Great Dane Nation

On the 60th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar (07:43 – 01:01:55). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll) for this week’s edition of the “Opening Kick” (00:57 – 06:52). Morten talks about the massive struggles of the Kansas City Chiefs this season, and previews Michigan State’s massive game against their arch rival Michigan ahead of Saturday’s battle of undefeated teams.

We then move to our interview with Bernie Kosar, where he discusses a wide range of topics: the amazing coaching he received throughout his career, and how that shaped him as a man (09:16); how he and his contemporaries are dealing with the ramifications of playing through injury in the 1980s and 1990s (10:32); living with CTE, improvements in concussion protocols, and persevering after being told by doctors he only had “5 years of cognitive brain function left” (12:21); leaving Ohio for the University of Miami, and competing against some of the best quarterbacks in the country for playing time (24:02); his mentors at Miami, and the impact of Howard Schnellenberger on his life (26:45); overcoming major adversity, and the responsibility he feels to help former players who are struggling (29:59); why he forced his way to the Browns instead of entering the draft in a traditional way (36:32); how the Browns’ impressive running game reminds him of his Browns, and what he thinks the ceiling is for the 2021 edition of the team (39:10); praise for Kevin Stefanski and advice for Baker Mayfield (42:35); the current Brown he would grab and put on his Browns’ teams (44:29); being cut by Bill Belichick in Cleveland, and signing with the eventual Super Bowl champs in Dallas (45:49); and this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring Clay Matthews Jr., Ozzie Newsome, Jimmy Johnson and Troy Aikman (53:59).

Then we move to this week’s edition of “Morten’s Fast 5,” where our Hall of Famer makes picks for the five biggest games of the football weekend (01:04:08 – 01:12:26). Morten gives his picks for Packers at Cardinals (01:05:23), Buccaneers at Saints (01:07:00), Patriots at Chargers (01:08:19), Titans at Colts (01:09:22), and Giants at Chiefs (01:10:29).

Finally, we close things out with “Morten’s Game Winner” – a weekly monologue from The Great Dane on his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten talks about Bernie Kosar’s journey, and how his resiliency through his post-football struggles has been inspiring (01:12:29).

On the 59th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus ahead of his Thursday Night Football match-up with the Cleveland Browns (03:53 – 41:57). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll) for this week’s edition of the “Opening Kick” (00:57 – 02:56). Morten recaps his foundation’s annual event, “Special Teams for Special Ops.”

We then move to our interview with Brandon McManus, where he discusses a wide range of topics: being star-struck when meeting Morten at Peyton Manning’s afterparty at the Pro Football Hall of Fame (04:23); the evolution of how kickers are compensated across the NFL (06:26); his thoughts on the ManningCast so far this season (08:09); how invested he stays within the game, knowing that he could go enormous lengths of time with no action (09:14); how he has performed after less-than-ideal warmups (13:15); being at his first NFL training camp as a back-up for Adam Vinatieri on the Colts (16:16); whether he’s a “feel guy” or a “mechanical guy” when it comes to kicking (19:02); the beginning of his tenure in Denver, where employment was not guaranteed (20:53); his thoughts on the 2021 Denver Broncos (24:40); why he thinks the strength of the Broncos is their defense (27:16); why having Von Miller back is so huge for this team (28:02); why Brandon believes he could hit a 70-yard field goal if given the opportunity (29:06); some of the rule changes Morten proposed to Roger Goodell as it relates to kicking, including rewarding 4 points for field goals over 60 yards (31:27); his two favorite kickers of all-time, and why he has so much respect for Justin Tucker (35:43); his favorite place to kick outside of Mile High, and his least favorite place to kick (36:49); and this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring Peyton Manning, John Elway, Britton Colquitt, Sam Martin, Vic Fangio, DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, Gary Kubiak and Brandon Staley (38:35).

Then we move to this week’s edition of “Morten’s Fast 5,” where our Hall of Famer makes picks for the five biggest games of the football weekend (43:57 – 51:07). Morten gives his picks for Broncos at Browns (45:01), Bengals at Ravens (46:06), Bears at Buccaneers (47:41), Chiefs at Titans (48:29), and Saints at Seahawks (49:58).

Finally, we close things out with “Morten’s Game Winner” – a weekly monologue from The Great Dane on his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten talks about the evolution of the kicking position, and why he sees Brandon McManus as one of the kickers that will help the position continue to evolve (51:10).

On the 58th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by head coaching legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame brother Tony Dungy (05:35 – 48:06). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll) for this week’s edition of the “Opening Kick” (01:02 – 04:48). Morten talks about the importance of giving back to the community, as his foundation hosts its annual “Special Teams for Special Ops” event this weekend in Atlanta.

We then move to our interview with Tony Dungy, where he discusses a wide range of topics: the impact of faith on his life and coaching (07:54); his dad - a Tuskegee Airmen and a man of principle (11:15); advice for young black coaches coming up in the NFL today (13:46); how being a great Christian may have cost him NFL job opportunities (15:06); thoughts on having Drew Brees as his new broadcast partner (18:24); thoughts on Peyton and Eli Manning on Monday Night Football (19:35); his coaching philosophy - "looking for uncommon people" (20:30); creating a winning culture in Tampa Bay (24:06); being fired by the Bucs after lots of winning (26:55); getting the call from Jim Irsay and the Colts (28:56); picking the Buccaneers to repeat as Super Bowl champs (30:26); why the 2000s Colts were a special group (31:23); his immediate thoughts after winning Super Bowl XLI (34:15); making history by coaching against another black head coach in the Super Bowl (35:05); thoughts on the Colts undertaking a midseason "Hard Knocks" season (36:24); why he thinks Aaron Rodgers will return to Green Bay next season (37:00); funny story of Warren Sapp asking for a trade out of Tampa Bay (38:23); and this week’s edition of "The Name Game," featuring Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, Warren Sapp, Rondé Barber, John Lynch, Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn (39:42).

Then we move to this week’s edition of “Morten’s Fast 5,” where our Hall of Famer makes picks for the five biggest games of the football weekend (50:14 – 57:39). Morten gives his picks for Chargers at Ravens (51:12), Cardinals at Browns (52:44), Bills at Titans (53:32), Packers at Bears (54:39), and Texans at Colts (55:44). Plus, a college special on the way out as #10 Michigan State takes their undefeated record into Indiana to take on the Hoosiers (56:59).

Finally, we close things out with “Morten’s Game Winner” – a weekly monologue from The Great Dane on his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten talks about Tony Dungy, and how he exemplifies what it takes to be an uncommon man (57:39).

On the 57th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Houston Oilers legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame brother Warren Moon (06:50 – 49:46). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll) for this week’s edition of the “Opening Kick” (01:04 – 06:01). Morten reflects on a historic night at Gillette Stadium, as Tom Brady returned to play his former head coach, Bill Belichick, for the first time – and maybe the only time – in his career.

We then move to our interview with Warren Moon, where he discusses a wide range of topics: reflecting on his childhood in a tough neighborhood in Los Angeles, why he made the decision to attend a different high school from the one assigned to his district, and the impact his mom had on his upbringing and development (07:57); fulfilling his childhood dream of winning the Rose Bowl while playing at the University of Washington (14:20); his favorite memories from his three years playing for the Huskies (15:47); his approach to leadership, and where he derived his skills from (20:18); reflecting on his dominant 6-year run in the CFL, and whether or not he regrets not giving the NFL a try from the beginning (24:10); why he thinks we will see other stars emerge in the NFL who get their starts in other professional football league (28:40); with the Oilers no longer existing, Warren describes his weird relationship with the franchise that holds all his history and records – the Tennessee Titans (30:09); why he thinks the Titans can win a Super Bowl with a running back as the focal point of their offense (32:14); why he would choose Justin Jefferson over Dalvin Cook to add to his 1990s Vikings’ roster (33:32); why he thinks Russell Wilson will finish his career with another franchise (34:45); the one trait Patrick Mahomes has that Warren wishes he had in his own game (36:48); his mentorship of Cam Newton, and the advice he’d give him if he had his ear today (37:30); and this week’s edition of the “The Name Game,” featuring Bruce Matthews, Mike Munchak, Drew Hill, Robert Brazile, Mike Golic, June Jones, Denny Green, Brian Billick, Cris Carter, Randall McDaniel, John Randle, Darryl Talley, Walter Jones, Will Shields, Andre Rison and Dante Hall (40:01).

Then we move to this week’s edition of “Morten’s Fast 5,” where our Hall of Famer makes picks for the five biggest games of the football weekend (51:58 – 59:28). Morten gives his picks for Rams at Seahawks (53:00), Bills at Chiefs (54:03), 49ers at Cardinals (55:20), Browns at Chargers (56:33), and Saints at Washington (58:02).

Finally, “Morten’s Game Winner” returns – a weekly monologue from The Great Dane on his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten talks about Warren Moon, and his pioneering journey through the world of professional football (59:28).

On the 56th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Raiders legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame brother Fred Biletnikoff (03:48 – 54:24). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll) for this week’s edition of the “Opening Kick” (01:02 – 03:43). After Justin Tucker made history on Sunday with his record-setting 66-yard field goal, Morten explains why Tucker is the greatest kicker in NFL history.

We then move to our interview with Fred Biletnikoff, where he discusses a wide range of topics: the atmosphere in Las Vegas, why the team never felt at-home in Los Angeles, and trying to recreate the “Black Hole” at Allegiant Stadium (04:32); getting scolded by Pete Rozelle for smoking cigarettes on the sidelines while he was coaching (09:02); high praise for Darren Waller (10:41); why he believes the Raiders can win a Super Bowl with Derek Carr (11:47); some of his favorite Raiders on today’s team, and what the key to their success will be this season (13:19); being impressed with Vegas’ defense so far this season (14:45); insight into Jon Gruden, and what he thinks of the job he has done since returning to the NFL from the broadcast booth (16:32); what it was like to play for Coach Biletnikoff (18:05); why it was important for him to sign with the AFL’s Raiders instead of the NFL’s Lions (22:45); his first impressions of Al Davis, and how he’d describe the legendary owner to kids today that might not know who he is (24:49); the mentality that led to the Raiders of the 1970s to be feared league-wide (27:45); making the Hall-of-Fame-case for Daryle Lamonica, and how happy he was for Tom Flores getting inducted into Canton this summer (30:15); Kenny Stabler stories (33:30); why Tom Brady is the one quarterback playing today that he would have wanted to play with (37:06); absolutely roasting today’s NFL officiating (39:04); reminiscing about the late, great Bobby Bowden (41:18); spending his final season as a professional football player in the CFL (46:08); this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring John Madden, Bill Walsh, Dave Casper, Ray Guy and Willie Brown (50:43); and proclaiming the 1970s Steelers as liars for not coming clean on the “Immaculate Reception” (54:03).

Then we move to this week’s edition of “Morten’s Fast 5,” where our Hall of Famer makes picks for the five biggest games of the football weekend (55:12 – 01:02:19). Morten gives his picks for Buccaneers at Patriots (56:20), Cardinals at Rams (57:26), Raiders at Chargers (58:40), Ravens at Broncos (59:41), and Giants at Saints (01:00:48).

Finally, “Morten’s Game Winner” returns – a weekly monologue from The Great Dane on his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten talks about Fred Biletnikoff and the amazing Oakland Raiders of the 1970s (01:02:22).

On the 55th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist and coaching legend Dick Vermeil (06:54 – 01:04:17). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll) for this week’s edition of the “Opening Kick” (01:06 – 06:54). Morten reacts to an epic game between the Chiefs and Ravens from this past weekend, and explains why he thinks Lamar Jackson is the MVP of the league through two weeks of the season.

We then move to our interview with Dick Vermeil, where he discusses a wide range of topics: his involvement in the wine business, and the history behind his company, “Vermeil Wines” (07:41); his coaching style, and the difference between delegating and designating (13:53); Morten having teammates on the Chiefs that weren’t born when he started playing (15:49); knowing when to release a player, and remaining close with many players he has cut (16:46); being the first official special teams coach in NFL history (18:12); taking over an Eagles franchise in the late 1970s that was a losing program, and what it took to turn them into NFC Champions (19:38); why the NFL needs to do a better job helping its former players with medical assistance as they get older (24:04); the amazing story of Vince Papale making the team in Philly (24:46); a review of “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” (26:18); his love for underdogs, and why London Fletcher should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (27:05); what a Gold Jacket would mean to him (27:44); why Tom Flores getting inducted helped clear the way for Dick, and the various high-profile coaches stumping for him as a candidate (29:12); the hilarious story of David Baker’s phone call to let Dick know he was a finalist (30:43); reminiscing about the late, great Frank Gansz Sr. (31:58); why he stepped away from coaching after winning the Super Bowl with a historically great St. Louis Rams team in 1999 (36:59); why he came out of retirement to coach the Chiefs in the early 2000s (38:48); working his players so hard in St. Louis, there was almost a “mutiny,” and why things were different in Kansas City (40:15); why Patrick Mahomes could go down as the finest quarterback to ever play in the NFL (42:45); the state of the Rams, his relationship with Sean McVay, and why Matthew Stafford will be great in L.A. (44:13); why he doesn’t think Doug Pederson should’ve been fired in Philadelphia (47:03); and this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring Kurt Warner, Ron Jaworski, Trent Green, Marshall Faulk, Tony Gonzalez, Jared Allen, Harold Carmichael and Will Shields (48:45).

Then we move to this week’s edition of “Morten’s Fast 5,” where our Hall of Famer makes picks for the five biggest games of the football weekend (01:05:13 – 01:12:08). Morten gives his picks for Buccaneers at Rams (01:05:51), Saints at Patriots (01:07:05), Packers at 49ers (01:08:36), Chargers at Chiefs (01:09:33), and Washington Football Team at Bills (01:10:49).

Finally, “Morten’s Game Winner” returns – a weekly monologue from The Great Dane on his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten reflects on his relationship with Coach Vermeil, and explains why he’s had a profound impact on every single one of his former players (01:12:08).

On the 54th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Denver Broncos legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame brother Steve Atwater (05:34 – 42:10). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll) for this week’s edition of the “Opening Kick” (00:58 – 05:30). Week 1 was full of upsets galore this past weekend. Morten reacts to the games that moved the needle most for him

We then move to our interview with Steve Atwater, where he discusses a wide range of topics: reacting to his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend, and how he almost had a massive wine stain on his gold jacket immediately after receiving it (05:59); the impact of his high school football coach on the rest of his football career, and why it was important for him to be in attendance during his induction (12:13); where he got the nickname “Smiling Assassin” (14:48); the backstory behind his legendary hit on Christian Okoye (16:21); how Wade Phillips coming to Denver changed his career (18:09); Steve passing along well-wishes from Brandon McManus (19:14); getting inducted into Canton on the same weekend as two other Broncos legends (20:03); who he thinks will take a majority of the snaps at quarterback for the Broncos in 2021 (22:54); what he thinks the ceiling is for this year’s Broncos team (24:06); the brilliance of Justin Simmons, and why he tries not to give him too much advice (25:11); why he believes in the Patrick Surtain II hype (26:57); why he agrees with Terrell Davis that Von Miller is the second greatest Bronco of all-time (28:17); who he thinks is the best safety in the game today, and who he thinks is the hardest hitter (30:18); and this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring John Elway, Mike Shanahan, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Rod Smith, Dan Reeves, Ed McCaffery, Bill Belichick, Bill Parcells, Bill Romanowski, Karl Mecklenburg, Pat Bowlen, Jason Elam and Dennis Smith (32:15).

Then we move to this week’s edition of “Morten’s Fast 5,” where our Hall of Famer makes picks for the five biggest games of the football weekend (43:04 – 48:54). Morten gives his picks for Saints at Panthers (43:55), Chiefs at Ravens (45:13), Titans at Seahawks (46:20), Cowboys at Chargers (47:13), and Texans at Browns (47:56).

Finally, “Morten’s Game Winner” returns – a weekly monologue from The Great Dane on his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten welcomes back the NFL after an incredible first week of action (48:54).

On the 53rd episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by NFL Commissioner and longtime friend Roger Goodell (06:04 – 56:46). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll) for this week’s edition of the “Opening Kick” (01:16 – 06:04). With the 2021 NFL season only hours away, the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in the U.S. is still front-of-mind for many around the football world. Morten weighs in, urging Americans to get vaccinated.

We then move to our interview with Roger Goodell, where he discusses a wide range of topics: why he’s uncomfortable being called “the most powerful man in sports” (06:34); his excitement level as the league returns to full capacity across the board (07:40); reflecting back on a challenging 2020, and why he thinks it might be the proudest he has ever been to be commissioner (10:58); why one of his biggest regrets in life was never pursuing a college football career, as he was a star athlete in high school (14:25); going from an intern at the NFL league offices to commissioner of the league (14:55); his great respect for both Pete Rozelle and Paul Tagliabue, and their differing leadership styles (16:40); why he believes relocating an NFL team should be hard (19:34); the importance of globalizing the game of American football, and why he doesn’t think a franchise will call London home for the foreseeable future (22:04); why there’s never been a better time to be a football fan, and why the NFL views legal sports betting as a way to grow their audience (25:52); the many positives of adding a 17th game to the regular season (32:11); Morten pitches some rule changes to his old friend (33:39); the brilliance of Tom Brady (40:21); and this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring Paul Tagliabue, Pete Rozelle, Adam Silver, Rob Manfred, Gary Bettman, Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft (47:26).

Then we move to this week’s edition of “Morten’s Fast 5,” where our Hall of Famer makes picks for the five biggest games of the football weekend (57:46 – 01:03:10). Morten gives his picks for Packers at Saints (58:29), Browns at Chiefs (59:41), Steelers at Bills (01:00:30), Chargers at Washington (01:01:36), and Cowboys at Buccaneers (01:02:28).

Finally, “Morten’s Game Winner” returns – a weekly monologue from The Great Dane on his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten uses this time to reflect on the 20-year anniversary of 9/11/2001 (01:03:55 – 01:06:27).

With the NFL season kicking off next week, Morten Andersen is joined by Atlanta Falcons legend Brian Finneran and his co-host TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll) to preview the 2021 regular season! The guys do a full division-by-division breakdown, telling us who will be the best and worst teams in each division. The guys also tell us who they think will win the AFC, NFC and Super Bowl! (04:39 – 01:06:52)

Morten does his best to explain why the Saints will be OK in a post-Drew Brees world (23:31), and Brian explains to us why he believes the Falcons will improve from last season (21:23). TommyFreezePops tell us why he isn't as optimistic about the Patriots as you'd think after the team set a record for guaranteed-money-spent during this offseason’s free agency period (38:34).

Brian played nine seasons for Atlanta, and is one of the most beloved Falcons in franchise history. He's known by the fanbase as "Mr. First Down," as he always had a knack for making that clutch catch on third-down. Brian is currently the co-host of the morning show at 680 The Fan in Atlanta.

On the 51st episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by his Pro Football Hall of Fame brother and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Jerome Bettis (08:36 – 52:18). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys talk about preseason QB battle for the Saints, and why Morten believes Jameis Winston has the edge at quarterback right now in New Orleans (03:01).

We then move to our interview with Jerome Bettis, where he discusses a wide range of topics: why it was bowling, not football, that kept Jerome out of trouble growing up in a bad neighborhood in Detroit, MI (12:09); going back to Notre Dame to finish his college degree during the COVID-19 pandemic (17:14); being an All-Pro as a rookie, and the moment at the Pro Bowl in his first year that made him realize that he belonged (19:36); what his favorite play was during his pro career, and how Dermontti Dawson changed the center position forever (23:15); why he chose the Steelers over the Oilers when the Rams decided to trade him after his third season with the team (28:27); how Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier were great mentors for him when he arrived in Pittsburgh (30:29); why Bill Cowher was so important to the success of his career (32:39); the story behind winning the Super Bowl in his hometown in his final professional game (35:25); Jerome’s predictions for the 2021 NFL season, including thoughts on the Steelers, Najee Harris, Derrick Henry, and a Super Bowl prediction (43:08); and this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” including thoughts some of the all-time great Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as Isaac Bruce and Lou Holtz (45:13).

Finally, TommyFreezePops is joined by Kevin Rogers for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (53:13 – 59:20). Kevin gives his picks for the AFC, NFC and Super Bowl, as well as the futures bets he feels most confident in heading into the 2021 NFL regular season – NFC North winner, league MVP and league-leader in receiving yards.