Documentary Diehards

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "Youngstown Boys."

Sam, Ren, and Nic review a doc about Maurice Clarett, an uber-talented running back who won a national championship at Ohio State as a true freshman alongside head coach Jim Tressel. Clarett's career then was effectively ended after NCAA violations and alcohol abuse. The guys dive into many of the questions this film presents and how it would have been drastically different, had it played out today. Ren talks to much about the winter olympics, and the gang plays Mt. Rushmore with 'signs you're getting old.'

30 for 30 reviewed: "Bernie and Ernie."  

The gang discusses the friendship and unique basketball journey's that Bernard King and Ernie Grunfeld had, their legendary time at the University of Tennessee, and the different paths their NBA careers took. Nic has an idea for a documentary on Greg Oden's quick disappearance from the NBA. And Mt. Rushmore is played with 'Things that are funny when they don't happen to me.' Weird, but relatable! 

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "This is What They Want."    

Sam, Ren, and Nic regroup to discuss Jimmy Connors' comeback-filled run at the 1991 US Open. They consider whether they would have been a fan of the brash yet charismatic tennis star. The Cowboy's playoff defeat is broken down. The gang play Mt. Rushmore with their favorite gas station foods - so healthy! Sam Anderson has a pitch for a documentary to be made on legendary NBA and sports journalist Jackie MacMullan.

We return! A three month hiatus for a new baby and a new job was enough. Sam Anderson, Nic Rudolph, and Ren Clayton get back to what really matters, watching 30 for 30 documentaries. Doc reviewed: "Big Shot" which is about the former (briefly) owner of the New York Islanders NHL team John Spano. Spano was worth about $200,000 but said he was worth over $200 million. The guys dissect how he was able to buy the team for $165 million, the unreal circumstances and lengths Spano went to to commit this fraud. The gang plays a game of Mt. Rushmore with their favorite winter activities and Ren has an idea for a Klay Thompson documentary. Enjoy! 

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "No Mas."  

Halfway to a century! Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph celebrate 50 episodes of Doc Diehards! They discuss a film about the boxing rivalry between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. Theories are put forward for the controversial 'No Mas' ending of the two boxers' second title fight. Nic's great finish in the Twin Cities Marathon and Sam's upcoming entry into the Chicago 26.2 miler are topics of discussion. And with a big moment on the horizon in Rudy's life, the mount rushmore game in this pod is themed: "things dads do." Ren pitches an idea for a future documentary on PGA Tour golfer Tony Finau. 

A bit of a hiatus upcoming. But best believe we'll be back!

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Free Spirits."

Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph break down a movie about the 'Spirits of St. Louis' ABA basketball team. Wild escapades took place during the Spirits' two season lifespan. The gang marvels at the deal struck, giving the team's owners a yearly (big) paycheck from the NBA in perpetuity. A game of Mount Rushmore is then played with favorite NBA team ~names~. And Nic pitches an idea for a documentary about the impact the NIL is having on college athletes.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau." 

Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph break down a film about one of Hawaii's surfing icons, Eddie Aikau. They traverse the jam-packed life that Aikau led, saving lives as a lifeguard and winning surf competitions. Sam and Nic learn about Hawaii history. Then, they guys play Mt. Rushmore with their least favorite sounds. Sam has a an idea for a doc about Brett Favre's life.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Elway to Marino."  

Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss Sam's favorite topic: the NFL Draft! Specifically the 1983 edition that featured John Elway refusing to sign with the team that drafted him. They debate the merits of the decision and other rookies who followed the same path. The gang also plays a much awaited game of Mount Rushmore with favorite characters from The Office! Ren has a idea for a doc about Minnesota's homegrown basketball royalty, Tyus and Tre Jones. 

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Survive and Advance."   

Sam, Ren, and Nic chat about the legendary Jimmy Valvano and the national championship NC State men's basketball team of 1983. Ren is in withdrawals from the Olympics. The gang plays Mt. Rushmore with their top travel destinations (to visit for the first time). Sam pitches an idea for a future documentary to be made on the making of the X Games.

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "You don't know Bo."

Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph discuss the heroics that Bo Jackson performed in his cut-short MLB *and* NFL careers. Ren explains the significance of Suni Lee's Olympic Gold Medal in the gymnastics all-around. A game of Mount Rushmore is played with favorite 2021 Summer Olympic Sports. Nic has an idea for a future documentary about Dick Beardsley, a Minnesotan long distance runner with a unique life story.