The Lead

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has developed into one of best -- if not the best -- tight ends in the NFL. Coming into Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, which the 49ers won easily, he was second in the league among tight ends in receiving yards despite missing two games. The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman has been following Kittle since his days at the University of Iowa, and he joins us to explain how the former Hawkeye went from a skinny, unheralded recruit to one of the best players in the game, the keys to his transformation, and why the gregarious star is still so beloved back home.Read Scott Dochterman's profile of George Kittle:https://theathletic.com/2144144/2020/10/18/george-kittle-49ers-tight-end-iowa-football-transformation-receiver-nfl/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Doris Burke has been there for many of the biggest moments in NBA history, whether it's on the court after a championship game, asking questions to superstars like LeBron James or Steph Curry, or calling games from beside the court. During her pioneering career, she has earned the respect of players, coaches, and fans, and has become a role model for many women in sports broadcasting. The Athletic's Dana O'Neil -- a friend and former colleague of Burke -- recently wrote a profile about the iconic broadcaster, and she joins us to explain how Burke has broken barrier after barrier without that ever being her goal.Read Dana O'Neil's profile of Doris Burke:https://theathletic.com/2087918/2020/09/29/this-should-be-normal-doris-burke-making-history-as-she-always-has/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Carolina Panthers made a lot of changes this past offseason. They brought in a new head coach (Matt Rhule), a new quarterback (Teddy Bridgewater), and a new offensive coordinator (Joe Brady). They also added a speedy wideout who has taken his game to new heights: Robby Anderson. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Joe Person to look at the factors that have contributed to Anderson’s big breakout, and how his friendship with former Jets teammate Brandon Marshall continues to guide his career. Read Joe Person’s story about Robby Anderson: https://theathletic.com/2135921/2020/10/14/this-dudes-a-baller-robby-andersons-rise-from-speed-freak-to-complete-wr/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twenty years ago, Neil Parry and the San Jose State football team were in the midst of the program's most successful season in years. But then, Parry's football career and his life were upended by a gruesome injury in a game against conference rival University of Texas El Paso, which resulted in him losing the lower portion of his right leg. The Athletic's Jimmy Durkin tells the story of Parry's unthinkable quest to play football again, and how his story is inspiring young football players today.Read Jimmy Durkin's story about Neil Parry:https://theathletic.com/2107484/2020/10/14/san-jose-states-neil-parry-the-amputee-football-player-who-would-never-give-up//?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Tampa Bay Rays are back in the World Series for the first time since 2008, and rookie outfielder Randy Arozarena is a huge reason why. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Eno Sarris to discuss Arozarena’s journey from Cuba to Mexico to the big leagues, his penchant for dance-offs against teammates, and the adjustments that have led to his massive postseason breakout. Read Eno Sarris's story about Randy Arozarena: https://theathletic.com/2133615/2020/10/13/how-long-can-the-randy-arozarena-experience-go-on-like-this/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Buffalo Bills are sitting pretty atop the AFC East, and that's in large part thanks to the strong play of quarterback Josh Allen. But Allen faces a difficult test, and the ultimate measuring stick, when he and his teammates square off against Pat Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn joins us to discuss Allen's impressive start to the 2020 season, what he'll be watching for in the game against the Chiefs, and whether or not this is the breakout season that Allen and Bills fans have been waiting for.Follow Matthew Fairburn's Bills coverage:https://theathletic.com/author/matthew-fairburn/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sergino Dest made history two weekends ago when he became the first American soccer player to suit up for Barcelona. This came after the 19-year-old right back was signed for 25 million euros from Ajax, where he starred last season. The Athletic's Paul Tenorio interviewed some of Dest's former coaches and teammates, and he joins us to explain how the teenager has made such a rapid ascent, what expectations await him, and why he chose to play for the U.S. instead of his country of birth.Read Paul Tenorio and Dermot Corrigan's profile of Sergino Dest:https://theathletic.com/2107987/2020/10/01/sergino-dest-barcelona-koeman/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Bieniemy has been one of the masterminds behind the Kansas City Chiefs' potent attack for several seasons. The Athletic's Dan Pompei recently interviewed Bieniemy, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, and star QB Pat Mahomes (among others) to try and understand what makes the veteran offensive coach tick and why he's been so successful. Dan joins us to break down what those around Bieniemy say about him, and why he is a focal point in the conversation about the NFL's lack of Black head coaches.Read Dan Pompei's profile of Eric Bieniemy:https://theathletic.com/2099024/2020/09/29/put-it-on-my-shoulders-chiefs-eric-bieniemy-knows-he-must-carry-on/?source=theleadpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indianapolis Colts have had some convincing wins and disappointing losses this season, but when they’ve been at their best, they have gotten some big contributions from tight end Mo Alie-Cox. Today, we’re joined by The Athletic’s Zak Keefer to look at Alie-Cox’s astonishing rise from college basketball star to NFL tight end, and how his former coach, Shaka Smart, got him to believe in himself. Read Zak Keefer’s story about Mo Alie-Cox: https://theathletic.com/2117685/2020/10/06/no-experience-necessary-mo-alie-coxs-rise-from-vcu-hoops-star-to-colts-te/?source=theleadpodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the longest season in NBA history -- and perhaps the most difficult -- LeBron James and the Lakers hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy on Sunday night. The Athletic’s Bill Oram joins us to reflect on what this title means to 35-year-old LeBron and to a Lakers organization that did everything in its power to get him and his right hand man, Anthony Davis, after years of controversy and dysfunction.More from Bill Oram:https://theathletic.com/author/bill-oram/?source=theleadpocastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.