Tough Calls

Brandon Parker is a proud North Carolina A&T standout who is now playing in the NFL for the Las Vegas Raiders. He joins Tough Calls to talk about his Aggies leaving the MEAC for the Big South. He dives into the nuances of what that means for not only the Aggies future,  but also for the Mid-Eastern Athletic conference so many HBCU's are leaving behind. Brandon also discusses the importance of Deion Sanders becoming the head coach at Jackson State and what that move means for HBCU football programs everywhere. Finally, Brandon tells us how he feels the NFL has dealt with the COVID-19 outbreaks and what it's like to play in the Raiders fancy new stadium!

AEBL founder and CEO Jahi Rawlings joined Tough Calls to talk about the challenges and rewards that come with building a business a summer basketball league. With NBA stars like Lou Will and Jaylen Brown always taking the court, Jah must be doing something right. He explains how his career started in the music industry and brought him to where his is today in sports.

JR Jackson made a name for himself on YouTube covering everything from sports to pop culture and entertainment. He climbed up the ranks in television and radio, making stops at WFAN Sports Radio, V-103, Atlanta Sports Radio 92.9 The Game before landing on the national stage at CBS Sports Radio. In this episode of Tough Calls, JR gives Symone and Dylan some insight on how he built his successful broadcasting career the unconventional way. He gives plenty sports takes as well. Jackson explains whether or not Atlanta Falcons head coach should be fired, whether the Eagles should've picked Nick Foles over Carson Wentz, and more!

Jimmy Smith, a Jackson State Alum, 2-Time Super Champion, member of the Pride of the Jaguars (Jacksonville Jaguars ring of honor), and pro football hall of fame nominee joined Tough Calls to talk about Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders becoming the head football coach of the Jackson State Tigers. Jimmy also discusses the state of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and if Gardner Minshew is the franchise QB or not. Finally, Jimmy talks about why he wants to coach at his alma mater with Deion, and why he would be a great fit.

Cleveland Browns' linebacker Montrel Meander talks about his journey through Grambling State University and how they gave him a second chance to  prepare for the NFL. Also, Meander speaks on the hidden talent that are in the HBCU pipelines that have the potential to succeed in the NFL but never got the correct exposure. 

Ian Hartitz, host of the Pro Football Focus Fantasy Podcast, joined Tough Calls to give his takes on the upcoming season and also drops some key tips on how to draft a winning NFL fantasy team.

Darius Butler is a nine year NFL veteran  with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers and media personality (Co-host of the Man to Man Podcast and the Everything DB Show). He joins Tough Calls to discuss his experience on kneeling with Colin Kaepernick and others in 2016-2017 before the protest was accepted and also gives his opinion on the effectiveness of the latest social justice efforts by professional leagues and athletes. Lastly, the UConn alumna gives his hot takes on the upcoming NFL season, including his belief that Dak Prescott is a better QB than Carson Wentz. 

Former NFL defensive back and UGA return specialist Brandon Boykin joins Symone and Dylan to discuss how the University of Georgia will be affected by their SEC only schedule, and how he expects the SEC as a whole to have two teams in this year's College Football Playoff. Boykin also gives several hot takes on the upcoming NFL season.

Super Bowl Champion, pro-bowler, NFL veteran, founder of DB Precision and now ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark joined Tough Calls to discuss the state of college football and the NFL's social justice efforts.

2x Super Bowl Champion, 7-Year NFL veteran, and now CBS Sports football analyst Bryant McFadden joined Symone and I to talk about the state of college football and the NFL.