The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Vita Vea, a two-time Pro Bowler and defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joins Ndamukong Suh to dive into the ins and outs of NFL rookie contracts. They discuss the often-overlooked expenses of being a young player, from rookie dinners to family support. Vita shares his journey of buying a house for his parents, highlighting the emotional stakes behind financial decisions. The duo emphasizes the need for financial literacy and building a solid support team to navigate the complexities of an athlete's finances.

Listeners get a deep dive into the NFL's most cursed franchises, weighing the struggles of teams like the Vikings and Chargers. The discussion transitions to the Bengals, analyzing their championship prospects and coaching dynamics. Insights on the importance of non-QB factors surface, alongside interesting takes on Zac Taylor's leadership. Listener questions spark debates on fandom, loyalty, and coaching performance, adding a personal touch. As the offseason ends, excitement builds for training camp and the future of the league.

Dave Helman, a contributor specializing in the dynamics of NFL quarterback play, joins discussions on the intriguing Honorability Index. The conversation reveals how character influences quarterback reputation and performance metrics. Helman and the hosts dissect traits of honorable quarterbacks, notable examples, and the evolution of players like Patrick Mahomes. They explore the balance between risk-taking and effectiveness, evaluating various playing styles, from Dak Prescott's adaptability to the creative gameplay of CJ Stroud.

This week features Dave Helman, an insightful contributor who dives deep into NFL quarterback dynamics. The conversation revolves around the elusive quest for the sixth-best quarterback, with plenty of opinions on players like Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford. They explore the impact of recent contracts on team strategies and highlight emerging talents such as CJ Stroud and Jordan Love. The episode is packed with heated debates over rankings and legacies, making it a must-listen for football enthusiasts craving the latest on quarterback performances.

Join Pablo Torre, host of the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast and an insightful sports journalist, as he dives into the NFLPA's collusion grievance against the league. They unpack a significant 61-page ruling revealing potential collusion among team owners regarding player contracts. The discussion also highlights the troubling confidentiality agreements that left players uninformed, raising urgent questions about transparency and trust within the NFLPA. Torre sheds light on the broader implications for player negotiations and the power dynamics at play.

Dave Helman, a valued contributor with sharp insights into team dynamics, joins to dissect the unpredictable landscape of NFL teams as the 2025 season approaches. The discussion highlights the conflicting strategies of the Bengals and Jaguars, the developmental hurdles of young quarterbacks like CJ Stroud, and the potential of teams like the Lions and Packers battling for prominence. There's also a look into the Saints' uncertain future post-quarterback retirement, capturing the delicate balance between optimism and realism in a competitive league.

The hosts dive into the narratives NFL teams craft each offseason to instill hope. They discuss the Rams' defense upgrades and the Bears' strategies for Caleb Williams. The intense pressures on quarterbacks and mental health in football also come to light. By examining the Giants and Browns' quarterback dilemmas, they highlight the importance of stability amid uncertainty. Additionally, they explore the playoff aspirations of teams like the Raiders and Buccaneers while balancing optimism with realistic expectations.

As training camps approach, the hosts dive into how to separate players from their situations and navigate the balance between going all-in and maintaining long-term stability. They reminisce about their favorite single-season NFL teams and discuss the evolving landscape of the league, including the challenges quarterbacks face today. The importance of creativity in quarterback play is explored, alongside the pitfalls in player evaluation that lead teams astray. Personal stories and nostalgic moments add a touch of emotion to the analysis.

Dane Brugler, an NFL Draft Analyst at The Athletic, joins Robert Mays to dissect the fascinating 2018 NFL Draft with the benefit of hindsight. They explore how the selection of standout quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson could have reshaped team fortunes. The conversation highlights critical decisions, such as the Giants’ choice between Saquon Barkley and Lamar Jackson, and evaluates how alternatives could have transformed franchises. Brugler emphasizes the long-term impact of these picks, making for insightful and entertaining analysis.

Sam Schwartzstein, an analytics expert for Amazon's Thursday Night Football Prime Vision broadcasts, shares his insights on the future of football. He discusses how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing analytics and team strategies. The conversation highlights innovative technologies for injury prevention and performance assessment. Schwartzstein also emphasizes the importance of balancing AI advancements with human expertise in coaching. Exciting new visualization techniques are set to enhance viewer engagement, transforming how fans experience the game.