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Alternate Routes — Sports
Alternate Routes

What if the NBA never vetoed the Chris Paul trade to the Lakers? What if the Seahawks ran the ball on the one yard line in the Super Bowl? Could a coin flip have landed Magic in Chicago, Michael in LA and made Charles Barkley the first Black President? Wait, what?!! Questions like these have broken the brains of sports fans since the beginning of time.

Enter Wondery’s newest sports show, Alternate Routes, a weekly leap into the sports multiverse where former SportsCenter anchors, Trey Wingo and Kevin Frazier pry open the sliding doors of a different “what if’’ moment from the world of sports. In these alternate sports realities, dynasties will fall! Legacies will change forever! New GOATs will emerge! Join Trey and Kevin every week as they travel every path, go down every rabbit hole and follow every alternate route, no matter how far-flung or far-fetched.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

Copyright: © 2024 Wondery LLC. All rights reserved.

Latest Episodes:

What If Jimmy Johnson Stayed With The Cowboys? | 29 Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

“How ‘bout them Cowboys?” In the early 1990s Dallas had a dynasty built by masterminds Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Jones. Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith & Co. won consecutive Super Bowls, but before they could even say “three-peat” Johnson and Jones parted ways, rocking the NFL. The Cowboys managed to win another Super Bowl two years later, but haven’t even gotten past the Divisional Playoffs since. But what would have happened if Jimmy Johnson had stayed with the Cowboys? How many more Super Bowl wins would he have? Which other teams’ Hall of Famers might have worn the star instead? Which Florida legend would go pro to replace the NFL’s all-time winningest coach? And why isn’t there a hair out of place in the entire state of Texas? Find out on Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What If the Eagles Drafted Lamar Jackson? | 28 Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

One of the few drawbacks of winning the Super Bowl is that you get the worst draft position - a tradeoff every team would make any day. But in the 2018 draft, the “Philly Special” Eagles had the opportunity to select Lamar Jackson at No. 32, but chose to trade the pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a package of lower picks. Since then, the Ravens have been elite, Jackson has won two MVPs, while the Eagles bottomed out in 2020, changed coaching staffs and underwent a major roster overhaul before bouncing back the past two seasons. But what would’ve happened if that trade never happened and the Eagles used their pick on Lamar? Could Jackson have ever beaten out Carson Wentz in Philly? What former Eagles great would he forever be compared to? Who would the Ravens find as a replacement for Joe Flacco? And what does this all have to do with Tecmo Bowl? Find out on Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What If Cam Newton stayed a Florida Gator? | 27 Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

For the past two decades, the road to the college football National Championship has passed through the SEC. With Texas and Oklahoma joining the party, it doesn’t look like that’s changing anytime soon. This current dominance began in 2006 when The Florida Gators won two titles in a three year span under coach Urban Meyer. Those Florida teams were so stacked with talent, they began their 2008 championship season with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow at QB1 and an athletic sophomore named Cam Newton at QB2. But injuries and off-field issues led to Newton’s departure from Gainesville. He eventually landed in Auburn where he led the Tigers to the 2010 National Championship, won a Heisman of his own, became the top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and was named NFL MVP in 2015. But what would’ve happened had Newton stayed with the Gators? Could he and Tim Tebow co-exist? Why would the Buckeyes be out of luck? What Hall of Famers team up in the desert? And how does this all relate to Snoop Dogg and an iconic southern clothing designer? Find out on Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hot Routes: Predicting the 2024 NFL Season | 26 Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

The wait is almost over - the 2024 NFL season finally kicks off this week! Since every new season comes with an endless supply of storylines yet to be played out, instead of our usual look back at “woulda, coulda, shoulda” moments, Trey and Kevin are focusing on the “here and now” and doing their best to predict what will happen. Will Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls? Will Caleb Williams be this season’s C.J. Stroud? Or will it be Jayden Daniels? What will Aaron Rodgers’ return to the Jets and Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL look like? And which GOAT, Brady or Belichick, will be everyone’s favorite rookie broadcaster? Find the answers to all of these questions and more in a special extended Hot Routes episode of Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What If Nick Saban Stuck with Hurts over Tua? | 25 Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

For the first time in nearly two decades there’s a new boss in Tuscaloosa, AL. Nick Saban, widely regarded as the GOAT in college football, stepped down in January after winning six of his seven National Championships at Alabama, leading the Tide to eight of the first ten College Football Playoffs, and coaching four Heisman Trophy winners. Perhaps the most memorable championship for Saban came in the 2018 CFP Final when trailing Georgia 13-0 at halftime, he shocked the entire nation by switching QBs from two-year starter Jalen Hurts to unproven freshman Tua Tagovailoa. The move worked as Tua led the Tide to an overtime win and the National Championship. Hurts would eventually transfer, Tua would suffer a serious injury, but both would end up near the top of the highest paid players in NFL history. But what would’ve happened if Saban stuck with Hurts? Does Alabama still come back to win? Does Tua stay at Alabama or does he transfer? Does Hurts win a Heisman as a junior? And which other player becomes the biggest two-sport star since Deion Sanders? Find out on Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What If Steph Curry Was Traded To The Bucks? | 24 Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

One of the biggest stories of this NBA offseason was the breakup of Golden State’s Splash Brothers. Teammates since 2011, Steph Curry and (now-Dallas Maverick) Klay Thompson won four NBA titles, made a collective 7,000 regular and postseason three pointers and literally changed how the sport is played on all levels. But the NBA’s all-time greatest shooting duo almost never happened. The Warriors reportedly offered Curry to the Bucks in a 2012 trade, but Milwaukee, worried about the durability of his troublesome ankles, passed on the Hall of Famer, choosing to receive veteran Monta Ellis instead, and every NBA fan knows the rest. But what would’ve happened if the Bucks did take the baby faced assassin? Would Steph overcome his bad ankles to eventually form a different dynasty with Giannis Antetokounmpo? Would Thompson and the Warriors ever win a title? And how does this alternate scenario lead to a revolution in the fast food industry?! Find out on Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What If Isiah Thomas joined the Dream Team? | 23 Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

Before arriving in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, the U.S. national basketball teams were making more headlines for who wasn’t chosen. At the center of the respective maelstroms were WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. However, those omissions pale in comparison to the greatest snub in Olympic basketball history: Isiah Thomas being left off the Dream Team. Legend has it that Michael Jordan gave USA Basketball an ultimatum about his biggest rival: either him or me. They chose Jordan, the U.S. captured gold, and basketball around the world was changed forever. But, what if Thomas was part of the greatest roster ever assembled? Would Jordan really have “abandoned” the national team or learned to coexist with his archenemy? Would the squad have been torn into warring factions? And which pitchman would suddenly become the global face of counterculture? Find out on Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What If the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team lost the ‘99 World Cup? | 22 Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

As the world’s greatest athletes descend on Paris for the 2024 Olympics, we find ourselves in the golden age of women’s team sports. Over the past year alone we’ve seen record viewership and attendance across the board, punctuated by the more than two billion viewers who tuned into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, it was another World Cup, 25 years ago, that first transformed “women’s sports” to just “sports.” That U.S. Women’s National Team win over China – and Brandi Chastain’s legendary celebration – put female athletes in the spotlight like never before – until now. But what would’ve happened if the U.S. had lost that World Cup Final? Would superstars like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, A’ja Wilson, Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have ever gotten the chance to shine? What indispensable article of clothing would never have gotten its due? And what does this have to do with Tebowing, T.O.’s popcorn and the Steph Shimmy?! Find out on Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What If Michael Jordan Never Left To Play Baseball? | 21 Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

It was the “retirement” heard round the world. In October of 1993, shortly after losing his father, Michael Jordan shocked the world by walking away from basketball and becoming a minor league baseball player for the Birmingham Barons. MJ was at the peak of his powers and the Chicago Bulls were coming off three consecutive championships when he decided to ride the bus and pick up a bat and glove. Although (after announcing it by fax) Michael came back in ‘95 and led the Bulls to the promised land three more times, we’ll never know what would’ve happened if he had just stayed in Chicago. That’s where Trey and Kevin come in. Would the Bulls have gone on to win NINE rings? Would the Houston Rockets have ever won a championship? Would Phil Jackson have ever gone to the Lakers and would Jordan staying in the NBA somehow extended the curse of the Bambino?! Find out on Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hot Routes: Golf’s Biggest “What If?” Moments | 20 Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

Of all the sports covered on Alternate Routes, few breed more “what if” scenarios than golf.

It’s so often one round, one swing, one putt separating winners from losers. To fully explore golf’s greatest “what if?” moments, we’re flipping the script with a new format called Hot Routes, where Trey and Kevin dive down the rabbit holes from multiple sliding door moments. For instance, what if Tiger Woods was disqualified at the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach (almost happened) - does he still become the greatest golfer of his generation? Would Ben Hogan become one of the all-time greats if he never got into that car crash? And if Greg Norman doesn’t choke at The ‘96 Masters, does LIV Golf exist today?? Find out on the inaugural Hot Routes edition of Alternate Routes.

Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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