GREEN BAY, Wisc. — Christmas decorations are going up in House Clark and just know that the Green Bay Packers’ hulking defensive tackle goes hard for the holidays. This family is getting into the spirit… and then some.

Head downstairs, into the man cave, and you’ll see massive action shots of Kenny Clark in the trenches.

One features Clark nose up on the ball, staring through the soul of a Carolina Panthers center. There are two game balls atop a fireplace mantle — one from a 10-3 win over the Bears in 2019, another from a 38-20 win over the Bears in 2023. That second ball holds a special place in his heart.

In a back corner are Normatec compression leg sleeves. He’s always seeking an edge. After all, those collisions at the line of scrimmage take a physical toll on a 6-foot-3, 314-pound man.

And in comfy sweatpants, the Packers’ grizzled nine-year stalwart in the middle takes a seat on a plush sectional sofa to chat again with Go Long.

Readers may remember our profile from the 2021 season. That’s when Clark opened up about his incarcerated father. Kenny Jr. was only 9 years old when Kenny Sr. was locked up for a murder he insisted he did not commit. (“My Dad did nothing wrong,” son said then.) Clark truly had no idea if his Dad would ever get to see him play — he was sentenced to a minimum of 55 years. To his shock, that moment finally arrived in Week 1 of the ‘23 season at Chicago. It was an emotional afternoon for Kenny Jr., for his mother, for everyone. After more appeals, court proceedings and heartache than he could ever recall, Kenny Clark finally has his father back.

Life is good.

His daughter, Kenaii, is growing fast and he’s got another baby girl on the way.

He inked a three-year, $64 million extension last July.

As for this year’s team? Clark hasn’t felt this hopeful in a long time. The three-time Pro Bowler who’s been on this team since 2016 has suffered plenty of crushing postseason over the years. Now, he’s the elder statesman on the youngest team in the league.

It only made sense to catch up with Clark on our recent reporting trip to Wisconsin.

Audio of our conversation is above for our latest edition of “How the NFL Works,” and the written transcript is here:

Right here is how one of the best of the best on the defensive line balances life and football in the heat of a playoff run.

Full episodes, as always, are available to Go Long subscribers.

Bring in that Christmas cheer!

Previous episodes of “How the NFL Works:”

* S1 E4: 'Get a Quarterback' with Super Bowl champ and ex-NFL exec Jim Monos

* S1 E3: Resurrecting a Franchise with Ron Wolf

* S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf

* S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy Avery

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Greetings from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport!

Always love flying back to the Badger State where the Spotted Cow tastes just as good as I remember and team president Mark Murphy essentially built an entirely new town around Lambeau Field. (Great work, Mark.) It was a very busy week of reporting for future stories at Go Long in Green Bay, Wisc. — make sure you’re subscribed to read ‘em all. But before heading to the airport to fly back to Western New York, I recorded this Substack Live with Peter Bukowski of “The Leap” and the Locked On Packers podcast.

We try to make a little more sense of the mess in Chicago and what the Bears could do to make Caleb Williams’ life easier.

Also, will we witness another second-half surge out of Jordan Love? The Packers sure hope so.

This was fun.

As a reminder, you can download the Substack app here to catch these impromptu videos with fellow Substackers live:

Miss our feature today? I caught up again with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. He’s come a long way from nobody recognizing him at Elmo’s for chicken wings as a rookie. Hamlin opens up more on the night he died and came back to life.

His comeback represents the beauty of the sport.

Thank you for reading, subscribing and sharing, everyone.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

We figured the NFC North would be a bare-knuckle brawl. That’s why we built a podcast around the division this 2024 season.

Six weeks in, there’s no debate. Minnesota (5-0), Detroit (4-1), Green Bay (4-2) and Chicago (4-2) occupy the best division in football.

So, let’s dive in.

A loaded episode for you this week with co-host Bob McGinn.

The Lions went full Tony Soprano on the Dallas Cowboys, but it came at a steep cost. We begin the show with a ton of Aidan Hutchinson talk. How will Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell replace the sole source of their pass rush? McGinn offers a few realistic trade options. Expect Detroit to be aggressive. It’s Super Bowl or Bust for this team.

How did the Lions dismantle the Cowboys, 47-9? McGinn dissects the film as only he can. The offensive line left a trail of bodies in its wake. Carlton Davis is starting to prove why he’s a perfect fit in Campbell’s defense, too… cleat to the face ‘n all.

At the 48-minute mark, we shift to the Packers’ blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals.

More specifically, wide receiver Romeo Doubs.

We got to know the wide receiver with a two-part feature:

There’s a lot to unpack.

Is Doubs pissed?

Where do the two sides go from here?

Here’s thinking the two parties are best together. Doubs is exactly what the Packers need on offense.

McGinn uncovers a lot on film, too. Rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Evan Williams are heating up in a big way. Zach Tom’s been excellent. Jaire Alexander is forever a topic of conversation.

As for the Chicago Bears? Caleb Williams is getting better every single week. Across the pond, the No. 1 overall pick torched Jacksonville for four touchdown passes. We both like what OC Shane Waldron’s dialing up on offense. Bears talk starts at the 1:20 mark.

This week’s “McGinn Memory” is a classic, too. Bob brings us back to his quarterback days in the U.P., when a future NFL pro lined up on the other side of the ball.

Full episodes of the Ty & Bob Pod are always available to our paid subscribers.

Audio is above. Video is below.

Thank you for fueling everything at Go Long.

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These are bizarre times in Green Bay. After three decades of sublime quarterback play and perennial contention, the future is a total unknown.

The 2023 Packers are 2-5 and, now, Jordan Love has 10 games to prove he’s the quarterback of the future. Pressure’s heating up for all involved: GM Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur, Love and a green-as-grass offense.

So, let’s check back in with the player who revitalized the franchise itself.

On Episode 4 of “FAVRE,” three-time MVP Brett Favre examines the state of the organization, and a lot more:

* The problems in Green Bay run deep. What does he see?

* How is Love performing? Favre knows seeing an element of “razzle dazzle” is important… even if the deck’s stacked against the QB.

* The challenge of trying to win with so much youth. Favre knows he was lucky to have Sterling Sharpe at wide receiver to begin his Packers career. Frank Winters, too. Any vet at any position can go a very long way.

* Why the 54-year-old Favre has more desire to train than he ever has in his life. (But, no, he isn’t mounting a comeback.)

* How Favre knew Doug Pederson would be a great NFL head coach.

* His relationship with his father. He never heard “I love you” or “I’m proud of you” from his Dad. What effect did this tough love have on Favre as a kid? Today?

* His relationship with his daughters. He’s been open to both about his addiction to alcohol and pain pills.

* Connecting with the fans on a deeper level and why this meant more to Favre than any statistic, any accolade.

VIP members at Go Long can join our recordings to ask Favre questions. Upgrade here to our founding tier for this access, a Go Long sweatshirt and a copy of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football.”

Audio of “FAVRE is above with video below.

Go Long is completely independent, and strives to cover pro football through a longform lens. Subscribers can access all stories and all podcasts.

Thanks to all for joining our community.

Previous episodes of “FAVRE” below:

Ep 1: Reliving an unforgettable moment in NFL history

Ep 2: Bar fights, throat-slashes and the car crash that could've killed him

Ep 3: The unique attrition of football

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

By the end of this week’s “Ty & Bob Pod” podcast episode, our longtime scribe had the 1988 newspapers out. It’s been that long since the Green Bay Packers offense was this anemic in the first half of games.

That cold stretch under Lindy Infante sure mirrors this one under Matt LaFleur.

Now, there’s a Halloween scare.

You may start to see empty…

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One and a half seasons in, the Las Vegas Raiders have only gotten worse.

Out is GM Dave Ziegler. Out is head coach Josh McDaniels.

Obviously, the Raiders franchise has been a joke for a while now. But as we delve into this episode of the Go Long Show, change was needed. A flawed quarterback plan, an abomination of a defense and losses like the one we all saw on Monday night against the Detroit Lions demand accountability.

Also, what does the addition of Leonard Fournette mean in Buffalo? Co-host Jim Monos recalls scouting Fournette out of LSU.

And what does the opposite of everything Raiders resemble? It’s the Detroit Lions, where the head coach and GM have made a series of correct decisions.

Brian Daboll sure would love that fourth and 1 back vs. the Jets. We’ve seen many coaching mistakes halfway through the season.

Monos also explains why Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata is Victor Wembanyama.

Audio is embedded above and the video is below.

Thanks, all.

Miss our column Tuesday? This is a defining moment for Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Go Long is completely powered by our readers. We cover pro football through a longform lens.

Also, join our Deadline Chat discussion inside the Substack App…

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There is too much happening in the NFC North to jam our weekly discussion into one post.

Miss Part I? Here’s a lengthy chat on the state of the stammering Green Bay Packers.

For Part II, we begin with the Baltimore Ravens’ throttling of the Detroit Lions. One week ago, we were crowning the Lions as contenders. Dan Campbell’s crew, as co-host Bob McGinn eloquently puts it, had their brains handed to them by the Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

Was this a one-week fluke? A bad omen? It’s complicated. We discuss.

And, holy, did the Minnesota Vikings make an NFC statement by upsetting the mighty San Francisco 49ers, 22-17. Without his star receiver, Justin Jefferson, quarterback Kirk Cousins was exceptional in a primetime spot. Jordan Addison introduced himself to the country. And blitz-happy Brian Flores hinted that this is a new day for the Vikings defense.

Go Long spent time around the Vikings in training camp. They were optimistic about 2023 — eager to prove that was substance to all those one-score wins a year ago. The life-saving K.J. Osborn is one player who brings this team’s spirit to life, too.

After a 1-4 start, the Vikes are now 3-4 and should be thinking about contending. This season. With Cousins.

Finally, we wrap with Eagles-Dolphins talk and another “McGinn Memory.”

Thanks, everyone.

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No win on the road is a gimmie. But, for the Green Bay Packers, this was supposed to be the breezy lull in the schedule.

Jimmy Garoppolo’s Raiders? Russell Wilson’s Broncos? They couldn’t have gotten these two clubs at a better time.

Both wins were the Packers’ grasp and they let ‘em slip away. Instead of heading into their NFC North matchup vs. the Min…

Mac Jones and Mike Gesicki doing The Griddy at the end of a game-winning drive certainly was not on the bingo card of even the most tortured Buffalo Bills fans.

An alleged “get-right game” was anything but for the 4-3 Bills.

Could this simply be an average team with an average defensive mind? There’s much to be written on this 2023 season, but the pressure’s building on head coach Sean McDermott. Injuries aren’t an excuse, especially when Bill Belichick managed to pressure Josh Allen on 41 percent of downs without key starters. (Including Matthew Judon.)

We try to make sense of it all here on the Go Long Show with co-host and longtime NFL exec Jim Monos.

Also, some thoughts on the horrendous officiating staining pro football games, those Pittsburgh Steelers finding ways to win in the fourth quarter and a thought on offensive line play in light of Tyrod Taylor and Tyson Bagent earning wins.

Of course, the main focus is on the Bills and that precarious Super Bowl window.

You can listen to our flagship podcast above, or on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, everyone you pod.

Subscribers can access all three podcasts at Go Long, in addition to all stories.

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Few remember the level of ugly to a victory in the NFL. Few will be able to recall just how close the Buffalo Bills were to near-disaster against the New York Giants.

But right now, this is a team lost in the woods.

The good news? It’s mid-October. Week 7. There’s plenty of time for the Bills to dust off a compass and find their way out. We examine the state of the team on this episode of the Go Long Show. Co-host Jim Monos, the team’s former director of personnel, offers his unique perspective as always.

Also…

* Lyft/Uber etiquette. Some stunts don’t warrant the tip.

* Rookie QBs. The start of Bryce Young’s career has been a nightmare, but how much is his fault?

* Why a hearty rushing game is exactly what the doctor ordered in Buffalo.

* Defensively, Monos pinpoints the areas of concern. Expect teams to take the fight to Sean McDermot’s team on the ground.

Thank you for subscribing, everyone. Go Long is powered by you.

The “Go Long Show” is accessible right here at GoLongTD.com and wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

Video below:

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The Detroit Lions — the Lions! — just may become this year’s Super Bowl Champions.

It’s time for everyone to face that reality.

Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have spent three years building a mentally- and physically-tough powerhouse of a roster. So much has gone into this, too. From the Jared Goff trade to building an ass-kicking offensive line, to resetting the secondary to — above all — seeking a specific DNA in players. (Links to stories below.) The time is now for a franchise that’s toiled in the NFC basement.

Detroit’s 20-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasn’t necessarily pretty. But, once again, the Lions proved to make the sort of hustle plays you won’t see on other teams.

Like, say, from Chicago Bears rookie Darnell Wright on a Vikings fumble recovery.

On this episode of the “Ty & Bob Pod” with our resident Hall of Fame sports writer Bob McGinn, we analyze the Lions’ win over Tampa Bay and what makes this a legitimate contender. We then try to make sense of that messy Vikings-Bears game, and think big picture on the Vikes. Where should GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell go from here? How the Vikings perform against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday night could dictate the terms of their season.

We cap with Cowboys-Chargers talk. Contrary to a media talking point this week, McGinn isn’t impressed with quarterback Dak Prescott.

Finally, this week’s “McGinn Memory” turns the clock back to 1984, to a classic snow globe of a Packers game.

Go Long subscribers can always access all stories and all podcasts:

Also, we’ve been growing our Go Long TD YouTube page. Be sure to subscribe to our channel to catch clips from all three podcasts (“FAVRE,” “Ty & Bob,” “Go Long Show”), all Zoom Happy Hours and 1-on-1 interviews with the likes of Matt Hasselbeck, Drew Bledsoe and future guests.

It’s about time we got to your Mailbag questions. Will post in the AM. Have a question? Email me at golongtd@gmail.com.

Thanks, everyone.

Lions Links:

DNA of the Lions, Part I: Vanquishing 'bad juju'

DNA of the Lions, Part II: The obsessed ones

'The Problem' is The Future

The Detroit Lions Must Break You, Part I: Life and death

The Detroit Lions Must Break You, Part II: Bringing the pain

Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions miracle worker

'There is only one Barry Sanders'

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When Mike McCarthy told Matt Hasselbeck that he needs to buy a truck and build a house to send a message, frankly, the young quarterback thought his position coach was nuts.

McCarthy essentially could’ve told the balding second-year pro to bench press 315 pounds with no spotter.

The Packers longshot, however, earned the No. 2 job behind Brett Favre… was soon handpicked by Mike Holmgren to lead the Seattle Seahawks… and enjoyed an NFL career that spanned from 1998 through 2015. Surely, the Seahawks fans that watch this podcast will forever believe Hasselbeck was robbed of a Super Bowl in 2005, too. (He holds no grudges.)

I think you’ll love this conversation. Hasselbeck opens up on the football life he never imagined.

Audio is available at the player above, and everywhere you get podcasts. (Including Apple and Spotify).

Video is below.

The written Q&A is right here. Thanks, everyone.

Go Long is committed to longform pro football journalism. New here? We’d love to have you join our community today.

For all stories, all podcasts, various subscription options are available.

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After another primetime dud, the Green Bay Packers are again under the national microscope. This 17-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders was ugly.

Especially on offense. And there’s plenty of blame to go ‘round.

On this episode of the “Ty & Bob Pod” with longtime scribe Bob McGinn, we spend nearly two hours dissecting Packers-Raiders and taking ou…

The task, to most, appeared insurmountable. This was a Green Bay Packers franchise that had completely forgotten how to win.

When Ron Wolf took over as general manager in November 1991, the football team in the NFL’s smallest market was short on both talent and belief. With free agency looming, it was fair to wonder if the Packers would become obsolete. It had been 24 years since Vince Lombardi won his last title and — over those 24 years — these Packers made the playoffs only twice. (Many readers here certainly remember those dark ages.)

Then, Wolf changed everything.

All the Packers have known since his arrival is winning.

He traded for Brett Favre, hired Mike Holmgren, signed Reggie White and restored the glory days. Through his decade as GM, the Packers never had a losing season, won three NFC Central titles and, of course, reached two Super Bowls. The Packers triumphed over New England in ‘96.

So… how?

How did Ron Wolf make the team in this frigid pocket of the country a winner built to last? The GMs that’ve followed — Ted Thompson and Brian Gutekunst — were both hired by Wolf as scouts in the 90s and both followed Wolf’s blueprint. The Packers became a team that expects to compete for a championship every year. All a credit to Wolf, first and foremost.

General managers across the NFL are trying to turn organizations around. We’ve spoken to many.

Here on the third episode of “How the NFL Works,” Wolf explains in full how he did it. After so many years working as a personnel man for Al Davis and the Raiders (1963- ‘74, 1979- ‘89), a brief run as Tampa Bay’s VP of football operations (‘76- ‘78) and the Jets’ personnel director (‘90- ‘91), the timing was right. Wolf was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. Today, his son Eliot is the GM of the New England Patriots.

Audio and video are available here for Go Long paid subscribers.

The written Q&A is also available:

New readers/listeners can join us here.

Topics discussed…

* What compelled Ron Wolf to trade a first-round pick for Brett Favre? The Bucs years taught him a valuable lesson. He knew he needed a quarterback.

* Was there a game, a practice, a moment Wolf knew Favre was exactly what the Packers needed? GMs across the NFL are waiting to be struck my cupid’s arrow at the position themselves.

* Favre should’ve been a New York Jet. Instead, he became a Packer and the trade launched the most unprecedented run of quarterback play the NFL’s seen.

* Green Bay had many disadvantages. To this day, it’s hard to convince players in their mid-20s to live in Wisconsin. But Wolf didn’t overthink the negative. He knew there were many built-in advantages to running a football team here… and he played off those advantages. He was determined to make Titletown a Destination Town. Right down to finding the best barbers he could, Wolf make this a player-friendly operation.

* Hiring Mike Holmgren. (The 49ers OC was the “girl with the curl,” Wolf says.)

* Signing for Reggie White. (Sometimes, it simply pays to pay the most money.)

* All these years later, he still thinks about the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXII loss to the Denver Broncos. Wolf reveals his great regret.

* Why he believes Sterling Sharpe should join him in Canton.

* Several personnel men under Wolf have spread his philosophy to other franchises. One, John Dorsey, helped build the best team in the NFL. Another, John Schneider, is still going strong in Seattle. Thompson, of course, won a Super Bowl in 2010.

* Drafting Donald Driver. (The Chicago Bears are to thank.)

* Trading for Ahman Green. (He knew the running back was in Seattle’s doghouse.)

* And the best feeling of them all? Winning the NFC Championship at Lambeau Field over the Carolina Panthers.

Thank you for listening, watching and sharing. You’ll enjoy this one.

Go Long is powered by you.

Video:

Miss an episode of “How the NFL Works?”

* How the NFL Works, S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy Avery

* How the NFL Works, S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf

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Football isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK. That’s what makes this sport different.

Football, however, may be changing. Watch any game, any Sunday.

Perhaps nobody is more qualified to thoroughly dissect the inherent danger of this sport quite like Brett Favre.

Name an injury, he likely had it. Concussions? More than he can count.

Through the NFL’s golden age, the three-time MVP somehow started 321 straight games. A record that may never be broken despite the owners treating quarterbacks today like 32 bubble boys. On Episode 3 of “FAVRE,” we take a big-picture look at the sport itself with Favre’s iron-man streak as the launching pad. The longtime Green Bay Packer is once again extremely candid on everything.

You can listen to the full episode above or watch it below completely ad-free, sponsor-free. I greatly treasure our independence at Go Long — we’re powered by you. Our readers, our listeners. Current subscribers, thank you. For those considering a subscription, we’d love to have you join our community.

As always, you can listen right in Apple or wherever you get your pods, too. Click “Listen On” next to the audio player to link up your RSS feed if you’d like.

Also: VIP members at Go Long are able to join the call and ask Favre anything. Click here to become a VIP. In addition to this Favre access, I’ll also mail you a Go Long sweatshirt (hoodie or crew) and a signed copy of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football.”

Here’s what is discussed throughout our lively 83 1/2-minute discussion this episode:

* Quarterbacks who impress Favre five weeks into this 2023 season with a close look at the San Francisco 49ers’ godsend: Brock Purdy. (He also admires Baker Mayfield’s leadership. Earmuffs, kids, on the Andy Janovich quote.)

* The streak. A true love for the game drove Favre to always, always, always play on. Is such a passion becoming antiquated?

* Painkillers sure helped Favre start every game early in his career. He’d always take his pills with a beer. (And the beer teammates turned down.)

* Which injury was the most difficult for Favre to play through his two decades in the NFL?

* We discuss football — true football — and why there’s nothing else like it. You know at a very young age whether this sport is for you or not.

* You might’ve seen Favre’s name in the news last week. He says his deposition in the Mississippi civil suit is not this month, but that he’s eager for the opportunity to speak. I ask Favre about the damage done to his reputation.

* In 2023, Favre sees the sport transforming into something new: “Flag football with pads.” That’s swell for the long-term health of quarterbacks — he’d know. But at what cost? Is the sport losing itself with so many flags and fines dulling the instincts of defensive players? He watched Bills-Jaguars on Sunday morning with similar angst.

* The hypocrisy of pontificating about player safety while adding a regular-season game. That 18th game won’t be far behind, too. Yet, Favre makes a smart point. Players who enjoy the physical contact will also be increasingly OK with danger being siphoned out of the sport… if they see the financial benefits all around.

* VIP questions! Favre explains why it was always nice to joke around with officials. Also, who was his favorite receiver?

* An Andy Reid story he’ll never forget.

FULL VIDEO:

Previous episodes of “FAVRE” below:

Ep 1: Reliving an unforgettable moment in NFL history

Ep 2: Bar fights, throat-slashes and the car crash that could've killed him

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

The great mystery of this 2023 NFL season resides in Green Bay, Wisc.

Jordan Love.

After three years, the Packers finally deemed that the quarterback out of Utah State was ready to take over. We’ve seen a thrilling comeback win over the New Orleans Saints. We’ve seen a rough first half against the Detroit Lions. But how is Love really playing? Most importantly, how good can he be?

You’ll want to catch our latest Happy Hour Replay. The man who knows Love’s game better than anyone gives us an inside look. Steve Calhoun of Armed and Dangerous Football has coached and mentored Love since the QB was in eighth grade.

For a full hour, Calhoun takes questions from Go Long members.

Catch the full audio above or watch the full video below.

We discuss…

* What was going through Love’s mind when the Packers gave Aaron Rodgers an extension in 2022? Right when it appeared his Green Bay days were numbered?

* Simulating game action on a practice field — for three years.

* Love’s mental toughness. It has roots in adversity that prepares Love for anything he could see on a football field.

* Green Bay West. Calhoun breaks down the practices Love ran with the team’s receivers and backs in July.

* Calhoun’s outside-the-box coaching methods. Such as teaching Love how to use both of his eyes in different ways as he’s reading the field.

* Why nothing surprises Love on the field.

* What happened in Detroit? We break down some of the throws, good and bad.

* The pressure. Media coverage has often been scathing the last three years. How has Love processed it?

Thanks, everyone.

And, remember: Let me know who you would like to hang out with on a Happy Hour. We’ll make it happen.

Full Video Replay:

Past Go Long Happy Hours:

* John Hansen

* Andrew Brandt

* Peter King

* Warren Moon

* Isaiah McKenzie

* Bob McGinn

* Rob Johnson

* Jamal Lewis

* T.J. Lang

* Jamaal Williams

* Stevie Johnson

* Richie Incognito

* Wyatt Teller

* Doug Whaley

* Isaiah Likely

* Stevie Johnson

* Eric Wood

* LeRoy Butler

* Bob McGinn & Jim Monos

* Quincy Avery

* Erik Kramer

* Frank Winters

* Olin Kreutz

* Peter King

* Johnathan Franklin

* Steve Calhoun

* Jim Monos

* Jace Sternberger

* Doug Whaley

* Isaiah McKenzie

* Andy Janovich

* Vince Williams

* Ryan Leaf & Steve Tasker

* Joshua Harris

* D’Wayne Eskridge

* Allen Robinson

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The Detroit Lions effectively socked the Green Bay Packers in the jaw last week.

They won, 34-20, and of course built up that 27-3 halftime lead that led to a very emotional Matt LaFleur. (And a few scattered boo’s at Lambeau Field.)

So, what in the hell happened?

On this episode of the “Ty & Bob Pod” — spanning nearly two hours — we break it …

The game of the week turned out to be no game at all with the Buffalo Bills knocking out the Miami Dolphins, 48-20. Overreactions to the Dolphins’ sluggish day on offense are ridiculous. These two teams just may meet two more times this season.

But what a day for Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and, without a doubt, head coach Sean McDermott. We all know this is his defense in 2023. Slowing down the Dolphin machine was a promising early sign.

The back-half of the podcast is spent discussing the rookie quarterbacks.

C.J. Stroud’s arrow is pointing up — his calm and cool confounded the Steelers, 30-6 — and co-host Jim Monos also loves what he sees in Anthony Richardson. Our resident scout is applying his unique grading system to the QBs again, and you’ll want to hear his Richardson breakdown. (You may recall Monos wasn’t thrilled with the Florida tape.)

Bryce Young? It’s early. But… no. There hasn’t much to get excited about. Not yet.

And there’s plenty of San Francisco talk. Brock Purdy was nearly perfect on Sunday and Monos had a sizzling take to share on one of his teammates.

You can listen to the Go Long Show above and everywhere you access podcasts. Full video is below. Also, be sure to subscribe to the Go Long YouTube channel to catch the live recordings of our flagship podcast, as well as clips from “FAVRE” and the “Ty & Bob Pod.”

Go Long is powered by our readers. Thank you for joining our community:

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

It’s rare to hear how this sport actually works.

Why one player is taken over another player. The process that leads to a team loving or loathing a prospect. The fans who pour their hard-earned money into the NFL are too often fed insipid cliches at the podium and left in the dark.

We’ll always try to lift up the curtain here. And on this episode of the Go Long Show, Josh Lucas takes everyone right inside the thinking of an NFL front office.

From 2015 to 2022, Lucas served as the director of player personnel under GM Ryan Pace with the Chicago Bears.

Before this, he worked with our podcast co-host Jim Monos as an area scout with the New Orleans Saints from 2005 to 2014.

You’ll learn how decisions go down before an NFL draft and, more specifically, how the Chicago Bears got to this point — from the decision to draft Mitchell Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes in 2017 to the trade up for Justin Fields in 2021. Lucas offers thoughts on several other Bears picks, relives Saints memories and has a fresh take on Jordan Love. Also: How do you know if a college prospect can overcome adversity?

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

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The NFC is wide open in 2023. We’re still weeks off from differentiating contenders from pretenders. But the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have every right to be optimistic.

The Lions overcame a rash of injuries to punch the Atlanta Falcons in the mouth on Sunday, 20-6. Ford Field was electric and rookie Brian Branch may be the best pla…

It’s easy to pinpoint the moment everyone in the huddle knew Brett Favre was a different breed. He was in college. He played a football game against Alabama one month after having 36 inches of his intestines removed. The result of a car crash that easily could’ve ended his life.

Seeing this — up close — quite obviously empowered all teammates beyond their imagination. Somehow, Southern Miss shocked No. 13-ranked Crimson Tide.

This became the story of Favre’s football life, Start No. 1 to No. 321. Packers players have said repeatedly they’d run through a wall for their quarterback.

On Episode 2 of “FAVRE” — exclusive to subscribers — the three-time MVP continues to open up like he never has before. As stated, the goal of Go Long is to always deliver football in its rawest form. The good, the bad, the ugly. You’ll always get unfiltered, unvarnished coverage here, and nothing is ever off-limits with this show. There’s never been a Favre before, never will be again and he’ll open up on everything to bring you as close as possible to real football.

Each episode, we’ll connect the past with the present with endless untold stories.

As young quarterbacks across the league try to make their own leap — and win over locker rooms — Brett Favre isn’t afraid to open up wounds from his own life. On and off the field.

You won’t want to miss Episode 2.

Audio is above. Video is below.

A few topics discussed:

* Favre should have vanished into oblivion early in his career. He opens up on his extreme alcohol usage, the byproduct of an addictive personality. Having just one beer was an impossibility. Favre admits he’d drink until he completely passed out. Somehow, he’d party ‘til 4, wake up at 7:30 and train just as hard as he drank. He easily could’ve been Johnny Manziel. Two specific turning points — Green Bay nearly benching him in ‘94, going to rehab for his painkiller addiction in ‘96 — got his life back on track. He quit drinking in 1998, too.

* His year in Atlanta — 1991 — was wild. Favre hit it off with Deion Sanders. He got into four or five bar fights, too.

* Favre sees himself in Josh Allen, and offers a solution. There’s a needle the Buffalo Bills can thread to get the most out of their own gunslinger.

* Yes, we get into Aaron Rodgers and the Achilles injury heard ‘round the world. Would Favre try to come back from this injury? What does he expect out of Rodgers? His perspective on this seismic storyline is obviously unique. He remembers The End well and would love to share his wisdom… if only Rodgers would return his calls.

* You’ve probably heard many of Larry Bird’s epic trash-talking stories from the ‘80s. Favre has many of his own, and shares one classic from ‘99. There’s a reason he gave Lions’ Robert Bailey a throat-slash gesture.

* The blow-by-blow account of his college car wreck is certifiably nuts. How he managed to upset Alabama after having those 36 inches of intestines removed and losing 35 pounds is even crazier, and explains how he was able to galvanize an entire locker room.

* What does Favre think about Jordan Love two games in? He’s been watching closely and sees teammates rallying around their new QB. They want to fight for Love. Beyond the numbers — to him — this is a phenomenal sign.

As always, VIP subscribers can hop onto the Zoom call after our 1-on-1 to ask anything they’d like. This episode, Favre answers reader questions on his best prank (poor Frank Winters) and details what made Sterling Sharpe special. Click Here to become a VIP, to hang out with Favre and also get both a Go Long sweatshirt and a signed copy of “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football.”

Thank you, everyone.

No sponsors. No ads. This show, like everything here, is 100 percent fueled by readers.

As always, the full 88-minute version of “FAVRE” is accessed right here at GoLongTD.com. If you prefer to listen on Apple, simply click the “Listen On” button above.

There’s a good chance you’ll prefer the video, too.

FULL VIDEO BELOW…

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This sport remains a war of attrition. Dan Campbell knows this.

His Detroit Lions are already getting slammed by injuries.

Will they respond?

On this episode of the “Ty & Bob Pod,” we begin with one last look at the Green Bay Packers’ 25-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons — no moral victory. As promised, Bob McGinn brings his keen football eye to…

This isn’t how the Chicago Bears envisioned football in 2023 — at all.

What a cringy display of offensive football it’s been against Green Bay and Tampa Bay. Justin Fields is off to a miserable start and, lest we forget, Fields was drafted by the previous regime. New GM Ryan Poles traded out of the No. 1 pick in 2023, but he no doubt has an eye on the 2024 class. Especially at this rate.

On this episode of “The Go Long Show,” we examine this precarious quarterback situation, and several others. Desmond Ridder had his finest start to date with the Atlanta Falcons. There was a lot to love about his performance against the Green Bay Packers — especially through a clutch fourth quarter. Same for Sam Howell in Washington. Eveything Howell told Go Long before the draft is coming to life through two games. As he said then, on comebacks: “The main thing is ‘don’t get too caught up in the scoreboard.’ Don’t worry about the score. Just stick to your process and play good football. Chip away. Focus on the play. Do whatever you can to be successful that play.”

Also, the Buffalo Bills got back on track against the Raiders. A tame Josh Allen was still an effective Josh Allen. And co-host Jim Monos relives his quarterback dilemma in the spring of 2017. He sees the value in letting a mid-round pick play.

You can listen to the podcast above and everywhere you get pods. To access on Apple, select “Listen On” adjacent to the audio player.

Video is below.

Thank you for being a part of our community at Go Long. Subscribers can access all stories and all podcasts, including “FAVRE” and the “Ty & Bob Pod.”

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Football gave Drew Bledsoe so much.

Memories and friendships that’ll last forever. Glory. He’s arguably most responsible for completely waking up the New England Patriots franchise in the early 90s.

Football also tested the former NFL great. With pain… so much pain.

Go Long first chatted at length with Bledsoe shortly after launching in late 2020. Bledsoe opened up then on everything from the Mo Lewis knockout shot to just how pissed he was at Bill Belichick for not giving him his job back to that “bittersweet” Super Bowl win over St. Louis. (You can read Drew Bledsoe, Unfiltered here.)

This week felt like a perfect time to touch base again with Bledsoe again.

Always honest, always introspective, the four-time Pro Bowler shared many new stories. He relives the time he bruised his liver in high school and Bruce Smith whiplashed him as an NFL rookie. Bledsoe admits he still hasn’t watched the Patriots’ Super Bowl XXXI loss to the Packers. He dives deep into the power of the sport itself, and how it connects players from polar-opposite backgrounds.

And, by God, did he love Buffalo. Drew Bledsoe really, really loved Buffalo.

Audio of our conversation is above, video is below and the written transcript is right here. If you prefer to listen within Apple, simply sync up your account by selecting “Listen On” up by the audio player within this post.

Thanks, everyone.

Enjoy.

Go Long is committed to longform storytelling in pro football. Miss our 2023 plans? Catch up here, with testimonials.

We’re completely powered by you. To receive all stories and all podcasts — including “FAVRE” and the “Ty & Bob Pod” — new readers can upgrade here:

Full conversation with four-time Pro Bowler Drew Bledsoe…

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Wide receivers aren’t getting open.

Josh Allen had one of the worst games of his career, completing 9 of 30 passes.

The protection broke down.

The playcalling those final three snaps — to put it mildly — was less than ideal.

After starting 3-0, the Buffalo Bills have lost two straight to AFC contenders. Where does GM Brandon Beane, head coach Sean McDermott, Allen and this Bills offense go from here? There’s a lot to unpack. On the podcast, we try to make sense of it all with Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. The key, as always, is to maximize Allen while you can. But the offense hasn’t looked this bad since the quarterback’s rookie year.

We’ve got our two main podcasts, of course: “How the NFL Works” and the “Ty & Bob Pod.” But in addition to these shows, I’m going to bring back more weekly analysis with various media guests.

You can listen here at GoLongTD.com and over at Apple, Spotify, everywhere you pod.

All podcasts, all features, all columns are available to our paid subscribers.

We don’t rely on sponsors around here. Go Long is forever powered by the people. New here? We’d love to have you.

Next up for the Bills is a date with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. This is an old quarterback experiencing issues of his own.

Thanks for listening.

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Welcome to the refurbished “Ty & Bob Pod” with our longtime scribe — and Pro Football Hall of Famer — Bob McGinn. We started this whole podcast thing a decade ago as teammates at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and brought it to Go Long through the 2021 season.

After a year hiatus, it’s back.

With a twist.

Once more, we’ll continue to take a c…

Aaron Rodgers went down. The hype surrounding this game faded with him.

Yet, it didn’t matter. The Buffalo Bills’ offense was anemic. Josh Allen was dreadful. The energy throughout Sean McDermott’s team was reminiscent of the last time we saw Buffalo in that listless playoff loss to the Bengals.

We recorded an episode of the “Go Long Show” immediately after the Jets’ 22-16 overtime win late Monday night.

The replay audio is above with the video below. (Also, subscribers can listen right in Apple if you prefer. Instructions are here, and all you need to do is Select “Listen on” above. From the drop-down menu, click “Copy link.”)

Buffalo has work to do and — without Rodgers — so will that Jets offense.

Miss our first Monday morning column? Here’s a look at Jordan Love’s debut.

Go Long is powered by you. Thank you for supporting independent journalism.

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Episode 1 of “FAVRE” is live. Subscribers can listen to the full hour and a half above or watch the video below.

We get into plenty….

* Obviously, many of you would like to hear what he says about the accusations levied against him in Mississippi. He has denied wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged. To the extent he can, Favre touches on the case. (Through all developments, he will fill you in.)

* Most of this first episode ties the present to the past. Blow-by-blow, Favre relives a surreal 2008. From the crushing loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship… to retiring… to unretiring… to clawing his way to the Minnesota Vikings… to, finally, reaching a peace with the Green Bay Packers. You’ll hear stories he hasn’t shared before. To this day, it all boggles the mind.

* Why did he hold that retirement presser? What feeling was deep in his gut upon getting on the flight home? When did Favre get the “itch” to play again? This was an unforgettable moment in Packers and NFL history. Favre lifts up the curtain.

* Jordan Love and the 2023 Packers. Did Green Bay make the correct decision? (He believes so.) Also, how does his abrupt entry into pro football back in ‘92 vs. the Cincinnati Bengals compare to Love?

* His take on quarterback play today.

* His ever-evolving relationship with the late, great Ted Thompson. Believe it or not, back in the 90s, they were drinking buddies.

* How many concussions did Favre endure? One chilling conversation with Dr. Bennet Omalu changed his perspective. He offers his thoughts on Tua Tagovailoa into 2023. There’s a darker side to pro football, as Favre knows.

Thank you, everyone. Here’s our post introducing the show, icymi.

Also, subscribers can listen right in Apple as well if you prefer. Instructions are here, and all you need to do is Select “Listen on” above. From the drop-down menu, click on “Copy link.”

As a reminder: VIP subscribers will have access to all future recordings and will be able to ask Favre anything you’d like.

Here is the full video:

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The AFC was straightforward. It’s a conference loaded at quarterback.

The NFC is objectively fun. Nearly every team can talk itself into going for it in 2023.

Here on the “Go Long Show” with co-host Jim Monos, we examine which teams can realistically box with odds-on favorites Philadelphia and San Francisco. GM Joe Schoen detailed to Go Long why the New York Giants believe in Daniel Jones — is he right? Could the stars align for Jones and the Giants to contend? In the NFC North, the Detroit Lions have spent three years meticulously building a team capable of playing with anyone — seeking a specific DNA 1 through 53—and the Jordan Love Era finally arrives.

We both like Green Bay’s young movement on offense. Love is ready to introduce himself to the world.

Enjoy, and Thank You. Icymi, we laid out the 2023 plan of attack at Go Long this week. Let’s have some fun.

The “Ty and Bob Pod” with Bob McGinn returns. We’ll talk NFL each week. Soon, I’ll also be announcing a third show.

You can access all podcasts right here at Go Long, as well as Apple, Spotify, YouTube and everywhere you listen.

There’s one more ‘23 Kickoff story dropping by the end of the week. I traveled to Pittsburgh to chat at length with quarterback Kenny Pickett.

* You can count on K.J. Osborn

* Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe

* The Resurrection: ‘I want to bring championships to New York’

* DNA of the Lions, Part I: Vanquishing 'bad juju'

* DNA of the Lions, Part II: The obsessed ones

* Rise of the Jaguars

* 'The Problem' is The Future

* The Vikings changed the culture. Now what?

* ‘I won’t be denied’

* You'll see Nyheim Hines again

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

The 2023 NFL season is here.

Hallelujah.

I’ll be sharing loads of big news over the coming days at Go Long. Ecstatic for everything ahead. Until then, let’s preview each conference on the flagship podcast with co-host Jim Monos. First up: the AFC. Mahomes. Burrow. Allen. Lawrence. It’s an old-school, Mortal Kombat exercise in “Choose Your Fighter.”

You can access all podcasts right here at Go Long, as well as Apple, Spotify, YouTube and everywhere you listen. It’s a good time to add the Go Long Podcast to your rotation, too, with two more shows on the horizon. (And microphones that are a million times better.)

Thanks, everyone.

Subscribers can access everything at Go Long. All stories, all podcasts, all Zoom Happy Hours. Thank you for supporting our independent journalism.

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It was only a matter of time. Stefon Diggs is back in the news with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith dropping quite a nugget.

The Buffalo Bills wide receiver denied that he wants out of Buffalo. That’s expected. So, how should we process this all? (Let’s not take every comment from every player/coach as gospel, either.)

Also, the Buffalo Bills’ starters were embarrassed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in their 2023 dress rehearsal. We decipher what matters and what doesn’t with co-host Jim Monos. There are a few concerns the Bills must monitor.

Jonathan Taylor wants OUT. Will he get his wish? It’s complicated.

Also, we discuss Joe Schoen. The New York Giants general manager was born for this job, and I’ll have a longform story soon at Go Long for subscribers.

You can listen to the audio above, watch the video below or access the Go Long Podcast anywhere you get pods. We record live at Fattey Beer Company in Hamburg, NY.

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Hannibal Navies found his reason to live after a nine-year NFL career and is doing everything he can to help other players find their purpose.

The longtime NFL linebacker who spent time with Carolina, Green Bay, Cincinnati and San Francisco relives all of the highs and lows with Go Long.

You can listen to the audio above, watch the video below or access the Go Long Podcast wherever you get your pods, including Apple and Spotify.

Navies is an open book on everything…

* He was 13 years old when his father died and saw Dad take his last breath. The moment grew to define Hannibal Navies. (Similar to what Dallas Clark experienced losing his mother.) Football became a “guiding light” in the mean streets of Oakland, as he was forced to grow up. Fast.

* Navies details how he gravitated toward the violence of playing linebacker… with vivid memories of his best collision at the position. (The hit required smelling salts.)

* Fourth and 26. This gut-wrenching play in the divisional round of the 2003 playoffs will, of course, forever live in Packers infamy. Navies was sent on a blitz and still thinks about the play to this day. He knows that Packers team had a chance to win the Super Bowl.

* His health today. He has a herniated disc in his back and a bulging disc in his neck.

* How he found a true “passion” and “purpose” in life after football. He’s helping other players adjust to life after football with a strong emphasis on mental health. He’s now the vice president of Development United Charitable/Athletes Charitable and uses all of his own ups and downs in life to help anyone who’ll listen. To him, it’s not about reinventing yourself. Rather “re-developing” yourself.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Dan Campbell is mastering what so many coaches spend their entire lives never understanding.

You cannot manually stick that syringe of motivation into a player.

Professional football players must be innately obsessed. Campbell knows exactly what he’s looking for with GM Brad Holmes in building this team. Miss our two-part deep dive on the Lions?

* DNA of the Lions, Part I: Vanquishing 'bad juju'

* DNA of the Lions, Part II: The obsessed ones

We now take the conversation to the podcast with co-host Jim Monos.

Audio’s above with video below.

The Lions were broken both physically and spiritually by Matt Patricia. How did Campbell put a team together in his vision? Is the hype for real? You can listen to the Go Long Podcast everywhere you get your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify and, of course, right at GoLongTD.com.

Thanks, everyone.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Players apparently are not happy with Eric Bieniemy’s intensity at practice. Ron Rivera didn’t exactly cool the flames.

Wasn’t the elimination of Dan Snyder supposed to eliminate drama?

We dive into it all on the Go Long Podcast. Co-host Jim Monos survived an ownership change himself in Buffalo and shares his insight. We may already be seeing those in power scrambling for the life rafts. That’s what happens in the NFL.

Also, we get into Johnny Manziel’s wild rise and fall and Monos looks back at what it’s like to cut a player this time of year.

You can listen to the audio above or watch the video below from Fattey Beer Company in Hamburg, NY.

Our 2023 Kickoff series of features continues Friday A.M. with a penetrating look at the Detroit Lions, and how this team transformed from Matt Patricia-to-Dan Campbell. The secret’s in the DNA.

This feature will only be available to subscribers.

Thank you for joining our community.

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We don’t delve into the world of college football often but — with Lance Leipold — it’s time to make an exception.

Because if this man can turn Kansas Football around, there will be statues.

The more you learn about Leipold, the more it sounds like he’s the coach this team has been searching for all these years. Our Wisconsin readers no doubt remember Leipold’s absurd dominance at UW-Whitewater. Nobody won more often. Our Buffalo readers will fondly recall his work rebuilding the UB Bulls into a conference power.

Everywhere he goes, Lance Leipold fixes things. Last season, the Jayhawks made their first bowl game since 2008.

How? It’s all rooted in a true passion for the sport.

Our full conversation can be heard at the embed above and everywhere you access your podcasts, including Apple and Spotify.

Go Long is fueled by our readers. Thank you for supporting our independent journalism.

No ads. No corporate monoliths.

Subscribers have access to all season-preview stories dropping through the month of August, including our latest on the resurgent Jacksonville Jaguars.

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The underbelly of this league is often gruesome.

Sadly, the NFL itself chooses to ignore that underbelly.

That’s why Ryan Leaf has become so valuable to droves of former players — he’s living proof. Many remember Leaf as the quarterback drafted No. 2 overall after Peyton Manning, the “bust” who threw 14 touchdowns, 36 interceptions and washed out of the sport. But everything that’s happened since he left the NFL is the real story. Leaf battled severe depression and eight years of opioid abuse. Breaking into the homes of friends to steal Oxycodone and Vicodin, his addiction was out of control.

Leaf attempted suicide, slicing his wrist with a dull life. He once considered letting his car run in his parents’ closed garage so they’d find him.

Leaf spent 32 months in prison.

Leaf completely turned his life around.

The goal of our new show — “How the NFL Works” — is to bring you football in its most unfiltered form, so it only makes sense to bring on the man unafraid to reveal what life’s like for players after the whistle. Because Leaf also knows this: He’s not alone. He has become a go-to resource for players throughout the NFL. Original Go Long readers may remember the QB’s first visit with us, shortly after former NFL wideout Vincent Jackson tragically died. (It was very emotional.)

For an hour here, we take the conversation a step further.

Audio is above. Video is below.

Written transcript is available here:

A few topics discussed…

* How he has linked up with ex-players at the Menninger Clinic in Houston.

* Why he views the NFL as a “propaganda” and “money-printing” machine. Criticize the NFL and there’s a good chance you’re not welcomed onto the league’s morning show.

* Troy Vincent. He’s got a problem with the league’s executive vice president of football operations.

* Conversations with struggling ex-players. Many, like him, are having suicidal ideation. He takes listeners into this cruel world that’s not broadcast to the masses. His message to guys: “You could move mountains 100 times what you did as a football player.”

* The “identity crisis” players face once they enter the real world after a life in football.

* Leaf’s prison roommate convinced him to teach other inmates how to read. This gave Leaf a sense of purpose, even if he didn’t see it at the time. That sense of purpose changed everything in his life. Still, by no means does Leaf want people thinking a flip was switched and he’s in the clear. Staying sober for 12 years (and counting) is a daily struggle. He nearly relapsed right when he got out of prison, then again years later. Leaf relives both days in immense detail.

* Why he views himself as a “lighthouse.”

* Painkillers in football. They keep players on the field, but at what cost? It was a problem when Leaf played, and he’s heard it’s still a problem.

* Today? Leaf is happily married with two kids, calls college football games, does work with the Menninger Clinic and started a new venture with “The Last Mile,” in which the ex-QB helps current inmates learn a skill they can take into the workforce once they’re released. This work will also be featured on a new SiriusXM radio show.

* Leaf recently walked into the prison in which he was incarcerated. The anxiety was overwhelming. He saw the same guards who treated him poorly. Then, he remembered his larger purpose.

* What should the NFL do to help retirees?

Thank you for reading, listening, watching and sharing Go Long with a friend.

Have a question? Reach us any time at golongtd@substack.com.

We are your completely independent home for longform journalism in pro football.

* Miss Episode 1 of “How the NFL Works?” Here’s my conversation with quarterback whisperer Quincy Avery.

Also, here is Leaf’s first chat with us, icymi:

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the cusp of competing for a Super Bowl. And central to it all? Removing Urban Meyer. Hiring Doug Pederson. Empowering players in every possible way.

Here’s our longform story at Go Long, icymi.

Meanwhile, out in New Jersey, Nathaniel Hackett claims a “code” was violated. Sadly, Sean Payton was right — sometimes the truth hurts.

So, we absolutely needed to check in with podcast co-host Jim Monos — a man who worked with both. In New Orleans, Monos was the southeast area scout. In Buffalo, Monos was the director of personnel when Hackett served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator.

Live from Fattey Beer in Hamburg, NY, we dig deeper into it all.

You can now listen to the podcast more easily right at Go Long and, still, wherever you get your podcasts. We’ve got the same same feed at Apple, Spotify, Amazon, etc.

Thanks for listening, everyone. New here? We’d love to have you join our community as a subscriber. More season-preview stories will post throughout August.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Your fantasy draft is around the corner.

John Hansen is a titan in the industry. And has been for ages.

This felt like a perfect time to welcome “The Fantasy Guru” onto the Zoom Happy Hour. We dig into John’s rise, his exceptional new site (Fantasy Points Data) and he has alllll the fantasy advice you need in the nick of time. Sleepers? Super Sleepers? Potential busts? Stick around for the full episode. He may be quite high on one running back we got to know here.

Is there someone you would like to hang out with on the Zoom Happy Hour? Let me know, and we’ll make it happen.

It’s been a busy week at Go Long with our Urban Meyer tales taking off. Icymi, here’s our full story on the Rise of the Jaguars.

Also, Sean Payton was 100 percent correct. The Jets should stop whining. Agree? Disagree? Let us know.

Audio with Hansen is above. Video is available right here:

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Arguably no former NFL exec does a better job articulating how the sausage is made quite like Andrew Brandt. He served as the Green Bay Packers vice president from 1999 to 2008, overseeing the drafting of Aaron Rodgers and negotiating Brett Favre's $100M deal. But as he explains on our latest Zoom Happy Hour with Go Long subscribers, Brandt's football life is so much more than this decade in Wisconsin.
From trying to make people care about football in Barcelona to working with Ricky Williams and Master P to the Packers and, now, a life in media, this has been an unparalleled path.
You can read Brandt's excellent “Sunday Seven” newsletter and listen to his podcast right here. Also, follow Brandt on Twitter whenever news breaks in the NFL. He'll supply a fresh perspective.
As always, YOU can join our Happy Hours with people from across the football world by becoming a paid subscriber: www.golongtd.com/subscribe.
When you join, tell me who you'd like to hang out with and we'll make it happen.
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The man is a wealth of information. Nobody has covered pro football with the sharp insight of Peter King the last 30+ years.
On our latest Happy Hour with Go Long subscribers, King is an open book on...

DeAndre Hopkins to Nashville. What does he have left?

The Aaron Rodgers trade. How did it go down?

His reporting approach to fantasy football.

Jordan Love expectations.

The Mike McCarthy-Dak Prescott relationship.

Brian Gutekunst's power in Green Bay.

The perpetual mess in Washington D.C. (Football, that is.)

Buy stock in those Atlanta Falcons

Why he's skeptical when it comes to Lamar Jackson.


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You read the story. Now, let's discuss.
Carlton Davis did not mince words in his conversation with Go Long. Anyone who thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost something in Tom Brady, he told us, is in for a "rude awakening" this season. Here's the full story: https://www.golongtd.com/p/carlton-davis-bows-to-no-man
On this episode, I chat with co-host Jim Monos about Davis, his rugged upbringing in Miami Gardens and if he's onto something.
We have many stories coming soon. Join the community at Go Long today by becoming a paid subscriber. We'd love to have you: www.golongtd.com/subscribe
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The young Tampa Bay corner offers his perspective on Carlton Davis and why the Bucs will be sneaking up on folks in 2023.
Here's our conversation, in addition to the feature that ran over at Go Long. You can read that right here, icymi: https://www.golongtd.com/p/podcast-lets-nerd-out-with-mina-kimes
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ESPN's Mina Kimes joins the show, and it's incredible she even has time considering how much film she's dissecting this time of year. You see her on NFL Live and you listen to her on her podcast, "The Mina Kimes Show, featuring Lenny." Now, she takes her talents to the Go Long Podcast for an episode.
Mina walks us through her life, and how she evolved into such a film junkie. There's a reason for her smooth rapport with the Live crew, too.
On to NFL topics, we get her thoughts on everything: the Stefon Diggs drama, Ken Dorsey's offense, Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers and what's next for those Jordan Love-led Green Bay Packers.
Of course, you can follow Mina everywhere @minakimes.
Miss our profile on the (very) bold Carlton Davis? He sees Tampa Bay competing for a Super Bowl, and there's a reason why. Here's that story at Go Long: https://www.golongtd.com/p/carlton-davis-bows-to-no-man
It's a great time to subscribe to Go Long. Many more feature stories ahead. Join our community today as a subscriber: www.golongtd.com/subscribe.
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More players have been suspended for gambling. Most are fringe. What does this mean for the NFL? Is this the sign of a damning issue ahead or is the league cleaning up? Let's examine. Co-host Jim Monos offers his sharp thoughts, too.
Be sure to subscribe to Go Long at GoLongTD.com to access all stories, including Part I of the mailbag: https://www.golongtd.com/p/mailbag-part-i-why-were-bullish-on
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They're the forgotten team in the AFC East, those New England Patriots. Entrusting the offense with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge tends to do that.
It's about time we tried to make sense of Bill Belichick's crew, so I chat with the exceptional Ollie Connolly of The Read Optional. The UK native covers the X's and O's of American football as well as anyone in the business and just wrote this in-depth piece on the direction of the Patriots offense: https://www.readoptional.com/p/which-bill-obrien-did-bill-belichick
We dig into Ollie's roots -- how he got into the NFL to begin with -- and the direction of the Patriots. Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation.
Be sure to subscribe to The Read Optional: https://www.readoptional.com/ and follow Ollie on Twitter @OllieConnolly.
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Zay Jones turned his career -- and life -- around. Five years ago, he nearly threw himself through a window 30 floors high. Now, he's making play... after play... after play on a contender. Go Long sat down with Jones to get the whole story. You can read that here: https://www.golongtd.com/p/im-still-alive-the-zay-jones-story
In lieu of his remarkable turnaround, who's next? We each have a name to discuss. Jim Monos chooses a wide receiver whose career is still young and who was traded to a new team. I go with a familiar face at quarterback.
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Is there a new King of the North?

Well, it’s early.

But these Minnesota Vikings look damn good.

Here on the “Ty & Bob Pod,” we dissect Packers-Vikings in great detail with Hall of Fame scribe Bob McGinn. Should the Green Bay Packers have started Jordan Love? Who’s the better back — Aaron Jones or Josh Jacobs? Why is Sam Darnold an early-season MVP candidate. The film revealed plenty.

We also dive into last night’s Lions-Seahawks thriller. David Montgomery, profiled here, again ran like a man possessed, Jared Goff was a perfect 18 of 18 and (Bob’s favorite) Jameson Williams busted loose. Dan Campbell’s crew outlasted Geno Smith… but there were concerning red flags. They need a pass rusher ASAP.

Finally, what about those Chicago Bears? Caleb Williams looked more than competent with a ground game. Let’s not sleep on this team yet.

McGinn’s weekly memory is another classic, too.

The full 1-hour, 54-minute podcast is available to Go Long paid subscribers.

A subscription gets you access to the “Ty & Bob Pod,” “How the NFL Works” and, of course, all columns and all features here at Go Long, your home for longform.

Thanks, everyone.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.golongtd.com/subscribe

Good day! Hey, don't miss our profile over at Go Long on Zay Jones this AM. I traveled to Jacksonville to sit down with the wide receiver. He relives everything, including the night he could've lost his life: https://www.golongtd.com/p/im-still-alive-the-zay-jones-story
In lieu of this, what a perfect time to welcome on a Jaguars expert to the podcast. Mia O'Brien covers the team at 1010 XL in Jacksonville. You can follow her on Twitter @MiaOBrienTV. We get into the Urban days, the transition to Doug Pederson, why this feels different than the 2018 hype in Duval County and what it will take for the Jags to go the distance.
Thanks to all who listen. We'd love it if you rate, review and share the Go Long Podcast.
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The Lions may have the best offense in the NFC. Can Jared Goff win them the Super Bowl? I think so. We discuss. We debate. This was a fun conversation at Fattey Beer Company in Orchard Park, NY. A wide-open NFC sure can feed some interesting dialogue.
Let us know what you think.
For Go Long subscribers, here's my column from this week on Goff: https://www.golongtd.com/p/why-jared-goff-is-the-key-in-the
A feature from 2020 at Go Long. An exclusive with Goff as his Rams days neared an end: https://www.golongtd.com/p/jared-goff-is-ready-to-fight
And a feature from the B/R days referenced on the pod, after his dreadful rookie season. Enlightening looking back: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2726189-jared-goff-rams-interview-2017-nfl-season-preview
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What's going on in Orchard Park? A lot!
First, Sean McDermott is "very concerned" that his star wide receiver isn't practicing. Then, he's here. And practicing. And McDermott essentially says there's nothing to see here. And Josh Allen says there's non-football stuff to work through.
Let's break it all down on the podcast. With co-host Jim Monos -- the team's former director of personnel who's familiar with both coach and receiver, a man who once traded for LeSean McCoy -- we explore why Diggs may be so unhappy and where the Bills go from here.
Remember to rate, review and share the podcast if you enjoy.
And, of course, I appreciate everyone who subscribes to the newsletter over at GoLongTD.com to access all content.
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