. He once considered letting his car run in his parents’ closed garage so they’d find him.
Leaf spent 32 months in prison.
Leaf completely turned his life around.
The goal of our new show — “How the NFL Works” — is to bring you football in its most unfiltered form, so it only makes sense to bring on the man unafraid to reveal what life’s like for players after the whistle. Because Leaf also knows this: He’s not alone. He has become a go-to resource for players throughout the NFL. Original Go Long readers may remember the QB’s first visit with us, shortly after former NFL wideout Vincent Jackson tragically died. (It was very emotional.)
For an hour here, we take the conversation a step further.
Audio is above. Video is below.
Written transcript is available here:
A few topics discussed…
* How he has linked up with ex-players at the Menninger Clinic in Houston.
* Why he views the NFL as a “propaganda” and “money-printing” machine. Criticize the NFL and there’s a good chance you’re not welcomed onto the league’s morning show.
* Troy Vincent. He’s got a problem with the league’s executive vice president of football operations.
* Conversations with struggling ex-players. Many, like him, are having suicidal ideation. He takes listeners into this cruel world that’s not broadcast to the masses. His message to guys: “You could move mountains 100 times what you did as a football player.”
* The “identity crisis” players face once they enter the real world after a life in football.
* Leaf’s prison roommate convinced him to teach other inmates how to read. This gave Leaf a sense of purpose, even if he didn’t see it at the time. That sense of purpose changed everything in his life. Still, by no means does Leaf want people thinking a flip was switched and he’s in the clear. Staying sober for 12 years (and counting) is a daily struggle. He nearly relapsed right when he got out of prison, then again years later. Leaf relives both days in immense detail.
* Why he views himself as a “lighthouse.”
* Painkillers in football. They keep players on the field, but at what cost? It was a problem when Leaf played, and he’s heard it’s still a problem.
* Today? Leaf is happily married with two kids, calls college football games, does work with the Menninger Clinic and started a new venture with “The Last Mile,” in which the ex-QB helps current inmates learn a skill they can take into the workforce once they’re released. This work will also be featured on a new SiriusXM radio show.
* Leaf recently walked into the prison in which he was incarcerated. The anxiety was overwhelming. He saw the same guards who treated him poorly. Then, he remembered his larger purpose.
* What should the NFL do to help retirees?
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* Miss Episode 1 of “How the NFL Works?” Here’s my conversation with quarterback whisperer Quincy Avery.
Also, here is Leaf’s first chat with us, icymi:
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe - Visa fler
