The crew is back on After the Horn breaking down another huge week in Denver sports. From the Nuggets battling the Timberwolves, to the Avalanche looking to take control of their playoff series, to the latest Rockies ownership buzz and Broncos NFL Draft strategy — this episode covers it all. Plus thoughts on Messi in Denver, Colorado sports fandom, and the changing sports media landscape.

If you love Denver sports talk with smart opinions, heated debates, and real perspective, this is the episode for you. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more from Gorilla Sports.

0:00 Denver sports playoff energy

1:51 Nuggets lose Game 2 to Timberwolves

3:00 Jamal Murray & Nikola Jokic late-game struggles

6:21 Jonas Valančiūnas impact & Nuggets bench concerns

8:23 Nuggets defense, rebounding & Anthony Edwards problem

14:30 Can Denver bounce back in Minnesota?

16:47 Avalanche Game 1 win vs Kings recap

19:26 Colorado’s power play concerns

21:01 Jared Bednar, goalie decisions & playoff outlook

22:25 Why the Avs can end the series quickly

22:57 RedBird Farms Chicken spotlight

24:45 Rockies vs Dodgers, “fishy” comments & rivalry talk

28:01 Rockies attendance concerns & fan frustration

31:05 Rockies ownership sale & future value of franchise

36:28 Broncos NFL Draft strategy & roster needs

42:18 Messi in Denver & Colorado soccer growth

46:02 ESPN, wrestling, UFC & sports entertainment debate

51:21 Final thoughts

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The biggest Colorado sports story in years may be happening off the field. On this episode of After the Horn, Tom Green, Ron Zappolo, and Woody Paige (in spirit) break down the reported sale of 40% of the Colorado Rockies to the Penner Group and what it could mean for the future of baseball in Denver. Could this be the beginning of a full ownership transition?

Plus, the guys dive into Rory McIlroy’s dramatic Masters victory, the state of golf’s biggest stars, and whether Cam Young has officially arrived as a major contender. Then they turn to the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets as playoff season heats up, with bold predictions for both championship contenders.

They also tackle the NFL’s biggest off-field controversy involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini, media ethics, and why stories like this create bigger conversations across sports journalism.

If you love smart, spirited, no-BS sports talk that starts when the buzzer sounds — this is the show for you.

Chapters:

0:00 Woody Missing + Rockies Bombshell

2:00 Penner Group Buys Into Rockies

9:00 Rory McIlroy Wins The Masters

15:30 Cam Young’s Rise in Golf

16:50 RedBird Farms Ad Read

18:00 DU Hockey & David Carle

22:00 Avalanche Playoff Outlook

25:30 Nuggets vs Timberwolves Preview

30:25 American Financing Ad Read

31:40 Mike Vrabel & NFL Media Scandal

45:00 NFL Draft Talk + Raiders QB Rumors

48:10 Final Thoughts

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The show opens with The Masters as Tom Green, Woody Paige and Ron Zappolo make their picks and discuss the absence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The guys break down Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Ludvig Åberg, while debating whether Augusta still favors experience or if younger players are ready to take over.

The conversation shifts to the NCAA Tournament, including Michigan’s championship win and whether the tournament now delivers better early-round games than finals. Michael Malone officially landing at North Carolina becomes a major talking point, with debate over how an NBA coach fits in today’s transfer-driven college landscape.

The women’s tournament takes center stage, with strong reactions to Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley, and a discussion about whether the women’s game has surpassed the men’s. The guys also highlight Colorado’s Lauren Betts and the impact she’s had on the national stage.

A huge weekend for Colorado sports leads into the Nuggets, including the Jokic vs. Wembanyama matchup, playoff positioning, and whether Denver can secure a top seed. The Avalanche goalie situation is also debated, with Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood both in the mix heading into the postseason.

The show wraps with the Rockies, reacting to low attendance numbers and what it says about the fan base, while also noting the team’s offensive production and outlook moving forward.

00:00 Opening + Masters discussion + Augusta storylines

After the Horn’ is sponsored in part by RedBird Farms.

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A loaded edition of ‘After the Horn’ to close out March, covering everything from officiating controversies to major Denver sports storylines. The crew opens with MLB’s new ABS system and how it’s putting umpires under the microscope, leading into a broader conversation about gambling’s influence on officiating across sports. They pivot to the NFL and the risks of using replacement referees, recalling past chaos and why the league can’t afford to repeat it. College basketball takes center stage with Duke’s collapse and a discussion on coaching, pressure and tournament volatility. Locally, the Denver Summit’s massive debut crowd sparks a conversation about the city’s readiness for more women’s professional teams. The Nuggets’ playoff outlook, Jokić’s greatness and potential matchups are debated before shifting to Tiger Woods, where the tone turns serious around accountability and long-term concerns. The episode closes on a positive note with Gary Woodland’s emotional comeback win and what it says about resilience in sports today.

After the Horn’ is sponsored in part by RedBird Farms.

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The guys open with Peyton Manning turning 50 and a hilarious Woody Paige story about a blind date with Diane Keaton, setting the tone for a classic episode. They transition into the Nuggets, who are finally healthy but remain wildly unpredictable heading into the playoffs, with matchup concerns—especially against Minnesota—dominating the conversation. The crew questions rotations, bench usage, and whether the team defends well enough to make a real run.

March Madness talk follows, where the lack of Cinderella teams stands out despite an entertaining tournament. The Sweet 16 is loaded with top seeds, and the guys debate contenders like Duke, Arizona, Houston, and potential upset picks, while acknowledging how wide open the field still feels.

The Avalanche segment focuses on playoff expectations, depth, and whether goaltending could become an issue. Despite concerns, the team is viewed as deep, experienced, and aggressive at the trade deadline—continuing a long-standing organizational philosophy.

The conversation shifts to Denver sports history, where Pierre Lacroix is unanimously praised as the greatest executive in the city’s history, followed by a debate over the greatest coaches, including Mike Shanahan, Doug Moe, and Bill McCartney.

The Rockies discussion brings a more sobering tone, with projections around 55 wins and skepticism about the organization’s commitment to winning, despite expected improvement.

The back half of the show adds lighter segments, including a discussion about media consumption habits, flag football, and broader sports viewing trends, before circling back to college basketball relevance in Colorado.

The episode closes with classic banter and a final Woody Paige story, wrapping the show at just over an hour.

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The Broncos shook up their offseason by trading for Jaylen Waddle, but the move sparks immediate debate over value, cost, and whether he truly elevates the offense. The crew questions giving up premium draft capital for a wide receiver and compares the move to other potential options Denver could have pursued. They also examine how this changes the narrative around what had been a quiet offseason and what it means for Sean Payton’s long-term plan.

Shifting to the Nuggets, the conversation turns to a troubling pattern — an inability to close games and inconsistent defense. Despite flashes of dominance, Denver’s late-game execution and defensive lapses raise serious questions about their ability to contend in the playoffs. The panel also breaks down rotations, coaching decisions, and what needs to change before the postseason.

On the ice, the Avalanche are coming off a disappointing performance, but the discussion focuses on the bigger picture — depth, injuries, and whether this team is still a legitimate contender. The crew debates playoff matchups, including potential concerns with teams like Dallas and Minnesota, and what Colorado needs to clean up.

The episode also includes a lively NCAA Tournament discussion with dark horse picks, bracket strategy, and the unpredictability of March Madness. The show wraps with a look at the World Baseball Classic final and what to expect from Team USA vs. Venezuela.

Chapters:

The Broncos entered the legal tampering period with plenty of cap flexibility, but instead of making a splash they chose to retain much of the roster from a 15-win season. Woody Paige questions why Denver didn’t take advantage of the money freed up from Russell Wilson’s contract situation, while Ron Zappolo argues the biggest mistake teams make in free agency is waiting too long to strike.

From there the conversation turns to the Nuggets and their recent stretch of games. After an ugly performance against the Knicks and a competitive loss to Oklahoma City, the panel examines whether Denver has an answer for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. The discussion also dives into the physical play Nikola Jokic faces, particularly from Lu Dort, and whether the Nuggets need someone to respond when their superstar gets hit.

The Avalanche are trending in the opposite direction. With Nazem Kadri returning and the team putting together high-level wins over Dallas and Minnesota, Colorado is playing playoff-caliber hockey again. The crew breaks down why the Avs suddenly look dangerous in the Western Conference and why their goaltending stability could be the key to another Cup run.

00:00 Broncos quiet in NFL free agency

The Nuggets have 20 games left — and the conversation isn’t about seeding anymore, it’s about identity. Are they playing hard enough? Is Nikola Jokic being overworked, underprotected, or both? The crew debates the coaching staff’s adjustments, the non-Jokic minutes problem, and whether Denver is drifting toward the Play-In Tournament instead of contending for another title.

The Avalanche, meanwhile, continue to surge near the top of the NHL standings. But does the Presidents’ Trophy even matter? The guys break down Colorado’s push to finish ahead of Dallas and Minnesota, the flawed NHL playoff format, and whether the Avs should make another aggressive move at the trade deadline. They also discuss Joel Quenneville’s 1,000th career win and the complicated legacy that comes with it.

On the Broncos front, free agency and the draft loom large. Should Denver trade up? Who could be cap casualties worth targeting? And what does Davis Webb taking over play-calling signal about Sean Payton’s willingness to evolve? The conversation shifts into tempo, no-huddle concepts, offensive philosophy, and whether Payton will truly give up control if the offense sputters early.

Plus: George Paton’s contract status, how power is divided inside Dove Valley, and why this offseason could define the Broncos’ next window.

Playoff pressure. Front office politics. Offensive identity shifts. It’s all here on After the Horn.

Shelby Harris joins Woody Paige, Ron Zappolo and Tom Green as NFL free agency approaches to discuss his future in the league, what he looks for in a head coach after playing under Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland, and why a return to Denver would appeal to both him and his family. The group also dives into the controversy surrounding Olympic hockey’s 3-on-3 overtime format in the USA-Canada gold medal game, debates whether the Olympics still carry the same cultural weight in America, and reflects on how moments from this year’s Games continue to inspire the next generation of athletes. Plus, a closer look at why the NFL Combine may be losing relevance in today’s data-driven evaluation process, how offensive timing impacts pass rushers more than most fans realize, and whether the Denver Nuggets’ loss to a short-handed Warriors team could become a costly wake-up call in the Western Conference playoff race.

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The guys open with Olympic storylines, including the medal race, US–Canada hockey anticipation, and standout athletes before diving into a deeper discussion about pressure, performance, and how athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin and Ilia Malinin handle the biggest stage. They reflect on legacy while paying tribute to Robert Duvall and Jesse Jackson, discussing impact beyond sports. The conversation shifts to whether the NBA finally found the right All-Star format, and what it would take to truly fix the event long term. Finally, it’s full Broncos mode: salary cap flexibility, free agency priorities, tight end and wide receiver targets, and whether splash trades like A.J. Brown make sense for Denver’s future.

00:00 – Olympic medal race and US–Canada hockey preview
05:45 – Avalanche players in the Olympics and standout performances
12:45 – Tribute to Robert Duvall and Jesse Jackson
18:40 – Mikaela Shiffrin, Olympic pressure and athlete mental resilience
21:00 – College basketball surge and CU basketball outlook
36:00 – Ronda Rousey return talk and combat sports discussion
37:10 – NBA All-Star Game format debate and whether it worked
44:00 – Broncos free agency outlook and salary cap flexibility
45:00 – Tight end targets: Isaiah Likely debate
49:00 – Wide receiver options: Alec Pierce, Rasheed Shaheed and more
1:00:05 – Trade rumors: A.J. Brown discussion
1:02:30 – Final thoughts and offseason expectations

‘After the Horn’ is sponsored in part by American Financing

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NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.196% for well-qualified borrowers. Call 855-581-5828 for details about credit costs and terms, or visit AmericanFinancing.net/Green

Furniture provided by Furniture Row
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