Melissa opens by discussing the sad case of Jags RB Ryquell Armstead who has suffered complications from COVID-19 and will miss the season. He's just 23.

Then Melissa welcomes her pal Tracy Sandler, CEO of Fangirl Sports Network to discuss a 49ers squad on the rise and how the defense stacks up against Russell Wilson. Plus a deep look at Fangirl Sports and how she built a successful independent media company. Finally, Tracy shares the incredible story of her previous stint as the voice of Barbie (!!)

Melissa is joined by ESPN's Kimberley Martin to shine on a light on the NFL's continue refusal to diversify at the top. Kim explains the double-standards and shorter leashes Black candidates have to endure. How much implicit bias is really at play here?

Kim, who used to cover the New York Jets, also shares her sympathies with that sullen fanbase and details a plan to go 0-16. It starts with keeping Adam Gase around!

Before Kim joins, Melissa spends a few minutes doting on the NFL's most joyful player, Ryan Fitzpatrick.

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In this special episode, Melissa is joined by her husband Dave on their actual anniversary. Now that Chicago is 4-1, Bears fan Dave is out of football hibernation but he's not exactly feeling like a Super Bowl is within reach.

Melissa and Dave also discuss the season premiere of The Bachelorette, the disastrous 49ers, the greatness of Russell Wilson, what happened to Josh Allen and the NFL's takeaway of the week, courtesy of Tennessee ... practice is overrated.

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Melissa is joined by The Athletic's Lindsay Jones to examine the Titans' COVID-19 outbreak, plus the Pats' situation. Is it time for the NFL to hit the pause button on the season? Plus Lindsay shares her reactions to Bill O'Brien's firing and the benching of Dwayne Haskins.

Follow Lindsay Jones on Twitter: twitter.com/bylindsayhjones

Follow Melissa Jacobs on Twitter: twitter.com/thefootballgirl

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Melissa opens with football thoughts including Russell Wilson's deep throws, why disillusioned fans should adopt the Bills & the NFL's first COVID-19 outbreak.

Then Melissa welcomes Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State for a wide-ranging convo (12:05) that includes:

- The powerful role of the Lions in voter education

- How Ford Field will be used on Election Day

- Her task force to promote equality for women and girls in sports

- Dodging Trump's Twitter insults

- Running the Boston Marathon at EIGHT months pregnant!!!

Follow Secretary Benson on Twitter: twitter.com/JocelynBenson

Follow Melissa Jacobs on Twitter: twitter.com/thefootballgirl

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Melissa opens this episode by mourning Nick Bosa and the countless number of 49ers players who are now injured.

Then to celebrate the other end of the NFC West spectrum, Katherine Fitzgerald of the Arizona Republic joins to delve into the 2-0 Cardinals (10:45).

Among Cardinals topics that were discussed:

- The gelling of Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury

- The ridiculously lopsided DeAndre Hopkins trade

- The turnaround of the Cards' defense

- Expectations for rookie Isaiah Simmons

- How Kingsbury's high end furnishings helps him watch film and maintain good posture

Follow Katherine Fitzgerald on Twitter: twitter.com/kfitz134

Follow Melissa Jacobs on Twitter: twitter.com/thefootballgirl

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Melissa shares her thoughts on the surprises of the new season (Gardner Minshew??!!)and diagnoses the 49ers' myriad issues (5:04).

Then Melissa is joined by DAVE ZIRIN of The Nation for a robust convo on all the NFL player displays of activism and call for change in Week 1 and what to expect moving forward. (11:10)

Follow Dave Zirin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdgeofSports

Follow Melissa Jacobs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefootballgirl

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This week Melissa opens the show with the five NFL storylines she finds most intriguing headed into the 2020 season.

Then Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic joins (12:33) to break down the Los Angeles Rams' chances in a stacked division and also details what it's like covering an NFL team during Covid-19.

Jourdan explains:

How the Rams' RBBC is beneficial (to the team, not fantasy owners)

Why Jared Goff can take the next step forward

How new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is making an impact

Why Sean McVay waking up at 4:58 AM is super late for him

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WE ARE BACK! After a summer hiatus, Melissa returns with TFG Pod favorite Stephania Bell of ESPN. Stephania takes us inside the return of Alex Smith from a life-threatening injury she has closely documented over the past year. She also discusses the NFL's Covid protocols and whether there should be a season.

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Melissa opens the show with some trepidation about the NFL season starting on time and the weirdness of on field NFL news these days. But she is fascinated by Cam Newton's landing spot and offers a couple of guesses.

Then Melissa is joined by NFL executive Alexia Gallagher who runs the NFL's philanthropic arm as VP of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. (Starts at 12:01)

Alexia breaks down the league's recent Draft-a-Thon, including whether it will become a permanent fixture in non-virtual drafts. She also discusses the potential perils of players starting a foundation out of the gate and how the league has evolved its philanthropic efforts.

Alexia also details her rise up the NFL's ladder and offers poignant management advice as she reflects on the traits that have catapulted her to success.

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