Profiles in Sports

By Brian Wright

What's Profiles in Sports about?

Great sporting memories are recalled here - featuring in-depth interviews with notable players, writers, broadcasters and personalities.The 'Profiles in Sports' podcast reflects on the games and events of years past and the individuals that helped create them.

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Profiles in Sports episodes:

05.04.2017
Episode #76 (5/4/17): Linda Cohn
For all the personalities that come and go at ESPN, Linda Cohn has been a trusted, well-respected presence for nearly 25 years. Nobody has anchored more SportsCenter shows than her. Her 5,000th time hosting the network’s premiere program came...
04.29.2017
Episode #75 (4/27/17): Brian Windhorst and Dave McMenamin
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, their Game 7 win in last year’s NBA Finals over the Golden State Warriors not only capped a tremendous comeback from being down three-games-to-one, it also culminated a personal triumph for LeBron James –- bringing the...
04.18.2017
Episode #74 (4/17/17): Dick Vermeil
From California to Philadelphia to St. Louis to Kansas City, Dick Vermeil ran the football marathon and came out a winner – most especially so in the form of two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV....
03.22.2017
Episode #73 (3/22/17): Keith Smart
What makes the NCAA Basketball Tournament so compelling each year are the buzzer beaters and the Cinderellas. Thirty years ago, the 1987 championship game concluded with a late basket from a player who enjoyed his own Cinderella story. Keith Smart scored...
03.15.2017
Episode #72 (3/14/17): Jason Turbow
During the first half of the 1970s, the Oakland A’s were the most colorful team in baseball – with bright double-knit uniforms, long hair and outlandish personalities. They were also the best team – winning five consecutive division titles and...
03.02.2017
Episode #71 (3/2/17): Kenny Easley
Fearless on the field and feared by his opponents, Easley sported a hard-hitting style en route to claiming five trips to the Pro Bowl, four first-team All-Pro selections, the 1981 Defensive Rookie of the Year and the 1984 Defensive Player...
02.21.2017
Episode #70 (2/20/17): Dave Van Horne
It took ten years and plenty of voters to be convinced otherwise, but Tim Raines made it to the Hall of Fame on his last try on the writer’s ballot. The premiere National League lead-off hitter of the 1980s was...
02.15.2017
Episode #69 (2/14/17): Bill Brown
Going from unknown Red Sox prospect to a well-known face of the Houston Astros franchise, Jeff Bagwell belted 449 home runs over 15 big league seasons and was the unanimous choice for the 1994 National League Most Valuable Player. His selection...
02.09.2017
Episode #68 (2/9/17): Eric Nadel
On January 18, the Baseball Hall of Fame announced the election of three players to the National Pastime’s most exclusive and prestigious club. With that, we’ve entrusted the help of longtime broadcasters – each of whom got to respectively witness...
01.30.2017
Episode #67 (1/30/17): Bruce Matthews
The longest and most extensive NFL family tree belongs to Matthews clan – which dates back nearly 70 years. Prominent in this lineage is Bruce Matthews, the versatile and durable Hall of Fame offensive lineman who played 19 seasons with the...
01.13.2017
Episode #66 (1/13/17): Merrill Reese
Since 1977, the unmistakable baritone voice of Merrill Reese has been on the call for the memorable moments of the Philadelphia Eagles – from the original 'Miracle at the Meadowlands', to the 2010 version featuring DeSean Jackson, as well as...
12.21.2016
Episode #65 (12/20/16): Lenny Moore
By the time Lenny Moore entered the NFL in 1956, pass-catching running backs were few and far between. But by the time he finished his 12-year career, he had broken the mold. Lenny totaled more than 12,000 all-purpose yards for...
12.09.2016
Episode #64 (12/8/16): Mike Haynes
The top shutdown cornerbacks in recent NFL history include Richard Sherman, Josh Norman, Derrelle Revis and, going further back, Rod Woodson and Deion Sanders. But during the late 1970s and 1980s, that distinction was bestowed upon Mike Haynes, who earned...
11.23.2016
Episode #63 (11/23/16): Mike Freeman
There were plenty of highs and lows in the life of Ken Stabler, and Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman has chronicled it all in his new book entitled "Snake." Stabler spent most of his NFL career quarterbacking the Oakland Raiders and...
11.11.2016
Episode #62 (11/11/16): Roland Lazenby
The accomplished author of many acclaimed basketball books has delved into the story of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant with his new book "Showboat." Our discussion ranges from Kobe’s youth in Italy following his father’s professional basketball career, how he...
10.27.2016
Episode #61 (10/27/16): Jeff Pearlman
New York Times best-selling author Jeff Pearlman has written about such superstars as Walter Payton, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens. Now, he’s tackled another great sports figure with his book on a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback – entitled...
10.21.2016
Episode #60 (10/20/16): Tom Heinsohn
A key member of the Boston Celtics dynasty during the 1950s and 60s, Heinsohn would win the 1957 Rookie of the year, become a six time All-Star, and was a part of eight championship teams. He’d win two more titles as...
10.06.2016
Episode #59 (10/6/16): Mike Pereira
As a Rules Analyst on Fox Sports’ football broadcasts, Mike Pereira makes sense out of the confusing. The former Vice President of Officiating for the National Football League is marking his seventh season in this role that has transformed sports television....
10.04.2016
Episode #58 (9/29/16): Dr. Dick Barnett
His famous “fall back baby” jumper was instrumental in Dick Barnett becoming a three-time All-American, helping lead Tennessee State to three consecutive NAIA championships, and averaging nearly 16 points per game over 14 NBA seasons. He was a part of...
06.10.2016
Episode #57 (6/9/16): 1976 NBA Finals Game 5
In basketball history, it's still regarded as "The Greatest Game Ever Played." On June 4, 1976, the fifth game of that year's NBA Finals had it all…and then some. This triple-overtime epic featured countless heroic plays, brilliant execution, controversy, a premature...
05.26.2016
Episode #56 (5/25/16): Mario Andretti
The name ‘Andretti’ is forever synonymous with racing excellence. Mario forged an unmatched legacy that continues to this day. Having won – among countless other accomplishments – the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the Formula One World Championship, he’s the...
05.26.2016
Episode #55 (5/18/16): Tim Shanahan
By 1975, Muhammad Ali had ascended to world icon status and, arguably, the most recognizable figure of that day. Ali’s magnetism drew the attention of many, including Tim Shanahan. Soon after they first met, this relationship evolved into morning runs together,...
05.12.2016
Episode #54 (5/10/16): Bobby Rahal
The Indianapolis 500 can produce spectacular highs and devastating lows – a gamut of emotions that make it one of the best one-day sporting events. For Bobby Rahal, the 1986 edition proved to be his greatest moment in a successful...
04.22.2016
Episode #53 (4/20/16): Shannon Miller
No gymnast in U.S. history has had a more decorated career. Shannon Miller came onto the world stage at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, where she earned three bronze medals and two silvers. Gold would come four years later in Atlanta,...
04.07.2016
Episode #52 (4/7/16): Ken Burns
Jackie Robinson’s legacy as a Hall of Fame player and a civil rights pioneer is one that will endure forever. His breaking of the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in April 1947 makes him the most significant figure in...
04.07.2016
Episode #51 (4/7/16): Jack Nicklaus II
Golf’s greatest player on golf’s grandest stage is sure to create a memorable occasion. But the final round of the 1986 Masters took it a step further. That’s because Jack Nicklaus, at age 46 and thought to be finished as...
03.31.2016
Episode #50 (3/31/16): Ed Pinckney
In the 1985 NCAA Championship, David prevailed over Goliath. Georgetown appeared invincible – seemingly on its way to a second straight national title. But that didn’t faze the underdogs from Villanova, a Big East rival who had endured two close...
03.24.2016
Episode #49 (3/24/16): Erik Sherman
Through their supremacy on the field and their escapades off of it, the 1986 New York Mets remain one of the Big Apple’s most memorable teams – not to mention one of the best. With an entertainment value worthy...
03.16.2016
Episode #48 (3/16/16): Quinn Buckner
It’s one of the true rarities in team sports: perfection. For men’s college basketball, the last group to achieve this feat was Indiana University – 40 years ago. The starting guard and co-captain of that revered 1976 squad recalls the...
03.08.2016
Episode #47 (3/8/16): 1966 Texas Western
When the final buzzer sounded on the 1966 NCAA Championship between Texas Western and Kentucky little did anyone in attendance at Cole Field House in College Park, Md know the impact of the Miners’ 72-65 victory. Don Haskins’ team –...
02.23.2016
Episode #46 (2/23/16): Jack Ham
No defense in NFL history ever enjoyed more sustained greatness than Pittsburgh’s famed “Steel Curtain.” This group played a major role in the Steelers winning four Super Bowls over a six-year span and featured four eventual Hall of Famers. Among this...
02.16.2016
Episode #45 (2/16/16): Howard Megdal
The St. Louis Cardinals have set the standard that all other MLB clubs aspire to match. Over the past 16 seasons, they have reached the postseason 12 times, won four NL pennants and two World Series. And thanks to a...
02.02.2016
Episode #44 (2/2/16): Bill Curry
His is a football life that has taken him to some of the sport's premier locations – from Green Bay to Baltimore to Tuscaloosa. He’s played for a trio of Hall of Fame coaches and was a starter in three...
01.15.2016
Episode #43 (1/14/16): Fred Claire
The former Dodgers general manager talks about how his background in journalism led to him starting out as a public relations executive, the critical moves that helped win the 1988 World Series, a trade he still regrets, and how the...
01.08.2016
Episode #42 (1/8/16): Joe Posnanski
The nationally-recognized writer is back for a second straight year on the show to discuss all things Hall of Fame – including the recent voting results, the legacies of Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza, as well as a preview...
11.11.2015
Episode #41 (11/11/15): Charles Fountain
Joe Jackson, Lefty Williams, Happy Felsch, Buck Weaver, Swede Risberg, Chick Gandil, Eddie Cicotte, Fred McMullin. Eight names forever linked in baseball infamy. They, of course, are the members of the Chicago White Sox who received lifetime banishment from baseball...
10.30.2015
Episode #40 (10/29/15): 1975 World Series, Part 2
The excitement of the first five games of the 1975 World Series was nothing compared to what took place over the final two. On October 21, Fenway Park played host to arguably the greatest game in World Series history –...
10.21.2015
Episode #39 (10/21/15): 1975 World Series, Part 1
It wasn’t just one of the best-played World Series of all-time; it probably was the most impactful. Millions around the country were witness to a true Fall classic 40 years ago – a showdown between two talent-laden clubs that was...
10.06.2015
Episode #38 (10/6/15): Frank Tanana
The story of Frank Tanana's major league career can be divided into two acts. He quickly rose to stardom with the California Angels as a strikeout pitcher – fanning as many as 269 in 1975. But a shoulder injury in...
09.24.2015
Episode #37 (9/24/15): Bob Wolff
The 56-game hitting streak for Joe DiMaggio. Cal Ripken’s 2,632 consecutive games played. Cy Young’s 511 victories. All are baseball records which will never be surpassed. Bob Wolff also holds an unbreakable record. Covering everything from the National Football League...
09.15.2015
Episode #36 (9/15/15): Rick Dempsey
In a career that covered 24 seasons and four decades, Rick Dempsey possessed endearing qualities as both a durable catcher and a unique personality. Our lineup of topics discussed with Rick includes: -His relationship with his Orioles Hall of Fame manager...
09.01.2015
Episode #35 (8/31/15): Dick Groat
The 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates, as he put it, were a team of destiny. Dick Groat, the National League’s Most Valuable Player that season, was one of many key contributors who led the Bucs to their first title in 35 years...
08.19.2015
Episode #34 (8/19/15): Heather Quinlan
The 1986 Mets didn’t just dominate the major league competition. They ruled New York City in a way that hasn’t been matched since. Filmmaker Heather Quinlan is in the late stages of developing a documentary on this team that won...
08.10.2015
Episode #33 (8/10/15): Lindsay Berra
The list of accomplishments in the storied life of Lawrence Peter Berra is just about as long as the many endearing and humorous quotes that will forever make him the indelible Yogi. But there could very well be one more honor...
07.30.2015
Episode #32 (7/30/15): Frank Viola
There was plenty to talk about with the veteran of 15 big league seasons and 176 wins – from his college days at St. John’s to the grand stage of the World Series to coaching some of the top young...
07.23.2015
Episode #31 (7/23/15): Jeff Idelson
The Hall of Fame Induction ceremony isn’t just a special time for those honored. It’s a focal point of the baseball calendar – when the sport has its eyes on Cooperstown and when many fans of the game make the...
07.08.2015
Episode #29 (7/7/15): Tom Verducci
Having earned plaudits as one of baseball's best and most respected journalists, Tom Verducci embarks on his second turn as an All-Star Game color analyst for FOX. Here's a lineup of some of the topics discussed: -The 1970 All-Star Game, which...
06.30.2015
Episode #28 (6/29/15): Tony Perez
One of the stars who powered the Big Red Machine, Tony Perez' standout years in Cincinnati earned him a ticket to the Hall of Fame. In total, he played 23 seasons with the Reds, Red Sox, Expos and Phillies. Among...
06.19.2015
Episode #27 (6/18/15): J.R. Richard
From the high of being an All-Star starting pitcher to the low of homelessness, J.R. Richard has experienced both extremes. By 1980, he had established himself as the most intimidating pitcher in the game – coming off of two consecutive 300-plus...
06.12.2015
Episode #26 (6/11/15): Bill Lee
In a straight-laced sport such as baseball, Bill Lee – better known as “Spaceman” – was a distinctive personality. Through 14 big league seasons and 119 victories, he was as crafty on the mound as he was opinionated off of...

What's Profiles in Sports about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Profiles in Sports episodes:

Episode #76 (5/4/17): Linda Cohn

Episode #75 (4/27/17): Brian Windhorst and Dave McMenamin

Episode #74 (4/17/17): Dick Vermeil

Episode #73 (3/22/17): Keith Smart

Episode #72 (3/14/17): Jason Turbow

Episode #71 (3/2/17): Kenny Easley

Episode #70 (2/20/17): Dave Van Horne

Episode #69 (2/14/17): Bill Brown

Episode #68 (2/9/17): Eric Nadel

Episode #67 (1/30/17): Bruce Matthews

Episode #66 (1/13/17): Merrill Reese

Episode #65 (12/20/16): Lenny Moore

Episode #64 (12/8/16): Mike Haynes

Episode #63 (11/23/16): Mike Freeman

Episode #62 (11/11/16): Roland Lazenby

Episode #61 (10/27/16): Jeff Pearlman

Episode #60 (10/20/16): Tom Heinsohn

Episode #59 (10/6/16): Mike Pereira

Episode #58 (9/29/16): Dr. Dick Barnett

Episode #57 (6/9/16): 1976 NBA Finals Game 5

Episode #56 (5/25/16): Mario Andretti

Episode #55 (5/18/16): Tim Shanahan

Episode #54 (5/10/16): Bobby Rahal

Episode #53 (4/20/16): Shannon Miller

Episode #52 (4/7/16): Ken Burns

Episode #51 (4/7/16): Jack Nicklaus II

Episode #50 (3/31/16): Ed Pinckney

Episode #49 (3/24/16): Erik Sherman

Episode #48 (3/16/16): Quinn Buckner

Episode #47 (3/8/16): 1966 Texas Western

Episode #46 (2/23/16): Jack Ham

Episode #45 (2/16/16): Howard Megdal

Episode #44 (2/2/16): Bill Curry

Episode #43 (1/14/16): Fred Claire

Episode #42 (1/8/16): Joe Posnanski

Episode #41 (11/11/15): Charles Fountain

Episode #40 (10/29/15): 1975 World Series, Part 2

Episode #39 (10/21/15): 1975 World Series, Part 1

Episode #38 (10/6/15): Frank Tanana

Episode #37 (9/24/15): Bob Wolff

Episode #36 (9/15/15): Rick Dempsey

Episode #35 (8/31/15): Dick Groat

Episode #34 (8/19/15): Heather Quinlan

Episode #33 (8/10/15): Lindsay Berra

Episode #32 (7/30/15): Frank Viola

Episode #31 (7/23/15): Jeff Idelson

Episode #29 (7/7/15): Tom Verducci

Episode #28 (6/29/15): Tony Perez

Episode #27 (6/18/15): J.R. Richard

Episode #26 (6/11/15): Bill Lee