

Sports Spectrum Podcast
Sports Spectrum
Sports Spectrum is an interview driven podcast hosted by former Chicago Bears Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte.
Each episode, Forte will bring you stories and conversations at the intersection of sports and Jesus.
Each episode, Forte will bring you stories and conversations at the intersection of sports and Jesus.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 13, 2023 • 32min
Bear Rinehart - NEEDTOBREATHE lead singer on his college football career, his new album and living unashamed
Bear Rinehart is the lead singer with the GRAMMY nominated, multi-platinum rock band NEEDTOBREATHE. In college, Rinehart starred at wide receiver with Furman University from 1999-2002. He won the 2002 Banks McFadden trophy for South Carolina football player of the year. NEEDTOBREATHE's new album CAVES releases Friday September 15, 2023 and they begin a tour across the U.S.A. in October. Today on the show, we talk to Bear Rinehart about NEEDTOBREATHE's new album, his college football career, his favorite football playing memory, his love for golf and the importance of his faith in the Lord. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine

Sep 11, 2023 • 51min
Mike Furrey - Former wide receiver on his improbable NFL playing journey and being an ambassador for Christ
Mike Furrey is the head coach at Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina. Previously he was the Chicago Bears Wide Receiver's coach from 2018-2021. In college, Mike starred at Northern Iowa from 1996-1999 and joined the Indianapolis Colts after going undrafted in 2000. After a few seasons in the XFL, Furrey made the Rams roster and played both offense and defense as a converted free safety. He had four interceptions in 2005 with the Rams. In 2006, he signed with the Lions, switched back to wide receiver and excelled with 98 receptions, 1,086 yards and six touchdowns. He would play three more seasons with Detroit before finishing his career in 2009 with the Browns. Today on the podcast, we talk to Mike Furrey about his incredible NFL story, playing offense and defense as a pro, his Kurt Warner parallel, being an overcomer and how coaching has helped him grow in his walk with Jesus. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine

Sep 10, 2023 • 20min
Sports Spectrum Magazine Fall 2023 Preview (Kirk Cousins)
Today on the podcast, our SS Managing Editor Jon Ackerman joins host Jason Romano to preview the 2023 Fall edition of the Sports Spectrum Magazine featuring Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins on the cover. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine

Sep 8, 2023 • 39min
Marcus Cannon - New England Patriots 3x Super Bowl champion on his football future, his growing faith and overcoming cancer
Marcus Cannon played for 11 years in the NFL with the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft after playing college football at Texas Christian University. During his 10 seasons with New England, Cannon was a member of three Super Bowl championship teams in 2014, 2016 and 2018. In 2016, he was named second-team All-Pro. Today on the podcast, we talk to Marcus Cannon about overcoming a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, playing in the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, the importance to fully trust God and if he's done playing football. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine

Sep 6, 2023 • 30min
Roger Powell Jr. - Valparaiso men's basketball coach on new opportunities and trusting in God's guidance
Roger Powell Jr. was named the head coach of Valparaiso University's men's basketball program on April 7, 2023. Previously, he served as an assistant coach with Gonzaga University under coach Mark Few from 2019-2023 and with Vanderbilt from 2016-2019. He played collegiately at the University of Illinois and was a part of three Big Ten titles and three Sweet Sixteen berths. In his senior season, he helped the Illini to a 37-2 record and a berth in the national championship game against North Carolina. Today on the podcast, we talk to Roger Powell Jr about his new opportunity as a head coach at Valpo, his pivot from playing to coaching, surrendering his life to Christ as a preacher in college and building a culture of trust. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine

Sep 4, 2023 • 43min
Terrell Fletcher - Former Chargers running back on the football preparing him for ministry
Terrell Fletcher played eight seasons in the NFL with the Chargers from 1995-2002. He was selected in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Chargers after a stellar college career at the University of Wisconsin. During his senior year with the Badgers, he rushed for 1,476 yards and 12 touchdowns and was named the 1995 Hall of Fame Outback Bowl MVP. After retirement, Fletcher went to seminary and spent more than a decade serving as a pastor in California. Today on the podcast, we talk to Terrell Fletcher about turning 50 years old, the advice he'd give to his younger self, his favorite NFL God moment and the importance of continuing to develop as a follower of Christ. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine

Sep 3, 2023 • 41min
Dave DesRochers - Former NFL o-lineman shares powerful story of addiction and forgiveness
Dave DesRochers is a former NFL offensive lineman with the Seattle Seahawks. He was selected in the 12th round of the 1988 NFL Draft by Seattle after playing college football at San Diego State. Today Dave is the founder and CEO of the 1st and Goal Project and Vice President of the NFL Players Association Orange County, CA chapter. Dave has a powerful story of overcoming addiction and finding purpose after the pain. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine

Sep 1, 2023 • 47min
Ben Hartsock - Former NFL tight end on CFB traditions, Ohio State/Michigan and identity in Christ
Ben Hartsock played 10 years in the NFL as a tight end with the Colts, Titans, Falcons, Jets and Panthers. He was selected in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft by Indianapolis after a stellar career at Ohio State, where he helped the Buckeyes to the 2002 national championship. After retiring from the NFL, Ben pursued broadcasting and is currently a college football commentator with SiriusXM on College Sports channel 84 and Big 10 Radio channel 372. Today on the podcast, Ben Hartsock shares about his RV experience, kicking dreams in high school, college football traditions, the Michigan/Ohio State rivalry, catching passes from Peyton Manning and Tom Brady and what he's learning from God right now about identity and value in Christ. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine

Aug 30, 2023 • 33min
Jon Acuff - NY Times Bestselling Author on having goals, ditching regret and tapping into our potential
Jon Acuff is a speaker, entrepreneur, podcast host and a New York Times bestselling author with his books “Do Over” and “Start.” Acuff is also an Inc. Magazine Top 100 Leadership Speaker. His latest book, "All It takes Is a Goal" releases September 12. Today on the podcast, Jade McCarthy talks to Jon Acuff about his new book, the importance of having goals, ditching regret and the importance of tapping into our full potential. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine

Aug 28, 2023 • 32min
Austin Reed - Western Kentucky QB on confidence, servant leadership and God's purpose
Austin Reed is a quarterback at Western Kentucky University. In 2022, he led the nation in passing yards with 4,744 yards to go along with 40 touchdown passes and eight rushing touchdowns. He was the 2022 New Orleans Bowl MVP where he threw for 497 yards and 4 touchdown passes to lead the Hilltoppers to a 44-23 win over South Alabama. Prior to arriving at Western Kentucky, Reed led West Florida with 4,084 passing yards and 40 touchdowns and helped his team to a Division II national championship. Today on the podcast, we talk to Austin Reed about his goals for 2023, his NFL future, the difference between between confident and cocky, fighting the performance complex and living out God's purpose in his life. Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15 http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine