Great Dane Nation

On the 40th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined NSMA Hall of Fame broadcaster Dan Patrick (14:28 – 57:38). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys reflect on the end of their unofficial “season 1” of the podcast (01:04)! Don’t worry, this feed will remain filled with great content from Morten and FreezePops throughout the summer!

We then move to our interview with Dan, where he discusses a wide range of topics: why knowing what he wanted to do from a very young age was an advantage to him early in his career (15:44); why he almost quit broadcasting early in his career because he didn’t think he was good-looking enough (17:12); how a letter from Bob Ley while Dan was in college helped set him on a path towards ESPN (19:25); his incredible partnership with Keith Olbermann, and why the two of them never had to have a discussion about their partnership (23:11); why him and Keith tried to “get away with things” when hosting “The Big Show” together (24:35); how strange it was to go from an Average Joe to one of the most recognizable faces in all of sports (26:40); why the shows he is most proud of from his time at ESPN have to do with death (28:35); remembering Stuart Scott (31:33); getting confronted by angry athletes about how they were portrayed on “SportsCenter” (34:35); why he doesn’t regret leaving ESPN, and the story of leaving the worldwide leader to start his own project (37:03); why he decided to step away from “Sunday Night Football” after ten years with NBC Sports (44:44); why he thinks Aaron Rodgers would be a better “Jeopardy!” host than he would be, and where he thinks the Rodgers drama goes this summer (45:37); who is the one quarterback not named Patrick Mahomes that he would want to build his NFL franchise around (48:10); why he isn’t confident in Urban Meyer down in Jacksonville (49:51); and this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring the biggest names in sports media (50:41).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Thom Cunningham for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (58:26 – 01:04:02). Should bettors be looking to hedge their Milwaukee-futures-bets after falling to 0-2 against the heavily favored Nets (59:36)? How will the series between the Suns and Nuggets play out (01:00:33)? Which NBA player props should people keep an eye on over the few days (01:01:29)?

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten talks about Dan Patrick, and how a seemingly innocuous decision with his buddies in college led to one of the most storied careers in sports broadcasting (01:04:02).

On the 39th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Owner Gayle Benson (08:18 – 35:04). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys talk about Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open, and the current relationship between athletes and the media (02:07).

We then move to our interview with Gayle, where she discusses a wide range of topics: her transition into being a franchise owner, and how her management style mirrors her late husband, Tom Benson (11:07); what the great Drew Brees has meant to both the Saints and the city of New Orleans (14:31); why she feels that Sean Payton remains the best man for the job in New Orleans (15:50); fond memories from Super Bowl XLIV, and emotional reminiscing of her late husband Tom (17:30); her memories of the amazing victory parade for the Saints in New Orleans after their Super Bowl victory (21:21); her thoughts on the current state of the Saints as a franchise (23:20); why she can’t pick just one Saints player as her all-time favorite (26:20); how her habit of sending handwritten notes to former players has helped make the Saints alumni network among the strongest in the league (28:12); why she feels Zion Williamson can have a Drew Brees-like impact on the city of New Orleans (30:03); and this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring Mickey Loomis, Cam Jordan, Thomas Morstead, John Carney, Wil Lutz, and Morten Andersen (30:51).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Kevin Rogers for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (35:52 – 41:46). With the Lakers in trouble, who should bettors turn to for a safe Western Conference champion play (37:07)? Who will win the Nets-Bucks series, and will that winner go on to win the Eastern Conference (38:29)? Which player props over the next few days should people keep an eye out for (39:32)?

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten talks about Gayle Benson, and how her hands-on approach as an owner sets her apart across the sports landscape (41:46).

On the 38th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts legend Adam Vinatieri (06:25 – 48:04). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys talk about the situation in Atlanta between Julio Jones and the Falcons (02:51).

We then move to our interview with Adam, which was recorded only days before he made his official retirement announcement on “The Pat McAfee Show;” Adam apologizes to Morten for breaking all of his records, and also takes this as an opportunity to pay his respects to Morten as one of the greatest kickers of all-time (07:25); why, at the time of this interview, Adam was pretty convinced that retirement was on the horizon (11:53); why Adam is completely at peace with his legacy and accomplishments (17:18); playing with a young Tom Brady in the early part of the Patriots dynasty (19:09); why his field goal against Oakland in the divisional round of the 2001 postseason is the kick he is most proud of (26:19); what was the key to Adam staying so consistent on every kick (32:10); why he left New England for Indianapolis after 10 seasons and three Super Bowl victories (36:59); how satisfying it was to beat his old team in his first year with his new team in the 2006 AFC Championship game, on his way to winning his 4th Super Bowl ring (39:19); the similarities and differences of playing for/with Bill Belichick, Tony Dungy, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning (41:15); and his thoughts on both the Colts and Patriots heading into next season (44:24).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Thom Cunningham for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (49:06 – 54:16). The guys put Phil Mickelson’s PGA Championship victory in perspective, and talk about his viability as a value play moving forward (50:22). Is Shohei Ohtani a legit threat to win AL MVP, or should bettors be looking elsewhere (51:45)? Plus, Thom gives his three best bets for the NBA Playoffs, as the 1st round continues to roll along (52:35).

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten talks about Adam Vinatieri, and how Adam is one of the shining examples of the importance of the kicking position in football (54:16).

On the 37th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Atlanta Hawks legend and Basketball Hall of Fame forward Dominique Wilkins, as we get ready for the 2021 NBA Playoffs (12:42 – 27:06). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys take a look at the 2021 NFL schedule, focusing on three of their favorite matchups on the slate – Tom Brady’s return to New England in week 4 (01:40), QB storylines aplenty for Packers vs. Saints in week 1 (04:20), and the Browns opening their season on the road in Kansas City for an AFC Divisional Round rematch (07:16).

We then move to our interview with Dominique, where he discusses a wide array of topics: why he refused to play for the team that drafted him, the Utah Jazz (14:31); the age he realized he could be a dominant force in the game of basketball (15:32); looking up to Dr. J, and the advice he got from his childhood idol (16:26); how he got the nickname “Human Highlight Reel” (17:26); why “home cooking” may have robbed him of a 1988 NBA Slam Dunk Contest win (18:23); why he never practiced his dunk contest dunks ahead of time (19:22); the two players he thinks are the best dunkers in today’s NBA (20:33); what he looks for when he judges the NBA Dunk Contest (20:47); this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” with thoughts on Trae Young, Randy Wittman, Doc Rivers, Gregg Popovich, Red Auerbach, Moses Malone, Spud Webb, Sidney Moncrief, Mark Jackson and David Robinson (21:23); and how special it was for him to get a statue outside the arena in Atlanta (26:05).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Kevin Rogers for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (38:01 – 45:44). The guys preview the first round of the NBA Playoffs, focusing on three key matchups – Boston taking on the heavily favored Brooklyn Nets (39:22); the MVP front-runner taking on a playoff darling, as Jokic and the Nuggets take on Lillard and the Blazers (41:19); and the Knicks making their return to the postseason as they take on Trae Young and the Hawks (43:00).

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, Morten talks about Memorial Day – coming up in a few weeks – and why it’s so important to honor our military (45:44).

On the 36th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Green Bay Packers legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre (03:08 – 53:37). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys talk about Morten’s family friend Seth Michael, and how his underdog story of pursuing a career in music in Nashville reminds Morten of Brett Favre’s story of perseverance during his football career (01:12).

We then move to our interview with Brett, where he discusses a wide array of topics: how he went from a high school quarterback who never threw the ball, to the NFL quarterback who retired with every career passing record (04:17); his insight into the drama between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, and why he believes Rodgers is more likely to sit out than play for Green Bay again (06:37); his record-setting iron man streak in the NFL, and the aspect of it he is most proud of (13:53); playing the greatest game of his career just one day after the unexpected passing of his father (17:36); why things didn’t work out for him with the Atlanta Falcons (24:11); winning three-straight MVPs in the 1990s, and who he attributes most of that success to (30:54); a great story of Mike Holmgren getting mad at him for changing the play-call at the line of scrimmage, even though it worked (34:40); on leaving Green Bay, and why it was so important to him to play for a team that would be playing against the Packers (38:59); this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring Andy Reid, Jon Gruden, Adrian Peterson, Kevin Stefanski, Deion Sanders, Mike McCarthy, Jim McMahon, Andre Rison, and Jessie Tuggle (43:14); what he thinks of the Jets drafting Zach Wilson (49:26); why he thinks the Vikings can win a Super Bowl with Kirk Cousins at quarterback (50:10); and why Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL (52:56).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Paul Bovi for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (54:44 – 01:02:02). How does the release of the 2021 NFL schedule impact how Paul is viewing some of the win totals around the league (55:59)? Plus, the guys play “NBA Playoffs: True or False,” as the basketball postseason gets underway next weekend (57:17).

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, he talks about how one coach’s poor judgment opened the door for the Hall of Fame career of Brett Favre (01:02:02).

On the 35th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by an icon in the comedy world, the one and only Bill Murray (04:36 – 41:36). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys talk about how Morten and Bill know each other, and the hilarious process of booking Bill as a guest for the podcast (01:49).

We then move to our interview with Bill, where he discusses a wide array of topics: the moment he realized he was funny (05:35); moving from “Second City Improv” in Chicago to doing comedy in New York, and eventually joining “Saturday Night Live” (08:38); what it was like working with Lorne Michaels, and how he was able to get such a strong team together at NBC (11:23); the sketch on SNL that he felt broke him through as a star, and why he could never feel comfortable being a part of today’s cast (14:43); why he always felt of himself as an actor that had the ability to be funny, rather than a comedian trying to play serious roles (19:10); what he loved about “Groundhog Day” (20:31); why he loved working with Woody Harrelson on “Kingpin” (21:50); why his performance in “Broken Flowers” almost drove him to quitting acting (24:24); why Bill is never actively seeking his next role (27:12); describing the ridiculous room he is doing the interview from at the airport in Denver (29:04); accusing Morten of stealing “The Name Game” from Barbra Walters (30:59); and this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring thoughts on Brian Doyle-Murray, Sophia Coppola, John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Michael Jordan (31:27).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Kevin Rogers for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (42:26 – 51:32). Should people with Lakers’ tickets at +275 to win the title be hedging as the team falters down the stretch (44:01)? Are the red-hot Cardinals a team people should be eyeing at +3000 to win the World Series (46:55)? Who does Kevin think provides the best value in the NFL Rookie of the Year market (48:42)?

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, he talks about why he was “dead-wrong” about his friend Bill Murray (51:32).

On the 34th episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by his Hall of Fame brother Kurt Warner to talk about his amazing career, as well as preview the 2021 NFL Draft (05:28 – 01:09:27). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys talk about Morten’s draft day experience way back in 1982.

We then move to our interview with Kurt, where he discusses a wide array of topics: reflecting on his incredible journey, and taking full advantage of every single opportunity along the way (06:54); the enormous impact of Trent Green on his career, and why Trent could’ve been bound for Canton had he not suffered that knee injury that paved the way for Kurt’s breakout season (16:22); why Kurt felt like he played a decade for Dick Vermeil, even though it was only two seasons (26:00); reminiscing about the late, great Frank Gansz (34:58); why quarterbacks and kickers are much more similar than you would think (38:40); not knowing whether or not the 1999 St. Louis Rams banner is hanging in SoFi Stadium (45:23); on signing with an organization in Arizona that had no expectations of winning (46:06); why he felt like he was a better quarterback later in his career than he was in the beginning (49:58); his thoughts on the 2021 NFL Draft (54:35); this week’s edition of “The Name Game,” featuring thoughts on Larry Fitzgerald and Orlando Pace (01:02:15); why he hates the extra game being added to the regular season (01:04:54); and why Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league today (01:06:39).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Thom Cunningham for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (01:10:20 – 01:15:00). It’s all things NFL Draft, with the first round getting underway on Thursday night. What pick is the safest bet that is worth people’s while from a gambling perspective (01:11:38)? Who will be the first non-quarterback taken in this year’s draft (01:12:24)? With the Patriots having their highest draft position since 2008, what will they do in the first round? (01:13:12)?

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, he talks about his friend Kurt Warner, and why he personifies the word “perseverance.” (01:15:00)

On the 33rd episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Michigan State legend Mark Dantonio (04:21 – 55:23). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys talk about the dramatic story that led to Morten choosing Michigan State as his college over Purdue way back in 1978 (01:10).

We then move to our interview with Mark, where he discusses a wide array of topics: why it was so important to get successful NFL alumni back in the fold with the Michigan State program (05:50); playing his college ball at South Carolina, and the long path Mark took to becoming a head coach at the Division 1 level (07:44); what it was like playing with Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers (09:04); why working under Jim Tressel at Ohio State was so important for him in his development as a football coach (12:01); which coaching jobs helped shape his coaching philosophy (15:49); winning a BCS National Championship as defensive coordinator at Ohio State (19:49); why working for Nick Saban at Michigan State was like working in a lab (21:06); how difficult it was to leave Cincinnati to become head coach at Michigan State (28:59); Michigan State’s unbelievable streak of 80-straight years of having a player selected in the NFL Draft (32:43); how he was able to use iPhone videos to motivate his team in two of their most successful seasons (38:54); his special relationship with Tom Izzo and Mark Hollis (46:41); why his biggest regret might be his decision to retire when he did (50:35); his interest in the coaching vacancy at South Carolina this offseason (53:05); and a birthday message from Morten to his friend Mark (53:54).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Thom Cunningham for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (56:15 – 01:01:46). This week is a special expert-segment, as Thom breaks down the 93rd Academy Awards from a gambling perspective (57:05). How will the impact of the pandemic over the past year have an impact on this year’s awards show (57:36)? What does Thom think is the safest bet ahead of this year’s Oscars (58:32)? What category does he think is the most up-for-grabs (59:11)?

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, he talks about his friend Mark Dantonio, and why if you give him a place to stand, he’ll move the world (01:01:46).

On the 32nd episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by Super Bowl XLIV Champion and longtime New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead (07:29 – 59:17). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where the guys talk about the recent news of Kevin James being cast as Sean Payton in an upcoming Netflix project. Who would Morten and FreezePops cast as actors in a movie about Great Dane Nation (01:42)?

We then move to our interview with Thomas, where he discusses a wide array of topics: where his head is at as he heads into free agency at age 35 after spending his entire professional career in New Orleans, and how his situation is similar to Morten’s when he left the Saints for the Falcons (09:29); the impact of the late Frank Gansz on both of their lives (13:26); the whole story behind his franchise-altering onside kick in Super Bowl XLIV (23:06); the impact John Carney had on him as a rookie in New Orleans (32:03); his thoughts on the amazing career of Drew Brees, and the tall order ahead of trying to replace him in New Orleans (34:12); his perspective on the many brutal playoff loses the Saints suffered throughout his career (41:42); having a locker next to Alvin Kamara, and what makes him so special (43:44); this week’s edition of “The Name Game” (46:09); and his charity work, and why an obscure situation in a playoff game up in Minnesota helped his foundation touch a different community (50:27).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Kevin Rogers for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (01:00:07 – 01:09:11). With the baseball season only a few weeks underway, FreezePops run through some early-season overreactions with Kevin, to see which ones are legit and which ones need to pump the breaks (01:01:01). Plus, Kevin breaks down how Jamal Murray’s knee injury impacts the Western Conference Playoffs in the NBA (01:06:20).

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, he talks about his friend Thomas Morstead, and why his training both physically and mentally has turned him into one of the greatest punters in the history of the NFL (01:09:11).

On the 31st episode of “Great Dane Nation,” Morten is joined by four-time PGA TOUR winner and current PGA TOUR Champions golfer Billy Andrade, as The Masters gets underway on Thursday (03:31 – 59:45). But first, he checks in with TommyFreezePops (Tom Carroll), where Morten cannot confirm or deny if he has ever played golf at Augusta National (01:21).

We then move to our interview with Billy, where he discusses a wide array of topics: being paired with Tiger Woods numerous times throughout his absolute apex, and the unique challenges that presented (09:55); why he thinks if Tiger can return to golf after the recent injuries he sustained in that car accident earlier this year, he is “God-like” (18:40); how growing up playing golf in a cold-weather climate shaped who he was as a professional golfer (19:49); why making the cut at a tournament was never his goal going in, and what he used for personal motivation (27:07); why The Masters is so special, and an amazing story about his first time playing in the tournament, which involved a round paired with the late Arnold Palmer (32:30); what he thinks is the key to winning a green jacket (43:13); why the course was easier to play this past fall during the 84th edition of The Masters, and why it should be much more difficult this year (45:45); who he thinks has a chance to win this year’s tournament (47:52); why golfers today are going through so many more injuries than golfers in his day did (49:38); why he thinks “something has to give” at some point when it comes to how much size Bryson DeChambeau has put on in the last few years (51:13); why he thinks the PGA needs to stop having the USGA set their rules (52:43); and his favorite celebrities to golf with (56:16).

Then, TommyFreezePops is joined by Thom Cunningham for his weekly check-in with the experts from VegasInsider.com (01:00:37 – 01:06:50). Thom reviews his bracket’s performance as March Madness finished up earlier this week, and looks ahead at some futures for next year’s tournament (01:01:48). Thom also tells us who to have an eye on as we head into the weekend in Augusta (01:03:33). Plus, Thom tells us why he likes the Yankees as a futures-play for this season (01:04:59).

Finally, we close things out with Morten’s “Game Winner” – a weekly segment where Morten monologues his biggest takeaway of the week. This week, he talks about his friend Billy Andrade, and why his strive for greatness in such a challenging game has given him a long and meaningful career in golf (01:06:50).