For sports fans, the days of getting one’s sports fix only once in a while are long gone. Watching the games is no longer enough when sports-centric TV channels and specialized blogs abound. Sports podcasts have also gone mainstream, with professional athletes raising their voices.
Back in 2014, Derek Jeter’s Players’ Tribune first gave his fellow sports competitors a platform to share their side of the story. Since then, countless athletes have shared their insider perspectives, creating fresh forms of storytelling. Today, we give you four athlete podcasts to keep up with the most exciting sports stories.
All The Smoke
All The Smoke stands out for its authentic, and often marijuana-infused, take on the basketball world. With brash NBA veterans Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson as co-hosts, the show is unapologetic about such polarizing topics as politics or social justice. During their time in the league, indeed, both these passionate players were no strangers to controversy.
Focusing on the NBA’s cultural influence as well as basketball history makers, the weekly podcast series launched in 2019. And its hosts’ unfiltered perspectives on the hottest NBA issues quickly turned them into some of the most relevant voices in the industry. The show even landed an iHeart Radio Podcast Award for best sports podcast in 2021.
Barnes and Jackson’s thought-provoking interviews and analyses are available on every leading podcast streaming platform. You can also find video versions of each episode on the producer’s YouTube channel, Showtime Basketball.
Call Him Papi
Launched in 2021, Call Him Papi is one of the latest athlete podcasts to hit the streaming platforms. With an obvious nod to the popular comedic podcast Call Her Daddy, the podcast sets the tone for a mix of sports and entertainment.
Both intimate and humorous, each conversation shows a different side to its guest. Not only do co-hosts sports blogger Jared Carrabis and MLB champion David Ortiz sit down with sports legends, but they also interview artists and A-list stars. Superstar rapper Fat Joe recently joined the show, as well as eight-time All–Star Pedro Martinez and former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman.
NFL Players
NFL Players is the way to go for all NFL fans. Launched by the NFL itself, this official podcast explores the massive cultural impact of the league through the careers of its most iconic players.
The series offers former players a space to share their stories and personal journeys in and out of football. From game technique to Superbowl and dealing with life after retirement, the podcast is an in-depth reflection on football in all its aspects.
Hosted by Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams, Buccaneers’ cornerback Logan Ryan and Walter Payton’s 2013 Man of the Year Charles Tillman, new episodes are out every Wednesday.
The 2 Robbies
Soccer isn’t as big in the US as football yet. But what the Europeans call football is a cultural phenomenon beyond the American borders. And the English Premier League is arguably the world’s most-watched soccer league. Hosted by fan favorites Robbie Mustoe and Robbie Earle, The 2 Robbies podcast discusses all current Premier League news. From dissecting every match week to interviewing soccer icons, the duo covers a wide variety of topics.
This podcast provides insightful predictions for sports betters, too. Thus, you can easily bet on your favorite Premier League teams online. Online betting sites allow you to compare the most competitive odds. With their list of reliable and licensed platforms, your safe bet is just a click away. The best sports betting sites are also rated according to their promotions and bonuses, such as free bets or cashback offers.
If you’re in for a Premier League wager, other soccer superstars have started their podcasts. Produced by Sky Sports, Manchester United legend Gary Neville hosts a show. That Peter Crouch podcast is another good place to start your soccer journey. But of course, soccer is far from the only sport to make a buck out of.
In recent years, podcast has grown into a mainstream form of entertainment. Athletes have, therefore, seized the opportunity to address their followers directly. And the stories they tell, few reporters could ever dream of bringing to light. So, are you looking for a genuine perspective on your sports of choice? Then, give a listen to some of the best athlete podcasts.