In this powerful, in-depth conversation, former NFL standout Donovin Darius opens up about his unbelievable journey from Camden, New Jersey to the highest level of professional football. Donovin reflects on his childhood, the obstacles he faced growing up, and how sports became a lifeline that helped him break free from a tough environment. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from his college career at Syracuse, the recruiting process, and the moments that shaped his path to the NFL. The conversation goes deeper into the realities of professional football — injuries, pressure, faith, and identity beyond the game. Donovin explains how his faith carried him through the hardest moments of his career and how he found purpose after football through his foundation and commitment to giving back. This is more than a football story — it’s a story about resilience, faith, and redefining success.👇 Watch until the end for Donovin’s message to young athletes and anyone trying to beat the odds.00:00 Introduction and Early Life02:07 Choosing Syracuse05:20 College Football Journey12:30 Rising to the NFL14:57 NFL Rookie Year and Challenges18:03 Big Hits and Mentorship28:01 Injuries and Reflections29:06 Injuries and Challenges in the NFL30:46 Deciding to Retire33:32 Life After Football38:13 Family and Legacy43:17 Reflections and Future PlansIn the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro is your front row seat to one-on-one conversations with sports figures. Each episode we go beyond the bio and hear about the stories that made headlines. Our guests are hall of famers, gold medalists, record holders, trailblazers and more. We cover all sports and all eras to bring you amazing guests with incredible accounts of the moments that made them the athlete and person they are today. Join us as our guests share memories of their best, and worst, moments of their journey in sports and in life.

Join us as former MLB player FP Santangelo opens up about his inspiring journey from a young fan in Detroit to a professional baseball player, and eventually a broadcaster. Santangelo shares vivid memories from his career, including stories about childhood inspiration, college baseball, and his time with the Expos, Giants, Dodgers, and A's. He also discusses his transition to broadcasting, the influences of key mentors like Felipe Alou, and his thoughts on current baseball talents and management. This episode provides a deep dive into the highs and lows of a remarkable professional journey.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:20 Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

02:22 High School and College Baseball Journey

06:27 Draft Day and Minor League Struggles

08:02 Major League Debut and Career Highlights

11:34 Influential Managers and Playing Multiple Positions

16:46 Switch Hitting and Memorable Moments

19:51 Montreal Expos and Transition to Nationals

23:01 Fond Memories of Montreal and Ottawa

24:07 End of Career on the West Coast

25:48 Postseason and 9/11 Impact

30:09 Transition to Broadcasting

33:42 Working with Bob Carpenter

37:01 Return to the Giants

43:35 Advice and Reflections

In the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro is your front row seat to one-on-one conversations with sports figures. Each episode we go beyond the bio and hear about the stories that made headlines. Our guests are hall of famers, gold medalists, record holders, trailblazers and more. We cover all sports and all eras to bring you amazing guests with incredible accounts of the moments that made them the athlete and person they are today. Join us as our guests share memories of their best, and worst, moments of their journey in sports and in life.

Join us as we delve into the incredible journey of NFL star Jimmy Smith. In this episode, Jimmy shares his story of perseverance, from his influential father and college career at Jacksonville State, to the challenges he faced in the NFL draft, and his battle with serious health issues. Discover how he secured his place with the Jacksonville Jaguars, his dynamic partnership with Keenan McCardell, and the secrets behind his success as a key player. This powerful story of resilience and determination is an inspiration for all. Don't miss the candid insights on his legendary career and his life after football.00:00 Introduction and Early Challenges00:16 College Days and Family Influence02:06 Draft Day and Early NFL Career04:03 Overcoming Injury and Setbacks05:33 Joining the Jacksonville Jaguars10:03 Rise to Stardom with the Jaguars18:38 Memorable Moments and Rivalries22:45 Reflections and LegacyIn the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro is your front row seat to one-on-one conversations with sports figures. Each episode we go beyond the bio and hear about the stories that made headlines. Our guests are hall of famers, gold medalists, record holders, trailblazers and more. We cover all sports and all eras to bring you amazing guests with incredible accounts of the moments that made them the athlete and person they are today. Join us as our guests share memories of their best, and worst, moments of their journey in sports and in life.

Join us for an exclusive interview with NBA legend Tim Hardaway as he shares insights from his new book 'Killer Crossover,' co-written with Jake Uitti, set to release on November 11th. Tim discusses his journey from the streets of Chicago to becoming a Hall of Famer, his experiences in the NBA, including iconic moments with the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, and his memorable induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Discover how growing up in Chicago shaped his game, his thoughts on competing against legends like Gary Payton, and his advice for aspiring athletes. Don't miss this captivating conversation and get your copy of 'Killer Crossover' to dive deeper into Tim Hardaway's incredible career.00:00 Introduction and Book Promotion04:47 Early Life and Basketball Beginnings14:47 College Career and Signature Move21:20 NBA Draft and Golden State Warriors26:36 Run TMC and NBA Achievements32:21 Miami Heat and Career Highlights40:13 Olympics and Retirement48:36 Hall of Fame Induction52:43 Final Thoughts and Social MediaIn the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro is your front row seat to one-on-one conversations with sports figures. Each episode we go beyond the bio and hear about the stories that made headlines. Our guests are hall of famers, gold medalists, record holders, trailblazers and more. We cover all sports and all eras to bring you amazing guests with incredible accounts of the moments that made them the athlete and person they are today. Join us as our guests share memories of their best, and worst, moments of their journey in sports and in life.

Join us as we sit down with Rudy Ruettiger, the inspiring figure behind the iconic film 'Rudy.' He shares insights into his life, from growing up in a big family and developing resilience, to his time at Notre Dame and serving in the Navy. Rudy discusses the challenges of his early life, the value of hard work and discipline, the power of teamwork, and the shortcomings of the current educational and sports systems. He also sheds light on the making of the movie 'Rudy' and reflects on the impact it has had on those who have watched it. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, character, and the indomitable human spirit.00:00 Introduction and Early Life00:19 Growing Up in a Big Family01:14 Lessons from Notre Dame and the Navy02:23 Challenges and Resilience03:36 Critique of Modern Sports and Education05:01 The Importance of Teamwork and Character07:54 The Reality of College Sports10:41 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons17:27 The Challenges of Being a Student Athlete18:11 The Importance of Resilience and Hard Work19:48 Reflecting on a Defining Moment22:27 The Journey to Making the Movie 'Rudy'24:01 The Power of Dreams and Collaboration28:03 Inspiration from 'Rudy' and Personal Stories30:50 Lessons on Work Ethic and Consistency35:08 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Rowdy Gaines splashed into life in Florida, but it wasn’t until his teenage years that he dove into competitive swimming. With a thirst for knowledge, he devoured books on the sport and quickly rose through the ranks. His talent caught the eye of Auburn, where he became a 5-time NCAA Champion and snagged the title of 1981 SEC Athlete of the Year. Although he secured a spot on the 1980 US Olympic team, the Moscow boycott dashed those dreams. Undeterred, he set his sights on the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he shone as a 3-time gold medalist. After hanging up his swimsuit, Gaines transitioned to the broadcast booth, teaming up with Dan Hicks since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. In 2028, he’s gearing up for his 9th Olympics on NBC in LA! This episode dives deep into Gaines’ swimming journey, his struggles post-1984, his broadcasting evolution, and his insights on legends like Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. Plus, hear about his mission to curb childhood drowning, his memorable run-in with Snoop Dogg at the Paris Olympics, and the backstory behind his catchy nickname.

From growing up on the sidelines of the NFL to becoming one of baseball’s most reliable first basemen, JT Snow’s journey is filled with unforgettable stories. The son of Los Angeles Rams great Jack Snow, JT grew up meeting NFL legends before carving his own path on the diamond—earning six Gold Gloves and becoming a fan favorite with the San Francisco Giants.In this episode, JT takes us inside his remarkable career: what it was like playing for Dusty Baker, sharing a clubhouse with Barry Bonds, and the unforgettable World Series moment he’ll always share with Darren Baker. He also reflects on retiring as a Giant, the meaning behind his jersey number, and the passion that drives his family’s Snow Foundation for Wolfram Syndrome research.(https://thesnowfoundation.org/)If you love sports, stories that span generations, and a behind-the-scenes look at baseball history—you won’t want to miss this conversation with JT Snow. (https://thesnowfoundation.org/)ABOUT IN THE FRONT ROWThe In The Front Row Podcast puts you face-to-face with the biggest names in sports. From Hall of Famers and gold medalists to record breakers and trailblazers, every episode goes beyond the bio to reveal the untold stories behind the headlines.Hear legends and rising stars open up about their greatest triumphs, toughest losses, and the life lessons learned along the way. Covering all sports and all eras, In The Front Row is your all-access pass to the moments that shaped athletes into who they are — on and off the field.00:00 Introduction and Early Life00:22 Growing Up with a Pro Athlete Dad05:26 High School Sports Journey07:04 College Baseball at Arizona11:41 Draft Day and Minor League Beginnings13:56 Major League Debut with the Yankees16:01 Trade to the Angels and Career Challenges19:36 San Francisco Giants Era25:13 Dusty Baker's Influence26:47 Memorable Mound Visits28:40 Celebrating Dusty Baker's World Series Win29:39 The Darren Baker Incident32:36 Playing with Barry Bonds34:37 Comparing Shohei Ohtani and Other Greats35:44 Retiring with the Giants42:23 The Snow Foundation45:48 Final Thoughts and Personal Connections

Charlie Ward grew up in Thomasville, GA. An all-around athlete in high school, Ward chose to attend Florida State which was about 45 minutes from his hometown. He also chose the Seminoles because it was one of the few schools that allowed him to play football and basketball. Ward began his football career as a punter for legendary head coach Bobby Bowden. While he worked to become the starting quarterback, he was also the point guard of the basketball team. In 1993, Ward was FSU's first Heisman Trophy winner and led the Seminoles to their first National Championship that same season following an 18-16 win over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Just 15 days after winning the Heisman, Ward re-joined the basketball team and led FSU to the Elite 8. When no NFL team drafted Ward in the first round, he turned his attention to the NBA and was drafted in the first round (26th overall) by the New York Knicks in 1994. Ward played 10 years with the Knicks and went from 3rd on the depth chart to a starter in 3rd season in New York. In all, he played 12 years in the NBA and helped lead the Knicks to the 1999 NBA Finals. Coaching in the NBA and high school followed his playing career and in April, Ward was named the 16th head coach of the Florida A&M Men's Basketball program. In this episode, Ward shares his journey with us and tells us about the challenge of waiting for his time to be the starting quarterback at Florida State. He also recounts how he became the only Heisman winner to play in the NBA and the impact Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy had on his career. He also explains why Florida A&M was the perfect place for him to start his college coaching career and shares about his family foundation and why it's important for him to give back to the community.

In this episode, Rod Woodson discusses his football career, including his draft day call and the moment he found out he was going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his special bond with former coach Bill Cowher; also, he shares his experience traveling to Ireland this fall.

Anthony Robles was born to a teenage mother who was still in high school. Additionally, Anthony was born missing his right leg up to his hip. His mom, Judy, encouraged Anthony to live a life no different than kids his age. That encouragement led to Anthony playing a variety of sports, but it wasn't until his cousin introduced him to wrestling in the 8th grade that he found his calling. Utilizing his grip strength honed from using his crutches, Robles excelled and went 96-0 his last two years at Mesa High School in Arizona. After he won a high school National Championship, he received just one scholarship offer to Drexel. He dreamed of wrestling for national power Iowa but decided to walk on at nearby Arizona State. For the Sun Devils, Robles became a three-time All-American at 125 pounds. He capped his career by winning the 2011 National Championship against Matt McDonough from Iowa and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler. Robles won the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPY's where he was presented by Jay Leno. He later chronicled his journey in his autobiography, "Unstoppable", a line from a poem written by Dan Clark that Anthony read at the ESPY's. Following several delays. "Unstoppable" became a movie released earlier this year on Prime produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon and starring Jharrel Jerome as Anthony and Jennifer Lopez as Judy (Anthony was Jerome's body double). Anthony shares his incredible story and the impact his mom has had in his life. He tells us his response to opponents saying his missing leg gave him an unfair advantage. Robles also tells us how a third-grade class changed his outlook on his career and helped lead to his undefeated senior season. Plus, he tells us why he enjoys being a motivational speaker, his goal as a high school coach in Arizona and his love for the NFL's Raiders.