Firebirds Weekly

Firebirds Weekly

By Adam Samrov and Chris CipperleySports
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Firebirds Weekly episodes

  • Firebirds Weekly: Darien Townsend

    Live from a PACKED IHOP in Clifton Park - our biggest crowd ever - Adam Samrov and Chris Cipperley welcome back WR leader Darien Townsend for his first appearance in over a year.
    It's Semifinal week. #2 Albany Firebirds vs #6 Minnesota Monsters. Saturday, August 1st, 4PM at MVP Arena. Winner goes to the Championship.
    Townsend talks getting healthy over the double bye, rebuilding brotherhood over FaceTime, and why this year feels like a thriller.

    34 min
  • Firebirds Weekly: Brent Reis

    This week on Firebirds Weekly, we’re joined by Albany Firebirds kicker Brent Reis as the team prepares for its playoff opener following a first-round bye. Brent shares what life has been like since arriving in Albany, adjusting to a new team midway through the season, and how the Firebirds’ championship culture stood out from the moment he got the call.
    Brent opens up about his unique journey from professional indoor soccer goalkeeper to professional football kicker, the challenges of mastering the craft later in life, and the importance of routines, preparation, and learning from some of the game’s best kickers. He also discusses the special bond among kickers across Arena Football One, his playoff mindset, and why every point could be the difference in a championship run.
    The conversation also covers Albany’s passionate fan base, the support of Flock Support, Brent’s pregame rituals, his experiences playing in multiple AF1 cities, and his thoughts on the recent FIFA World Cup. It’s an insightful, behind-the-scenes look at one of the Firebirds’ newest additions as Albany gets ready for the postseason.

    1 hr 2 min
  • The 2026 Nest Awards

    Join the hosts of Firebirds Weekly from IHOP in Clifton Park for the first-ever 2026 Nest Awards Show, celebrating the Albany Firebirds’ memorable regular season. With the Firebirds securing the No. 2 seed and preparing for the AF1 playoffs, the show honors the players who made an impact both on and off the field, including Offensive Player of the Year Darian Townsend, Defensive Player of the Year Drew Singleton, and standout midseason additions I.G. Hall and Morris Joseph Jr.

    The episode also recognizes unsung heroes, comeback stories, and unforgettable AF1 moments while highlighting the leadership, resilience, and community spirit that define the Firebirds organization. Plus, the hosts announce the winner of a charity jersey raffle benefiting the Center for Disability Services and look ahead to the team’s playoff run as they chase another championship.

    40 min
  • Firebirds Weeky: Agiye Hall & Lorenzo Jones Jr.

    This week, we broadcast live from Cugino’s Pizzeria in Rensselaer with Albany Firebirds stars Ajai Hall and Lorenzo Jones Jr. Fresh off a 66-48 road victory over the Beaumont Renegades, the players discuss overcoming schedule changes, preparing for a pivotal matchup with Nashville, and the team’s “next game” mentality. They share what makes the Firebirds’ locker room special, the competitive practices that fuel success, and the support they’ve received from the Albany community and Flock Support.

    The conversation also dives into their personal football journeys—from Hall’s path through Alabama and the SEC to Jones Jr.‘s late start in football and rise to the professional level. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories about Coach Damon Ware, life as a professional athlete, the importance of teamwork, fan support, and plenty of laughs as the players answer fun questions about their teammates. We also cover upcoming Firebirds events, charity raffles, and everything fans need to know before this weekend’s big game.

    58 min
  • Firebirds Weekly

    Adam and Chris break down a pivotal stretch of the Albany Firebirds’ season as the defending champions navigate their first rough patch after starting 8-0. The hosts recap tough losses to Michigan and Nashville, discuss how injuries have tested the team’s depth, and highlight standout performances from MVP quarterback Sam Castronova, emerging playmaker Agiye Hall, Tyree Chambers, and the Firebirds’ resilient defense.
    They also examine the growing parity across the AF1 league, why the playoff race remains wide open, and why confidence in Albany’s championship aspirations hasn’t changed despite recent setbacks. Plus, the guys talk special teams challenges, key injury updates, the upcoming showdown with Nashville that could determine playoff seeding, and the Firebirds’ path toward another title run.
    The episode also includes details on the team’s charity jersey raffle benefiting the Center for Disability Services, thanks to supporters and sponsors, and a look ahead to the final weeks of the regular season.

    30 min
  • Firebirds Weekly Dontae Mason

    Firebirds Weekly returns from Cugino's in Rensselaer with special guest Dontae Mason, defensive back for the undefeated Albany Firebirds. Dontae shares his football journey from growing up in Philadelphia and winning a city championship at Bishop McDevitt, to playing college football at Lock Haven and Delaware Valley, overcoming injuries, and finding his way back to the game through arena football. He discusses the mentors who shaped his career, the film-study habits that elevated his play, and the hard work that led to Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors. Dontae also talks about joining Albany’s dominant defense, adapting to the AF1 level, the team’s championship culture, and the passionate support from Firebirds fans as Albany prepares for another key matchup against the Michigan Arsenal.

    27 min
  • Firebirds Weekly: Morris Jospeh Jr

    On this episode of Firebirds Weekly, hosts Adam Samarov and Chris Cipperley welcome new Albany Firebirds defensive lineman Morris Joseph Jr. live from Cugino’s Pizzeria in Rensselaer. Morris discusses his journey from Orange, Texas football powerhouse West Orange-Stark High School to stops at UTSA, Memphis, Auburn, and the indoor game before arriving in Albany. He shares stories about Texas high school football culture, playing in the SEC, learning under Coach Sesay, and balancing football with a career in cybersecurity and AI. The crew also previews the upcoming home game, highlights the Firebirds’ 18-game winning streak, and announces a charity raffle for a game-worn Firebirds jersey benefiting the Center for Disability Services.

    38 min
  • Firebirds Weekly: Qaadir Sheepard LIVE from Cugino's Pizzeria

    This week’s episode comes live from Cugino’s Pizzeria in Rensselaer as the crew sits down with Albany Firebirds defensive lineman Kadir Shepard. Fresh off another dominant defensive performance, Shepard talks about the Firebirds’ undefeated start, the intensity of arena football, and what it’s like bringing SEC-level energy to MVP Arena. From quarterback pressures and locker room culture to adapting his game indoors, Shepard gives fans an inside look at the mindset behind Albany’s relentless defense.

    The conversation also dives deep into Shepard’s football journey — growing up in the Bronx, earning a scholarship to Iona Prep, starring at Syracuse and Ole Miss, competing in the SEC, attending the NFL Combine, and continuing his professional career through the CFL and spring football leagues before landing in Albany. Along the way, Shepard opens up about overcoming setbacks, injuries, personal growth, and using football as motivation to elevate his family and inspire younger athletes.
    Plus, plenty of laughs about Knicks basketball, New York sports culture, wild SEC stadium atmospheres, and the passionate support of the Albany flock. A fun, honest, and inspiring conversation with one of the Firebirds’ defensive standouts.

    34 min
  • Firebirds Weekly: Brandon Nicholson LIVE at Poppy's Pizza

    Live from Poppy’s Pizza in Schenectady, the Firebirds stay undefeated at 4-0 after a hard-fought 42-34 win over Washington!
    This week’s guest, Brandon Nicholson, broke down the team’s resilience, second-half dominance, and championship mindset—plus gave insight into that key hustle play that helped seal the win. Key takeaways:
    • Championship DNA = finishing strong in all 4 quarters
    • Team belief & execution carried them through adversity
    • Defense stepping up in clutch moments
    • Big matchup ahead vs. undefeated Kentucky
    Nicholson also shared his journey from Ohio to college standout to pro champion, emphasizing hard work, trust in the process, and staying ready for every opportunity.
    Next up: Back home at MVP Arena with a banner reveal and a huge showdown on deck.
    #Firebirds #Undefeated #Football #ChampionshipMindset

    38 min
  • Firebirds Weekly: Duane Brown LIVE From IHOP

    Firebirds Weekly is back with Season 2, Episode 15, recorded live from IHOP in Clifton Park. This week’s guest is 2025 Offensive Player of the Year Dwayne “DB3” Brown. The crew dives into the team’s big road win in Oregon, discussing their second-half dominance, the challenges of long-distance travel, and what it takes to stay undefeated.


    Dwayne shares insight on the Firebirds’ high-powered offense, the rapid rise of their rookie quarterback, and the team chemistry that fuels their success. He also reflects on his football journey—from backyard games in Pennsylvania to college stardom and the professional level—highlighting the lessons learned through injury, perseverance, and growth.


    The episode also explores his passion for mentoring young athletes through training programs, the realities of chasing pro opportunities, and the mindset required to keep pushing forward. Plus, some fun rapid-fire questions to wrap things up.


    All that and more as the Firebirds prepare for another big matchup and continue their winning streak.


    39 min

About Firebirds Weekly

From the publisher's feed

Firebirds Weekly provides an in-depth look at the Albany Firebirds, proud members of the AF1. Through exclusive interviews with players, coaches, front office members, and passionate fans, this…