
The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL
The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-host Derrik Klassen dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, tackle the ins and outs of roster building, follow the details of why we all love this sport, and have plenty of fun along the way, bringing the expertise necessary to cover the NFL at the highest level. Whether it’s happening on the field or behind the scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at all things NFL on The Athletic Football Show, available wherever you get your podcasts.
Latest episodes

May 7, 2025 • 1h 15min
Cold Takes Revisited
The hosts dive into their past NFL predictions with a humorous twist, reflecting on where they went wrong. They analyze unexpected struggles from the Jaguars and Texans, and highlight the evolution of young quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and CJ Stroud. The discussion also unveils innovative strategies that led to surprising successes for teams like the Eagles and Vikings. Lastly, they explore the complexities of team dynamics and coaching challenges, emphasizing the balance between talent and structure in achieving NFL success.

7 snips
May 6, 2025 • 1h 34min
Offseason Buy or Sell: Teams in Transition
Dive into NFL offseason dynamics as teams in transition face pivotal changes. The discussion covers the Titans and Browns' strategies, assessing their potential for success. The hosts evaluate the Giants' and Patriots' offseason moves, balancing optimism and skepticism. The Jets' acquisitions are scrutinized, highlighting the mix of excitement and concerns. Plus, insights into the Saints and Panthers' strategies reflect their long-term goals. Join the analysis as buy or sell decisions shape the future of these evolving franchises!

May 5, 2025 • 1h 35min
Draft fallout and James Cook's future lead the return of the TAFS mailbag
The hosts dive into the recent NFL draft, exploring which teams showed promise in developing players. They discuss accuracy improvements for quarterbacks and the surprising future of James Cook in Buffalo. A lighthearted take on memorable draft moments contrasts with serious assessments of team strategies, including the Falcons' decisions and how lightweight pass rushers are faring. Lost opportunities and key trades add excitement as they ponder the potential of quarterbacks like Mahomes to elevate struggling teams to elite status.

May 1, 2025 • 1h 22min
Biggest questions remaining after the draft
Following the NFL Draft, critical questions loom for various teams. The Cowboys' pass-catching woes raise eyebrows, while the Bills' anxieties about their receiving corps are discussed. The Steelers face decisions on their quarterback future, pondering between familiar faces like Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers. The Panthers' late cornerback choices leave fans scratching their heads, and the Vikings' secondary conditions appear precarious. Plus, a spotlight on sneaky teams that could surprise in 2025 and the dynamics of veteran trades and contracts adds intrigue.

Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 22min
The messages teams sent in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Field Yates
Teams can lie to us before the draft. They can obfuscate. They can mislead. Once the draft arrives, though, they have to tell the truth. So what messages did teams send once they finally had to put their money where their mouth is? Robert Mays and Field Yates from ESPN discuss the messages teams sent in the 2025 NFL Draft on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.
Rundown
Bills
Steelers
A quick Giants tangent
Raiders
Cardinals
Patriots
49ers
Dolphins
Titans
Packers
Host: Robert Mays
Co-Host: Derrik Klassen
With: Field Yates
Executive Producer: Michael Beller
Producer: Michael Beller
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Follow Field on X: @FieldYates
Theme song: Haunted
Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs
Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 1h 33min
2025 NFL Draft day three recap and overall takeaways
Dane Brugler, an NFL Draft analyst for The Athletic, joins the discussion to highlight key takeaways from the 2025 NFL Draft. They dive into the Cleveland Browns' surprising choice of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and analyze the strategic moves of teams like the Patriots and Dolphins. The conversation sheds light on emotional shifts during day three, notable late-round picks, and the implications of trades on team dynamics. Brugler offers insights into how these selections could shape the futures of various franchises.

7 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 58min
2025 NFL Draft second and third round recap
Dane Brugler, a draft expert at The Athletic, sheds light on the thrilling second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. He discusses standout picks like Trevion Henderson and Siobhan Ravel, emphasizing how these selections align with team strategies. The conversation also dives into surprising choices that raised eyebrows among analysts, including the decisions made by the Buccaneers and Texans. Brugler provides keen insights on player fit and the evolving dynamics of draft strategies, hinting at what might unfold in the upcoming season.

Apr 25, 2025 • 54min
2025 NFL Draft first round recap + best day two picks
Dane Brugler, an NFL Draft analyst known for his college player insights, and Bruce Feldman, a college football insider, team up to dissect the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They highlight standout picks like Derek Harmon and discuss the bold moves made by teams, including the Jaguars' trade for Travis Hunter. Surprises and strategic fits are analyzed, revealing how player landing spots can reshape perceptions. The duo also dives into the trends of drafting offensive linemen and anticipates the next round's exciting possibilities.

9 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 20min
Biggest remaining questions heading into the 2025 NFL Draft
Friends, the 2025 NFL Draft has arrived. All our questions will finally be answered. But, for the time being, we still have questions! How many quarterbacks will go in the first round? Who, if anyone, will make a big move up the board? How will the receiver and corner positions shake out? Will any veteran players get traded? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dane Brugler ask the questions that still have them flummoxed on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown
All things quarterback
Who makes the move for Ashton Jeanty?
Who's going to be the trade-up team?
How high do the toolsy pass rushers go?
Are both tight ends really gonna go that high?
How do the receivers shake out?
How does corner shake out?
Veteran player trades
Does the league buy these interior offensive linemen?
What do the 49ers want to be on defense?
Who's the back-half-of-the-first-round surprise pick?
Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenWith: Dane BruglerExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dane on Bluesky: @danebrugler.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dane on X: @dpbruglerTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 39min
The very good, but maybe not great, 2025 NFL Draft offensive line class
Join draft expert Dane Brugler, known for his insights on offensive linemen, and Brandon Thorn, a specialist in offensive line analysis, as they dissect the 2025 NFL Draft's offensive line class. They explore standout prospects like Will Campbell and Josh Connerly, highlighting their unique skills and potential fit for NFL teams. The duo tackles injury recovery timelines and team strategies for integrating new talent, all while emphasizing the importance of matching player skills to team needs. It's a deep dive into a solid yet unremarkable group of future NFL stars!
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