The Game Before the Money: Oral History of Pro and College Football
Former NFL, AFL, and NCAA football greats share unforgettable stories about their lives and careers. An oral history of pro and college football that often features never-before-told stories.
Episodes
John Lopez, former NFL trainer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Colts, discusses his career. He shares memories of Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon, the Buccaneers first year in the NFL, and how medicine has changed in the NFL since the 1970s. He also talks about legendary Colts trainer Eddie Block and what it was like for players and staff when the Colts moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis.
The Game Before the Money Podcast...
The 2025 Packers only gave up 6 first-quarter points TOTAL through the first 9 games of the 2025 NFL season. How does that incredible stat compare against some of the NFL's all-time greatest defenses? Host Michael Jackson compares this stat against teams like the 1985 Bears, 1976 Steelers, 1962 Packers, 2007 Patriots, 2000 Ravens, and a few other of the best defenses in NFL history. While the Packers are only 5-3-1 after 9 games, h...
NCAA football coaches Steve Sarkisian of Texas, Mike Elko of Texas A&M, Sonny Dykes of TCU, Rhett Lashlee of SMU, Dave Aranda of Baylor, Willie Fritz of Houston, Joey McGuire of Texas Tech, and Jeff Traylor of UTSA discuss their thoughts on the 2025 NCAA football season and how new rules surrounding paying players affect the game on and off the field. Part 2 of 2. Excerpts taken from the Texas High School Coaches Association pr...
Head coaches Steve Sarkisian of Texas, Mike Elko of Texas A&M, Rhett Lashlee of SMU, Sonny Dykes of TCU, Dave Aranda of Baylor, Joey McGuire of Texas Tech, and Willie Fritz of Houston discuss the effects of money in college football. Quotes were recorded at press conferences during the Texas High School Coaches Association convention in San Antonio. This is a real-time look at history in the making as these coaches discuss the...
Randy Cross, starting 49ers OL during their greatest seasons, shares memories of the Catch, Super Bowl 23, and gives insight as to why the 49ers were a dynasty. He also remembers his upbringing and his college days at UCLA under head coach Dick Vermeil.
The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. The podcast is hosted by Michael Jackson. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.
Former NFL executive Upton Bell shares memories of his father, NFL Commissioner Bert Bell, creating the NFL Draft and early draft memories as well as his time drafting players for Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. Plus, who is the top player in the 2025 NFL Draft and fantastic firsthand accounts of Jackie Robinson as a football player and how he might have fared in the NFL.
The Game Before the Money is a 501 c 3 nonprofit founded by ho...
Upton Bell gives his insights about the NFL dynasties he's witnessed since the 1940s, when he father Bert Bell was NFL Commissioner. He also previews Super Bowl 59 with host Michael Jackson.
The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Learn more and donate at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.
Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas shares great stories of helping lead the Buffalo Bills to four Super Bowls and his college days at Oklahoma State. He also tells you how to win a trip to next year's Super Bowl in a contest hosted by Pork Rind Appreciation Day and Gridiron Greats.
The Game Before the Money Podcast is hosted and produced by Michael Jackson. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.
Upton Bell previews the 2024 NFL Playoffs and remembers the NFL's greatest running backs and their performances.
The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. Host Michael Jackson (aka Jackson Michael) produces this podcast.
Richmond Webb, a Miami Dolphins and Texas A&M legend, discusses his career in NCAA and the NFL. Webb is a semi-finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2025 class. He shares about blocking for Dan Marino, playing for head coach Don Shula and his college coaches Jackie Sherrill and R.C. Slocum.
The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Learn more and donate at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.
NFLPA-certified contract advisor Bryan Ehrlich explains the many things NFL agents do to represent their clients. He also discusses trades, the NFL Draft, and contract negotiations.
Learn more about The Game Before the Money at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.
Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau discusses his new book "Legendary" as well as his playing career with the Lions and his coaching career. He goes in-depth about the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers defense and what it was like playing with Night Train Lane and for Woody Hayes.
Former Colts executive Upton Bell shares about scouting O.J. Simpson. He discusses concerns about Simpson's character even at USC, what he reported back to head coach Don Shula, and his memories of personal interactions with Simpson's defense team before and after the trial.
Upton Bell, a former executive with the Colts and Patriots, looks back at the 2023 NFL season and how it rates historically. He also discusses how he approached the NFL Draft, the state of the NFL in modern times, and who he thinks is the best player in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Game Before the Money is a 501 c 3 non-profit, dedicated to preserving NFL history through oral history interviews. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.c...
Upton Bell reached Super Bowl 3 and Super Bowl 5 with the Colts as Director of Player Personnel. Hear him preview Super Bowl 58 and share his Super Bowl experience. He also reviews last week's conference championships and discusses Bill Belichick.
The Game Before the Money is a 501(c)3 non-profit that preserves the life stories of NFL legends through oral history. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.
Baltimore hosted the first-ever AFC Championship Game. Former Baltimore executive Upton Bell shares his memories of the game and building the Super Bowl 5 champion Baltimore Colts. He also shares memories of the 1957 Lions-49ers playoff and predicts this week's NFC Championship and AFC Championship.
Learn more about The Game Before the Money and host Jackson Michael at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.
Former Colts and Patriots executive Upton Bell discusses the 2023 NFL Playoffs and makes predictions on the Divisional Playoffs and beyond.
To learn more about The Game Before the Money, hosted by author and oral historian Jackson Michael, visit TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.
Upton Bell, a Colts executive in the 1960s and with their Super Bowl 5 championship team, gives his thoughts on the current NFL season. Topics include offensive line play, coaching, and officiating. The program is hosted by oral historian and author Jackson Michael.
Learn more about The Game Before the Money at The Game Before the Money.
Football author John Eisenberg discusses his latest book, "Rocket Men: The Black Quarterbacks Who Revolutionized Pro Football." He celebrates the careers of Warren Moon, Doug Williams, James Harris, and Randall Cunningham as well as current QBs Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson.
The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit. Learn more at The Game Before the Money.
Steelers Hall of Fame center Dermontti Dawson shares stories about his life and career, from playing college ball at Kentucky to being elected to the Hall of Fame.
The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) non-profit. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.
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