Go Long Podcast

Greetings from Orchard Park! I’ll be getting on a plane to Minneapolis Friday AM for Packers-Vikings. But first? Let’s talk some Bills-Texans with Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. It’ll be an AFC heavyweight fight at Reliant Stadium… a place that’s been a house of horrors for Josh Allen. What changes in 2026? We discuss the matchup and the identity of the Bills here on a quick Substack Live video. This Texans defense is a different animal, as we learned. Now, Joe Brady takes charge. His boss, Brandon Beane, certainly understands the stakes of this season. Also: Keep an eye out for an extensive C.J. Stroud piece soon. Nobody in the NFL faces more pressure to produce. Want to join future Substack Lives? Download the app right here. Thanks, all. 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 Game Week. The 2026 NFL Season is HERE. No more lists. No more forecasting. We officially have substantive games to gnaw on starting Wednesday night. You bet “Real Football” will march on with co-host Jim Monos, our resident NFL scout/exec, this fall. Subscribers can expect a full episode each Tuesday. Our goal — always — is to bring you something different. Monos will tap into his experiences with the Eagles, Saints and Bills, while I share reporting stories from the road. In addition to these weekly shows, we’ve got fun news to share: Expect half-hour Buffalo Bills postgame shows on Substack Live. Monos served as the team’s director of personnel from May ‘13 to May ‘17 and I’ll be around One Bills Drive plenty this season. On these live videos, paid subscribers will be able to hang out with us and ask questions in real time after all games. This week, my pal made the trip down to Ellicottville, NY. We post up at Ellicottville Brewing Company. Gotta say, as much as I love their signature EBC Blueberry, “The Charge Lager” and “Fan Zone” beers on tap deliver. Highly recommend. If we have readers that’d like to hang out in-person down here in the Southern Tier, let me know. On this episode, we primarily we dig into everything NFC after last week’s AFC show . The Los Angeles Rams have constructed a mega team. Who’s the best challenger? * There was one grave omission in our 2026 NFL Predictions : the Jaguars. How did we all overlook a 13-4 team? * How is Sean McDermott taking in Bills games this season? * Readers asked why in the hell Monos has Matt LaFleur on the hot seat while also picking Green Bay to make the Super Bowl. He explains. (And he still can’t shake that playoff loss). * Jared Goff doesn’t move. That’s fine. His brain’s sharper than ever. * Caleb Williams does move and improvise and create as well as anyone. Can he master the other stuff? * Christian Parker, profiled here , could be the ultimate X-Factor in this conference. If the Cowboys’ defense improves to average, look out. * You guys know I’ve been bullish on Minnesota . * Hey, let’s not forget the Seattle Seahawks did win a Super Bowl. Video and audio is above and accessible over on our Apple , Spotify and YouTube channels. Once we get the season rolling, full episodes will be exclusive to members. A fine time to upgrade for those on the free list. Go Long is completely independent because of you. No gambling BS, no ads, no sponsors. Thanks, all. 2026 NFL Season Preview Features to date… * Tony Pollard is the NFL’s hidden warrior * The “Big John” Simpson Creed * Tate Ratledge feels no pain * The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated * The Kyler Murray Project, Part II: The Great Unknown * ‘We will be the best offensive line in football:’ Q&A with Alec Anderson, Buffalo Bills enforcer * ‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson * Jordyn Brooks is the captain now * Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint 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

He played for two teams with Super Bowl aspirations this 2026 NFL Season — Houston and Detroit. Glover Quin’s rise from the boondocks of Mississippi to NFL All-Pro is instructive for players, too. This week on the Go Long Pod, I catch up with one of the best safeties in recent memory. Quin spent four seasons with the Texans and six with the Lions in starting 148 straight games. His best season, hands down, came in 2014. That playoff year in Detroit, Quin picked off an NFL-high seven passes. He guides us through them all. Many war stories are shared. (Once, Quin caught three picks with a cast over his hand. How? He relives it all.) He played for Jim Schwartz, Jim Caldwell and Matt Patricia in Detroit. Go Long readers may remember Quin’s name coming up back when we reported on life under Patricia. Players were not fans! Quin explains why the ex-Patriot coordinator failed so miserably as a head coach. In Detroit, Quin also played with Matthew Stafford. We get his thoughts on the reigning NFL MVP. As for today’s Texans defense — a crew full of savages — Quin offers a take you won’t hear anywhere else. Nowadays, he’s a father of three and running his own business in Houston: “GQ Frames.” Life is good and he certainly earned every inch. Video and audio are both above. Be sure to also add the Go Long channel to your Apple , Spotify and YouTube feeds. Thanks for subscribing and sharing, all. ICYMI: * 2026 NFL Predictions * ‘I’m a believer — more than most — in Jordan Love:’ 18-year NFL vet Matt Hasselbeck * New head coach, new vibes, a title for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? * The “Big John” Simpson Creed 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

After 18 years of John Harbaugh, it was time. The Jesse Minter Era is here for the Baltimore Ravens. We drove down to Maryland to sit down with “Big John” Simpson — that feature is here , icymi. Is this the season Lamar Jackson finally gets to a Super Bowl? To get more answers, let’s welcome on a new guest: Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun . Wacker recently penned this excellent story on new Ravens OC Declan Doyle. We dig into everything here on the Go Long Pod. * Minter’s voice, and why it was needed. * What’s new on defense? (A lot!) * How is Doyle coaching Jackson? His attention to detail is extreme — in all of the best ways. Jackson, by all accounts, has been receptive, too. * Where did things go wrong between Jackson and Harbaugh the last couple seasons? Something was clearly off. * Explosive plays could be in high, high supply for the Ravens. * Ja’Kobi Lane FEVER. * Wacker’s concerns with this Ravens roster on offense, defense and special teams. He likes Cincinnati in the AFC North. (Paul Dehner Jr. dissected everything Bengals here .) Video and audio of this podcast is above. You can also subscribe to our Apple , Spotify and YouTube channels. Thanks, all. 2026 NFL Season Preview Features to date… The “Big John” Simpson Creed Tate Ratledge feels no pain The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated The Kyler Murray Project, Part II: The Great Unknown ‘We will be the best offensive line in football:’ Q&A with Alec Anderson, Buffalo Bills enforcer ‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson Jordyn Brooks is the captain now Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint 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’ve got a packed episode of Real Football for you this week. Jim Monos will be with me all season long. The longtime NFL personnel man always brings A+ stories from his years in the league with the Eagles, Saints and Bills. This week, we try to figure out who’ll represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Topics include: * We must start with Jed York and the prostitution sting that made all of us throw up in our mouths. * Deshaun Watson is QB1 in Cleveland . Shedeur Sanders stinks. What do we make of the Browns? * The Buffalo Bills. Monos — the team’s former director of personnel — has some real concerns with the personnel on defense. * Jim Leonhard. Why his plan of attack should complement Josh Allen on offense. * Jim’s AFC pick. (Hint: He might’ve worked with the head coach of this team before.) * My AFC pick. (Hint: Unicorns.) * Preseason FEVER. Monos has had enough. Some Rueben Bain chatter slips us into some bonus Bucs talk. We’ll get to the NFC at greater length next week. The full 88-minute episode is available to Go Long paid subscribers. Video and audio is above. If you prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast as a subscriber, bang it here to sync your subscription. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here . Thanks, all! 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

Always love welcoming authors onto the Go Long Podcast to discuss their passion projects. I think you’ll be eager to read this book after listening, too. Longtime NFL reporter Paul Domowitch is the author of “Just Give Me a Chance: The Life of NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker Sam Mills.” Mills is one the true all-time greats and his rise to football stardom is littered with people who didn’t believe someone who stood 5-foot-9 could ever play linebacker. Domowitch spoke to 80+ people for this book, which you can purchase right here on Amazon . There are numbers to study. At linebacker, Mills racked up 1,265 career tackles, 20.5 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, 23 fumble recoveries and 11 interceptions. He made five Pro Bowls. He was even a first-team All Pro at age 37 on a Carolina Panthers team that reached the NFC Championship Game in their second year of existence. His legacy, however, runs much deeper than any accolades or statistics. One “Keep Pounding” speech Mills gave as a Panthers assistant coach — while battling cancer — still resonates today. Mills died in 2005 at the age of 45. Domowitch has covered the Philadelphia Eagles for years and now runs his own Substack: Tush Push. Video and audio of my conversation with Domowitch is above, and also accessible on our Apple , Spotify and YouTube channels. You’ll never read or hear one ad. The only way Go Long grows is with your good word. Thank you for supporting independent journalism. ICYMI: The Cleveland Browns’ bridge to nowhere Tate Ratledge feels no pain 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

They’re the cute underdogs no more. The time to reach the Super Bowl is now for the Detroit Lions. This week, we’ve got a piece on Tate Ratledge — a man who represents the cutthroat nature of the sport itself. Thanks to all who’ve subscribed, read and shared. Ratledge opened up on the night that changed his life and much more. With Lions on the brain, I thought we were due to hit record on a Substack Live with our friend Justin Rogers of The Detroit Football Network. Ratledge put the championship expectations perfectly in our chat: “What’s known doesn’t have to be talked about. Why are you playing if that’s not your goal? It’s definitely serious around here. Not that it gets brought up 24/7, but it’s a very known thing around the building.” Here on the pod, we dig deep into why title aspirations are real — it’s a loaded roster, everyone’s (very) hungry — and what could be the team’s Achilles heel. A ton of insight. Be sure to download the Substack app to join all future live recordings: Go Long is your home for longform. On our free list? It’s a perfect time to join our community of readers from around the world. 2026 NFL Season Preview Features to date: Tate Ratledge feels no pain The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated The Kyler Murray Project, Part II: The Great Unknown ‘We will be the best offensive line in football:’ Q&A with Alec Anderson, Buffalo Bills enforcer ‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson Jordyn Brooks is the captain now Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint 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 morning! We’ve got a fresh Happy Hour Replay for you. This week, subscribers had the chance to ask a former NFL general manager questions. Doug Whaley oversaw the Buffalo Bills as GM from May 2013 through May 2017. Before Buffalo, he spent a decade on the Pittsburgh Steelers scouting staff and earned a pair of Super Bowl rings. Since Buffalo, he’s helped build the UFL into a viable league as the senior vice president of personnel. Loved welcoming Whaley back on the show. Much was gleaned. He explains why the UFL is working and answers a string of excellent questions on how best to handle injury reports, the Sammy Watkins draft pick, the sale of these Bills to Terry Pegula, Russ Brandon’s role and we also get his thoughts on the Bills and Steelers of today. Whaley helped hire Sean McDermott in 2017 before the coach replaced him with Brandon Beane. What does he think of Pegula moving on from McDermott a decade later? And in 2022, Whaley interviewed for the Steelers’ GM vacancy, losing out to Omar Khan. What does he make of the Steelers’ perpetual vision to compete year-in and year-out vs. planning long term? Can this Mike McCarthy-Aaron Rodgers union work? As always, paid subscribers can join players, coaches and execs from around the NFL on our Happy Hours. Our goal at Go Long is to bring you as close as possible to real, raw football. Thank you for hanging out, everyone. Love meeting you all. Full video and audio is above. Be sure to add the Go Long Podcast to all of your feeds — including YouTube , Apple and Spotify . During our chat, a few stories/podcasts were also referenced. Here are those links, if you’d like to read back: * What Sammy Watkins Believes (2020 ) * The Pressure is on Josh Allen (2020 ) * The day the Buffalo Bills could’ve drafted Patrick Mahomes (2025 ) * Doug Whaley, the ‘17 draft and life behind the curtain (2021) * Doug Whaley on Fitz, the XFL, Steelers GM job and... the time the Bills nearly took Russell Wilson (2022) * The first episode of the Go Long Podcast with Whaley and Jim Monos (2020) Happy Hour Replays: * Eric Wood * Isaiah McKenzie * Allen Robinson * Rob Johnson * Preston Brown * Alex Green * Steve Calhoun * 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 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

Jordan Poyer was in a very dark place. Jordan Poyer got to the other side. Last season, the longtime Buffalo Bills safety opened up on it all . Alcohol addiction. Pain pills. A teammate nearly dying on the field. Countless injuries. Playoff heartbreak. All of it took a debilitating toll on Poyer. Yet, he plowed ahead at one speed because that’s all he knows. He was able to survive — and thrive — by getting in touch with mind, body and soul. You leave a conversation with Poyer determined to change your own life. A trip to Costa Rica for an ayahuasca retreat may be difficult to pull off, but breathwork is right at the tip of our fingers. Poyer teamed up with Christopher August , a revolutionary in the wellness and breathwork space. August is the founder of Beats and Breath and runs the excellent Substack, The Way of Mastery . I’ve gotten into Beats and Breath myself and cannot advocate for the app enough. It’s fantastic. We thought it’d be a great idea to continue the conversation at the Go Long Podcast. The art of something so simple — breathing — can change your life. As the season closes in, NFL teams should pay attention, too. Take it from August: “I’m going to make a bold statement. I told Jordan this, and this is why we came together. I said the first team to adopt this as a practice, the first team to actually come together and breathe together — coaches including players — they’re going to be the ones that win it all. And I don’t care what type of team it is, whether it’s an NFL team, an NBA team, MLB team, a college team, it doesn’t matter.” The margin for error is so exceptionally minuscule. We see it each January. This could be the difference for a team on the cusp. Both Buffalonians hope Joe Brady and the 2026 Buffalo Bills are paying attention. Hope you all enjoy this one. What a fun ride this chat was, from August reliving the time he died and came back to life (seriously) to why Poyer sees himself as a future NFL head coach. You’ll learn more about the Bills’ excellent sports science department, too. Video and audio is above. Prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast? Bang it here to sync your subscription. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here . Download Beats and Breath here if you’d like. August combines breathing techniques with various beats that slip you into a calming state of zen. For Go Long readers/listeners, he also passed along this track from the app that’s narrated by Poyer. Close your eyes and give it a try any time you’d like: “Inner Edge,” with Jordan Poyer Go Long is your home for independent journalism. Subscribe for longform content all season long. ICYMI: Jordan Poyer’s Last Stand 2026 Season Preview Features to date: The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated The Kyler Murray Project, Part II: The Great Unknown ‘We will be the best offensive line in football:’ Q&A with Alec Anderson, Buffalo Bills enforcer ‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson Jordyn Brooks is the captain now Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint 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

This is the year Joe Burrow stays healthy and his defense isn’t steaming-hot junk. It’s got to be. Finally. Right? Right!?! Hotdiggity did Burrow’s somber press conference on his 29th birthday harken back to Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement. He looked and sounded defeated. Now, Joe Cool is completely rejuvenated — and for good reason. Cincinnati busted out the checkbook and got itself a defense this offseason. Boye Mafe. Bryan Cook. Dexter Lawrence. Unlike summers past, the vibes are damn good. So, let’s get our pal Paul Dehner Jr. on the horn. A recurring guest on the Go Long Podcast, Paul is the exceptional Bengals beat writer at The Athletic and the host of The Growler podcast . This past week, he authored a viral must-read on the darling of Bengals training camp: wide receiver Dohnte Meyers. ( It’s worth your time. ) We’ve had fun tracking the Burrow Era at Go Long ourselves. From the Villains on D to the “Son of Zeus” to vets like Tyler Boyd , Chidobe Awuzie and DJ Reader , and future NFL head coach Dan Pitcher . Confidence — into 2026 — is soaring for the Bengals, as we learn. Paul helps us get inside the mind of Burrow and set the scene for what could be a championship season. Video and audio is above. Prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast? Bang it here to sync your subscription. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here . On our free list? We’d love to welcome you as a paid subscriber today. Because of you — and your willingness to share with a friend — we’ll never partner with predatory gambling companies. Go Long strives to keep longform journalism alive in pro football. Thank you, all. 2026 Season Preview Features to date: The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated The Kyler Murray Project, Part II: The Great Unknown ‘We will be the best offensive line in football:’ Q&A with Alec Anderson, Buffalo Bills enforcer ‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson Jordyn Brooks is the captain now Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint 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

As camps grind into the heat of training camp, let’s hit record. * There’s a new QB1 in Minnesota. We examined this union in full at Go Long with The Kyler Murray Project — here’s Part I and Part II for subscribers. A ton to unpack. We study what led to this all and where it’s going. * Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams enter Year 2 together, and the Bears coach is talking a big game. Can this offense light it up? They may need to with a big injury hitting the defense. * The heat should be on Matt LaFleur to get it done in his eighth year as the Packers head coach. Brian Gutekunst has done his part. The roster’s ready. * Then, there’s the Detroit Lions. It’s been all business for Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. On Real Football with co-host Jim Monos — our longtime NFL scout/exec — we analyze it all in full. Video and audio is above. You’ll never read, see or hear one ad at Go Long. We’re completely independent because of you. Thank you for your support and sharing with a friend. It’s a perfect time to upgrade with our 2026 Season Preview features in full swing. The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated The Kyler Murray Project, Part II: The Great Unknown ‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson Jordyn Brooks is the captain now Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint 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 morn! Hey, it’s Kyler Time. The Minnesota Vikings announced this week that Kyler Murray is their starting quarterback. At Go Long, I’ve spent much of this summer reporting on the new union, speaking to sources in Minnesota, Arizona and ‘round the NFL. The Kyler Project, a two-part series, is live for paid subscribers. Part I takes a close look at Michael Bidwill, Marvin Harrison Jr. and all grime in Arizona, as well as J.J. McCarthy. Where did things go wrong for the QB selected to be the franchise guy in ‘24? Teammates had much to say. Keep an eye out for Part II this morning. We gaze into the crystal ball to see how Murray will perform this season. Here on the Go Long Podcast, it was a perfect time to dial up my good friend Conor Orr at Sports Illustrated. He penned this column when the news broke. Nobody’s better at sharpening opinions in real time when news breaks in pro football. Can Murray vault the Vikings into contention? We discuss, debate and try to drive the conversation further. (With a hearty amount of Dad Talk at the top of the episode.) Video and audio is above. Be sure to add the Go Long channel wherever you pod: Apple , Spotify , YouTube and rate/review/share. We don’t rely on ads or sponsors at all. Go Long will forever be fueled by the people. Would love it if you shared the show with a friend. And as the 2026 NFL Season closes in — if you’re on our free list — make sure you upgrade to a paid subscription to gain access to all season-preview features. Our aim, always, is to bring you behind the curtain. Thanks, all. 2026 Season Preview Features to date… The Kyler Murray Project, Part I: Liberated The Kyler Murray Project, Part II: The Great Unknown ‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson Jordyn Brooks is the captain now Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint 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, all. We’ve got substantive football to gnaw our teeth into on the pod. What a beautiful thing. A perfect time to welcome in co-host Jim Monos for another episode of Real Football. We hit on several training camps. A few topics discussed… * DJ Moore has been dynamite at St. John Fisher for the Buffalo Bills. What does it mean? Will it last? Go Long chatted 1 on 1 with Moore at camp. * New Orleans Saints. Our pal Monos won a Super Bowl ring with this team in 2009 as the southeast scout. He’s digging the rebuild. * Bryce Young. If it hasn’t happened by now, will it? * Aaron Rodgers went scorched earth on McAfee. He also reconciled with his family. Let’s check in on the complicated fella and the Steelers’ prospects. * Why Baltimore is a sneaky contender. (Hint: Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry remain aliens.) * Arizona may go 0-17. Save Jeremiyah Love. * Which starting quarterback in 2026 is destined for Backup Quarterback Island in 2027? As a reminder, your ears will never be filled with ads on our podcasts. We’d love it if you shared this episode with a friend and kept our community growing. Thanks, all. 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’re campin.’ First up: St. John Fisher University. Joe Brady is the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills. We’ve learned all about his rise and his vision . Now, it’s time to see how he’ll lead a team diehards expect to make the Super Bowl. Hard to imagine a coach in recent NFL history who has faced pressure to this extreme. And to his credit, Brady has not shied from the heat one bit. After practice on Monday, I caught up with our friend Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News . Video and audio is above. A few topics covered… * New direction on defense. What are the potential challenges facing new DC Jim Leonhard? Why will this shift to more chaos, more confusion be different than the Rex Ryan Days (Daze)? Brady made an important distinction today. * Sean McDermott is out . Brady is in . We’re already seeing major differences between the two. * Why Brady is more than a “fun uncle.” Alec Anderson’s quote was chum for those view Brady as a yes man. There is a happy medium the 36-year-old head coach can strike. * You heard from Josh Allen. He doesn’t want to go down as the best who never won it. He’ll certainly want to make amends for a playoff loss to forget. What’s going on in his mind ahead of this season? * The QB-HC relationship must be right for any team to win. (I don’t think the new coach will cuss out his quarterback for building a house.) Thank you for watching, listening and sharing. You won’t hear one ad on our podcasts and it’s only possible because of you. Let’s keep growing our community into this season: ICYMI: * ‘Who’s going to take this yard?’ The Arrival of Eric Wilson * Jordyn Brooks is the captain now * Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint Other pod links: * Apple * Spotify 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

Football’s back, y’all. A beautiful thing. On the podcast, I catch up with the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading rusher: Ahman Green. The episode’s off ‘n running with Green detailing life post-NFL. He’s doing everything in his power to maintain a healthy lifestyle — and for good reason. Green opens up on a new opponent that could prove more daunting than anything he experienced on the field: Parkinson’s. But he’s not scared. Of course, we also look back to his fondest Packers memories. Green had six 1,000-yard rushing seasons in Green Bay. In 2003, he eclipsed 2K scrimmage yards. What made this possible? Readers of our Dolphins piece last Friday will notice a theme. He points, first, to those relationships with his offensive line. Green didn’t mince words on Matt LaFleur and his former team when we chatted on radio row at the Super Bowl . Now that the offseason has passed, what does he think of the Packers’ prospects in 2026? There’s one player he particularly loves to watch. Video and audio is above. Be sure to check out the Go Long TD YouTube channel , too. New here? Become a paid subscriber at Go Long to access all of our exclusive longform coverage. Our No. 1 goal is to take you behind the curtain. Have a thought? Email me any time at golongtd@substack.com. 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

A few days ago, I received a text from Chad Brown. He read our column on the wide receiver matrix and had thoughts on the topic from his playing days. After going back ‘n forth for a while, we decided to hit record on a podcast. Love welcoming back one of the most underrated players of the late 1990s/early 2000s. Brown is always insightful and introspective. On this episode, we get into plenty: * Tom Brady’s mid-life crisis. This is getting weird and sad. * Wide Receiver drama. There were no such divas back on his Steelers teams, but how would Brown navigate this matrix as a GM today? * John Schneider’s mastery. He wrote the Seahawks GM a letter. * His love for snakes. Brown didn’t sprint the other direction when a python sank its teeth into his arm. Be sure to catch Shannon Sharpe’s legendary trash talk. He knew Brown loved reptiles and didn’t hold back one Seattle-Denver game. * Seahawks’ repeat efforts. What impressed Brown most about last year’s run? * State of the Steelers. What is Omar Khan’s long-term plan? * Why he loves the L.A. Rams’ title odds. He sees those multi-TE sets ruling again. Video and audio of this week’s chat is above. Also be sure to hit subscribe, comment rate and review over on our channels over at Apple , Spotify and YouTube . Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, played 15 seasons in all with 1,091 career tackles, 79 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries and six interceptions. He was a key piece on the epic “Blitzburgh” defenses of the 90s, starred for the Seahawks and capped his career off with the 2007 Patriots team that nearly went undefeated. Today, he’s one of the sharpest analysts going. You can catch him on ESPN Radio and calling college/pro games on the Compass Media Network. His X handle is @chadbrown94. We’ve previously chatted with Brown for this story on the history/aura of the Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker. And then again, for a (very) deep conversation on the state of football in 2023 — words and pod . Thanks, all! ICYMI: * Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the hunt for heart * Our 2026 Quarterback Draft * Dregs to Domination: The Aaron Brewer Blueprint * The Wide Receiver Matrix * Real Football: Brian Westbrook on defying the odds, McNabb-TO, Hurts-AJB & timeless Philadelphia Eagles memories 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

Hey, I see it’s quarterback ranking season. They’re populating the interwebs everywhere. A perfect time to reprise the Quarterback Draft on Real Football. Subscribers may recall co-host Jim Monos and myself bringing in our pal Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic to draft QBs a few years back. Let’s get the band back together. Full video and audio is available above for paid subscribers. There’s no perfect way to grade quarterback success, but we’ll use the QBR stat that takes multiple factors into account. Each of us select six quarterbacks via snake draft. At the end of the season, we’ll each take the five best scores of those six for a grand total. Winner gets a free dinner of their choosing from the other two. Fairburn might’ve taken the crown in 2023. But for what it’s worth, I’m already booking my reservation at West Rose in Ellicottville, NY. Monos of course scouted for the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and served as the director of personnel for the Buffalo Bills. Fairburn has covered both the NFL and NHL for The Athletic. Good chance you’ve read his excellent Sabres coverage this past season right through the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He’s still keeping a close eye on the NFL, too. Let us know who you think assembled the best crew in the comments. Prefer to listen on Apple or Overcast? Bang it here to sync your subscription. Instructions on syncing on Spotify are also here . On our free list? Upgrade to a paid membership today for the full episode. Our 2026 NFL Season Preview Features are underway. First up, a profile of Dolphins center Aaron Brewer . Much more on tap. We’d love to have you join our community today. 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

His NFL life can now be told in two acts. Eric Wood was the starting center the Buffalo Bills’ starting center for nine years. He helped end the 17-year playoff drought his final season. Eric Wood has also now covered the team as a radio color commentator/podcaster/analyst the same amount of time. He’s the host of Centered On Buffalo and calls games on the radio broadcast. This week’s Happy Hour podcast consists of a little bit of everything. Wood looks back to Drought memories and looks ahead to how these 2026 Bills get over the Super Bowl hump with new head coach Joe Brady. A ton of insight on all fronts. As noted, we’re bringing back virtual Happy Hours this 2026 NFL season to give you the opportunity to ask players (and media members) anything you’d like. Is there someone you want to hang out with this year? Let me know at golongtd@substack.com. Video and audio of our conversation with Wood is above. New here? Upgrade to join all live Happy Hours. Topics this episode include… * Life with Rex Ryan. There was so much hope and hype. Why did things turn south? * Aaron Kromer. He wishes they had more time together. * Rex’s defense was all about chaos and confusion. The sort of stuff Bills DC Jim Leonhard desires a decade later. Thing is, players hated Rex’s scheme in 2015 anf 2016. We explore the key differences between then and now , and how the Bills get the 3-4 right this time around. * Alec Anderson. He’s the new guy starting full time on the line. Is he ready? * The NFL went heavy in 2025 — the Bills, like the LA Rams, enjoyed 3-TE sets — but what is the next counterpunch for the NFL’s best offenses? More spread? * WR screens drove locals batty. Wood offers thoughts on this play. Big picture, Wood points out something we did back when Brady was hired . The playcaller was often following orders in crafting conservative, keepaway gameplans vs. elite QBs. We’ll see what changes now. * Joe Brady’s “they have to play us” mentality. The new coach detailed in full to Go Long. * Was Wood shocked by Sean McDermott’s firing ? * As a young player, Wood suffered a compound fracture of his tibia and fibula. The injury set a tone for his entire career. * What was Terrell Owens like as a teammate? They played together Wood’s rookie season. * Why you’ve always got to be careful who you pay — he witnessed the effect with Marcell Dareus. Motivation matters. * My “Real Football” co-host Jim Monos often points out that offensive line play is overrated . Let’s get Wood’s take. Thanks, all. Keep an eye out for our first season preview feature this coming Friday. In the meantime, here are a few recent links to pieces if you missed anything. Be sure to share Go Long with a friend if you enjoy. We’re fueled 100 percent by you. The Wide Receiver Matrix ‘I’m back:’ Jamal Lewis gets to the other side July Mailbag, Part I: DJ Moore Effect, KOC’s future, Lions CB plan, our draft hits/misses, journalism July Mailbag, Part II: Football’s future, Sam Darnold, Rex Ryan memories, criminal on-field acts, QB scheming, gambling Real Football: Brian Westbrook on defying the odds, McNabb-TO, Hurts-AJB & timeless Philadelphia Eagles memories Happy Hour Replay: Isaiah McKenzie, uncensored ‘I choose to be positive:’ Stedman Bailey on the night that could’ve ended his life, NFL what-ifs, finding joy, paying it forward Related to the pod… Joe Brady takes charge, Part I: ‘I’ll set my jaw’ Joe Brady takes charge, Part II: ‘They’ve got to play us’ Josh Allen, reborn ‘My chip is deeper:’ Our 1 on 1 with Bills GM Brandon Beane ‘He wants to win the whole damn thing:’ Inside the Buffalo Bills’ decision to hire Joe Brady as HC 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

History repeats itself. Issues between a quarterback and a wide receiver in Philadelphia are nothing new. Once upon a time, Terrell Owens was protesting in the form of driveway pushups. And the stuff Brian Westbrook was doing at running back? At his peak? Now, all teams seek this breed of playmaker. This hour and a half was a fun ride. On “Real Football” this week, we’re joined by an Eagles great. He wasn’t big. He wasn’t 40-yard-dash fast. None it mattered, as Westbrook served as the engine and spirit of an Eagles offense perpetually in contention. He finished his career with more than 10,000 total yards and 71 touchdowns and came so, so close to hoisting a trophy of his own. Come for the story of Westbrook’s rise — Villanova obscurity to his epic 2003 punt return vs. the Giants to changing the position. Stay for the stories of Donovan McNabb and T.O. refusing to speak to each other at lunch and the parallels Westbrook sees in Eagles drama today. He has pointed thoughts on Jalen Hurts and the current group into 2026. Westbrook also explains why McNabb is one of the most under-appreciated athletes of his era, what made Jeremiah Trotter and Derrick Burgess so damn mean and way back when he was breaking into the pros, my co-host Jim Monos participated in the running back’s Eagles workout as a young scout. Andy Reid had a vision. Westbrook brought that vision to life. Now, he’s got endless tales to share. Video and audio are accessible above and everywhere you pod — Apple , Spotify and YouTube . The 2026 NFL season is closing in. Our season previews will be rolling out soon. Go Long paid subscribers can access all team deep dives, all player profiles and all podcasts all season long. New here? It’s a perfect time to join our community. Current member? You gain rewards by sharing the word. 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

Happy July Fourth to all! Hope everyone enjoys a day full of country music, fireworks and a Busch Light or two. Hey, is there a former player you’ve always wanted to meet? A question you’re dying to ask yourself? Let me know and we’ll do everything we can to get that player on a virtual Happy Hour this 2026 season. The mission here — always — is to bring you as close to the sport as we possibly can. So, paid subscribers can fully expect a steady stream of Zoom hangouts this season. Thrilled to bring ‘em back as this also gives us all a chance to get to know each other and build our community. First up this season? Isaiah McKenzie. We did a show together through the ‘21 and ‘22 seasons and, man, the former Buffalo Bills receiver always delivered. Now that he’s out, you bet McKenzie has a lot to say. Topics on this Happy Hour Replay include… * Life today. He’s a Dad. He’s figuring it out one day at a time. * How “Love Island” makes Baby No. 2 a possibility. * His thoughts on new Highmark Stadium. * Hell no, he doesn’t believe in bringing a wedding gift. (Sorry, Devin Singletary.) * Remember when McKenzie was suspended by the Indianapolis Colts under mysterious circumstances? No, it did not involve a bald eagle. He explains what happened. * Joe Brady. The two did cross paths when Brady was the QBs coach in Buffalo and McKenzie remains plugged into everything at One Bills Drive. He’s extremely high on the hire. * McKenzie was a big Sean McDermott fan — and explains why. The two still stay in touch. * McKenzie also understands why the Bills needed to fire McDermott — and explains why. He points to his experience with the Georgia Bulldogs as an example. For some teams, there’s a special something, a magic element, missing. (The “process” was needed. The “process” worked. But he also wishes the coach would’ve said “F the process” at a few specific moments.) * And you will definitely need to stick around to the end. McKenzie opens up on his darker days post-NFL. When he suffered an injury with the Giants and his football career evaporated — with a baby on the way — my former co-host admits he slipped into a very dark, depressed state. On our free list at Go Long? We’d love t o welcome you on as a paid subscriber. You’ll be able to join all Happy Hours with players and media members. Current member? Thank you for sharing the word. ICYMI this week: ‘I’m back:’ Jamal Lewis gets to the other side Real Football: Chris Johnson, ALS and reconciling the dark side of football Stedman Bailey, after the bullets ‘I choose to be positive:’ Stedman Bailey on the night that could’ve ended his life, NFL what-ifs, finding joy, paying it forward 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